Young People Are Not Just the Future...They are Now!

I received this letter from a youth pastor in Texas. It really encouraged me so I thought it could encourage more of you as well.

When a child receives Jesus he or she do not get a junior sized Holy Spirit and a Jesus action figure. When you marry the filling of the Holy Spirit with true childlike faith you have a potent agent of God's kingdom. I always say: if you treat kids like they need a baby sitter they will act like it, but if you treat them like they can be agents of God's kingdom they will step up and be that! 

Adam Clay, a youth pastor, sent me this note last week to encourage me about the use of Life Transformation Groups among students on high school campuses in the DFW area:

You probably get a lot of these, but wanted to give you a quick update...Last August, you suggested my high school students at Fort Worth Christian School this year read Search & Rescue, and I assigned that for the class. Several LTG groups were started, which were called Fight Clubs. As they experienced spiritual community birthed with the DNA, they became passionate for more, and started investigating organic church.

This Sunday I have two of these students starting a new organic church reaching out to unchurched high school and University of Texas Arlington. One of these students will be starting at Texas A&M in the fall, and is already in the plans of starting another organic church with some other freshmen he knows in August.

It is really exciting for me to see people that God has brought to me take advantage of the opportunity to go out and begin discipling others and impacting the Kingdom of God.

I know that you don't know me at all, as we have only had a few conversations in person at conferences, and a couple of emails back and forth, but thank you for being a Paul in my life and being obedient to what God has called you to do. Without you even knowing it, God has used you to help shape and impact my Kingdom thinking, and has allowed me to pass that to others.

I get this opportunity all over again next year with 9 new students...they will be reading Search & Rescue, and I will be pointing them to our Savior who knows the plans that He has for them.

Thanks again,
Adam Clay

If you would like to read more about Life Transformation Groups (LTGs) you can read Search & Rescue or  Cultivating a Life For God. We have a variety of LTG cards available as well.

Advice on Church Growth & Assimilation: Open the Back Door!

For a long time now, the church growth world has told us to get as many people to our church services as possible and keep them there as long as possible. The thought is that if they are in church they will hear the Word, be saved and go to heaven.

We even classified people in two categories: "the churched" and "the unchurched" as if they were those in Christ and those who are not. But of course this is wrong and now we are realizing it. Lately the fasted growing segment when it comes to attending church is the "uncommitted." These may actually be highly committed when it comes to Christ, just not church service attenders. I for one fall into this rising category.

In church growth speak we used to hear about assimilating visitors so that they become attenders, and hopefully, members of the church. The language we used was that we need to "close the back door" to the church–implying that we need to keep people from leaving. Wow, when I say that it sounds awful doesn't it? [Cue the sinister Vincent Price laugh–ha ha haaaa!] While it sounds like a mouse trap offering cheese at the end–but no escape–nevertheless (much to the chagrin of the fire department) that is the language that we pastor-types would use.

Lately, however, I am of a different opinion on the matter. Having become more familiar with the important parable of the soils (Mark 4:1-20; Matt13:3-23; Luke 8:4-15) I have come to think we ought to open the back door as wide as possible and let the people go. Actually, I've come to realize that this is the Jesus way.

According to Jesus' words, two thirds of the people are not good soil and will not bear fruit (Okay, I know the passage is not prescribing a percentage, but it is clear that more will be bad soil than good). Keeping them in the church really may not be the best solution if you desire a fruitful church.

I think that if people want to leave, let them leave. Don't waste your life trying to make people want something that they don't really want. I often say: If the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus isn't enough to motivate these people, my sermon isn't likely to do it.

Jesus let the rich, young, ruler walk away, even though He loved him very much (Mark 10:17-22). He never tried to convince people to follow Him, in fact, He did the opposite. He intentionally tried to thin the crowd on more than one occasion (Luke 11:29; 14:25-26; John 6:60-71). When a large crowd was gathered He would tell the few disciples it is time to leave and go somewhere else (Matt 8:18; Mark 1:36-38). Jesus invested in a few disciples and never gave his affection and trust to the larger gatherings (John 2: 23-25)

I've said for years: what you win them with is what you win them to. If you entice people to come with entertaining services you need to keep them the same way. Suddenly you find yourself competing with other entertaining churches to keep people attending your service–people that only want to be entertained. Open the back door!

Too often, in our desire to keep people, we change church to accommodate bad soil and end up with larger fruitless congregations that want all their needs met and have no desire to serve others. Open the back door!

Jesus drew huge crowds. But the Gospel accounts specifically tell us that He never gave His heart to the crowd because He knew that their motives were selfish. Open the back door!

Large crowds never changed the world. Real movements always are ignited with a few highly committed people. Open the back door!

Two of the Most Often Asked Questions From Pastors & Missionaries [Part Two]

This is the second post looking at the two questions I most often get asked by pastors when I speak about organic church movements.

Question Two: I often get asked by preachers when they begin to understand that Sunday morning worship services are not the best/only avenue for changing lives and equipping the saints: "But what do I do with my gift?" Granted, some of the people asking are not actually THAT gifted, so its likely the world would not notice if they stopped speaking every Sunday. But I remember when Francis Chan asked me that same question. No one can argue that Francis is not made by God to speak to an audience, but even he had to count this cost...and he did.

My usual answer to this question goes something like this: If God has given you a gift He wants you to use it and will give you the opportunity to do so. But one thing I am sure of, He doesn't want you to use your gift at the expense of everyone else in the room not using theirs. That is not the way it is supposed to be.

I used to love preaching every Sunday. I would spend 20-30 hours a week preparing my sermons. If you were to tell me back then that I would give up preaching from a pulpit every Sunday I would not have believed you. I distinctly remember early one Sunday morning, however, as I was putting the finishing touches on another "great" sermon that I felt the Lord's presence with me. He whispered in my ear (not audible), "You know, Neil, you are never going to start the 3rd great awakening by preaching a sermon." That was all I heard Him say to me and with that He challenged me to understand that it is much more than preaching sermons that is needed to awaken the kingdom of God in people and start a movement. From that point on, I counted the cost and became open to other ways of equipping the saints. I became discontent with only challenging a few people and would pursue something that would launch movements of people. I also became a better preacher.

It seems that I am teaching and speaking more now than I ever did before (and to a whole lot more people) it just isn't in a worship service on Sunday mornings. So if God designed you to do a work He will figure it out. Paul wrote of us: "For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."(Eph. 2:10)

No matter how good you are at preaching (and lets face it, you're probably not as good as Francis Chan), you need to weigh your own personal fulfillment against the fulfillment of the ministry of the Saints in the body. Are you willing to surrender your gift for the sake of the people you are preaching at? That is a true test of your faith and your calling if you ask me. I would imagine that if you count the cost and are willing to pay the price for the sake of others then you do have something valuable to say and God will find a way to use your gift.

If preaching is more important to you than the people you are preaching at then you should probably prepare yourself to find another line of work. Its not just what you say that makes you significant; it is the life within you–that you live out between services–that makes what you have to say significant. Living with Jesus among His people and on His mission is more important than just preaching about Jesus. If you live a courageous life of faith in Christ then you will not only find you have lots to say, but that others want to hear it.

Two of the Most Often Asked Questions From Pastors & Missionaries [Part One]

In all my travels and speaking about organic church movements there are certain questions that are asked all the time. Two questions in particular are predictable when addressing a room full of pastors or missionaries. In this blog post and the next I want to briefly address them both.

Question One: The most frequently asked question of organic church movements by pastor-types is: "How am I going to make a living and support my family?" It doesn't take long for pastors hearing me talk about organic church movements to start doing the math silently in their head. They quickly realize that their way of making a living may soon come to an end. Truthfully, this is not much different than most the people sitting in the pews every Sunday.

My answer is always the same: "Your Father in heaven loves your family more than you do and will care for them. He cares for the sparrows, how much more for you." I usually say, "It doesn't matter what logo is on the upper left hand corner of your pay check, your support is coming from your heavenly Father and He is not going out of business anytime soon."

I let them know that this is something I have to believe every day myself. If you thought that writing books makes someone wealthy and secure you do not know much about the Christian leadership book market. Just like most of you there are many times when there is still more month at the end of my paycheck. God always provides. I often will say in a sly manner, "You know, I've been walking with Jesus for 33 years now–you would think that by now I wouldn't have to live by faith anymore!" Usually people laugh with a sigh of realization that we are to always live by faith. In fact, that is true security, isn't it? When all is said and done, knowing that I lived every day in faith is what will really matter.

I can tell you story after story of how pastor types have made a living following Christ in rather creative ways–post church employment. Usually their "real job" ends up being more fruitful for the kingdom than when they used to get paid by a church.

One friend used to be (and still is) a pastor and a missionary but has incredible stories of how he has found ways to make a living. When I first met John he was a church planter. John has been a carpenter (like Jesus) and a cage fighter (not so much like Jesus). This pacifist once opened up a Jiu Jitsu Studio. He's also an artist. He went overseas as a missionary. Lately he has been leading a construction team that is revitalizing a historic home in Long Beach–but John is always looking for the next thing. Now he wants to blend his wood working skills and his artistic talent in a way that can bless many others. He wants to make pipes (yes, tobacco smoking pipes). John is one of a kind. In fact, he is planning on doing an apprenticeship with a master craftsman to better his skills at this trade (and you can help him do so if you like). Here is his website that explains what he wants to do and offers a variety of ways to help him (and also get something nice in return).

After knowing John for 20 years I can say that his family has always had food on the table and a roof over their heads. They are blessed and wealthy where it counts. This venture is creative, unique, artistic and a blessing to others. I also know that John will bring Jesus into his work and share Him with others. This is very John Jensen-ish. That is how our God is–each of us is a unique masterpiece. Is it secure? Does it include a retirement plan? Well, only in Christ. But then that's true with every job when you think of it. Does this provide a model for you to follow...unlikely. But then the world would be boring if we were all pacifistic cage fighting, Christian anarchist, artistic pipe smoking followers of Jesus. What an adventure it is to discover the unique plan God has for your life as well.

Last Words are Lasting Words: Final Words from a Father to his Son (Before 1798)

I am fortunate to have my lineage  on my father's side clearly  documented to the 17th century in Holland. My family arrived in the Colonies shortly after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

I was not raised with any spiritual heritage, but apparently there is much spiritual life in my family's roots. I have found that my family has Dutch Reformed background as well as Quaker roots. My Great-Great Grandfather (and namesake) went to a Wesleyan Seminary, and eventually became a lawyer and senator. So I guess I am sort of a spiritual mut.

His father, David Cole Jr., was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war and wrote these last words to his eldest son.

Unto my wife and children whom I so dearly love I leave you these few lines that you may meditate sometime upon. In the first place I desire you to keep holy the sabbath day. Live in fear of God as if each day was to be your last, for our life is but an inch or two of time, therefore take my advice begin to serve the Lord in your young days before the evil days come. I desire you to live in brotherly and sisterly love among one another. Be kind unto your mother, let her not suffer nor cross her in her old age. My son David be kind to your little brother. Be not cross to him for that child lays close to my heart, he is your younger brother. I beg you to see that he gets good learning, likewise your two sisters so as to read and write. If he goes to a trade you and my friend Bodine see that he is not abused. I wish you to have care for him as he is a child. I love, God knows, you all and would fein stay some longer time with you, but the will of God must be done. We have not limited time here on earth but when death comes we must away. And death is the certain doom of all sooner or later and blessed are they that have God for a friend in that hour, my dear child. It is a melancholy thing to think, even to think to die without an interest in Christ. Therefore, as a dying father, take my advice and call on the Lord in your young days–it is the best time. Delays often prove dangerous for we are not sure of old age.

–David Cole Jr.
I'm indebted to my distant cousin Claudette Cole Johnson who sent this to me.

I'm Baaaack! A New Book is Coming.

Hello friends in the blogosphere. Sorry I was away for a while. I was not on a media fast, as some of you can tell who follow me on twitter (@Neil_Cole), instagram or facebook. I have been writing a new book and I find that I am not able to blog and write a book at the same time. Some people can, I cannot. It usually takes me 4-5 months to write a book and that's about how long I have been away from Cole-Slaw. I turned the book in a couple weeks ago, traveled a bit, rested some (much needed after writing a book), and now I am back.

Just so that my audience knows, there are basically three modes I can be in at any one time: writing, traveling (training/coaching and extending the kingdom of God) or at home (resting, working and catching up). I find it hard to blog with any regularity during the former two modes so my blog will periodically slow down. I wish I could keep up with it like regular full time bloggers do but I cannot do that and fulfill the other things I'm called to. Of course those other things make the blogging I do more effective, so its a tension I am comfortable with.

Some have asked what book I have been working on. I am excited about it and think it may be one of my most important works. The working title is Primal Fire: Reigniting the power of the Ephesian 4:11 Gifts latent within all of God's people. Unlike my other books, this one is not a further elaboration of the implications of organic church or discipleship, but is a profound idea that can and should effect every follower of Christ in His kingdom. Like my other books this one is based upon 20 years of experience, trial and error and presents a whole lot of fresh insights into Scripture and the way we relate to one another.

I will wait until we are closer to a release date before I start getting into the ideas in this format. Suffice it to say I am excited about it and I want it to be very good. There is still a lot of editing work to be done on the project. It takes about 9 months from when a manuscript is turned in as a complete work to its actual release. In that time it goes through two rounds of editing and two rounds of proof reading. There is also the cover design, page layout, and marketing plans that are being developed. I wish it was quicker, but it is what it is. If it goes according to this schedule (which is no guarantee) we can expect a release around December of 2013 just in time for Christmas! And this will make a great gift for all your friends (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more).

I am working with a new publisher for me: Tyndale House Publishers. So I am not familiar with their usual process, I am simply describing the experience I have had with other publishers.

An Organizational Leader Wrestles with the New Movemental Leadership Role

The following email was sent out from David Wittenberg who leads the Innovation Workgroup, a consulting firm. As you can imagine my view of leadership and his have different viewpoints and it is quite refreshing to see him wrestle with movemental leadership ideas in an honest and transparent manner. Thought you all might find this helpful...

Here's a link to a short article by Neil Cole. As you know, I'm a big fan of Neil's. He promotes disciple-making and church multiplication more than convert-making and congregation growth.

In this piece, he contrasts movement-based leadership -- a growing trend in the church -- with organization-based leadership -- the current model in most churches. As a business person and a self-styled visionary leader, I felt like arguing with Neil on a few of his recommendations. He wants leaders to empower their followers to develop many, individual visions, whereas I prefer leaders to develop and promote a single vision for an organization. He wants to move away from strategic (controlling) leadership whose goal is to direct the organization toward a predetermined outcome, and replace it with process (order-imposing) leadership that leaves the outcome undefined. I prefer the strategic view for both business and personal reasons (according to the MBTI system, I'm type ENTJ, the "field marshal").

As I reflected on my objections, I was reminded of our model leader. Jesus started a movement, not an organization. While he set an overarching objective for the church -- to make disciples -- he did not communicate a unique vision of church life, nor did he impose on us a list of objectives for the various jobs and functions inside the church. Rather, he left each of us to seek and find our own vision with regard to our place in the body and our ministry. Instead of a church-building strategy with well-defined benchmarks or outcomes, Jesus focused more on the people and the process. Upon reflection, I had to accept, grudgingly, that Neil was on to something with his recommendations.

I'm sure that God has a role in his church for visionaries and strategists like me. I'm sure that he loves to use large congregations and controlling managers, as well. Neil Cole, in this piece, mentions that his new book on Church Transfusion is meant to add movement-style leadership within the context of the current structure, not to replace the current structure. This comment makes his views a bit easier for me to accept and appreciate.

I hope that you will take a couple of minutes to review the article and that it will be useful to you. As always, your comments are most welcome.

Here's the URL:  http://www.cmaresources.org/article/old-vs-new-leadership_neil-cole

Love and blessings,

David
_________________
David Wittenberg
CEO
The Innovation Workgroup
www.theinnovationworkgroup.com

Below I am including the graphic from the article mentioned that contrasts the old command and control view of leadership with the new movmental...