Jon Zens and author Frank Viola have been working together for almost a decade. The two men are authors and speakers and they have collaborated in helping to encourage organic missional churches to make Christ central in their gatherings in a practical way. Viola has authored numerous books on the deeper Christian life and radical church reform. Zens has authored many books on church reform and women's rights. Viola has also done work in setting women free in ministry. His articles … [Read more...]
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PROPHETIC CRACK, SUNDAY MORNING STICKUP, WORTHLESS PEOPLE & SO MUCH MORE
Posted on December 10, 2013 · 2 Comments
I am amazed by all the resources available to the twenty-first century reader. Some I find “accidentally” in the course of internet searches, while others are sent to me. Below I’ve written a synopsis of some I’d recommend. If any strike a chord, pursue them! THE POWER OF WEAKNESS, Keith Giles, 2012, 96 pages. I’ve read this book twice. It is a needed salve in the strength-driven, celebrity-based religious culture that surrounds us. Keith emphasizes that the Gospel is … [Read more...]
UPON THE GROUND OF MEN?
Posted on November 28, 2012 · 16 Comments
UPON THE GROUND OF MEN? The seemingly endless versions of words that oppose other versions of words in the myriad of Bible translations, gave me thought as to why this is happening, even today. A variant multitude of Bible translations exists, each with their name and individual trademark upon their version of the Bible. The reason for this should be more than obvious to us. It is because of the many opinions of the various words that are used to express what each of the translation’s authors … [Read more...]
Questions with Jon Zens
Posted on June 24, 2012 · 2 Comments
Questions with Jon Zens By Nick Mackison, Scotland I recently sent Jon Zens a list of questions related to organic/house church issues. He kindly responded and I have his permission to print his answers here (in bold throughout). Dear Jon, Over the last year or so, I’ve become convinced of the biblical basis of the organic church espoused in much of your writings (along with those of Frank Viola and Steve Atkerson). JZ: The phrase “organic church” itself needs some important … [Read more...]
UNINSTITUTIONAL 2
Posted on June 10, 2012 · 2 Comments
Introduction Jesus simply cannot be institutionalized. He said the Spirit is like wind. You can’t put wind in a box and make it happen. Inherent in wind is freedom. The only image that really captures reality is Vine-branches, organic relationships.... Visible Christianity is trying to serve an organic Jesus in non-organic structures. Is it any wonder that things work out like they say in the commercials –”your results may vary” — “some assembly required” — “batteries not included.” On … [Read more...]
HUMBLE PIE, ANYONE?
Posted on March 9, 2012 · 7 Comments
“Who being in very nature God . . . made Himself nothing . . . humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2) ================================================================================= “It is so amazing to see how quickly pride in one person can quench the spirit of others (even multitudes are ultimately affected and influenced). How my heart aches for God's glory to manifested -- and it will be -- as we walk in humility towards one another – … [Read more...]
The Body With One Part?
Posted on January 27, 2012 · 20 Comments
In answer to the question, “Why don't women ever read or pray in Bethlehem's church services?” John Piper answered in part: But the real question, I think, they're asking is about the prayers of praise, the reading of the text, and the preaching, and none of those the women do at Bethlehem. And that is intentional. My reason is because—not that others have to see it this way—I view that moment and that place in … [Read more...]
SHOULD THE TAIL WAG THE DOG?
Posted on December 12, 2011 · 25 Comments
“If you indeed continue in the faith having been founded and steadfast and not being moved away from the hope of the Gospel which you heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I Paul became a servant” (Colossians 1:23). “In fact, Christ, Himself, spelled out the mission of the church in what we refer to as The Great Commission . . . . That commission from Christ is the sole reason why the church exists today.” – James Longstreet, http://www.christianpost.com Is … [Read more...]
CONFINED TO THE KITCHEN? The Lord Doesn’t Put Women in This Box
Posted on October 19, 2011 · 6 Comments
It breaks my heart to see the same worn-out ideas about the “woman’s role” parroted over and over again in source after source. During our recent travels a brother gave me an article, “The Godly Woman’s Role & Influence” by Marlin Kreider (Reaching Out, #69, 2011, Living Waters Mennonite Church, pp.5-6). I would like to deal with several aspects of this article in hopes of helping us discern … [Read more...]
WHEN ARE WE GOING TO WAKE UP TO REALITY? The Nightmare of the Pastoral Institution
Posted on August 9, 2011 · 10 Comments
Mark Galli of Christianity Today has given us another article in a string of many that candidly lays out some serious problems resident in the traditional one-pastor system (August 8, 2011, http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/julyweb-only/mostriskyprofession.html?start=1). It is titled, “The Most Risky Profession: Why you need to pray desperately for your pastor.” Notice the near-fatal weaknesses Mark points out in the American … [Read more...]
Author, speaker, editor of Searching Together, itinerant encourager of relational communities.
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