Brother,

I find that most guys need to be begged, cajoled, harassed, manipulated, and zapped with a Cattle prod before they will do anything outside feeling sorry for themselves and letting their wives run their houses.  Notice I said most guys.  These are the ones that many times call you in crisis & chaos, or dodge you in bookstores, or give really intricate stories on why they couldn’t make it when they should have said NO in the first place.  The other .001 percent are called ‘dude/disciples’ and are small in number for a reason.  Why?  Because it only takes 1 dude to zip his pants up in the front and be man for God to make a difference.  The missional devotionals for this week I hope inspire you to continue to be a ‘dude/disciple’ and to encourage other men to be ‘dudes’ as well.  Come to think of it… I don’t know any ‘chicks’ (guys who say they are going to do something and weenie out because their gerbil needs a haircut or Aunt Bertha has caught the west nile virus), do you?  Jesus spent His time with ‘dudes’;

Joh 6:61-69 NASB  But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble?  (62)  "What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?  (63)  "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.  (64)  "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.  (65)  And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."  (66)  As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.  (67)  So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?"  (68)  Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.  (69)  "We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."

Have a great week and I would be very excited if you responded with your thoughts on these devotions and any ideas you might have, any E.G.G.s you might have regarding your own ‘missional’ stories and so on… 

No Child Left Behind
Theme of the Week: Be a Community Changer
Monday, July 7

Key Bible Verse: "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!" they shouted. (Acts 16:20). Bonus Reading: Acts 16:16-23

Most middle-class white people are conditioned to avoid vulnerable places. Moving toward people in need—finding ways of being available, alert, and responsive to them—is a challenge.

Randy Roth pastored an Evangelical Covenant church located in Oakland, California, that served a diverse group of people. He became increasingly aware of the needs in the Oakland schools. Among its many other crises, the school district had been in state receivership for several years. Randy came to feel God's call to respond to the needs of all the kids falling behind in their academic lives.

In time Randy took the bold step of leaving his secure position as a pastor to launch Faith Network, a ministry that provides volunteer tutors in needy schools. What started as a small grass-roots effort has steadily grown, winning the trust and support of the large and diverse school district. Randy's courage and faithfulness has in turn led people from our congregation and many others to find their place in making a real difference in students' lives.

Now our church has begun to partner with Faith Network in launching the same kind of effort in Berkeley schools.

—Mark Labberton in The Dangerous Act of Worship

My Response: Have I ever made myself available to make a difference in the life of a disadvantaged person?

Adapted from The Dangerous Act of Worship (InterVarsity, 2007) by permission.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
July/August 2008, Vol. 11, No. 4

Remember to always be…

stunned by the gospel,

Derek R. Iannelli-Smith

Personal Blog - http://eph61820.wordpress.com

Oasis Website - http://oasisgc.wordpress.com

Counseling Ministry - http://embark.to/twswgc

FaceBook:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Derek_R_Iannelli-Smith/1356726220

Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. (John 6:68 NASB

church house (or if you're emergent, faith community house)...

rectory...

vicarage...

manse...

I am a PK (Pastor's Kid) and for about seven years of my life we lived in a parsonage (or any other name that you prefer).  Today I was remembering that house and thinking about missional living (I was pulling weeds at my own house... I guess that made missional living come to mind).

While thinking about all that, the question that ultimately came to mind was: can a parsonage be used as a missional tool?

Here's what I was thinking:

If a faith community wants to be missional...

If they want to be missional in a specific neighborhood or region of their larger city...

If they rent a school or other such facility for a weekly gathering so that money can be spent on other efforts, but currently own no building or property...

Would a house (reasonably priced) be a smart purchase for a faith community to have a brick and mortar influence in their neighborhood?

Is a brick and mortar connection to a neighborhood valuable when striving to be missional?

Would this allow for the "pastor" to build friendships outside of a "church" context?

Would this allow the faith community to be missional in ways beyond "church" (i.e. starting a community garden in the parsonage yard)?

Is a parsonage possibly a cheaper and wiser alternative than purchasing a "church" building?

If the faith community pays the mortgage on the house wouldn't this allow the pastor to receive a smaller income from the community? (Some day the mortgage would be paid off (sooner than a larger "church building" freeing up the funds for other efforts)  Wouldn't the parsonage be a long term investment in a neighborhood for the faith community?

Couldn't that parsonage house people other than "the pastor"?

Is the concept of a parsonage a "old" concept that the emergent church needs to rethink and be creative with?

So... parsonage as a missional tool? Yes or no?

• We have hope BECAUSE of JESUS, not just because we have a God who is in control. We have hope because we can be certain of things that we have not yet seen, of Jesus having the victory over death. And if we forget the centrality of the cross, and the centrality of Jesus, aren't we just a bunch of people wishing for the best and talking about how lovely things will be? The preacher talked of the difficulty in reconciling God's sovereignty with events that cause harm and pain to people who believe in God. And that just reminded me that we need to be absolutely clear on who our hope is in, and why that is. We don't just worship a conceptual God, we worship and boast in Jesus Christ, who actually lived on THIS earth, who died on THIS earth, who rose to life again on THIS earth and who will come back again.
• The story of Joseph in Genesis also has so many parrallels to Jesus, from being sold into slavery, to being despised and rejected, to being sold for a few pieces of silver, for having to go to Egypt, to being tempted and running from it etc etc. A story like this is always pointing us to Jesus. Yes, it has relevance for today, as the preacher pointed out - but that relevance is rooted in Jesus and the cross.

Laurie talked a while ago if the trend to relevance, if the desire to be missional and outward focused meant abandoning our core beliefs. I think there's a danger that we can do that, but at the same time, we musn't do it. That doesn't mean we shouldn't question those core beliefs and test them again and again to ensure they are true, as with how we see the role of empire and the call to justice and salvation from sin. But lets hold to these truths, and lets encourage one another in them. If we forget Jesus is our hope, our author, our perfector, then we'll get lost along the way. Hold fast.

Today we dedicated 'J' to the Lord. His mom and dad have been a part of NIC for years (I married them and dedicated their first child). J's father came to Cyprus as an asylum seeker and through faithful service gradually emerged as a leader in the congregation. Though he had no formal ministry background, we met regularly for discipleship and mentoring and today he serves as the associate minister of the the church.

At NIC, we try to recognize leaders rather than appoint leaders. Through deliberate training and coaching (called the 'Emerging Leaders Network') men and women are mentored in servant leadership, discipleship, and practical ministry skills. Those who serve faithfully are recognized for their leadership.

Because we are such a transient church (the average person remains here only 3 years), we must be very deliberate - and quick! - about leadership development. But the result is not only leaders for Nicosia, but as they return to Africa, Asia, and Europe, God is helping us equip disciple-making leaders for many nations.

It was a really great night...but let me start from the beginning:

We (Stanhope Anglican) had the opportunity to participate in the Festival in some capacity and after some strategising we decided we needed to do something that a) blessed the community and b) gave us opportunities to meet and talk to people.

From these objectives the idea of a soup stall came together and this is what we did.

We set up a big marquee with a serving table for dispensing soup and selling glow sticks. We also provided an area of tables and chairs where people could sit, relax and enjoy their soup. This was warmed by a couple of outdoor gas heaters to provide maximum comfort. To top it off, kids colouring activities were provided free of charge to help out the parents. The whole area was heavily branded with our logos, so there was no doubt as to who we were.

Aside form the glow sticks, Pumpkin soup was our sole product...and it was a winner. By the end of the night, we had sold over 170 cups of steaming soup. I can pin the success down to 2 factors: 1) the soup was really, really good (in fact a number of people told us it was the best they had ever tasted!) and 2) at $1 a cup, it was outstanding value on a cold night.

Now at $1 a cup we weren't in it to make money (though I'm pretty sure we covered our costs). Our objective was community connection and to this end I believe God blessed our endeavours. 170 cups meant at least 100 connections with different people. Some of these were short (20 seconds) and some were longer (I had a few 5-10 min conversations). In all cases we were able to serve with a smile and a heart to bless.

If anyone is looking for a way to meet people and connect with their communites, getting involved in events like the Stanhope Festival is a great way to do it.

Hey B'ham area friends,

You're invited to come along on a guided tour of Rural Studio this Friday, July 11th. We'll be leaving bright and early at 7:15 a.m. from the Disciples' Fellowship abbey (2970 Lorna Rd). We'll return around 5 p.m. Bring $10 for gas money and a picnic lunch.

Auburn University's Rural Studio in western Alabama draws architectural students into the design and construction of homes and public spaces in some of the poorest counties in the United States. They're creating beautiful and economical structures that are unique in the world — and that nurture sustainability of the natural world as of human dignity.

--Speaking of Faith on Rural Studio

Drop a line if you'll be joining us!

The Rural Studio model for architecture has so many parallels with Christian community, and the vision was born of the late Samuel "Sambo" Mockbee, a man of radical faith. Rural Studio is incarnational, as students who are working on projects actually live within the community that they are hoping to bless. It is relational, as students are commissioned to get to know families and the surrounding community in order to better see and meet needs. It is missional, as students seek to transform the world around them by going out, discerning needs, and bringing a bit of heaven to earth. It is social, as students seek to offer a bit of decency for those who had no other way out. It is redemptive, as RS recycles and reuses materials, putting new use to old things without consuming more than necessary.  And RS is holisitic, as it seeks to bless not just individuals but communities, and seeks not just to build structures but physically bless lives.

this site tells the story well.

SOF podcast is here.

While our team is conducting VBS in Lakeshore, it will also be going on at Ephesus Church for our local community. This year, we are using (and very impressed with) the Children Desiring God VBS/Backyard Bible Club curriculum. We are using the Call of God study, which is very straightforward in its presentation of the gospel, and age appropriate in its explanation of the irresistable grace of God. I will write a blog post sometime this week on the great benefits of this curriculum, Lord willing that I have time to do so. Suffice it to say that the depth of the biblical truths, and the no nonsense approach to teaching registers high on my value scale -- in this regard, it differs greatly from most other VBS curriculums that I know of. The same goes for the Sunday School material from CDG, of which we gladly use.

I will try to provide regular updates from Lakeshore. Until then, please pray that God would be glorified in our efforts as He continues to Rebuild Lakeshore through the labors of His people, and in the hearts of those whom He still desires to call unto Himself.

Soli deo Gloria!

"And so the question for us is how can I join what He's doing? What is He doing and how can I be part of it?"

Christianity Today produced materials a couple years ago titled Intersect Culture.  All I've seen is the website and the 5 minute intro video: Counter culture for the common good which I think describes well what being the church in today's culture looks like.  The subtitles provide an excellent framework for a change process : Begin - Dwell - Unite - Reconcile - Invest - Abide

I've talked to a few of my fellow Presbyters about what happened in my absence.  Tonight I came across Dr. William Evans' articleabout this unordinary meeting of Synod.  Apparently he has been busy, since he also has a piece there about Peter Enns' book Inspiration and Incarnation.  He simply lays out so problems with the book.  But on to Synod where the issue of inspiration arose.

For the first time in years, more than one person was nominated to be Moderator of Synod.  It is interesting on a number of levels.  One, Barry Dagenhart, has deep roots in the ARP and would probably affirm the status quo and put a big priority on relationships.  The other, Dr. J.R. DeWitt, is a relative newcomer to the ARP (more recently than yours truly), but Drs. Evans, R.J. Gore and Sinclair Ferguson believed that his theological acumen are vitally important as the ARP addresses some important issues.  He would not maintain the status quo, and is quite fearful of a top-heavy denomination (which the ARP cannot be accused of having with any seriousness).

I agree that a man with theological acumen, and who will not seek to preserve the status quo but rather move us into the future, is greatly needed.  I'd humbly disagree with Sinclair Ferguson that Dr. DeWitt is that man.  One of the great things about the ARP, which I've needed to have modeled to me, is the emphasis on love as well as truth.  Our pursuit of truth must be done in love and hopefully preserve the relationships that already exist.  My experience with the Dr., limited as it is to debate on the floor of Synod, would make me hesitate in applauding his election as Moderator.  While I may side with him theologically, I fear that the price of winning the debate may be too great.  I really hope I'm wrong. 

I would like us to take our theology more seriously, and build stronger relationships with other conservative Reformed denominations.  We do need to repent of our in-grown ways.  But that is a product of spritual renewal.  I want us to be more than well-connected with the PCA, OPC et al.  I want us to grapple with the call to be missionaries to this culture and our communities.  I don't sense that winsome, missionary spirit with Dr. DeWitt.  I think we had the right motives but not the best choice, if that makes sense.

Regarding Scripture, 3 different motions were approved to strengthen our stance on the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture.  Since we are in the process of revising our Form of Government it is important that new ministers understand and affirm these things lest we drift off to the left over time.  Without these fundamental commitments, our ability to properly address the theological issues before us becomes weak and suspect.  To include these affirmations in the ordination vows, and as standards for Synod employees, is what was missing from our affirmation of these truths over 2 decades ago.

I'm on Twitter as edinburghduncan so you can follow my non-moments if you want, but there was some value out of it today, when I discovered Nathan Creitz's blog. I've only skimmed it so far but it looks interesting (albeit it's another blogger platform....). If you're on Twitter, leave your Twitter name in the comments.

I'm encouraged by people like Shane Claiborne, Jamie, Erika and Jarrod, who're clearly living what they preach, rather than just shouting from the sidelines. See to me the test of whether or not you believe what you say is in how you live, not in whether or not it sounds good. So if you say something this week, I'd love to see you living it next year. Is that the case? Can I say that of me? Check out the preview of The Ordinary Radicals which presumably will never make it to the UK (would be great if it did).

I've been guilty of not reading and commenting on many other blogs recently, I'm hoping to change that in weeks to come.

Looking forward to Journey to Mosaic coming up soon...

Go to the people

Live among them

Learn from them

Love them

Start with what they know

Build on what they have

The best leaders, when their work is finished

There task is done

The people need to say 'we have done it ourselves.'

This statement flows well with the element of reciprocity that is so crucial to engaging and impacting particular communities and reflective of Christ's mode of operation.

Taking this approach will require that we engage as Michael Frost suggests in describing "missional" to the 2007 PGF; from a place of Proximity, Presence, Powerlessness and Proclamation. From our individualistic western mindsets, powerlessness seems the most difficult to accomplish. Much of service in the area of community development is done by those in the place of power (possessing money, resources, leadership, knowledge) that there is often the sense those receiving have nothing to offer. The reality is that often what is needed for community transformation to occur already exists among those receiving help, if only time were taken to learn from those in the real know.

Maybe this proverb has something to do with the overall success of Christian Community Development Association.

I have a couple Ideas, I don't want to spend $1000 on an amp. I want to spend less then $500. The ones I have in mind are....

Fender Hot Rod Blues Jr.- The total cost for this is $479. This is a really solid amp, its cheap in price and great on quality. Also It has spring reverb in it. Fender is a GREAT company. Their products are amazing. The sound of this amp is pure and the reverb is lush. If I buy this amp, I know for a fact I will get a great product.

Orange Tiny Terror Combo - $450-500. This amp just came out this year. The sound is amazing! Its only 15w and has great tone

Black Heart BH15 combo- $399. This is a new company that is making hand made amps with low wattage. The tone is amazing, there is no reverb (which sucks). But great tube tone for a low price! I'm just skeptical about buying amps from a company I have never heard of.

It is important to realize several important things about doctrine and conversion. After conversion has occurred is when most people get more deeply involved in the doctrines of their new group...conversion is primarily about bringing one's religious behavior into alignment with that of one's friends and relatives, not about encountering attractive doctrines.

How does evangelism typically play out for us? It means several things: 1) We form relationships for relationships sake; we value the friendship and perspective of those who do not believe as we do. 2) We invite people from these social networks into our community, a community centered on Jesus. We do this through BBQs, meals in the home, parties, and so on. 3) We strive to understand and apply the gospel in our lives and relationships, addressing the whole needs of our friends (celebrating a new birth, adopting foster children, counseling people through a hard time, sharing God's forgiveness in Jesus, etc.). This approach to evangelism is the product of biblical reflection, study, practice and contextualization. This happens through our City Groups and social networks. Stark's comments are, once again, apropos:

By now dozens of close-up studies of conversion have been conducted. All of them confirm that social networks are the basic mechanism through which conversion takes place. To convert someone, you must first become that person's close and trusted friend.

One wonders how Stark accounts for Pentecost, a breakout awakening of people who did not even speak the same language. Well, he certainly makes room for "Damascus Road" experiences but argues that this is the exception, not the rule.

Quotes taken from Rodney Stark, Cities of God, 12-13. See also The Rise of Christianity.

On another front, from Justin Taylor, at Between Two Worlds, I have learned that Keller has a new book due out in October.  The new book, The Prodigal God, will describe and define Christianity in light of the parable of the Prodigal Son.  Having heard Keller teach on this topic, it should be radically profound. I am looking forward to the read.

• David Fitch on Five Reasons He Would Claim to Leave a Church - June 19th post.
• Missional has been a buzz word lately and some people are worried that it is being used too loosely.  So in response Rick Meigs organized a Missional Synchroblog to try to define what it means to be missional.  There are roughly 50 contributions to the synchroblog and the links can be found below Rick's post.
• Rays took a 3.5 game lead in the AL East after a big sweep of the Red Sox!  (Hey, my Pads are doing terrible this year, so I had to find someone to cheer for.)

Recently I attended the Sunday service of a church looking to be "missional." Knowing my research interests, a key staff person spoke with me about a whip-bang event they're planning, complete with free food and bounce houses for the kids. "We're trying to reach out to the neighborhood," she told me.

Although I didn't mean to, I think my heart went numb. My simple question is this one: When will we come to understand that "missional" isn't the next event, but the next breath, all that we are, used of God, led by the Spirit to usher in the Kingdom to any and all "dark" places? "You [not free food or bounce houses] are the light of the world" [Mt 5:14]. I tell you the truth, as long as we think in terms of events we're sunk in the water.

I was struck by this in that I too have thought of the 'next event' as being missional and later wondered why we were not making more of an impact.

Yesterday, I was discussing with a friend about how I don't want to be known for what I am against, but what I am for. Being missional these days for me and how I think about this as a 'church' is really hard. I mean, I have written letters, offered to serve without agenda, and yet, nothing seems to be consistently available, and in many cases, No responses.

I was taking a bi-vocational pastor survey yesterday, and after I realized that I was not as toxic as I thought I was (some of these survey's only have negative choices for answers and you have to pick 1, or 2, or whatever and it does not give the whole picture), but the one thing I did like about the survey was the option at the end to finish the sentence (or something like this), "I need a resource on..." and I answered "on how to be missional in my community when the mayor does not respond to letters, people tell you their "fine" and "everyone is busy"... I mean... I want to do something more than pass out water bottles...

I think that is why the quote above made such an impact today... Missional for me, is messy relationships. Missional is finding out a need in the community and meeting it. Missional for me is... investing in people... not events... and as Oasis prays over their project idea (Fireproof involvement), we are going to add a twist to this if we decide to do it... give the tickets to churches... instead of giving them away to random people. Or maybe the 'church' has the same access to the same resources, and we do need to give them away, I don't know, we are praying over this.  Maybe being Missional is... reaching the bad marriages in our churches, especially leaders and getting them to think....

A friend of mine was relaying how their church is going to be passing out water bottles... yeah that worked in the early 90's and people will take the water... but are you willing to put that bottle 'event' through grid of the question above...

How much of what we do today under the guise of being 'missional' is actually salving our conscience and checking our 'good deed box' versus actually getting messy.

I was reminded of one of my conversations last night (I try to touch base with my care group in the middle of the week at least once) and how one of the folks said, "wow, I did not realize that I had been talking for so long and not asking you about anything."

Maybe being missional is helping someone pay their rent as they transition to a new job, or helping someone send their kid to Bible camp, providing a sleeping bag and bible to someone who needs it, giving someone 'goodie' money so that they can have a good time with thier buddies, or giving a dish rack to someone whose water heater broke, or extending communion to a shut-in, or fixing their insulation.  Missional is being available for the person whom you have done bible studies with over the years who never completes them and when they call you to start one again--you do it.  Maybe being missional is getting orders from Angel Food ministries when you don't need them and having the expectancy that the 3 you bought will be given away and they are!  Maybe being missional is passing out water bottles... maybe it is a place to start...  I am not knocking my friends church, I just think that missional is... praying, listening, acting, being available and showing up without being asked and silently doing it again...not an event like I was convicted of above...

We have begun to connect with some people who are very different from us, at least culturally speaking. Even though these folks are of the same ethnicity their experiences in life are vastly different and I am discovering that the folks in our congregation have a difficult time understanding how to connect with them. I preach and teach about becoming the kind of faith community where anyone can find community and the warm welcome of Christ's love, but not all are willing to embrace that vision of Church. I have literally watched some of the "old-timers" make a physical loop around some of the new families to avoid contact with them.

Obviously, this kind of behavior/attitude grieves and frustrates me deeply. I think things should be further along after all the teaching, preaching, and casting of new vision we've done. However, many still are not getting it. But this frustration is at the same time an opportunity to continue learning how to equip this comfortable, complacent, preference-based congregation how to love, live, and act more like Christ. The call to living missionally as individuals and churches is unfortunately a radical message in churches today, but the journey toward becoming missional is so worth it. Nothing is more exciting than seeing the people of God really start living from the perspective of the mission of Christ.

My heart is that we increasingly become a church community that sounds, looks, acts, talks, thinks, and connects like Jesus. The road is long and bumpy, but I am certain as God's Holy Spirit guides us we will get there and we will have new stories of faith to rejoice in as we see God's hand at work among us and through us in the world.

to be a bold, biblical, Gospel-centered, Spirit-enabled, Kingdom-serving, multi-site community of faith that is as diverse as the people of Austin, passionate in retelling the Salvation Story—that God has come to rescue and renew creation through the word and work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

David is a third generation Mexican with a passion for racial diversity in the body of Christ. His unique background and commitments to the Reformed tradition and Penecostal faith will be a breath of fresh, keep Austin wierd air. Plus, he's got a killer logo.

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Matthew 10:38-39

Traditional churches rely heavily upon their buildings. Churches without buildings, like Wheatland, often want to be in buildings and sometimes feel a sense of inadequacy or illegitimacy until they have a place to call their own. Unfortunately, churches end up abandoning what some have described as third places because they own and operate their own facilities. A building is not an end unto itself and every church which owns a building would agree. However, indirectly and unintentionally the building (tail) wags the church (dog). The resources required for building ownership, in both human and financial capital, demand attention and focus that can, and often does, inhibit missional engagement.

Hirsch encourages the idea of small missional communities meeting in third places such as coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. A third place is a place of social interaction where relationships can develop and meaningful conversation entered with little risk. Having such gatherings drives missional minded people to think long and hard about the deepest necessities required for Christian community. Taking the party, of which we are a part, into the house of people who are outside of the church is not a new gimmick but a reclaimed expression of the early church.* In fact, Jesus' incarnation is the greatest expression of missional endeavor. Jesus brought God's presence (the "party") into the house (the lives of his hearers) of those who were far from participating in the life of God.

I am encouraged that Wheatland has done some of this. We often invades third places with missional purpose. Paul Riley, with some help from Brad Moser, helped launch our theology pub that meets at River City Brewery. For over a year relationships have been formed and blessing exchanged with some of the employees. This is an example of the party moving from one house into another. It brings to mind Eugene Peterson's translation of John 1:14:

The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.

Here is a challenge I take from Hirsch and from much of the "missional" reading and reflecting I have done over the last few years. The structures of the church, while important, must remain subservient to the mission of the church. Hirsch makes the point this way in The Forgotten Ways:

Christology determines missiology which determines ecclesiology.

While it seems so simple and so obvious I, along with many others, have made the mistake of shaping the church around patterns and models that seem familiar to me rather than allowing my understanding and commitment to Christ and his practices to establish (or re-establish) what the purpose or mission of the church is. It is important for us to always go back to the basic principles of the missio Dei. God has sent his Son, in a missionary capacity, to redeem, renew and recreate the world. Inhabiting third places, finding ways to bless our neighbors, and recognizing the presence of God's Kingdom in this world are important disciplines for those who want to participate in the missio Dei, God's work in the world.

The mission of God coincides with the Kingdom of God. Let's think about how we can participate in God's Kingdom in small, seemingly inconsequential, ways. When we do I can't help but think we may be fulfilling what Matthew 13:33 says:

He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

Third places and neighborhoods, kitchens and dining room tables, breakrooms and bars, ballfields and schools are the plane on which we all find ourselves living and moving within the Kingdom.

This idea of "taking the party into their house" come from Andrew Jones and a talk he gave at Soularize many years ago. He is an uber-blogger. You can find him at: tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com