If you are a blogging junkie in the Christian world (especially if you are in Newfrontiers or a reformed-charismatic), you have probably of heard of Adrian Warnock. His blog gets about 30,000 hits a day in the US alone. Adrian is not a pastor, but is a part of a Newfrontiers church in London named Jubilee Church (great name). I like tunning into his blog because he gets good interviews with some great people including our own John Lanferman.
Recently, he interviewed Mark Driscoll to get his thoughts on Newfrontiers and Prophesy. I thought I would pass that along. To view this interview, click here.
Showing posts with label newfrontiers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newfrontiers. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
What Outsiders Think of Newfrontiers
The main speaker at this year's Brighton conference is non other than Mark Driscoll. Driscoll leads on the fastest growing churches in the USA gathering about 8,000 on a Sunday. He also leads a network of churches that planted more than 100 churches. He's a author and perhaps the most influential pastor under 40 years old.
His time with us has been very beneficial. I think he is serving us very well. I thought you might want to read what he has to say about us. I cut and pasted this off his blog. If you want to read the whole thing, click here.
A healthy mix of Word and Spirit The Newfrontiers folks are a very healthy mix of Word and Spirit. They love the Bible and the leading of God the Holy Spirit. Sometimes in the States those who are charismatic are negatively influenced by health and wealth teachers who say that, in essence, if you have enough faith you do not need to be like Jesus and endure pain or poverty. In contrast, somehow the folks I am meeting from around the world who are connected to Newfrontiers have a healthy biblical reformed theology complemented with an active and biblical view of the person and work of the Holy Spirit and exercise of all spiritual gifts. I have always believed in the perpetuity of all the spiritual gifts (including such things as tongues and prophecy) but have not had much experience in seeing them exercised biblically, so being in circles like this is very insightful and instructive. Yesterday, for example, a pastor from Africa (PJ Smyth) shared a prophetic word about the Father’s love for Jesus his Son and it was incredibly biblically rooted and emotionally moving.
Lastly, the people have been fantastic. My new African friend Pastor Tope who leads a growing church in London has been our host and rarely have I met a man whom I enjoy more than him so hanging with him has been a delight. I am eager to preach to his people on Sunday and honor their pastor who has been so gracious to me. We have been loved, served, and encouraged well. I’ve also been using the Mac to iChat with my family, which is great. Although I am gone, seeing the five smiling, laughing, funny-face-making kids of mine is a boost of joy. And nothing beats seeing your wife’s smile as often as possible, especially when on the road.
Friday, April 18, 2008
No Jubileeite Left Behind
The elders at Jubilee Church are determined to leave no Jubileeite behind this year for our Newfrontiers usa Midwest Celebration. To help ensure that is true we are paying for everyone who signs up by April 27th. To help offset this expense, we will be taking an offering on April 27 and May 4 to send everyone. Be praying about what God wants you to give.
If you have never been, it is an outstanding time of being together, worshiping God and hearing outstanding teaching from guys like Terry Virgo and John Lanferman.
To find out more about this exciting event, click here.
If you have never been, it is an outstanding time of being together, worshiping God and hearing outstanding teaching from guys like Terry Virgo and John Lanferman.
To find out more about this exciting event, click here.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bucking the Trend
As you look over the broad landscape of young adults, two things come to mind: a lack of interest in church and debt. Only 4% of 18-24 year olds attend church as compared to 65% in the 1940s. 67% of those between the ages of 22-29 have racked up nearly $6000 in credit card debt and $4000 in car loans (not to mention student loans - let's not mention them shall we?).
Amidst the seemingly bleak landscape of this generation of Americans, I believe I encountered a radical group of young Christians that are bucking that trend. Jubilee Church just had the privilege of hosting a 20s conference called "Clear Vision" where 300 of young adults ages 18-29 gathered for a time of worship, teaching and life-change as they encountered presence of God. I was very proud and encouraged to see this group really engage with God and open to their lives up for God to mold and shape. For me, I saw the fruit of this counter-cultural way of living when we received an offering for Kenya totaling more than $23,000!
I'm very proud to be associated with such a radical group of young people!
Amidst the seemingly bleak landscape of this generation of Americans, I believe I encountered a radical group of young Christians that are bucking that trend. Jubilee Church just had the privilege of hosting a 20s conference called "Clear Vision" where 300 of young adults ages 18-29 gathered for a time of worship, teaching and life-change as they encountered presence of God. I was very proud and encouraged to see this group really engage with God and open to their lives up for God to mold and shape. For me, I saw the fruit of this counter-cultural way of living when we received an offering for Kenya totaling more than $23,000!
I'm very proud to be associated with such a radical group of young people!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Kenya Update - Jan 9, 2008
I wanted to pass on emails about Kenya for you to keep them in your prayers.
FROM EDWARD BURIA
Its been four very distressful days that has seen hundreds of people loosing their lives, destruction of property in massive scales, and tens of thousands of our people displaced. This includes our own brothers and sisters in Mararal, Naivasha and Nairobi. The most affected areas are in Nyanza (Kisumu), Eldoret, Mombasa, a few places in the Western Kenya, Nairobi (i.e. the slums areas of Mathare and Kibera).
Preliminary reasons for the un-rest
1. Claims of Presidential votes rigged
2. Claims of massive doctored results from some constituencies
3. That the Electoral Commission was compromised
What I make of these claims
(1 ) I do admit there were irregularities especially with how the electoral commission was receiving results from their returning officers - This was mainly a logistic problem that wasn't expected by the commission, who I think underestimated the turn out from previous elections,the turn out this time round was huge!
(2) Its not completely true when ODM claims that there was massive rigging, a position that is confirmed by the fact that over 20 cabinet ministers that include the Vice President lost in the just concluded election
ODM also managed to gather close to 100 parliamentary seats giving them a very strong voice in the 10th parliament. A number of other parties have claims that in Nyanza Province ODM did not allow any voting for other parties except ODM. These parties are saying that since they have evidence to these allegations, they will be going to court to challenge.
Its also now becoming very clear that the crowds protesting are not genuinely protesting for justice to be done on the allegations but its like militia groups out there to kill, destroy property and instil fears.There are also clear expressions of tribal sentiments by the marauding and unruly youths.
Our course of action
(1) Much prayer countrywide with our churches all over having chain prayers round the clock
(2) Messages of hope and comfort using the media,telephone conversations,sms, and one to one
(3) Sending of airtime to those affected so as to get in touch with their loved ones
(4) We have dispatched 2 lorries full of foodstuffs, blankets and other required essential to be distributed in Nairobi
(5) Have picked a team of 5 from here to help with the co-ordination and response
Prayer Items
1. Breaking the demonic force that is so evident when you see the passion of those killing and destroying
2. That the elected leaders would come to their senses and put the interest of the Nation first as compared to their interests
3. That all parties quickly accept to reason out as they dialogue
4. That God will console all who have lost their loved ones, property and those that have been displaced
5. That the country i.e. those not affected will unite in sharing with those displaced
6. That the healing, restoration and reconciliation will be quick
7. That God will give us much wisdom in our small way of responding to the current crisis
8. That those coming from outside as mediators do not be partisan in their outreach
9. That those admitted in various hospitals with multiple injuries recover soon
10. That the INTERNATIONAL community will come to our aid by giving us resources to assist
11. That we will have resources to assist us in our small way of assisting our own n others
In conclusion, its very clear that ahead of us we have a big problem of settling all those that have been displaced as they have lost everything including their homes and livelihood.
We thank all those who have gotten in touch with us to let us know of their love and prayers.
God bless,
Edward
6th January
I have the following as the latest on the unrest in our country today the 5th January 2008:
Today has been a calm day with shops opening up in some of the worst affected places.
The President has addressed the nation with a language that was clearly showing that he is very willing to dialogue with Hon Raila and the opposition,but also a language that was calling upon all Kenyans to live together like we have over the years.Very wise and well calculated language!
We also are very encouraged by the number of world known peace crusaders who have interrupted their schedules so as to come and see how they could be help to us.
Tomorrow has been declared a national day praying for peace all over can I ask all our dear freinds who have been praying with us since this crisis started to join with us in a unified prayer for this great nation.All the media houses are now united in the appeal for peace and reconciliation as well as calling upon our leaders to sit and talk-Never seen the media united at a worthy cause this way!
I am also very encouraged that our TV programme early today and which happens to be the 1st Christian programme to be aired by KBC this year,has had a powerful impact to the entire Nation-as I write this email,we are completely overwhelmed by the hundreds of callers from all over the Country saying that what I was preaching is what the country needs to hear at this hour.My message was based on Phil 1:1-6 with strong emphases that He who began a good work in our lives and country at large is still committed to us and will bring that good work to completion against all odds.With this kind of impact and realisation how much the airwaves can be a great tool of healing,we believe it is proper increasing our current airtime by an extra 15 minutes.We need to use every avenue that is available now to accelerate our greatest objective at the moment as a nation, i e healing,restoration and reconciliation.
The presence of the church in relief supplies and crisis management is a great tool in the healing process-I find myself having a deep cry and prayer that God will allow the church to be endowed with resources at this moment to be in the forefront in assisting the displaced,this became very clear to me as we give out our supplies yesterday.The destruction to properties in the badly affected areas will take years to re-build,It will also take billions of shillings to maintain the relief efforts.and similar amounts to help people having back their livelihood.Our need of financial assistance is so great.We have been able to access up to around 1,2 million shs from newfrontiers central pool which helped us in making the purchase of 2 full truck load of relief supplies that were given out yesterday.
The Red-Cross and other humanitarian agencies are doing a great work,but take it from me from what I saw yesterday they can not be compared with the church that is coming with a different spirit of true,genuine and sincere love of God which is deeply touching the hearts of the injured,those that have lost their loved ones and displaced.I am sure the relief agencies come in such moments with incredible knowledge,experience and expertise.
There are clear indications that the impulse will be broken shortly and that the President and the opposition come together to map out an acceptable,peaceful wayforward.
In conclusion I sense a mighty move of the holy spirit countrywide about to break out that will lead to mass conversion,repentance and healing!
Thank you will keep you posted
Edward Buria
7th January
Today has been a very difficult day for me. I have wept and wept as I have encountered first hand the stories of what the affected have gone through. The saddest stories being of how some children aged between 1-4 years had met their death. An infant drowned in a sewage until death, a 3 yr old child escaping from a burning house thrown back to the same fire. Around 40 persons torched inside a KAG church building, over a thousand so far dead, close 500,000 displaced. Never seen or heard anything like this. We need help to help our own. Its been peaceful the last 2 days.
Edward
FROM EDWARD BURIA
Its been four very distressful days that has seen hundreds of people loosing their lives, destruction of property in massive scales, and tens of thousands of our people displaced. This includes our own brothers and sisters in Mararal, Naivasha and Nairobi. The most affected areas are in Nyanza (Kisumu), Eldoret, Mombasa, a few places in the Western Kenya, Nairobi (i.e. the slums areas of Mathare and Kibera).
Preliminary reasons for the un-rest
1. Claims of Presidential votes rigged
2. Claims of massive doctored results from some constituencies
3. That the Electoral Commission was compromised
What I make of these claims
(1 ) I do admit there were irregularities especially with how the electoral commission was receiving results from their returning officers - This was mainly a logistic problem that wasn't expected by the commission, who I think underestimated the turn out from previous elections,the turn out this time round was huge!
(2) Its not completely true when ODM claims that there was massive rigging, a position that is confirmed by the fact that over 20 cabinet ministers that include the Vice President lost in the just concluded election
ODM also managed to gather close to 100 parliamentary seats giving them a very strong voice in the 10th parliament. A number of other parties have claims that in Nyanza Province ODM did not allow any voting for other parties except ODM. These parties are saying that since they have evidence to these allegations, they will be going to court to challenge.
Its also now becoming very clear that the crowds protesting are not genuinely protesting for justice to be done on the allegations but its like militia groups out there to kill, destroy property and instil fears.There are also clear expressions of tribal sentiments by the marauding and unruly youths.
Our course of action
(1) Much prayer countrywide with our churches all over having chain prayers round the clock
(2) Messages of hope and comfort using the media,telephone conversations,sms, and one to one
(3) Sending of airtime to those affected so as to get in touch with their loved ones
(4) We have dispatched 2 lorries full of foodstuffs, blankets and other required essential to be distributed in Nairobi
(5) Have picked a team of 5 from here to help with the co-ordination and response
Prayer Items
1. Breaking the demonic force that is so evident when you see the passion of those killing and destroying
2. That the elected leaders would come to their senses and put the interest of the Nation first as compared to their interests
3. That all parties quickly accept to reason out as they dialogue
4. That God will console all who have lost their loved ones, property and those that have been displaced
5. That the country i.e. those not affected will unite in sharing with those displaced
6. That the healing, restoration and reconciliation will be quick
7. That God will give us much wisdom in our small way of responding to the current crisis
8. That those coming from outside as mediators do not be partisan in their outreach
9. That those admitted in various hospitals with multiple injuries recover soon
10. That the INTERNATIONAL community will come to our aid by giving us resources to assist
11. That we will have resources to assist us in our small way of assisting our own n others
In conclusion, its very clear that ahead of us we have a big problem of settling all those that have been displaced as they have lost everything including their homes and livelihood.
We thank all those who have gotten in touch with us to let us know of their love and prayers.
God bless,
Edward
6th January
I have the following as the latest on the unrest in our country today the 5th January 2008:
Today has been a calm day with shops opening up in some of the worst affected places.
The President has addressed the nation with a language that was clearly showing that he is very willing to dialogue with Hon Raila and the opposition,but also a language that was calling upon all Kenyans to live together like we have over the years.Very wise and well calculated language!
We also are very encouraged by the number of world known peace crusaders who have interrupted their schedules so as to come and see how they could be help to us.
Tomorrow has been declared a national day praying for peace all over can I ask all our dear freinds who have been praying with us since this crisis started to join with us in a unified prayer for this great nation.All the media houses are now united in the appeal for peace and reconciliation as well as calling upon our leaders to sit and talk-Never seen the media united at a worthy cause this way!
I am also very encouraged that our TV programme early today and which happens to be the 1st Christian programme to be aired by KBC this year,has had a powerful impact to the entire Nation-as I write this email,we are completely overwhelmed by the hundreds of callers from all over the Country saying that what I was preaching is what the country needs to hear at this hour.My message was based on Phil 1:1-6 with strong emphases that He who began a good work in our lives and country at large is still committed to us and will bring that good work to completion against all odds.With this kind of impact and realisation how much the airwaves can be a great tool of healing,we believe it is proper increasing our current airtime by an extra 15 minutes.We need to use every avenue that is available now to accelerate our greatest objective at the moment as a nation, i e healing,restoration and reconciliation.
The presence of the church in relief supplies and crisis management is a great tool in the healing process-I find myself having a deep cry and prayer that God will allow the church to be endowed with resources at this moment to be in the forefront in assisting the displaced,this became very clear to me as we give out our supplies yesterday.The destruction to properties in the badly affected areas will take years to re-build,It will also take billions of shillings to maintain the relief efforts.and similar amounts to help people having back their livelihood.Our need of financial assistance is so great.We have been able to access up to around 1,2 million shs from newfrontiers central pool which helped us in making the purchase of 2 full truck load of relief supplies that were given out yesterday.
The Red-Cross and other humanitarian agencies are doing a great work,but take it from me from what I saw yesterday they can not be compared with the church that is coming with a different spirit of true,genuine and sincere love of God which is deeply touching the hearts of the injured,those that have lost their loved ones and displaced.I am sure the relief agencies come in such moments with incredible knowledge,experience and expertise.
There are clear indications that the impulse will be broken shortly and that the President and the opposition come together to map out an acceptable,peaceful wayforward.
In conclusion I sense a mighty move of the holy spirit countrywide about to break out that will lead to mass conversion,repentance and healing!
Thank you will keep you posted
Edward Buria
7th January
Today has been a very difficult day for me. I have wept and wept as I have encountered first hand the stories of what the affected have gone through. The saddest stories being of how some children aged between 1-4 years had met their death. An infant drowned in a sewage until death, a 3 yr old child escaping from a burning house thrown back to the same fire. Around 40 persons torched inside a KAG church building, over a thousand so far dead, close 500,000 displaced. Never seen or heard anything like this. We need help to help our own. Its been peaceful the last 2 days.
Edward
Thursday, January 3, 2008
We Are an International Family
There are many words that describe Newfrontiers, but two of my favorite are "international" and "family". Newfrontiers is international. We have churches in more than 50 countries and are working together to spread the gospel to all nations. Newfrontiers is a family. We are not held together by a statement of faith or denominational ties. We are joined together because of shared values, heart and vision. I say all this to bring in front of you an issue of prayer.
If you watched the news recently, you are aware of what is going on in Kenya. Although it's thousands of miles away, it's much closer for us who have brothers and sisters over there. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. When one suffers we all suffer. I would encourage you to include these brothers and sisters in your personal time of prayer as well as make an effort to join the Jubilee community when it gathers for prayer.
Here is a copy of an email that explains more of the situation in Kenya:
Undoubtedly you will be aware that Kenya is in turmoil. I have been in touch with Edward Buria (our main leader in Kenya) over the holiday and he has sent several texts. The situation seems to be developing along tribal lines, always a recipe for severe discord and blood shed. It is not easy to put together a snap-shot of the situation but, combining his texts and the international news, the following seems to be what is happening.
The BBC News website says:
Political veteran Mwai Kibaki claimed victory in controversial presidential elections in December 2007. His swearing-in for a second term in office prompted a wave of unrest across the country.
His rival for the post of president, opposition candidate Raila Odinga, rejected Kibaki's victory and accused the government of rigging the result.
International observers also expressed doubts about the poll, and called for an independent enquiry.
Texts from Edward:
1. Prayer at this difficult time for the nation which has been a great example for other African nations in the past
2. There is a shortage of food even in the town of Meru where they live (normally one of the food producing areas of Kenya)
3. Concern that the international reporting is not accurate, the rioting being in opposition held places.
I am sure your own hearing of the news updates will also provide further fuel for prayer
If you watched the news recently, you are aware of what is going on in Kenya. Although it's thousands of miles away, it's much closer for us who have brothers and sisters over there. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. When one suffers we all suffer. I would encourage you to include these brothers and sisters in your personal time of prayer as well as make an effort to join the Jubilee community when it gathers for prayer.
Here is a copy of an email that explains more of the situation in Kenya:
Undoubtedly you will be aware that Kenya is in turmoil. I have been in touch with Edward Buria (our main leader in Kenya) over the holiday and he has sent several texts. The situation seems to be developing along tribal lines, always a recipe for severe discord and blood shed. It is not easy to put together a snap-shot of the situation but, combining his texts and the international news, the following seems to be what is happening.
The BBC News website says:
Political veteran Mwai Kibaki claimed victory in controversial presidential elections in December 2007. His swearing-in for a second term in office prompted a wave of unrest across the country.
His rival for the post of president, opposition candidate Raila Odinga, rejected Kibaki's victory and accused the government of rigging the result.
International observers also expressed doubts about the poll, and called for an independent enquiry.
Texts from Edward:
1. Prayer at this difficult time for the nation which has been a great example for other African nations in the past
2. There is a shortage of food even in the town of Meru where they live (normally one of the food producing areas of Kenya)
3. Concern that the international reporting is not accurate, the rioting being in opposition held places.
I am sure your own hearing of the news updates will also provide further fuel for prayer
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Get Outside Yourself
We learn in Scripture that we are created for a greater purpose than satisfying fleeting pleasures (read Ecclesiastes). Moreover, we learn that our life is more than just about our life and our lifetime (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 48:13, 71:18, 78:4). We have been created to effect those around us in our generation and generations to come. If you have been a Christian for a while, you get that.
Well the same is true for churches. Jubilee doesn't exist just for Jubilee. It exists for people outside of Jubilee. And not just people in St. Louis, but the nation and even the world. That is why it is critically important and a privilege to be a part of the Newfrontiers family of churches (go to www.newfrontiers.xtn.org for more info). It's an opportunity for us to tap into something bigger than ourselves. To be a part of a worldwide, grace-filled mission-minded group that is reaching all different kinds of people. Starting churches in places where there is not a current expression of the body of Christ, feeding the poor in Africa and raising up a new generation of leaders that will live on well beyond our lifetime.
This is why next week, we'll load up our cars and drive to Central Missouri State University to live in dorms for a couple of days, eat cafeteria food and pay money for it. So that we can band together with other wild-eyed, grace-filled, mission-minded people who want to make a difference beyond themselves and beyond what any one local church could do (regardless of size). It costs us something to go outside ourselves, but the payoff is huge and the direction Scripture pushes us toward.
Well the same is true for churches. Jubilee doesn't exist just for Jubilee. It exists for people outside of Jubilee. And not just people in St. Louis, but the nation and even the world. That is why it is critically important and a privilege to be a part of the Newfrontiers family of churches (go to www.newfrontiers.xtn.org for more info). It's an opportunity for us to tap into something bigger than ourselves. To be a part of a worldwide, grace-filled mission-minded group that is reaching all different kinds of people. Starting churches in places where there is not a current expression of the body of Christ, feeding the poor in Africa and raising up a new generation of leaders that will live on well beyond our lifetime.
This is why next week, we'll load up our cars and drive to Central Missouri State University to live in dorms for a couple of days, eat cafeteria food and pay money for it. So that we can band together with other wild-eyed, grace-filled, mission-minded people who want to make a difference beyond themselves and beyond what any one local church could do (regardless of size). It costs us something to go outside ourselves, but the payoff is huge and the direction Scripture pushes us toward.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Zimbabwe
We have no idea what it's like to live in a country like Zimbabwe. It's pretty much unimaginable for us. We all got bent out of shape last year when the power was out for a few days. We wanted blood from Ameren. In Zim, they have a massive power outage every day and sometimes go without water. Here's a news article to read about the situation:Link
For those of you unaware of Jubilee's relationship with Newfrontiers, we are connected with over 500 churches in over 30 nations including Zimbabwe. And our relationship with Zimbabwe is not an artificial one or simply a name on a list. They have come over to be with us and we have been over there to be with them. And even though financially, we have more, it's feels like they have given much more to us. It's truly a blessing to be in relationship and on mission with them, as well as our other brothers in Newfrontiers.
Be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.
For those of you unaware of Jubilee's relationship with Newfrontiers, we are connected with over 500 churches in over 30 nations including Zimbabwe. And our relationship with Zimbabwe is not an artificial one or simply a name on a list. They have come over to be with us and we have been over there to be with them. And even though financially, we have more, it's feels like they have given much more to us. It's truly a blessing to be in relationship and on mission with them, as well as our other brothers in Newfrontiers.
Be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.
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