Upcoming ConversationsJune 9- Jim Belcher, author of Deep Curch June 30- Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, authors of Jesus Mani... READ |
This Wednesday!-Sweet & ViolaWednesday, June 30th 3-4 pm CST The two acclaimed authors discuss their new book, The Jesus Manifesto. Christians have made the gospel about so many things; things other than Christ. What is Ch... READ |
By Felicity DaleTony’s cell phone rang. It soon became apparent from his end of the conversation that the other person was interested in publishing my book, An Army of Ordinary People. “Put it on speaker,” I whispered to Tony. As the conversation continued, the person the other end said, “Of course, we’ll put both your names on the front cover. ... READ |
New Training Series Launch!Beginning this summer Shapevine will be launching one of the most unique training opportunities yet. The Missional Quest series is a cohort based learning journey that will give you the opportunity to join in a small group of like-minded sojourners with Deb Hirsch, Alan Hirsch, Dan Kimball, Neil Cole, and others. Registration Fee $279 Fees include lunch and snacks provided... READ |
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![]() Over the past few months I have had an increasing number of conversations with pastors and church leaders about moving existing churches in a missional direction. I have been asked what key issues or topics need to be considered when attempting to transition a traditional church. The following list is certainly not conclusive or comprehensive, but here are nine elements that I believe need to be considered when making a missional shift: 1. Start with Spiritual Formation God calls the church to be a sent community of people who no longer live for themselves but instead live to participate with Him in His redemptive purposes. However, people will have neither the passion nor the strength to live as a counter-cultural society for the sake of others if they are not transformed by the way of Jesus. If the church is to “go and be,” rather ... READ |
High-Priced DiscipleshipDiscipleship is costly. Are we willing to critique and even challenge much we've been taught for the sake of the kingdom? For this is the radical nature of the discipleship to which Jesus calls us. He did not allow the ... READ |
Lifestyle of Repentance“The scary thing about this reality is that grace is only present when we are wrong. If we refuse to admit when we are wrong, and repent we cut-off the supply of grace that... READ |
Step Into The Way of MissionA couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the launch of Forge America in Chicago. It was a great time of networking and hearing how God is moving in various contexts around the world. It was also fantastic to... READ |
Becoming a Part of Their League“Jane Goodall is an animal person,” my daughter announced after meeting the renowned chimpanzee expert at the Wildlife Conservation Expo in San Francisco last fall. “Yes….” (It seemed obvious enough.) “You don’t understand,” Kristin... READ |
Hearing God’s VoiceA rewritten and updated version of my book "An Army of Ordinary People" has just been released by Tyndale House Publishers. It is a book of stories, each chapter illustrating a principal of simple/organic church. You can get hold ... READ |