MINISTERS MATTER

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 8/9 Allelon

Allelon - αλληλων

It is the call to love one another;
pursue one another's good;
build up one another;
bear with one another in love;
shoulder one another's burdens;
be kind and compassionate to one another;
forgiving; we are to submit to one another;
consider one another better than ourselves;
be devoted to one another in love and
live in harmony with one another.

Believing faith is more than an individual matter.
Everything in the life of the congregation/church is done allelon for the sake of the world.

A congregation/church living out of allelon is a group of ordinary people who, because they are experiencing the immense grace of a compassionate God, are learning how to overcome hostility between people, forgive and trust one another, share what they have and encourage one another in wholesome and joyous relationships.

We are called to a life of one another-ing!

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 7/9 Value

What do we value?

We value God’s power over human effort.

We value transformation over conformity.

We value mutuality over hierarchy.

We value authenticity over entertainment.

We value modelling over celebrity.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 6/9 Leadership

True Leadership

Paul was trained, taught, and qualified. He of all people was marked out as leadership material.

The way the Lord is revealing his heart to me, I see that we can all lead and we can all follow.

Of course, we have a Leader, the Great Shepherd of the sheep - Yeshua the Messiah who came as a helpless baby and died as a helpless criminal. And in between he taught as a helpless, unauthorised, untrained non-leader.

He wasn't helpless by nature, he chose to be helpless for your sake and for mine.

Sometimes (but not often if you scour the gospels to check) he said 'Go here, do this'. But most of the time he said 'There was a woman who lost a coin...', or 'A man was lying by the roadside, left for dead...which of these was his brother?', or 'The Kingdom of Heaven is like...', or he just scribbled in the dust and then said 'Hasn't anyone condemned you? Neither do I'.

I think the key is that he chose to be helpless. And surely we are called to become like him. Take Paul as an example. How did he start out? How did he end up? What made the difference?

Well, you all know the answers of course. But let the facts sink in deeply for a moment. Paul was trained, taught, and qualified.

He had met Christ in person on the road, an extraordinary experience that altered his course and his heart. He of all people was marked out as leadership material.

Now read his letters! He had become more like Christ, it's there and plain to see. Yes, sometimes he writes 'Do this, go there, choose that', but mostly his letters are not like that at all. Mainly they are descriptions of love, explanations of salvation, entreaties to gentleness or wisdom or purity. Rarely did he behave like a person who expected to be obeyed or followed or  to rule over others.

I believe that we all lead because we all have gifts and fruit, we can all demonstrate Christ's life within us. We are all examples to one another. This is the sense in which there is no male or female, no master or slave, no wise or foolish, there is no room for distinctions of this kind in Heaven.

'In your meetings all may speak, but it must be done decently and in order'.

So if we are all to lead, who is to follow? Why - all of us!

Whenever and wherever you see or hear anything good or pure or holy - follow! That's my advice. Whether it comes from a pulpit or from an armchair, from the man who cleans your sink in the office or the lady who's head honcho of your company, from the pen of a mega-preacher or from the keyboard of the lowliest member. Let the Holy Spirit within you show you and confirm to you what is good and what is not. Take nobody's word for it but his.

Grow in wisdom and in love and recognize that you are already perfect in the sight of the Most High.

Listen - I will shout this from the rooftops...

YOU ARE ALL ROYALTY, YOU ARE ALL PRIESTS!

The real tragedy in Church life is that too few lead, not too many. And too few follow, not too many.

When we ALL lead and ALL follow, maybe we can say we have begun to understand how Christ works in his people. We say 'Christ is in us', but how often do we recognize him in one another?

He's there alright - look harder! look deeper!

Here's the mystery. We have only one Leader, yet we are all leaders. How can that be true? It's true because Christ lives in each one.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 5/9 Transformation

Geese or Sparrows?

Watching a flock of Canada geese fly over in precise V-formation is an enthralling sight? How do you suppose they do that? Do they attend V-formation flying school when they are young?

I can just see a older goose projecting a Powerpoint presentation against a birch tree and explaining to the younger birds that they must fly two feet to the outside wing of the goose in front of them, one foot behind and eighteen inches above its flight path so it will impress the humans below.

No, geese fly in a V-formation because flying in that exact spot allows them to fly in smoother air with less effort. If a goose falls out of position it immediately feels the added stress of flying on its own and moves pack into position.

Scientists estimate that by drafting on the wake of the goose in front of them the entire flock is able to fly 71% further than each of them could fly individually.

To accomplish this incredible feat the stronger birds in the flock will rotate the lead position so that no one bird wears out.

According to NASA, “This allows a flock of birds with differing abilities to fly at a constant speed with a common endurance.”

The reason you never see a flock of sparrows fly in V-formation is because they are not going anywhere. They flit around the yard from tree to tree, but at the end of the day they are in the same area.

They could try to learn to fly in a V-formation, but by the time they got the formation together they would already be to the next tree and not need it.

The same is true about fellowship.

If Christianity is about rituals, routines and morals, our fellowship will suffer. We can rearrange our groupings or try a number of novel small-group techniques, but they will be as awkward as sparrows trying to fly in formation.

But when Christianity is a life of growing dependence on God through the joys and challenges of our circumstances, pooling our wisdom becomes a natural extension of that life for us as it is for geese to fly in formation.

When God is more real to you than the weather and the events of your day, you’ll find him filling your conversations and fellowship will be immediate, powerful and alive.

Growing in relationship with God does not come through conformity, but through transformation.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 4/9 Community

DOING LIFE TOGETHER

The importance of the church really “being” the church.

The dire need for Christians to experience “life together” as a primary element of what it means to “be” in the church.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer began his adult years as a staunch pacifist; yet, at a time when many German Christians were remiss to raise a voice of resistance against the atrocities being thrust upon their Jewish brethren, the young German theologian raised his, and, suffering the throes of imprisonment, his decision to stand against Hitler’s tyranny led ultimately to his hanging and death in a German prison camp.

John 12:24 declares, “. . .unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit."

Life Together, that he detailed the necessity of the church functioning as a living and vibrant organism, what he called, a “community of love.”

His position as pastor gave him an inside view to the needs of the Body of Christ, he was able to articulate what he saw as the gap in reality between what the church should look like according to the book of Acts, and what the church actually looked like before the eyes of the world.

Bonhoeffer loved to preach, but saw the Body of Christ as much more than a place for preaching. 

He believed that those who were called to minister in the church could only understand true church life by experiencing what it meant to live in community, learning to lead through hard work – the relational work of loving and serving one another side by side everyday. 

Setting about to provide the men who were called there with this type of training ground, Bonhoeffer took up his role directing the “house of brethren” at Finkenwalde, and established a daily regiment of corporate prayer, worship, meals, work, more prayer, evening worship, and two hours of silence every evening before retiring to bed.

Bonhoeffer’s heart was taken up with the importance of the church really “being” the church, and through his careful and daily study of the scriptures came to understand the needs of the church as being predicated on three foundational necessities.

One. The church must meet on the ground of Christ. 

Two. Followers of Christ must understand that the church is a divine reality. 

Three. His interpretation of the church could best be expressed as community of love.

The Centrality of Christ

To approach Bonhoeffer one must understand that the overarching premise of his ecclesiastical epistemology is the centrality of Jesus Christ. 

Many have spoken about the centrality of Christ, but by it Bonhoeffer meant that the only ground for meeting as the church is Christ, himself.   

So, “meeting on the ground of Christ” prompts us to examine the question:  how does the church meet, and why is that important?

For Bonhoeffer, the church “meets” on the ground of Christ.  Another way of saying this is that the locus of the Body of Christ is found in Christ. In other words, personalities, gifts, enjoying a certain type of worship or agreeing on the setup of chairs, pews, or order of service does not constitute enough reason to meet or enough reason to divide.

Meeting with “Christ as our ground of fellowship”  may better be described by discussing what it does not entail.    The church is not a business venture, a money-making or fund-raising club, an activity for Sunday morning, a program for social welfare, or a ministry;  the Church is the Body of Christ, a gathering of believers amongst whom Jesus Christ is central and the reason for meeting. 

To be clearer, Bonhoeffer believed that it matters not if those who gather all agree on preference for expression, liturgy, song, or place.  Uniformity is not unity; Christ is the “reason” or ground upon which the believers meet.  Jesus Christ is the locus of church unity. This view is clearly depicted throughout all of Life Together, but perhaps most succinctly said in the following statement: ". . . our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us. This is true not merely at the beginning as though in the course of time something else were added to our community.  It remains for all the future and to all eternity"

The Church is a Divine Reality

Next, the church is a “Divine Reality.”  He so believed in this empirical Body of Christ that he wrote:  “Whereas psychological community is based on utopian desire and unmediated fellowship, spiritual community is based on recognition of reality and relationships mediated by Christ.”

Bonhoeffer underscored the imperfect nature of the church, stressing that it is not made up of stellar, sparkling individuals, but people who are sinners, “on the way, ” --- people in the process of being transformed by the love of God, moving forward in connection with Christ and each other. 

This is why the practice of “confessing our sins one to another” is essential.  The church as “divine reality” also means that for a community of love to flourish it must be an empirical church, i.e. an observable church, that is, really there; not a: romanticized or virtual community, not just in name or a grand idea.  As “divine reality” Bonhoeffer differentiates the Christian community from the psychological community, and explains:  "The church community, not some philosophical or theological system of thought, is God's final revelation of the divine self as Christ existing in community."

In other words, “don’t wait for a new revelation:”  Christ in you (the church) is it!

The Church as Community of Love

As community of love, the relationship to each other takes on prime importance in the Church of Jesus Christ. Among other things, that means that the church is not a gathering of people who just happen to meet in the park, one day, perchance. Nor is it made up of perfect people living a utopian ideal.   As a community of love, there is a mutuality that is inherent in the lives of those gathering together to fellowship, and intentionality to meeting. 

There is a certain “one-anothering” that takes place.  When the people of God come together to share their lives openly, freely, accepting each other with the kind of unconditional positive regard, there is a sort of social-spiritual “chemistry” that emerges, and those that come together experience a delightful cohesion and sense of belonging.   

“As” the church, the people of God are interrelated, but we’ve got to know who we are to each other.  What the Bible says is that we are family – brothers and sisters ---who dwell together in Christ.  Love is very practical in Bonhoeffer's schema.  It is not esoteric or mushy.  Love in the community of believers is a divine reality that takes discipline and effort; a dailyness and intentionality that do not give up.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 3/9 Questions

Questions to ask to determine if someone is building their own kingdom, or, the kingdom of God.

Try to sort out whether someone is really passionate about HIS kingdom or is he/she building their own?

1. Does he/she come primarily talking about a HIM or about an IT (meeting, method, principle)?

2. Did he/she help us learn to listen to God together, or did he/she tell us what to do so we wouldn't need to hear from him ourselves?

3. Did he/she leave us freer to trust Jesus more, or were we overwhelmed with principles we needed to apply?

4. Were we brought together in our ability to love each other more, or were we fragmented over methods and theologies?

5. Could they still affirm people who didn’t see things the same way they did, or were they defensive and distant when questioned?

These work for me... "

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 2/9 Worship

Behold the Lamb

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."  John 1:29

Most of the time this scripture is read, focus is placed on the second part of the verse.  Because it is such a wonderful provision, understandably, we are prone to continually re-examine the fact that Jesus came into the world to cleanse us from sin.  Indeed, it is the core of the glorious Truth of the Gospel, but I would like to take a few moments to examine the first section of the verse, emphasizing the phrase, 'Behold, the Lamb.'

What does it mean to 'behold?' 

The dictionary defines the process of beholding as, 'to gaze at, or look upon.'  It is also used to express amazement. 

Middle English usage includes the idea of possessing, or holding. 

In contemporary culture the idea has largely been reduced to merely 'looking upon' something.  Certainly, it is that, but so much more! 

Just what is beholding, in the context of the Lamb of God, and why is it of any particular significance?

2 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul wrote,  "But we all are beholding the glory of the Lord, and being transformed into His same image, from glory, to glory." 

As we behold the Lord, or gaze upon Him intently, our lives are inexplicably changed. 

The transformation that takes place can not be measured by a yardstick, as in height, or with a scale, as in weight.  However, in much the same way that Moses' countenance was changed as a result of His being in God's Presence, so too, are we transformed as we behold Him. 

The changes that take place in our lives are those that occur in the inward parts, or the soul. The fact that they are largely intangible makes them no less significant. 

Sometimes quiet, other times radical, -- changes in our attitude, our level of composure, contentedness, perceptions, and mindset are all a part of our very active, but invisible, inward parts.

But how does fixing our gaze on the Lord have the power to transform these things? Just as the rays of the sun have the power to warm our bodies when it's cold, and the color of our skin is changes from extended exposure to the summer sun, so our hearts are changed from extended exposure to God.

The radiance that issues from God's Presence has the power to effect change in us, for in gazing upon Perfect Love, we simply cannot remain the same. 

John gazed upon the Lord on the Isle of Patmos, and he was dazzled.  This is how the beloved disciple described what he saw: 

"  . . . and in the midst of the golden lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow;  his eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force."   Revelation 1: 13-16

Dwell for a moment on that last statement.  The face of the Lord was like the sun shining in full force.

Paul, too, spoke extensively about turning our attention away from the distractions of the world, and fixing our gaze on Jesus. 

In Hebrews 12: 2  he exhorts the believers, saying:  ". . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. . ."

In so many ways it is terribly difficult to turn our attention away from the things of this world, but when we fix our gaze on the beauty that is the very essence of our Maker, our minds will co--operate and be more apt to let the distractions go.   

Our faces are affected as well, being transformed from the dour, downcast look of empty loneliness, to a bright, joyful countenance full of light and love!  This is all part of what it means to reflect His glory!!!

The transformation of our soul does not take place by putting laws or ritual upon ourselves.  No.  We cannot effect lasting change ourselves simply by trying hard.  Self-effort  always comes up short. 

By fixing our gaze on Jesus, we avail ourselves of the light of God and place ourselves in the only environment that is truly transformational. This is all part of what it means to 'behold' Him. 

As we gaze upon Him, our inner self is radically affected because we are enveloped in the continuous environment of unconditional love.  That is the only environment that can effect true change.

Basking in the Son will change more than the color of our skin.  As we behold Him we will begin to see our hearts and inner attitudes  transformed, reflecting the Light of the Son with each passing day. 

Our lives will be changed as we progress from faith to yet deeper faith, and from glory, to yet deeper glory.

Behold, the Lamb of God.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

UKRAINE CONFERENCE NOTES 1/9 Honour

CREATING A CULTURE OF HONOUR

Describe your understanding of God in one sentence.
He has described Himself in John 3:16.

Three FUNDAMENTAL truths

1. God calls and keeps calling all the days of our life.
2. He is conforming each of us to the image of His dear Son daily.
3. Everything is working together for good...

THE LIFE OF JOSEPH

Talk about the conflicts at home with his family, being sold into slavery, betrayed and lied about in Potiphar's house, spent years in jail as an innocent man waiting patiently for his release. Then divine appointments bring him from obscurity to prominence as Second in Command next to Pharaoh.

Session 1. Fixing our eyes on Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Our personal walk in the Lord.
How do we honour Him in our life?

Session 2. How do we create a culture of honour in our homes?
Our walk with our spouse and children.
The influence of honour in the home on the health of each member of the household.

Session 3. Creating a culture of honour in the House of the Lord.
Imagine what a church or congregation, flowing in honour, could accomplish in each community.

Summary.

We gather because of Him. He is the reason of gathering.
We are a divine community. Transformation is at work.
We are community of love. Love never fails!

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!

REPORT FROM THE UKRAINE

I am including a report from David Schneier, who has served in the Ukraine for the last 12 years, on my second trip into the Ukraine to work with Messianic leaders.

Barry

SHALOM FROM PARIS.

I, David Schneier, had the privilege to co-lead a retreat of 70 leaders from southern Ukraine from April 30th to May 2nd in a Baptist conference center in Odessa.

We were blessed to have Barry Boucher, founding Pastor of the Life Centre in Ottawa, Canada, share on the subject of "Establishing a Culture of Honour" in the body of Messiah.

I shared on Jewish/biblical values - such as keeping your word even if it hurts you; not receiving gossip; not being a boss/lord of those you are called to serve; wealth is given to accomplish God's purposes; our God is the God of the 2nd chance; loyalty that is not blind, naive or silent; unity not uniformity and the consequences of failing to discern the body of Messiah which need to be established in our families and congregations so that the Messianic movement of Ukraine can move forward to its next level.

We spent three wonderful days together and everyone came away refreshed with a sense that they had recaptured some of the original brotherly love they experienced when the Messianic revival began in Ukraine some 15 years ago. The fellowship they experienced was safe, open and encouraging without expectations of ministry output like you would expect from a factory.

We are already planning a followup retreat for these leaders and others in the fall because after 15 years of revival the Messianic movement in Ukraine needs to restore what made it initially so powerful and compelling.

For me personally, the scripture in I Thess. 2:8 was fulfilled, "...we were well pleased to impart unto you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us." 

Please pray that what has been achieved in deepening relationships in Ukraine amongst these leaders will blossom in the months ahead.

Love and Shalom.
David & Leslye
www.messianicinitiative.org

E-mail: schneiers@aol.com

If you would like to contribute to their support, please send your cheque, made payable to Glory of Zion Int’l Ministries, to:

The Schneiers
c/o Glory of Zion Int’l Ministries
PO Box 1601
Denton, TX 76202-1601

Please include a note with your cheque that it is “For the Schneiers.”

If you would like to make a credit card donation, go to www.glory-of-zion.org, click on "Make a donation" at the bottom of the home page, fill in your credit card info on the Gift page and in the Comment Section fill in "This gift is for the Schneiers."This last step will insure that your gift will go to our ministry.

Here are some photos from the conference and a tour of the catacombs under Odessa that provided shelter for the underground fighters during WWII:

SEVEN PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY 7/7

PRACTICE No. 7 WORK ON IT - positions us for discovery.

“To maintain your relevance, your sanity, and your effectiveness, you must carve out time in your schedule to step back and evaluate what you are doing and how you are doing it.

All of us work in ministry every day, but is that enough?

Working on your ministry requires time to evaluate your work and to celebrate your wins.”

Jesus to His disciples in Mark 6:31 when He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”

AT LIFECENTRE

Off-site to work on what we do. Grow days. Summer schedule with a study day. Holiday breaks to rest from ministry.

A Final Challenge

We trust that these seven principles will continue to add value to your experience as a functioning member of the local church.

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!