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Welcome to this issue of RE:NEWS. In this Issue
In Other News READ The Forgotten Ways Handbook
Listen to anything by: Perry Noble, Andy Stanley, Mark Driscoll, Craig Groeschel, Tim Keller, Francis Chan or Dave Gibbons Pass it on Know anyone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once. |
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Purveyors of Revelation or Just Information? 
by Rick Mysse I remember having a conversation with Juan Carlos Ortiz about the impact of ‘revelations’ we receive from God. He pointed out that revelation usually becomes just ‘information’ -- general knowledge – and often gets distributed far beyond the original recipient to those who have not a clue of the original intent. Revelation, when truly unique and from God, lends itself to imitation and can (over time) become ‘religious’ in its most negative, lifeless form. In fact my favorite definition OF religion is “the crystallization of yesterday’s revelation.” It is said, rightly so, that we are CONSTANTLY reforming to God’s Word – that applies to both scripture and to revelation. We would most likely agree that Schuller’s “possibility thinking,” Warren’s “purpose-driven living” and Hybel’s “seeker sensitivity” were revelations that have profoundly influenced American Christianity. These black-swan leaders rocketed to popularity by proclaiming publicly what they had heard from God in private. But as time has gone by, even some of the original ‘revelation’ of these giants has turned to religion and even in some cases, lifeless imitation. We’re indebted to Schuller, Warren and Hybels for so much, but apparently we still need some of our own fresh ‘manna (revelation) from heaven’ in order to march in to the future effectively. Last I checked, the world still does not know (or at least acknowledge) . . . that Jesus IS the Lord. What are you ‘hearing’ from God that still needs to be communicated to your spheres of influence? This October’s Classis Meeting (October 13 at The Bridge in Chino) is time set-aside where we might listen to what God is saying to us individually and how that may apply to us corporately. Many Classis churches, both new and old, struggle to hear and communicate effectively to their communities what the Spirit of the Lord is saying now. Too many of our churches are not growing in influence, but struggling just to hang-on. How could we all benefit from the giftedness and revelation God has already provided to take our ‘movement’ to a new level? What do we dare yet hope and believe for in the days, weeks, months and years ahead? Can God really use us in greater ways as a tribe than we are presently experiencing? Then how can we contribute and commit ourselves to one-another for greater fruitfulness? I would request that you meditate on these questions – and then jot down and bring your thoughts this October.
There were 92 highly intelligent and motivated leaders from the Classis of California at Catalyst West held at Mariner’s Church in Irvine April 23-24. It was a profoundly impacting event as presenter after presenter rocked our world. We were the largest group representing one ‘stream’ of churches in attendance and enjoyed the preferred seating that came with that recognition! Next year we will all be there again – April 22-23, 2010 – and if you haven’t made plans to join the rest of us, do it now!! We’d expect at least an additional 50 people to be with us. Of course, reminders will be sent out as the registration deadline approaches. Check out catalystspace.com for all that’s catalyst! If you missed it or if Catalyst is a bit too youthful for some of you, then once again Classis of CA would like to invite you to sign up for the satellite version of Willow’s Leadership Summit coming to The Crossing in Costa Mesa August 6-7, 2009. We have a SPECIAL RATE of $99. for the first 20 persons who sign up! Most of you are familiar with this event – this year featuring Bill Hybels, David Gergen, Tim Keller, Dave Gibbons, Chip and Dan Heath and via video, BONO. Sign up TODAY to be sure you get a space by e-mailing Rick Mysse On May 2, 2009 the following candidates were examined by the Leader Reproducing Team (which included Bob Johnson, Bruce Bugbee, Vern Hoffs, Vinnie Hanke, Matt Ortiz, John Alwood, Tim Vanderbaan, Steve Struikmans and Juan Carlos Ortiz) and have been approved for Commissioned Pastors in the Classis of California. We hope to welcome them to the team on June 16 (when all Classis will affirm them) and continue to pray for more workers for the harvest as Jesus instructed. East Hills Community Church Revolution Church Crystal Cathedral Park Hills Church The Bridge Emmaus Redlands Infusion Escondido Mayfair Lakewood
June 16 - RE:Fresh Classis Meeting July 11- RE:Quip Commissioned Pastor training August 6-7 - Leadership Summit '09 September 12 - RE:Quip Commissioned Pastor training October 13 - RE:Fresh Fall Classis Meeting November 7 - RE:Quip Commissioned Pastor training 
The “Echo” outline was distributed at the Classis Meeting last fall – and I would be most appreciative to hear if anyone has actually implemented all or parts of it. After receiving a copy, Francis Chan enthusiastically passed it on to his leaders in the San Fernando Valley who are starting a new ‘experimental’ church involving home groups and once-a-month large gatherings. I know of leaders outside our tribe that are committed to the concept of mobilizing 600,000 people become better lovers of their neighbors and have been passing “Echo” along as a guide. If you are not using “Echo,” I would love to hear about other intentional strategies that you are using to reach your neighbors or those far from God. If you need a copy of “Echo” – simply request one from Rick Mysse |
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