Steve DeNeff: In the Church that God planted there is a conspicuous absence of heroes. Every member is active. Everyone plays a part, each one doing what seems natural (like common sense) to them, but together they accomplish what no hero ever could. Everyone wins! And so when we walk in the Spirit, we become ALL that we were made to be.
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In Jesus' Name
Emily Vermilya: Abiding in Christ is the source of all true courage. In Acts 4, Peter and John show that when believers draw their strength from Jesus, they can face anything. The Spirit who once empowered them now empowers us to live and speak with fearless humility in Jesus’ name.
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Discerning the Spirit
Steve DeNeff: When Spirit-animated people (or churches) make decisions, they discern more than decide. They have assumptions, they follow practices that others simply lack. What are they? And how do we practice them today? We need a model for making decisions that is spiritual, practical, repeatable and can be done quickly.
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The Paradox of Growth
Steve DeNeff: Growth brings complexity and complexity strangles growth. That is the paradox confronting every church that grows. How do Spirit-animated churches, like ours, protect the mission from the threat of success? How do they find their leaders? And what do they expect from them? As we think about leaders in our church, what can we learn from the one in Acts?
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Beyond Diversity
Steve DeNeff: For years the Church has been “the most segregated hour all week,” but slowly things are changing. As we become more integrated, does anyone have a vision for something beyond diversity? What does the Holy Spirit want diversity for? What is possible for the Church only after it has engaged and empowered ALL the children of God? And how does a church like ours become more like that in the power of the Spirit, rather than our own power?
New Zealand