January 2009 Pneuma Informer

The Pneuma Foundation is pleased to add content to our website as a resource to our members and friends around the world. We also add links to content that we are not able to republish ourselves, but may be of interest. Here are some examples of links added recently to "Links to Articles & Books" www.pneumafoundation.org/links_articles.jsp and from "Links to Study Resources" www.pneumafoundation.org/links_study.jsp
The largest list of Pentecostal/charismatic Bible Schools available online anywhere. http://www.pneumafoundation.org/links_schools.jsp
Add your school: http://www.pneumafoundation.org/links.jsp#link
Christian Leadership: Lillian Daniel, "A Cast of Thousands" The mission of the church is not efficiency, but developing all its people. "At my daughter's elementary school musical, the printed program noted: 'This musical was originally written for 15 actors, but it has been adapted to accommodate our cast of 206.' You know what kind of show this was. No-cut auditions, no performer left without something special to do. They danced, they sang, they delivered lines, and somehow 206 children graced the stage that night" (Leadership Fall 2008). http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/fall/19.33.html
"Taking Slackers to Task" Teen twins Alex and Brett Harris call their peers to something more (CTOnline). http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/octoberweb-only/143-21.0.html
Mike Fehlauer, "The Seduction of Success " (Ministry Today). http://ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-leadership/ethics/217-the-seduction-of-success
Jack Hayford, "What's Really Important" Examining the principles that are essential in leading a congregation to maturity and fruitfulness. http://ministrytodaymag.com/display_cms.php?id=1242
Chris Armstrong, "Signs and Wonders: The Charismatic Power of Early Christianity" When we teach about the early church, we frequently omit the story of spiritual gifts (Christian History Blog). http://www.christianitytodayblogs.com/history/2009/01/signs_and_wonders_the_charisma_1.html
Christian History: The Altar Call Popularized by frontier camp meetings and Charles Finney's "anxious bench," the altar call became an evangelistic staple of American churches (Christian History Blog). http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thepastinthepresent/storybehind/walktheaisle.html
In Depth Resources: Flaw of the Excluded Middle Entry from Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions (Baker, 2000) available from "Folk Religions" course notes, taught at Wheaton by Dr. A. Scott Moreau. http://www.wheaton.edu/intr/Moreau/courses/565/documents.htm
For more In Depth Resources, visit: http://www.pneumafoundation.org/resources/in_depth.jsp

"Glorifying God While Keeping Secret Believers Safe"

by Calvin Smith

In August 2008, the Pneuma Foundation News & Current Links offered a link to a transcript of an Arabic TV [Al-Jazeerah] program: "Rare look at Islam: Muslims discuss the annual exodus of 6 million African Muslims to Christianity." A few weeks later it was learned that this was deliberate misinformation on the part of the speaker, as pointed out in a report by Patrick Sookhdeo of the Barnabas Fund entitled "Exaggerated Convert Figures Could Cost Lives." The Pneuma Foundation editorial committee asked Dr. Calvin Smith, editor of EVANGELICAL REVIEW OF SOCIETY AND POLITICS to comment on the situation of secret believers in Muslim dominated nations.

In an article published by the Barnabas Fund, a charity which raises awareness of and supports persecuted Christians, its leader Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, a Christian expert on Islam, warns against disseminating statistics of large-scale Muslim conversions to Christianity. Sookhdeo believes such figures are often inaccurate, sometimes even exaggerated by some Western Christian organizations "whose financial support depends on the enthusiasm of Christians in their home countries." He highlights how Islamists, too, engage in deliberate disinformation for their own purposes, citing the following example:

A story that six million African Muslims are becoming Christians every year resulted from claims made by Sheikh Ahmad al Katani of Libya in a televised interview shown on Al-Jazeera. The sheikh's aim appeared to be to alarm Muslim viewers with high figures of Muslims leaving their faith in order to persuade them to give more generously to Islamic missionary efforts in Africa.

Whether statistics are genuine, miscalculated or exaggerated, Sookhdeo's point is clear: figures detailing widespread conversions to Christianity inflames Muslim sensibilities and can even cost lives.

It is a sobering warning. Indeed, Christians in many Muslim lands are already in a precarious position. That many Muslims might be converting to a downtrodden religious minority, to the deep alarm of Muslim leaders, makes it doubly so. Thus, in societies built upon a clan system and the need to protect family honour, so-called apostates are ruthlessly rooted out. Even here in the United Kingdom there have been several well-publicized reports of ex-Muslims being targeted for converting to Christianity. An former missionary in Arab North Africa told me of a well-known saying among missionaries to Muslim countries: "Islam follows a Christian convert to the grave". Imprisonment and killings of even the most elderly Christians testify to this.

All this leaves evangelistically-motivated Western Christians (notably classical Pentecostals, whose pneumatology and eschatology drive their urgent evangelistic activity) with somewhat of a quandary. Repentance is a cause for Christian celebration, a reason to glorify God (Lk 15:10), which is why some Western Christian organizations publish conversion statistics. For them these figures translate into actual, real people who have discovered Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. Indeed, this is why the Pneuma Foundation recently published the statistics in question concerning Christian growth in Muslim lands.

However, it is a short step from glorifying God to engaging in triumphalism, which can only serve to create difficulties for our new brothers and sisters in such lands. Neither should conversion figures ever be inflated and exploited by Western Christian organizations simply to raise finances (which is little different from the motives of the Sheikh appearing on Al-Jazeera). As such, this whole issue raises an important question for all Western Christians, namely, the need to publicize figures at all, which can only serve to make the situation of Christians in some lands even more precarious. If Christians working quietly on the ground in such countries do not feel the need to bandy about the growing numbers of conversions to Christianity, why should we? It is our brothers and sisters in other lands who may well pay the price.

That is not to say that by exercising wisdom and keeping silent will necessarily end persecution of Christians. Embattled Christian minorities will find likely find themselves increasingly persecuted as they attract more converts, while persecution for our faith is inevitable (Matthew 5:11). In the meantime, rather than publicizing wide-scale statistics of decisions for Christ, perhaps we should be glorifying God and praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters in other lands privately, while publicly drawing attention to the suffering of such Christians to governments and others to help bring it to an end.

__________

Calvin L. Smith, Ph. D., Principal of King's Evangelical Divinity School (United Kingdom), and editor of the Evangelical Review of Society and Politics.

Excerpts from THE PNEUMA REVIEW

THE PNEUMA REVIEW is a quarterly printed journal of ministry resources and theology for Pentecostal and charismatic ministries and leaders. For more information about THE PNEUMA REVIEW, and to learn how to subscribe, please visit: Introducing THE PNEUMA REVIEW. www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp

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From the Winter 2009 issue

A Movement Actually on the Move: An Appreciative Response to "An Evangelical Manifesto"

By Tony Richie

There seems to be a move by some Evangelicals to engage more effectively today's culture and society. This has been building for some time. Neither do these appear to be isolated incidents. Several Evangelicals are moving in similar directions. "An Evangelical Manifesto: A Declaration of Evangelical Identity and Public Commitment" (see www.evangelicalmanifesto.com)Â is an especially significant example. First, several stalwart Evangelical leaders and thinkers, including Richard Mouw (Fuller Theological Seminary), Timothy George (Samford University), Dallas Willard (Southern California University), and others not only signed it but also helped shape it. Leith Anderson, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, was one of the charter signatories. Other notable signatories include Kay Arthur, Stuart Briscoe, Leighton Ford, Justo Gonzalez, Mark Noll, and Alvin Plantinga. Pentecostals will notice names like Jack Hayford, Cheryl Bridges Johns, Mel Robeck, Amos Yong, and others. (I just now signed it myself, and I encourage others to do so too.)

Second, among other things, "An Evangelical Manifesto" enumerates concerns for political and social action, ecological awareness, and ecumenical openness and even interreligious engagement - all without sacrificing or apologizing for continuing commitment to historic Evangelical principles regarding Christ, the Bible, or the Church and its mission. Its tone is quite positive, though perhaps just a bit defensive at times, but overall well balanced. Most of all, it is an intelligent and articulate presentation of Evangelical concerns for a wider arena of issues than previously typical. Additionally, it steadfastly resists and repudiates attempts to stereotype Evangelicals, maintaining a firm grip on a moderate posture between reactionary fundamentalism and reductionist liberalism, viewing both as undesirable, avoidable extremes. These Evangelicals see themselves, though perhaps not as "mainline," yet as moderates, that is, as members of a movement more in the middle rather than to the far left or far right. Significantly, "An Evangelical Manifesto" is biblically and theologically sound while being culturally engaged. The steering committee and participants are to be commended for courageous work of exceptional quality. (NPR also has an interview about this with Mouw that is interesting. See http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90252763.)

Interestingly, there appears to be an expanding and, at times, energetic move among some Pentecostals toward cultural and social engagement that gels well with "An Evangelical Manifesto". For example, Jerry Redman has written persuasively on "A Theology of Social Action" (http://www.faithnews.cc/articles.cfm?sid=8827) designed for Evangelicals and Pentecostals. Furthermore, Fleming Rutledge, in "When God Disturbs the Peace" (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/june/13.30.html), has connected Pentecostal and Charismatic understandings of the supernatural dimension and spiritual deliverance with social dynamics. Internationally known Charismatic speaker and writer Cindy Jacobs's emphasis on working to achieve social transformation through intercession and prophetic ministry (The Reformation Manifesto: Your Part in God's Plan to Change Nations Today [Bethany House, 2008]) comes to mind as well. From a sociological standpoint, the significance of the move toward Pentecostal social engagement has been studied by Donald Miller and Tetsunao Yamamori in Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement (Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2007).

"An Evangelical Manifesto" is apparently an emphatic attempt to address contemporary concerns without abdicating traditional commitments. Likeminded Pentecostals can say "Amen!" Faith in Christ and life in the Spirit propels one beyond the borders of individual experience and interest into the wider arena of a needy if sometimes nasty world. Yet one does not forsake the former in favor of the other. Personal piety and social activity are, or ought to be, partners in Christ-centered, Spirit-filled living.

__________

Tony Richie, D.Min, D.Th. (candidate), a bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), is pastor of New Harvest in Knoxville, TN and does adjunct teaching at Church of God Theological Seminary (Cleveland, TN) and Church of God South American Seminary (Quito, Ecuador). He also serves the Society for Pentecostal Studies as liaison to the Interfaith Relations Committee of the National Council of Churches. His articles that have appeared in numerous Christian academic journals.

Read more reviews and articles from the Winter 2009 issue of THE PNEUMA REVIEW www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp

Book Review: A Book You Will Actually Read On Church Leadership

From the winter 2009 issue

Mark Driscoll, A Book You Will Actually Read On Church Leadership (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008), 96 pages, ISBN 9781433501371

Christians and even churches seem to find traditional NT leadership issues a bit boring, if not irrelevant, to modern church culture. An ever increasing trend in developing leadership teams is to adapt a more corporate style of government and move away from traditional modes for elders and deacons focusing more on the essence of leadership than structure. On Church Leadership presents a conservative, traditional viewpoint with a contemporary paradigm that weaves in a value of leadership involving more than qualifications and organizational charts. And it's short, just 76 pages between the intro and the ample appendix. No fluff here.

Knowing a bit about author Mark Driscoll, pastor of the large and growing Mars Hill Church in Seattle, will enhance appreciation for his point of view. Driscoll is on the leading edge of being Reformed and relevant, a hip version of Spurgeon ala Urban Outfitters with a matching church culture. What you will see through the pages, beginning with Jesus, is a description of elders as spiritual leadership, deacons as assistants who oversee material and practical affairs and clearly defined membership requirements. The chapter on leadership teams lays out the dynamics of prophet, priest and king mixed in with "air war" and "ground war" paradigms. Other offerings include a question and answer section and a sample of the Mars Hill membership covenant.

Several portions of the book stood out to me. The first was an emphasis on the lead pastor as a "first among equals" elder. In establishing hierarchy among elders Driscoll likely sees these distinctions as vital for casting and carrying out vision, operating entrepreneurially and underscoring that even leaders have a leader. One could conclude then that while elders operate in plurality and unity they clearly are not running over the pastor. This it would seem lends biblical support to the pastor as CEO concept without sidestepping limits and accountability.

Another item, surely to raise more than eyebrows, is Driscoll's extensive chapter (more than a fourth of the book) on the role of women in leadership. He does not see the Bible supporting any role for women as pulpit teachers or in the ranks of elder and at the same time does see women filling the deacon role. That chapter alone is worthy of a substantial review and I suggest you read it for yourself.

Notably absent from the material is discussion on roles of five fold ministry gifts (Eph 4) particularly as they relate to leadership functions and structure. While there are several paragraphs in the question and answer section that marginally address his view of an apostle, more inclusive commentary and clarity would be helpful. According to his website at www.theresurgence.org, Driscoll does believe in the charismatic gifts but it's clear he wouldn't identify with some segments of the contemporary charismatic church.

From the recent plant to the well established church and to those struggling with church leadership issues, this book is worth a look. Contemporary methodology from the pulpit to the pew can produce strong numbers but weak churches. Driscoll challenges leaders to maintain a conservative biblical basis and a culturally relevant mindset. You may not find consensus with everything presented but there is a wealth of resources for practical insight and implementation to aid leaders in developing or restructuring a solid framework for effective ministry.

Reviewed by Ron Messelink

__________

Ron Messelink , left the business world in 1992 to pursue the call to ministry. A graduate from Grace School of Ministry, he founded Grace Life Church where he has ministered for over 12 years. Ronâ€™s passion is for people to know and experience the reality of Christ in you, the hope of glory. He and his family reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Read the rest of this review and many other articles in the Winter 2009 issue of THE PNEUMA REVIEW www.pneumafoundation.org/intro_pr.jsp

Resources You Can Use

Receive MINISTRY TODAY online

Strang Communications, publishers of periodicals such as CHARISMA magazine, is making their magazine for ministry leaders available online without cost.

Read a recent issue: http://digital.ministrytodaymag.com and signup to continue receiving announcements about the latest issue here: digital.ministrytodaymag.com/signup

You may also sign up to receive CHARISMA magazine online here: digital.charismamag.com/signup

Need a Registration Service for your next Event?
Consider http://www.regonline.com.

They charge a tiny commission for nearly everything, charging a flat rate of $3 per donation if you want them to receive donations on your behalf. But if you have not set up a merchant account or a PayPal business account, you will find their rates competitive. RegOnline.com offers you some great tools for building the web pages and forms.

Source: Brigada Today 2009/01/18

Praying for the Unreached

Don Marchant writes: "I am convinced that, when enough of us pray for the 10,000 Unreached Peoples, God will sweep around the excellent work of our gallant missionaries with his powerful anointing and super-enabling, and the UPs will be reached more speedily.

"It's been 2000 years, and still 40% of the world's population are beyond the influence of our efforts. I do the research and send out weekly emails, each featuring one UP, the same one as is featured by Global Prayer Digest for the following Sunday. I encourage pastors to take my bullet-points to their pulpits so they can inform and motivate their congregation to pray... and then lead them in brief but earnest prayer for that UP."

http://www.prayforup.com

Don Marchant is the author of Equipped to Go to an Unreached People, published by Vision International.

Conflict Coaching Training

Peace and reconciliation reveal the health of your church, glorify Jesus Christ, enhance your witness, and stimulate church growth.

When a church experiences conflict, the results can be devastating - couples divorce, families are torn apart, pastors resign, churches split, and our witness for Christ is lost. It doesn't have to be like this.
Peacemaker Ministries is offering Conflict Coaching Training at The Chapel, in Akron, Ohio, on March 27-28, 2008.

Conflict Coaching provides you with tools to help guide an individual toward Christ-like behavior in a personal conflict with another individual.

For more Biblical Peacemaking seminars in your area, visit: http://bookstore.peacemaker.net/blog/?p=223.
http://www.peacemaker.net

Prayer Requests

Mission leader Steve K. asks for prayer about the following: Preaching in Presbyterian church in Pattaya. Preaching on every Saturday morning at the Park. Mission Support.

Uzbekistan: Church Learning to Overcome amidst Persecution. Throughout 2008, the Christians in Uzbekistan continued to face persecution from the government. This has included police raiding church services, harassment, confiscation and even destruction of Bibles and other Christian material, arrest and detention of church leaders and members, fines and imprisonment, sometimes with beatings. Some large registered churches have been closed down. Mass media continue negative coverage of the Protestant churches, resulting in harsher persecution of Christians by society. However, the persecution has also resulted positively in a growing consolidation, unity and mutual help amongst Christians, as well as stronger prayer and fasting. Christians in Uzbekistan ask us to pray that they may be 100 percent victorious amidst persecution!
Source: WEA Religious Liberty Commission - RLP 511 | Uzbekistan: Church Learning to Overcome amidst Persecution

Please join with the volunteer staff of the Pneuma Foundation, praying that God will enable us to continue to carry out the mission He has entrusted us with. We currently are in need of financial resources, volunteers for website projects, appropriate articles for The Pneuma Review, and most of all your prayers that God will allow us to help equip others for effective ministry.

Pastor DN in India writes: "Really it was a great joyful time for all of us to worship our lord Jesus Christ in this Christmas season. Hope, this season was a great blessing time for you all. We pray that you have a prosperous New Year 2009. Please pray for my 30 Pastors/Evangelists, who are striving to save this Hindu country India."

Pastor James writes: "Thank you for your kind regards. When the church is brought low, the true child of God is fed with tears. The word of God is worth contending for.
"Please pray for the following requests: 1) Pray for the orphans to have food, clothing and medicine. 2) Pray for us to have roofing for our churches. 3) Pray for us to have Bibles for our churches. 4) Pray for us to have bikes for our pastors and evangelists." Reference Number: 90033983

Support the Pneuma Foundation

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