Looong day today.

I left at 6.30am for a monthly breakfast gig at the South Perth Boatshed Cafe with some good mates – it takes an hour to get there for me… We are currently reading thru Al’s book. Sometimes we discuss the chapter, more often we just discuss… This is one of my most valued networks so I am willing to do the long drive just to catch up.

From there I went to speak to the local AOG Bible college heist dvdrip download about Forge. I have decided I love speaking to Penties!! They are so enthusiastic and encouraging. I spoke there, then had lunch with Ashley Crane the principal, and local pastor Chris Friend. We had a great discussion about the whole emerging scene and how we can work side by side rather than in opposition to each other. I like those guys.

Then it was off to the opposite end of the spectrum in some ways. I visited with some guys in Lockridge who are currently exploring new expressions of church and mission, with community houses and a strong emphasis on the peace movement. Harry and Jarod are both great thinkers and I left inspired yet again. Expect to hear from these guys at our next Forge intensive under the ‘local heroes’ slot.

A short hour long meeting with my own small group at the local pub was the last thing to do before heading home.

I was already feeling a bit peopled out so you can guess where I am at now…

Still, it was a great day and one where I am really glad to be the person God has called me to be doing the stuff he has called me to do.

Chatting with Herdo yesterday we were pondering what was needed to be an effective missionary, or to be a leader of an emerging missional church.

It seems the early church crew didn’t have much at all in the way of theological expertise, but had regular coaching and reflection time with Paul etc. Is theological training necessary?… No?… Maybe?…

We have often said that we are looking to create churches that are simple and reproducible yet the fact is that most of them are still led by people with theological degrees… As much as we may value the average punter we seem to be telling them by weight of numbers that leadership in these babies is for people who have done some hard yards with study.

But then again if we release people with little biblical understanding and a limited theoligcal framework what will the end result be. At our Forge meeting yesterday Mike Prince suggested that maybe the ability to think conceptually is more critical. Some people can do this easily, while others just want the concrete info.

I am still pondering this…

Do we need theologically trained leaders?
Do we just need people with a missionary heart who are willing to have a go?
Do we simply need people who can think conceptually and some of that involve theological / missiological / ecclesiological issues?

Our first Forge National Newsletter is online now. You can check it out here.
I’d be interested to hear what you reckon!

download back to the future part ii divx