Monday, March 5, 2007

TOP 10 THINGS I AM LEARNING FROM FRONTLINE SHEPHERDS WORLDWIDE

As I have had the privilege of ministering to thousands of developing-world pastors, ministry leaders and businesspersons, I am struck with their character and the heart of God at work through these underserved brothers and sisters. These are some of the things I’m learning from our brothers and sisters in underserved nations:
  • I’m learning Obedience. 3 John 17
  • I’m learning the Love of God.
They went out “For the sake of His name…”
“It is the love of God that compels us…”
  • I’m learning Simplicity. “They took nothing…”
  • I’m learning Courage
  • I’m learning Faith.
God responds to my faith and is insulted by my fears
I’m also learning to speak faith
  • I’m learning Humility
“Humility is the mother virtue and the perpetual safeguard of the soul.” Andrew Murray
  • I’m learning Teachability
  • I’m learning Tenacity
  • I’m learning about the Willingness to Suffer
  • I’m learning about Lordship
Full Surrender for an unhindered Holy Spirit

10 HOPES FOR FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

As I observe the global landscape, here are some encouraging things I see happening that point towards the fulfilling of the Great Commission.

10 HOPES FOR FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION
(in no particular order)


1. Growth of evangelical Christians worldwide
- The growth is outpacing population growth and all other religions. Charismatic and Pentecostal growth within the evangelical sector is the largest worldwide.

2. New “Apostolic Leadership”
-In developing nations, there are incredible new leaders who lead networks of churches. Also -I’m seeing the international ownership of the Great Commission by Believers worldwide.

3. Documenting and Targeting of Unreached Peoples
-Like never before we have intelligent research and strategy towards reaching those (people groups) who have never heard.

4. China’s Church and Missions Movement
-60 years ago there were between 1-4 million Believers in China. Today there are approx. 100 million, under which an estimated 1 million missionaries are in training.

5. India’s Church Growth
-In the past 20 years the % of Believers has increased from 2% to about 8%. That is substantial growth!

6. Thousands of Muslims coming to Christ and the instability of Islam

7. Use of Christian Media
-Jesus Film; Satellite TV; Web; Christian Movies

8. Second Student Volunteer Movement
-More than ever number of age 13-30 short term and long term missionaries.

9. Marketplace Missions
-The role of business and commerce in Kingdom advancement, evangelism, infrastructure of nations, generating resources, etc.

10. Ministry of Women
-Oppressed women around the world who have no voice will be receptive to women who come to share the love of God.

WEBLINKS

http://www.globaladvance.org

http://www.powerpointsermons.com

MAGAZINES I READ

Time
Christianity Today
Discipleship Journal
Charisma

BOOKS I RECOMMEND

Books I recommend:

“Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham”
“Courageous Leadership”- Bill Hybels
“Total Truth”- Nancy Pearcey
“Celebration of Discipline”- Richard Foster
“Pilgrims Progress” - John Bunyan
“Knowing God” – John R. Mott (Anything by John R. Mott)
“Cost of Discipleship” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Tips for Maintaining Your Cutting Edge

Renew Daily
Refresh Weekly
Retreat Monthly
Review Annually

4 Anchors for turbulent times:

4 Anchors for turbulent times:

Durability of Truth
Supremacy of Love
Word of Faith
Anchor of Hope