» 2007 » May

A key characteristic of a dynamic movement is the capacity to rapidly mobilize workers.

But you can’t sustain rapid mobilization without adequate support systems. That means you have to build a coaching movement as you multiply leaders in the field.

If you need advanced coach training, Keith Webb is running one of the best courses available in [...]

According to JD Pearring, some churches, like families, aren’t ready to start reproducing.

Then there are churches that are in the “aunt and uncle stage,” willing to provide some resources and encouragement to new church starts, but not willing to make the commitment to birth their own “child.”

And, of course, some churches are on birth control, [...]

The next installment on Schnabel’s study of Paul’s self-understanding as a pioneer missionary.

6. Paul knows himself to be called by God to work as a pioneer missionary who “plants,” who lays the foundation as an “expert master builder”—that is, one who establishes new communities of believers (1 Cor 3:6, 10; 9:10).

The metaphors of building and [...]

I continue to work my way through Schnabel’s excellent two volumes on Early Christian Mission.

In the second volume he examines Paul’s writings for his self-understanding as a missionary-church planter. Here are Schnabel’s conclusions from just 1 Cor 3:5-9.

Here are Schnabel’s conclusions from a wide range of passages on Paul’s understanding of his call.

They should shape [...]

The Age reports that, the Roman Catholic Church is launching a comic strip this week to attract teenagers into the priesthood.

It is using the art form in an advertising campaign to combat the dramatic decline in applicants for ordination. The church hopes its comic, with pictures of nuns and monks playing pool and surfing the [...]