thoughts on immigration reform

Rich Nathan
Pastors Plus Meeting
Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Biblical and Theological Foundations

As we consider the issue of immigration, we always need to begin in our thinking with the Bible.  What does the Bible say ought to be the Christian’s starting point for thinking about all of life?

Too often, in this highly politicized, highly polarized society we approach questions through the lenses of politics or economics, job security, family concerns, security concerns – and these things become the categories and lenses through which we approach a particular question.  And in addition, too often our thinking is by the pundits – what does Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, or Rachel Maddow or some other person that we listen to say and think about a particular issue.

how to start a pro-life ministry

Diane Bauman
Pastor Volunteer and Value Life Ministries, Vineyard Columbus

If your church has recognized the need to care for and disciple women and families in unintended pregnancies I would recommend the following to begin your journey:

• Begin by asking the Lord to send others to join you in this journey.   As you pray for this ministry opportunity the Lord will send those who also have a heart to serve these women and children. 
  

how great a salvation!

by rich nathan

The angelic choir that serenaded the shepherds at Christmas sang: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. The call to "peace on earth" rests upon the hugely important Old Testament concept of shalom. Shalom in modern Hebrew is used as the equivalent of "hello", or "goodbye". Arabs have a similar word saying salaam when greeting each other.

However, shalom means far more than hello, goodbye, or even peace perceived merely as serenity, peace of mind, or the absence of war. Shalom means fullness. It can be translated into English using such terms as completeness, soundness, health, prosperity and salvation. Shalom has to do with the complete reign of God over all creation.

outward focused thoughts: it’s cold in here

by dave workman

Some time back I was in a fast-food place that was freezing. People were eating with their coats on. I was waiting on my food and said to the woman at the cash register, “Hey, it’s pretty chilly in here.”

She smiled and said, “Yeah, that’s how we like it back here. It gets warm in the kitchen.”

encouraging the work of the holy spirit

Opening Comments: Framing The Discussion

1. Becoming Conservative:

It is a concern by many that the Vineyard has become a bit too conservative when it comes to life in the Spirit. This conservative impulse comes from several sources: First, we have lost ourleader, John Wimber, and there has been somewhat of a loss of focus when it comes to the Spirit’s work among us. Second, we have, as a Movement, undergone quite a bit of criticism by those who see the Vineyard as a place which accommodates and encourages unhealthy expressions of lifein God (example: Toronto excesses). And third, as many Vineyard pastors move into middle age, there is a temptation to take less risks in the Spirit and to become comfortable in those biblical values (like teaching & counseling) in which they can control. My concern, at this point, is that this conservatism will be passed to the next generation of leaders. They won’t be as willing to risk as we were. Our prayer should be that we continue on in the things of the Holy Spirit and that our leadership would inspire young men and women to continue to be passionate about experiencing God’s presence and in seeing Him move in power.

outward focused thoughts:  best gift

by dave workman

Try something simple today.

Get a piece of paper out and tear it down to about the size of a business card. Write on one side of it: "This is just a simple way to say God loves you."  On the other side, write the name of your church with a street address on it, the phone number and the times of your services. That's all. Then try this: today when you drive through a fast-food joint, pay for the person's meal behind you... and ask the cashier to give them your note. They'll smile. Pay for both meals and then drive off. As you drive away, say a short prayer for the person behind you, like:  "Father, would you open up their heart to receive all you have for them? Would you touch them through this with your love? And make them thirsty for the real food and the real drink, the one that satisfies eternally."

a“non-political” approach to politics

by rich nathan

The news recently reported that a group of 31 pastors chose to file a complaint with the Internal Revenue against the Rev. Rod Parsley’s World Harvest Church and two affiliated entities along with the Rev. Russell Johnson’s church, Fairfield Christian, and his Ohio Restoration Project. These 31 pastors seek to get the IRS to investigate whether the entities headed by Parsley and Johnson should lose their tax-exempt status. Further, they want the IRS to obtain a court injunction to stop “the churches’ flagrant political campaign activities.”

outward focused thoughts: jesus and toilets
by dave workman

Just about every Saturday we go out with different teams of people and do free things for folks just to serve them...anything from a free car wash to a free bottle of water on a hot day to cleaning restrooms for area businesses.

Some years back I was with a team of pastors in Sheffield, England and we were teaching them how to clean the loo--the restroom--in pubs and businesses. It was during a conference and there were lots of different denominations there: Anglicans, Presbyterians, independent churches, and so on. We walked into one office and a very proper British woman greeted us at the door. I blurted out like the proper American I am: "Hey, we're here to clean your loo for free today."

steve sjogren: update from Charisma, july 2006

Pastor Seeks to Expand Church-Growth Model by Ken Walker

Steve Sjogren plans to broaden his ‘servant evangelism’ outreach method as part of a move to Florida next year

The Ohio pastor who made "servant evangelism" a watchword for Vineyard churches intends to spread this outreach method beyond those borders as part of his move to Florida.

Steve Sjogren says the yet-to-be-named effort will be headquartered at the Vineyard church he plans to start in the fall of 2007 in Tampa. "It's not going to be a denomination," said Sjogren, whose Conspiracy of Kindness has sold more than 150,000 copies. "We have had hundreds of pastors ask us to please launch something formal."

how great a salvation!

by rich nathan

The angelic choir that serenaded the shepherds at Christmas sang: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. The call to “peace on earth” rests upon the hugely important Old Testament concept of shalom. Shalom in modern Hebrew is used as the equivalent of “hello,” or “goodbye.” Arabs have a similar word saying “salaam” when greeting each other.

However, shalom means far more than hello, goodbye, or even peace perceived merely as serenity, peace of mind, or the absence of war. Shalom means fullness. It can be translated into English using such terms as completeness, soundness, health, prosperity and salvation. Shalom has to do with the complete reign of God over all creation.