The Next Wave June 2012

The Voice of Global Apostolic Reformation

June 2012

International Circle of Faith 40,000 Ministers with 11 Million Constituents

Why We Need New Bible Translations INSIDE: Sexual Strugglers Love BomBing Post Modern Christianity ICOF Meeting Special Report

Machine Gun Preacher

George Fox The Holy Radical

Editorial success should anyone attempt to modify their thinking. They frequently challenge any person to.

This is a sign of insecurity - a false sense of security based on self promotion. True security is in the knowledge that God alone is Truth, Light and Love. In varying measures we are just reflections of that, not of our self, they are gifts from God for a greater purpose.

The task of simplifying a complex book like the Bible can often lead to mistranslation, misapplication and misunderstanding. We all miss it at times.

You have limitations and strengths. Never confuse them.

There is only One God - it's not you. Divine love shines light to reveal truth. You can only walk in the light given to you. Be guided by that inner voice.

James Peter Jandu, Editor

Simplistic approaches lead to error. Truth is simple. Once false ideas lodge in the mind the victim states the impossibility of

THE NEXT WAVE is a monthly publication of the International Circle of Faith (ICOF) Global Network and is distributed globally to Churches, ministries and Christian organizations.

CONTENTS New Bible Translations Sexual Strugglers Stick Together Machine Gun Preacher Pastor's loss of faith GEORGE FOX -the HOLY RADICAL How to Burn Out When God Says, “Wait” Love Bombing What is a Spiritual Father?

Quotes Led by Teachers and Scholars?

Serving in an Unhealthy Situation Post Modern Christianity?

Issues of Aging Life more ANEMICALLY? The Bible Religitics Christianity?

Humor ICOF Meeting Report

1 2 3 4 6 7 9 11 13 15 16 17 20 21 25 26 27 30 34 37 38-39

WELCOME TO THE NEXT WAVE. WELCOME TO THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCLE OF FAITH.

THE

NEXT WAVE is the voice of Apostolic Reformation (Apostolic Restoration). Since the time of John Wycliffe there has been an interest of true believers in returning the Church to the tenets taught by the original Apostles and held by the New Testament Church. This Apostolic Reformation has seen many waves of the Holy Spirit. The last prominent wave of Apostolic Reformation was in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s. It is our expectation that we are in another wave of Apostolic Reformation. The Next Wave is published by International Circle of Faith Global Network. To receive a complimentary copy of The Next Wave each month register your email on our website.

Permission is granted to forward copies of The Next Wave to others. Available at www.icof.net ARTICLES: Email us - Include your full name and any details you would like included. We cannot guarantee inclusion. Please also submit a good quality photo.

1000 word limit. Proofread before sending. All articles should be in line with the vision of this publication.

The Next Wave is published by I.C.O.F. Inclusion of artcile does not denote full endorsement of content nor the authors other beliefs.

Register your email online to receive regular issues: www.icof.net

ADVERTISING: Email us for rate card(price list) or call 502.410.426

P.O. Box 72 Sulphur, KY 40070, USA Tel: 502.410.4263

Email: administration@icof.net

Join the Team

Download: Download magazine via www.icof.net

www.icof.net Editor: nextwave@icof.net

We are always in need of volunteers for marketing, graphics and editorial posts. Email Us.

Why We Need New

Bible Translations

by Paul Franklyn

All translation is interpretation.

Consider the word “atonement.”

William Tyndale in the 16th century invented that compound word from at+one+ment. Since then hundreds of books have been written to explain what the word means, and theologians have pitched their camps around the theories for a word that is an inventive interpretation for the Hebrew concept of “kafar.”

The Common English Bible, a completely new translation that officially published in September 2011, does not use the word “atonement.” Instead the translators and editors prefer “reconcile” or “reconciliation.”

Now consider the word “soul.” That word is a post-New Testament Greek idea, which was embraced by the King James translators and nearly all of its popular descendants, but it is clearly not what the Hebrew “nefesh” meant to the ancient Israelites, nor did the Greek term “psyche” mean “soul” to the first-century Christians. The Common English Bible accurately translates the Old and New Testament concept with several terms, including “whole being” or “life.”

Finally consider the word “Law.” In

the Old Testament for the Common English Bible, “torah” is translated as “Instruction” because biblical scholars agree that the Hebrew word refers to teaching a way of life.

On the other hand, the New Testament word “nomos” refers to the concept of Law, as it did in preChristian Greek philosophy.

Of course, some interpreters or translators will likely make different choices when they translate. This diversity of interpretation is exactly why we need new translations that are based on the best consensus in the widest possible spectrum of biblical scholarship. This continuing effort to interpret God’s Word accurately must strive for clarity and comprehension. That’s why we asked 120 translators from 24 denominations to collaborate. We tested their result with reading groups in 13 denominations, who read the text as spoken 1

word.

Sometimes interpreters or translators think that the Bible is a weapon, to be used as a tool for denouncing their opponents. Jesus is grieved and unbelievers are repulsed when his disciples vie for first place in governing God’s Kingdom. Instead, let’s remember that Jesus calls us to pursue this way of life together on common ground.

We have work to do.

Paul Franklyn is Associate Publisher for the Common English Bible.

What Sexual Strugglers Wish Their Pastors Knew

by Jeff Fisher

(yet) - Bible reading, prayer, fasting, memorization are keys to recovery.

But many who are struggling are already doing these things. They are in bondage to sexual sin. A stronghold has taken hold. Books from Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis are fine, but suggest them later.

Right now, the man who struggles needs to confess, bring things into the light and repent. He needs the elders of the church to pray over him and walk him back to Jesus (Galatians 6:1-2). He has hardened his heart and has no idea how far away his heart has strayed.

You can be a great help to the sexual strugglers in your congregation.

You don’t have to be a trained counselor or sexual expert, but it helps to understand what they are thinking, what they don’t need and where to find good resources.

I hope these insights will help you step into the shoes of a sexual struggler. I have felt them, and the men and ministers I work with have felt them.

1. My roots go deep – Every person who struggles sexually has a history.

There may be abuse. He may come from a sexually repressed family or sexually liberal family. He may come from a strong Christian family but never talked about sex in a health way. Peer pressure, unmet needs, past sexual experiences, failures, or the condition of their marriage could all have an effect on why a person is acting out sexually.

2. My true needs are being met in wrong ways – What deep needs does the struggler have that he’s trying to meet in unhealthy ways?

Yes, he has a need for God, but what specifically is he longing for? It might be the need to be loved, accepted, understood, fulfilled, respected, or appreciated. It might be a need for companionship or a need for intimacy. The minister needs to know unmet needs drive addictions, and the addict has discovered sexual pleasure makes him feel like these needs are being met.

Great resource for understanding

the deep needs of the sexual struggler: Seven Desires of Every Heart

by Mark Laaser 3. I have tried to stop, many times – The sexual struggler doesn’t understand the bondage he is in. He knows he needs to stop and has tried hundreds of times. He’s made promises to himself and God. He’s prayed and repented, but doesn’t know how to conquer it. He doesn’t know that he can’t do it on his own.

He doesn’t understand the importance of sharing his secrets and confessing his sin (James 5:16). He doesn’t know that he is damaged and needs others to help him slowly through it. Telling a struggler stop or replace his behavior isn’t enough.

4. More religious actions won’t help 2

5. I need someone to “get in the mud” with me – Some react to a sexual struggler like he has H1N1.

We offer trite expressions and dismiss the person saying, “I’ll pray for you.”, or “Wow, I’m sorry you’re struggling with that.” A sexually broken person doesn’t need sympathy, he needs empathy. He needs people to get in the trenches with him.

He is sick, crippled, paralyzed, and unable to “man up” and work through his struggles. If you treat the sexual addict like you would someone who’s just been in a tragic car accident you’ll be on the right track.

6. A lecture, threat, or scolding is not going to help me – The sexual struggler is already wrestling with the Shame Monster. Don’t bring more shame on him. Don’t bring condemnation or blast with how unrighteous he is acting. He knows

that.

7. I need skilled help – Some ministers are helpful to the sexual struggler and can help them with the initial layers of recovery. But a minister needs to know his limits, both in skill and in time commitment.

Find a Christian counselor who specializes in sexual issues. Find an older or more experienced person in the church that can help disciple the struggler. Help them find a Christ-centered support group.

8. I need resources – Sexual strugglers don’t know where to turn for help. They have used their computers for finding porn, not for finding help. Now you can help them! Do some leg work. Help them find websites, phone numbers, podcasts, books, counseling programs, support groups, and live-in programs.

Connect them with the others who are experienced.

9. I’m not a leper – It’s not hard for someone in bondage to sexual sin to feel condemned. They do a good job condemning themselves! Ministers can protect sexual strugglers from being labeled and ostracized.

Helpful churches know we all have sin, and sometimes get into bondage to sin. With one hand we must deal with sin seriously and with discipline. The other hand must reach into the mud with love and grace and mercy to help those of us that are sick.

YOU CAN BE A HELP AND NOT A HINDERANCE In my journey toward sexual purity I have sought the help and support of several ministers. Some have responded in a negative, hurtful ways, or didn’t know how to respond. Others have been positive, loving, supportive, and helped me find the help I needed. The ministers who have helped me the most were not clinically trained. They had good listening ears, and were able to look beneath the surface to see a child of God who was hurting, broken, and in bondage to sin.

Stick TogetheR

By David McCasland

The whole body, joined and knit together . . . , causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

(Ephesians 4:16) For years, scientists have wondered how fire ants, whose bodies are denser than water, can survive floods that should destroy them.

How do entire colonies form themselves into life rafts that can float for weeks? A Los Angeles Times article explained that engineers from the Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that tiny hairs on the ants’ bodies trap air bubbles. This enables thousands of the insects, “which flounder and struggle in the water as individuals,” to ride out the flood when they cling together.

The New Testament speaks often of our need to be connected to other followers of Christ in order to survive and grow spiritually. In Ephesians 4, Paul wrote, “We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind 3

of doctrine.” He added, “But, speaking the truth in love, may [we] grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (vv.14-16).

Alone, we sink; but clinging and growing together in the Lord, we can ride out every storm.

Let’s stick together!

We can’t avoid the tossing storms of life, And we survive while carried to and fro;We’ll stick together as we face the strife, And in God’s strength the victory we shall know.

—Hess Christians stand strong when they stand together.

Machine Gun Preacher

James Peter Jandu

Machine Gun Preacher: Walking in grace is not a performance. Grace believers often act 'gracey and flowery' seeking to portray the stereo type Christian - acting like lambs. Jesus was equally the lamb and the lion.

The grace revolution is mutually an expression of His light and an exposure of the works of darkness. Be known for both. Light reveals and exposes hidden things (John 3:20). Be cautious of those who are recognized for only one side. Jesus brought both grace and truth. Fearlessly speak the truth in love, no matter how harsh it occasionally appears. Sugar coated cowardly presentations are cheap shots at trickery. The only free cheese is in the mousetrap.

Machine Gun Preacher is the inspiring biopic film about Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing biker tough guy who found God and became a crusader for hundreds of kidnapped Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers. He uses weapons and machine guns to rescue these innocent children in collaboration with the Sudan People's Liberation Army against the atrocities of the Lord's Resistance Army.

Flowery Christians have complained about his methods. They maintain that love and patience should be utilized instead of bloodshed. Apparently, the darkness should be dispelled by turning on the light of love. I am reminded of the Chris-

tians who argue that war is never the answer against dictators and that we should forgive them. Sam Childers makes the following point:

"If they had your child would you care how I got them back?"

"If they had your child would you care how I got them back?"

Well rounded Christianity is a presentation of light and exposure of darkness. Jesus exemplified this.

The Pharisees where pricked by his exposure of their religiosity and conveniently failed to see any grace in his approach and teaching. Their veiled false accusations of arrogance and rebellion and was to conceal their religiosity. They felt threatened, yet would adamantly deny this.

The head in the sand attitude Christians often portray affects their outlook and attitude. They miss the elephant in the room. Tony Campolo illustrates this well: 4

"I have three things I'd like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.� Tony Campolo Females generally out number males in Christian churches resulting in feminine practices and attitudes dominating. Usually masculine males evolve into feminine creatures; touchy feely and limp. Love becomes soft instead of real. The result is spineless leaders who present a seeker friendly message, eager not to tread on any toes.

In martial arts we are taught to avoid fights except when absolutely necessary. We are also taught there is the skill of using softness and hardness in successful fighting - yin and yang. To be skilful to present truth in love, humour and firmness simultaneously is a skilful gift few posses.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for (1) teaching, (2) rebuking, (3) correcting and (4) training in righteousness" (II Tim 3:16).

We are to teach and train as well as rebuke and correct.

Bishop Bernie L. Wade, ICOF President The Mission of ICOF is to provide: Unprecedented unity to the body of Christ Communion of like-minded churches, ministries, education and charitable organizations Fellowship connection for church leaders and ascension Resources for training and equipping Mentoring relationships for ministry development Apostolic Covering for structure, order and protocol

P.O. Box 72 Sulphur, KY 40070, USA Tel: 502.410.4263 Email: administration@icof.net

Pastor's loss of faith started with loss of hell BETHESDA, Md. – In the span of just a few months, Jerry DeWitt went from a respected pastor with a vibrant congregation to an atheist without a job.

DeWitt, 42, is the first "graduate" of The Clergy Project, a program supported by several atheist organizations that assists pastors who have lost their faith to "come out" as atheists to family, friends, congregations and communities.

"I could not do it," he said, as the hall grew quiet. "At that moment my conscience outweighed everything else in my life. … No matter how much I loved her, I knew the best hope for her situation was a good medical staff and I wasn't going to pretend there was anything better for her than science and reason."

DeWitt, who lives in Southern Louisiana, went public last October when he posted a picture of himself with the prominent and polarizing atheist Richard Dawkins, snapped at a meeting of atheists and other "freethinkers" in Houston.

Speaking in March before a cheering crowd of several hundred unbelievers at the American Atheists conference here, he described posting the picture as "committing identity suicide."

The response was swift. His congregation put him out, friends cut him off and some family members will not speak to him, he said.

"It is not just finances and it is not just career," he said in the fire-andbrimstone cadences of his Pentecostal background. "It is everything that you hold dear."

But there are gains, too. "With a little help from my friends, I have learned how to do more than survive," he said.

DeWitt's transition from true believer to total skeptic took 25 years.

It began, he said, with the idea of hell. How could it be, as he had

His heart, he said, was "absolutely, totally broken." He described gazing at himself in a mirror and realizing "that if I could not pray for her that I would never pray for anyone or anything ever again." been taught and preached, that a loving God would damn most people to eternal fire? "This thing called hell, it began to rock my world," he said.

From there he read about universalism — the idea, scorned by most fundamentalist Christians, that salvation is universal, and all people will be restored in their relationship with God without any action on their own part. After universalism, he discovered the idea, supported by some neuroscientists, that God is actually our inner dialogue.

"I went from God loves everybody to God saves everybody to God is in everybody," he said.

His new beliefs — kept secret from friends, family and his congregation — were put to the test when a friend in crisis asked him to pray with her.

6

It was then that he found The Clergy Project, plugging into its anonymous online support groups and forums.

That was last May. "I was amazed that there were people out there wrestling with the same issues I was," he said. "And I began to work my way out with a little help from my friends."

Today, DeWitt is the executive director of Recovering From Religion, a group that helps people — not just clergy — find their way after a loss of faith.

"Not only can you survive, but you can thrive through this process," he said as the crowd erupted into applause.

GEORGE FOX -

the HOLY RADICAL

by David Smithers

In the year of 1647, a large man with piercing eyes named George Fox started preaching throughout the towns and villages of England.

He prayed and fasted often, traveling with no other companion but his Bible. He proclaimed a gospel of purity, power and repentance.

When George Fox began preaching, many churches were dead and bound in man-made traditions and formalism. When the Church drifts into formalism, the world drifts into further ungodliness. The methods and appearance of George Fox to some, seemed quite offensive and extreme. It is sometimes necessary for God's prophets to be unconventional in order to thoroughly awaken the indifferent and hard hearted.

Soon after George Fox began to preach, he had a remarkable spiritual experience that lasted fourteen days. A certain Mr. Brown, while on his death bed prophesied many great things concerning Fox. "When this man was buried," says Fox, "a great work of the Lord fell on me."

During this mighty baptism of the Spirit, Fox received a remarkable gift of discernment. "He seemed to be able to read the character of men by looking at them."

Miraculous healings also accompanied his ministry. Through prayer and the laying on of hands, the sick were often healed and devils were

Fox also often pointed out that what was commonly called the Church was only a building. He boldly declared that only the fervent believers of Christ were the living stones of the true Church.

cast out to the glory of Christ. When George Fox preached men would shake and tremble.

"The name Quaker was given to Fox and his followers because of the quaking of the men who came to scoff but stayed to pray." This remarkable power seemed to accompany the preaching of Fox wherever he went.

Fox preached that Jesus Christ is the author of a faith which purifies and gives victory over sin. He fervently exhorted men to pursue complete holiness rather than empty religious ceremonies.

As a result, he was often beaten, stoned and driven out of town.

It is estimated that perhaps no other man since the time of the Reformation was persecuted and imprisoned as often as George Fox. He usually went about the country on foot, dressed in his famous suit of leather clothes, which it is believed he made himself. He often slept outside under a tree or in some haystack.

7

"Above all George Fox excelled in prayer." It was his habit to wait in silence for the movement of the Holy Spirit and then begin to pray, causing whole congregations to be shaken and humbled under the hand of God Almighty.

"As he prayed the power of God came down in such a marvelous manner the very building seemed to rock." Through the ministry of George Fox, a glimmer of Apostolic power was revealed to seventeenth century England. He was a man of the Spirit in an age that emphasized theological and scriptural accuracy at the expense of the power of the Holy Ghost. He always stressed the importance of a Spirit filled life and refused to let dead orthodoxy be a veil for the works of the flesh.

If we as believers are content with a gospel that merely comforts our conscience and perseveres our traditions, then we are also content to forsake the gospel of Christ and the Apostles. God help us to truly seek the kind of praying and preaching that will once again make men tremble in the presence of Jesus Christ.

“It is our expectation that we are on the verge of yet another wave of the Spirit. We refer to this as The Next Wave. The Next Wave will be as radically different as the last wave. The opposition will come from the recipients of the last wave.�

Dr. Bernie L. Wade, President International Circle of Faith

How to Burn Out, Stress Out, and Water Down Your Ministry in

7 Easy Steps

By Kelly Rhoades In my early days in ministry I was full of excitement and passion. It seemed that my energy was boundless as I worked as a youth pastor, went to school, and managed to work another part time construction job to pay the bills. As I grew older and God blessed my wife and I with children things began to get more complicated. My energy seemed to wane and I found myself stressed out, burned out, and coasting. The passion and excitement I had in those early days wasn’t gone, but it was on its way. I went through a lot of pain, soul searching, prayer, and guidance from mentors before I identified the cause. I’ll admit I still find myself struggling to maintain balance in these areas. Thankfully I have men in my life who will point out when I need to step back and readjust a few things in my life. Take a look and see if any of these are issues you struggle with as well.

1. Let other people determine your worth.

No matter how many people tell me how great the message was on Sunday; just one negative or overly critical person’s voice seems to drown out all the others. The problem isn’t with that one Negative Nelly, the problem is when we derive our feelings of success or satisfaction from people rather than from the Lord. If

you are preaching from the Word of God, which is sharper than any two edged sword, sooner or later you will offend someone and offended people often lash out. When they do, it is easy to get down on yourself because of their hurtful words. Pastor Perry Noble when speaking on the issue of critics in the church says, “When you allow the voice of those who know you the least to define you the most you are in trouble. The voice of the critic does not define you if you are a follower of Jesus and called by Christ. You need to trade in your self esteem for God esteem.”

- Perry Noble However, by the same token, if your confidence rests on getting “attaboys” from certain people in your congregation you are playing with fire as well. In Luke 6:26 Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you.” The Bible is clear, we are first and foremost accountable to God, and our chief aim must be to please him.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) emphasis added 9

When we allow the voice of the crowd and their opinion, whether positive or negative, to shape our sermons and leadership we are really allowing them to lead instead of following the Holy Spirit. Pastor you are the called and anointed leader of the church and your family. The Lord has entrusted, equipped, and called you to this task, at this time.

Don’t let anyone strip away or diminish what the Lord has called you to.

2. Compare your ministry to others.

This is so natural to do, but it is also destructive. We compare numbers, facilities, budgets, even softball team records and when you do that, either way you fail. You end up either feeling like you don’t measure up or pridefully conclude that your ministry is better or more anointed than someone else’s. God wants us to be confidently humble, to be neither in envy of another or prideful over what God has done through our work. 1 Corinthians 3:6 makes it clear when Paul wrote “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” God is the one doing the real work. The first question you need to answer is am I being obedient? I’ll take obedience over numbers any day. People will

know we love Jesus not by how many people we cram in our churches, or by how big the offering was, but by how we obey. But I also have this sneaking feeling that obedience leads to health, which leads to making disciples and growth in every significant area in the church.

Pursue Christ through obedience, He will take care of the growth.

3. Don’t take care of yourself.

Current CIA Director, General David Patraeus has stated that the human body is the ultimate weapons system, and when well cared for, these bodies of ours are capable of amazing feats. However when we are running on caffeine, subsisting on junk and fast food, and carrying too much excess baggage we find ourselves running low on energy to the point where enthusiasm and passion just isn’t enough anymore. Not only do we have less energy, we are less productive with what we do have. Getting on a whole body health plan that addresses body, mind, and spirit is one of the most challenging things I have ever attempted to do. It takes discipline and commitment to be successful but I find that when I do take time to exercise, eat right, and fill my mind with good things the dividends far outweigh the expenditures.

4. Stay isolated.

Ministry is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. I have found that because pastors tend to struggle with 1 & 2 they often fail to build real relationships with other pastoral peers in their community. These are the men who know the load you carry, and have been down that same road you are on. Even pastors need relationships so that “iron can sharpen iron”. Younger pastors need to connect with more experi-

enced pastors, and more experienced pastors need to pass on their knowledge and experience. Sadly though there are many that are more dedicated to their pet doctrines than they are to the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:20-23 and Paul wrote about in Ephesians 4:1-16. We need to find time to lay differences aside and build relationships with other pastors for prayer, fellowship and support. Who knows if pastors led the way in this, entire communities might follow suit!

5.

Maintain Poor Boundaries.

As one called into ministry the word “no” is both surprisingly hard to say and seems to be very offensive to people when they hear me say it.

But everyone needs to hear it from time to time. After a spate of very early morning and middle of the night phone calls I asked a person in the church to stop calling my home and to only call me during business hours at the office. It’s not that the calls were completely pointless, but they were disturbing to my family’s rest and my family comes before anything but a legitimate emergency. There are people in your church and community that are needy and while they cannot be ignored, good boundaries must be put in place or everything else will suffer. There is simply not enough 10

time or energy available to meet the needs of everyone around you and maintain the things God has called you to. Know where the line is and do not hesitate to draw it.

6. Keep Even Poorer Priorities.

We are called to our personal walk with God first, to our spouses second, our families third, and then to our ministry, in that order. It is easy to get that out of whack and when we do ministry becomes a mistress that attacks our marriages, families, and can ultimately destroy the church. Some pastors allow their walk with Christ to suffer because they replace it with sermon prep. If God is indeed desirous of relationship that is so often described in passionate and intimate terms, there needs to be passion and intimacy in your daily pursuit of Him. The same goes for your spouse. They need to know they are number one in your book and you show that through making time, cultivating that relationship, and doing the little things that matter. Guess what, your kids need that same type of relational cultivation as well. One requirement of ministry in both Titus and Timothy was a healthy home life, no you don’t have to be June and Ward Cleaver but you need to take care of your household first, as 1 Timothy 3:5 reminds us, “For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?”

7. Refuse to rest.

This is a big one. We often preach honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy, but it seems that many pastors struggle to maintain a consistent day of rest for themselves and their families. Here are some tips to a healthy Sabbath.

Set aside a day each week specifically for rest.

Attitude – train your mind to stay off the work you need to get done at the office.

Boundary – again, unless it is an emergency, this is a day for you and your family to rest in the Lord.

Bible – Remember this isn’t a vacation away from the Word. The Bible is meant to refresh and reenergize so make time in your day for your own study.

When God Says, “Wait”

By Rick Warren

All Together – your family needs to be a part of this rest time as well whenever possible. Plan time to be together.

Teach yourself. I have a stable of preaching podcasts I listen to for my own edification. This is not when I listen to leadership podcasts though. On my days off I specifically listen to preaching so that through hearing the Word my own faith might become activated.

Home – spend some time at home.

Unless rest is just impossible at home, spend sometime around your house. Fix things, garden, take a nap, play with the kids, enjoy time with your spouse, whatever you need to do to relax, find a way to do it at home.

The title of this article is a little tongue in cheek, but seriously any one of these can lead to burning out, stressing out, and watering down your ministry. If you find yourself dealing with multiples of these you may have a real problem on your hands and may need to see somebody. I know where my greatest struggles are and which ones come more easily, but I definitely have plenty of room to grow in all these areas. If you have anything to add I would love to hear it!

But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, And we hate to wait. We don’t like to surely, the time approaches when wait in a doctor’s office, in traffic the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems jams, at restaurants, for Christmas slow, do not despair, for these presents, or for anything else. But things will surely come to pass. Just what we hate worst of all is waiting be patient! They will not be overdue on God. a single day!" (Habakkuk 2:3 LB) We all have to go through these Even as you waiting pemake a deciriods. Even A delay is not a denial. Children must Jesus sion to follow learn the difference between “no” waited for the dream God places in and “not yet,” and so must we. Many 30 years in your heart, times we think God is saying, “No,” the carpenyou can exter’s shop but he is really saying, “Not yet.” pect a delay. before setGod will not ting out on fulfill your dream immediately, behis public ministry. cause this is another step toward building your faith.

Why do we wait? It teaches us to trust in God. We learn that his timIn Habakkuk 2, God says, “These ing is perfect. One of the facts we things I plan won’t happen right have to learn is this: God’s delay away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the never destroys his purpose. time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled” (Habakkuk 2:3 LB).

A delay is not a denial. Children must learn the difference between When delay comes to your dreams, “no” and “not yet,” and so must we. you’ll most likely start asking the Many times we think God is saying, question, “When, Lord? When are “No,” but he is really saying, “Not you going to answer my prayer?” yet.”

11

Advertise with us Email us for Rate Card

THE NEXT WAVE is a monthly publication of the International Circle of Faith (ICOF) Global Network and is distributed globally to Churches, ministries and Christian organizations.

www.icof.net

LOVE BOMBING James Peter Jandu One of the annoying symptoms of religious Christianity is a fake self effort humanistic love that parades as the love of God. It's an act and a sham.

The infected individual will walk around with a portable pulpit strapped around their neck urging everyone to "walk on love", not realizing that God's love is a fruit of the Spirit not a manufactured work of the flesh.

Love bombing is common amongst cults - this is where they will bomb a potential new convert with 'goody two shoes' love. Beneath the pious exterior is a smug and smarmy heart that performs love acts seeking self-satisfaction and indirect admiration from spectators. This type of person would not hurt a fly. This is not the love of God but a counterfeit love practiced by religionists and the over Christianized who are skilled in the language of love.

In the context of evangelism, potential targets are overwhelmed with attention which makes them feel unique, loved, and an important part of the new community. Manipulative techniques utilized to instil trust including, but not limited to, flattery, verbal seduction, affectionate touching and lots of attention.

The trapped victim then finds it

ridiculous to think of the new community as detrimental, since everybody is so gracious. The prey is induced into a social high.

These friendshipping techniques are adopted to find new and retain existing members. Each person met is viewed as a potential recruit and every act of love has strings attached. When the techniques fail the 'love bomber' shifts their attentions elsewhere.

Members are encouraged by legalistic leaders to make available service projects under the guise of love and normally target less-active members or non-members. This they label evangelism but is in reality a web cunningly designed to ensnare you. The gullible are spellbound but within the enlightened alarm bells ring and red lights flash at any hint of this recruitment tactic.

13

"A "love bomb" is a purported weapon that the US military attempted to develop sometime in the 80s or 90s as a relatively "peaceful" way of disorientating or demoralising enemy troops. In the bomb was a collection of pheromones and other chemicals designed to make the enemy soldiers incredibly horny, and thus turn gay, preferably on each other." (Rationalwiki).

Too many flowery, wimpy, softysofty, spineless, drippy pussy cat Christians and preachers; any lions in the house?

The true love of God is not an act; it is a flood of love that you know did not originate from you and that loves your enemies in reality and not fictitiously. This is the true revelation of His love and grace. God's love is a fruit of the Spirit not a manufactured work of the flesh. His love or your love?

"And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs" (Mark 16:20).

This is the Gospel of Grace in Action. No Miracles. No Jesus.

Free Monthly E-magazine

Register your email to receive each month

www.jamespeterministries.com

What is a

Spiritual Father?

by Bishop Bernie Wade In 1 John 2:12-14, the Apostle John gives a significant description of three different levels of spiritual maturity. Throughout the letter, he consistently calls his readers “dear children.” However, here he takes a noticeable departure from his standard address adding “fathers” and “young men” to his typical “dear children.” When you look at the book as a whole, it seems at first glance that this passage doesn’t fit where it is placed. Yet, this reference to “dear children,” “fathers,” and “young men” is found twice in verses 12-14. In the Hebrew culture and Greek language, repetition was used to show emphasis; the writer was saying, “This is very important, don’t miss this.” So we will take a closer look at this message to see what John had to say to his contemporaries as well as to us, the readers of today.

In verse 12, John starts by saying, “I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” He continues, “I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.” He ends the progression with, “I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.” By using chronological age terminology, John distinguishes differences in levels of maturity among believers. Not only does John address the categories again, but he also places the levels out of chronological order. Once again, the “fathers” are placed between the

“dear children” and the “young men.” Why would he do that? As we continue to look at the passage, I believe it will become clear that God has something special to communicate to us about the father role in particular.

We can summarize the definitions as they apply to spiritual maturity this way: “children” have come to a saving knowledge of Christ; “young men” are strong in the Word of God and have successfully fought the spiritual battle; and “fathers” know God intimately and have experienced a deep and fuller relationship with the “I AM”-the God of eternity (see Exodus 3:14-15). Now let’s look at the reason that I believe the Spirit of God inspired John to com15

municate the levels out of their expected chronological order.

God is revealing here a key element of being a spiritual father. If we miss it, we miss the main point. This critical point is that you are not a spiritual father just because of your mature characteristics and deep relationship with the “I AM. John placed the child and father together so that we would see the essential nature of reproduction in reaching and expressing maturity. You are a spiritual father because you have also been used to reproduce spiritual children. Until a spiritually mature man reproduces and disciples Christlike maturity in others, he has no spiritual children and cannot be considered a spiritual father. A spiritual father reproduces spiritual children who have a passionate and intimate relationship with God the Father. The spiritual growth process of these children and young men must continue so that they also become spiritual fathers who reproduce spiritual children.

We must mature children who have experienced salvation, to young men who know the Word of God and can wage the spiritual battle, to fathers who have walked intimately with God over a significant period of time and have been used to reproduce the next generation of spiritual fathers. If men are not reproducing spiritually, they have stopped short of experiencing and practicing full spiritual maturity.

QUOTES Sense Knowledge Vs Revelation Knowledge: You cannot convince with intellectual knowledge and information what you received by Divine revelation. One plants and another waters (which God does through us by the grace/gift in us) but He gives the increase! [Increased Divine understanding beyond the capacity of the human mind, somehow simplified]. Finite man attempts to explain in humans terms how an infinite God operates. Peaking at scripture through the wrong end of a telescope he feels he as arrived at profound conclusions on matters beyond his finite mind.

After wondering aimlessly through the maze of Christian doctrines He will finally concludes - Only God knows it ALL! God is both the largest and smallest entity - never attempt to flex your humble and proud muscles before God. Eventually God will bring you to the end of yourself.

Called Preachers:

JAMES PETER JANDU www.thejamespetershow.com www.jamespeterministries.com

The Gospel is the solitary message that works! It requires no tricks and gimmicks to deliver results. In some circles there seems to be a departure from presenting the gospel to presenting 'good advice.'

Seminars on every subject under the sun designed to patch up your life & society. There exists a mammoth distinction between a called of God preacher and one who masquerades as a spokesperson for God that likes to hear the sound of their own voice. One delivers a Holy Spirit message loaded with life, while the others present a well polished lecture on Biblical topics. Peter and John were described as "unlearned and ignorant", but it was observed they had been with Jesus! If a sermon leaves you feeling condemned, disheartened, puffed up, ambitious and overly impressed with the 'preacher' then you were exposed to religion!

Challenging Times: During challenging, stimulating, inspiring, stirring, motivating and thought provoking times God is not muted, you simply may not comprehend His moves. When things appear to be falling apart, in reality, they may well be falling into place. This time next year you in all probability will not be worrying about existing situations. Life does not become easier, God makes you stronger. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9).

History teaches. The mind can hallucinate; appearances can be deceptive. Facts are distinct from His Truth; facts can change, truth is eternal. He is able to finish what He started in you. You were respectfully and wonderfully made. The Sovereign Lord is a skilled Master Builder. Your life is no accident. You are on a collision course with His Divine Plan.

Should the Church be Led by

Teachers and Scholars?

by Donald Miller

The church in America is led by scholars. Essentially, the church is a robust school system created around a framework of lectures and discussions and study. We assume this is the way it’s supposed to be because this is all we have ever known. I think the scholars have done a good job, but they’ve also recreated the church in their own image. Churches are essentially schools. They look like schools with lecture halls, classrooms, cafeterias and each new church program is basically a teaching program.

The first disciples were not teachers, they were fishermen, tax collectors and at least one was a Zealot. We don’t know the occupation of the others, but Jesus did not charge educators with the great commission, he chose laborers. And those laborers took the gospel and created Christian communities that worked, that did things and met in homes and were active. They made speeches, for sure, but so do businessmen and politicians and leaders in any number of other professions. Educators make speeches and do little else, except study for their next lecture. I wonder what the first disciples would think if they could see our system of schools, our million lectures, our billion sub

lectures, our curriculums and our lesson plans. I think they’d be impressed, to be honest, but I also think they’d recognize a downside.

Church divisions are almost exclusively academic divisions. The reason I don’t understand my Lutheran neighbor is because a

couple academics got into a fight hundreds of years ago.

And the rest of the church followed them because, well, they were our leaders. So now we are divided under divisions caused by arguments a laboring leadership might never have noticed of cared about. Practitioners care about what works, what gets things done.

They have to agree because there 17

are projects on the line. Educators don’t have to agree at all. They can fight and debate and write papers against each other because, well, the product they are churning out is just thought, not action.

So why are we led by teachers?

After all, the church and the school system are the only institutions in our culture led purely by academics. Well, the reason is the printing press. The government once controlled the church, but that ended when the printing press was invented and people could read the Bible for themselves. And the scholars were the only people who could read, so they got the job of church leadership by default. So church leadership went from fishermen, to government workers, to scholars. I wonder who’s next? I’ve got money on music executives, if only because they’re all looking for work.

Because we’ve been led by scholars for so long, we have slightly distorted ideas about Christian discipleship. If you want to grow in Christ, you should study more.

Christian growth, then, is an aca-

demic path. And like educators, we only advance to become higher level educators. The point of learning is always teaching which produces further learning and then more teaching. The only difference between the church and another educational institution is that nobody ever graduates from the church. We just keep going to school.

But if normal people like you lead the church, won’t the church be read by heretics? Yes, and it already is.

In the great commission, Jesus graduated his first group of students. He pushed them into the world and said, you don’t know everything, but you know enough.

You’ll have a guide and that guide will be with you always. Go and teach the world to obey my commands. Because they were fishermen and tax gatherers, they went and did it. Did Jesus teach them for three years? Yes, he taught them by doing, in action, with people, by

touching stuff, not by taking over a school and recruiting educators. I wonder what they would have done if they had been professional scholars? My guess is they would have talked the command into a tailspin, dissected it into a million pieces, then divided themselves into different intellectual camps, and built a bunch of schools to teach their various interpretations.

So maybe if you’re a doctor or a plumber or a carpenter, you should lead the church. Maybe the church needs some of you who don’t write and speak and teach for a living to step up and put some action to our faith. I wonder what your churches would look like. Maybe you could meet in homes, appoint some elders, pray for each other, read the Bible to each other, and then just serve your communities and each other in love. Maybe you wouldn’t need a classroom at all. Go ahead, lead. You’re qualified. You’ll have a guide. You’ve graduated.

* Whenever I write a post like this I encounter dualism, people who think I’m saying if Jesus didn’t choose educators than Bible College is wrong. We really have to stop thinking in either/or. There is no path, there is only a guide. There are a million right ways to be the church. * Let me ask you this: Aren’t you a little tired of scholars and psudoscholars fighting about doctrine? Is it worth it that you are divided against other denominations because scholars picked up their ball and stomped off the playground? If you are tired, then be the church.

I’m not kidding, you don’t know everything but you know enough. Be the church and be united. Let the academics go to an island and fight about the things that matter to them, and we will be united based on the things that matter to us.

“Your deepest, darkest sins and your shameful secrets are simply irrelevant when it comes to the counterintuitive, ecstatic announcement of the gospel. So are your goodness, your rightness, your church attendance, and all of the wise, moral, mature decisions you have made and actions you have taken.”

“Some communities don't permit open, honest inquiry about the things that matter most. Lots of people have voiced a concern, expressed a doubt, or raised a question, only to be told by their family, church, friends, or tribe: "We don't discuss those things here." ― Rob Bell, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived

18

ICOF

www.icof.net

What are the benefits of being a member of the International Circle of Faith?

Membership in a truly multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, international Christian movement.

Listing of your ministry and your ministry web site inside ICOF website for all to see. If you do not have a web site for your ministry, our web design staff can build you a quality site at a significantly discounted rate.

If you are a business owner we will list and certify your business in the ICOF Christian Business Association. This gives you the ability to market your products and services worldwide through our network.

Networking with other businesses to bring more opportunities and to "Keep Kingdom Money in the Kingdom."

Opportunity to participate in any of our accredited university classes.

Certification and membership credentials for you and your ministry.

Annual International and National Conferences.

Membership in a worldwide network currently consisting of over 40,000 churches, ministers, ministries and Para-church organizations working together.

Your ministry maintains complete local autonomy in leadership and complete local ownership of church properties and resources because we are a network, not a denomination.

Access to members of our top leadership globally and also to any member of the general body for friendship, counsel and support.

A member of ICOF Congress is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Educational accreditation for your ministry's Bible College or Seminary.

Women's Leadership. Anointed women of God are given flexibility to be used by the Holy Spirit in leadership. Women are not "held back" from their God given calling.

ICOF sponsors conferences, breakout sessions and workshops oriented toward women and women in ministry. This continues our theme of ministering to the ministers.

Women in ICOF leadership roles plan and direct these meetings.

Youth Leadership. ICOF has structures for youth leadership to assist, support and involve youth ministers and ministries in all our activities, including conferences, concerts, retreats, etc.

Non-church Leadership for Christians who minister in the secular world and outside of normal "church" environments. ICOF has structures for leadership to assist, support, and mentor and train persons who minister in other areas (i.e.-Business, Para-Church ministries, music ministries, house churches, nursing homes, campus ministries, etc.)

Covering, Licensing, Fellowship and On-Going Support within an internationally recognized network of ministers, churches and para-church organizations that span every human endeavor.

We are here for you!

Serving in an

Unhealthy Situation

By Ed Stetzer A couple I know was approached about working at a prominent Christian organization. They expressed appreciation for how much good the organization does, but declined the offer because they knew people who worked there used two phrases regularly: “we’re miserable” and “around here, you just keep your head down and do your job.”

I have encountered a number of people recently who work in similarly unhealthy churches and Christian ministries. Dysfunctional Christian organizations often do good things on the outside while destroying those on the inside.

Let me share some signs you might recognize if your church or organization is dysfunctional.

1. The church or organizational culture only values those leading and the function of the organization, not those serving. When ministry leaders see people as tools rather than partners, people are used to serve the purpose, rather than being part of the purpose.

2. The leader is the only one allowed to think. Followers are only supposed to implement, not anything more. All ideas have to be approved by the leader, and since the leader thinks only he/she has good ideas, no ideas come from the people. If the organization grows, but the leader’s bandwidth does not, decisions are delayed because other leaders cannot make them. At one place they refer to the leader’s office as “the black hole where ideas go to die.”

3. The organization or church thinks everyone else is wrong and only they are right. Thus, there is no value in others. There is a narrow group of the acceptable and the “others” are not just wrong, they are stupid. Arrogance is almost always a mark of an unhealthy Christian organization.

4. People rationalize that the good they are experiencing is worth the abuse they are receiving. Often, it is not until they have stepped away from an unhealthy situation when 20

they realize this was not true, and is one of the great lies Christians are led to believe — that the end justifies the means. Dysfunctional organizations are towers of cards, looking and maybe doing good now, but they will fall.

5. People often know of the glaring character problems of the leader, but no one can speak truth to power. Many of these dynamic leaders are known for their anger, and the organization fears rather than addresses the anger. In the end, the leader is believed to be unquestionable due to academic, spiritual, ecclesiastical or some other power base.

6. Many times, the leader receives a pass for the negative fruit of his/her leadership because of some overwhelming characteristic: preaching ability, intelligence, ability to influence others, or more. Yet, the fruit remains below the surface, creating a culture toxic to all who swim downstream.

If you are in an unhealthy Christian organization I would encourage you to consider that God may want you to leave it. My own standard is this: Will staying here hurt my walk with God or harm my family? Being at a place that “makes a difference” sounds good, but if you end up with a confused spiritual life or broken

family, it is just not worth the price.

If you believe you need to leave, start praying and looking for another ministry opportunity. This recognition of a different future will likely ease the daily pain and struggle, and help you face each day.

However, if you believe God wants you to stay:

What is Post Modern

Christianity?

1. Don’t be afraid. Fear makes you cower rather than live in courage.

Recognize you are in an unhealthy organization, but don’t become an unhealthy servant.

2. Make a difference. When I served in unhealthy places, I simply asked, “What can I do here, now?”

And when you are not scurrying about in fear, you can get much done for the Kingdom.

3. Speak truth. Don’t be afraid to tell the truth about the culture, and when appropriate, the leadership.

There will probably be some pushback, or even retaliation, but as you tell the truth with grace and humility, you may be heard — or it may reveal that you need to go.

4. Recognize the Lord may have other reasons for keeping you in your position. Perhaps you have another ministry in your city or church.

If that is the case, contribute where you can in your job, recognize how it provides for your family, but focus your energies on that calling. I know some who continue to work in unhealthy organizations, but stay out of a devotion to their local church ministry or other calling. They endure the unhealthy organization to pursue their calling with joy.

These are not easy answers. It may be some who are struggling in their places of service and don’t know where to turn. I encourage you to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom in your calling. It may be that you will be called to do some difficult yet courageous things.

Post-modern Christianity is just as difficult to lock down in a concise definition as postmodernism itself. What started in the 1950s in architecture as a reaction to modernist thought and style was soon adopted by the art and literary world in the 1970s and 1980s. The Church didn't really feel this effect until the 1990s. This reaction was a dissolution of "cold, hard fact" in favor of "warm, fuzzy subjectivity." Think of anything considered post-modern, then stick Christianity into that context and you have a glimpse of what post-modern Christianity is.

Post-modern Christianity falls into line with basic post-modernist thinking. It is about experience over reason, subjectivity over objectivity, spirituality over religion, images over words, outward over inward. Are these things good? Sure. Are these things bad? Sure. It all depends on how far from biblical truth 21

each reaction against modernity takes one's faith. This, of course, is up to each believer. However, when groups form under such thinking, theology and doctrine tend to lean more towards liberalism.

For example, because experience is valued more highly than reason, truth becomes relative. This opens up all kinds of problems, as this lessens the standard that the Bible contains absolute truth, and even disqualifies biblical truth as being absolute in many cases. If the Bible is not our source for absolute truth, and personal experience is allowed to define and interpret what truth actually is, a saving faith in Jesus Christ is rendered meaningless.

There will always be "paradigm shifts" in thinking as long as mankind inhabits this present earth, because mankind constantly seeks to better itself in knowledge and stature. Challenges to our way of thinking are good, as they cause us to grow, to learn, and to understand. This is the principle of Romans 12:2 at work, of our minds being transformed.

Quotes “Religion produces very narrow, controlling people who demand others think and act exactly the way they do” Chip Ingram “Too many church leaders suffer from spiritual short-man syndrome in ministry.

These will be the ones out there trying to make their organization out to be the BBD (bigger, better deal). Nothing wrong with being first class in what you do, but a church doesn't run on AMBITION.” Ryan Rockich

www.icof.net

Are you worn out trying to be a ‘good Christian?’

I recently suggested that pastors are wearing their congregations out with expectations, pressuring them with “to-do” lists for the Christian life instead of reminding them that in Christ, it’s all done.

It’s About What Christ Has Done,

Not What We Are Doing: Preachers these days are expected to major in ‘Christian moral renovation.’ They are expected to provide a practical ‘to-do’ list, rather than announce, ‘It is finished.’

They are expected to do something other than placarding before their congregations’ eyes Christ’s finished work, preaching a full absolution solely on the basis of the complete righteousness of another. The irony is when preachers cave in to this pressure, moral renovation does not happen.

I am convinced that what drives most people away from Christianity is not the cost of discipleship but rather the cost of false fundamentals.”

Most of the Christians I know are

23

very busy. They hold – whether married or single — that keep them occupied an average of 46 hours a week and commute 27 minutes each way daily, adding another 4.5 hours to their “work” week. They get home and start running their kids to soccer and baseball and hockey practices (or ballet and tap and piano lessons), grabbing meals in a different drive-through every night and somehow finding time to maintain their average suburban home of 2,427 square feet on a quarteracre landscaped lot.

When I hear someone saying that people are worn out because they’re trying to “do” Christianity instead of realizing it’s already been “done” for them, I get nervous.

Do you get tired trying to be a ‘good Christian’?

SoJo Ministries is an anointed husband and wife team who were both born in Delaware and began their journey over 10 years ago when the Lord placed them together with a seed of music in their hearts.

Sophia & Joe sing and record all of the Lead and Background vocals.

Joe produces and composes all the musical tracks and together, Sophia and Joe write and arrange original songs that are inspired from their true life testimonies as a married couple, and from their individual

daily trials walking the narrow road to Eternity!

SoJo Ministries has a very diverse style that ministers to all ethnic backgrounds, generations, the saved and unsaved. Music is the voice that communicates to every genre, age group and social status.

Their mission is to touch hearts, minds, and souls with ministering songs that will inspire and encourage the hopeless, cheer broken hearts, spread joy, give words of 24

strength to the faint of heart and be humble vessels of the Lord to help heal the Nations one song at a time. Many are called but few are chosen. Please visit our website at www.sojojo2.com. SoJo Ministries will be releasing their first single entitled “Rejoice!� in April 2012 through all digital media outlets for download. May the God’s blessings be with you always!

Sophia and Joe Yancey SoJo Ministries www.sojojo2.com

Biblical and Spiritual Issues of Aging

By Dave Gallagher

Our twenty-first-century society has a very different view of aging than what the Bible has. What is your image of aging and how does that impact your life and your ministry? In “Aging Successfully, How to Enjoy, Not Just Endure, the Second Half of Life”, ten biblical principles are given to help you build bridges with the 50+ generation.

Many small churches are filled with older people, and many other churches have changed their focus to reach today’s younger culture.

Some pastors are confused and frustrated by this change, and many longtime church members find the shift frustrating. Older pastors find it difficult to understand contemporary styles of worship, and younger pastors sometimes move very quickly toward creating what they understand to be necessary changes within the congregation.

The results can often cause frustration and even be hurtful for many.

With all of this change comes an important question: “What is our image of aging?” In the past, the aged were an integral part of family and community life. A substantial pattern of social disengagement and isolation emerged during the middle of the twentieth century. The farm and agricultural culture was replaced with urban renewal, and

the family unit changed. Grandma and Grandpa no longer had children close by to help during times of need. Social workers began to take the place of children and family, and care centers replaced home care.

We live in a society that is quick to label people and groups. As attention has been drawn to aging, the idea has developed to label some adults as “old” and sometimes even to make them feel “unneeded” or “in the way.”

Most of us have stereotypes of 25

older adults just sitting back in their rocking chairs.

That’s a myth. Older adults are incredibly active people today with tremendous experience and resources that we all too often don’t utilize.

Many times that is because we hold outdated stereotypes of what aging is. I recently read about a pastor in one of America’s largest churches who never talked about the 50+ generation until he turned fifty. Then he began to realize the importance of this neglected ministry. It makes perfect sense. A pastor who has never been married may have a hard time understanding the gut-wrenching conflicts faced in some marriages. A thirty-year-old pastor may find it even uncomfortable to be with seventy- or eighty-year-olds. But it is time for pastors to dump the old stereotypes and catch up; mix with and get to know some elderly folks.

I was in a contemporary worship service a while back at a very rapidly growing church of several thou-

sand people and heard the pastor, who was middle-aged himself say, “We don’t want any creepy old people coming to this new program.”

Everyone laughed, except the older people present who noticeably felt uncomfortable and unwanted.

Perhaps we need to start thinking strategically from oldest-toyoungest rather than youngest-tooldest. We need to change our vocabulary and make sure that no generation is left behind!

Someone once said, “The best way to cope with change is to help create it.” We must never assume that older generations are universally resistant to change. [Read Gordon MacDonald’s Who Stole My Church? for a wonderful perspective on engaging older generations in the change process.] They have experienced and adapted to incredible changes throughout their lifetime. Welcome their input. If changes are biblically sound and God-directed, patiently cultivate and expect their support.

Charles Arn and Win Arn in their book, The New Senior, share this insight, “We live in a day when racism and sexism have been recognized as the unwholesome attitudes they are. Yet, unfortunately, ageism is alive and well—even in the church.

Although it is no longer considered in good taste to make racist or sexist jokes, old age is still fair game.

Ageism is a pervasive, negative attitude toward aging and people who are growing old. Like racism or sexism, it is a destructive and discriminatory form of prejudice that is based on flawed stereotypes. To a large extent, ageism is unique to our contemporary Western culture.

For example, in much of Asia it is seen as a handicap to be young, and ageism is virtually nonexistent.

In China, it is believed that the older a person is the wiser and more knowledgeable the person is.

When asked, ‘How old are you?’ a 55-year-old in China might fudge a bit and claim to be 60.”

I came that they might have life more ANEMICALLY?

by Ryan Rockich

What would be looked at as depression in the natural, we try to pass off as discipleship.

As a parent, would you think your child emotionally healthy if they wept continually, never smiled, gave up all legitimate enjoyments, and simply stayed in their room all day?

tual" thing we could do is to spend our days inside of a church building or "prayer room"?

What would be looked at as depression in the natural, we try to pass off as discipleship.

I think not.

Me neither.

How can it be considered spiritually healthy then, when we are taught that we must be continually broken, burdened down with holy anguish, that we must give up all earthly pleasures, and that the most "spiri-

Smile. Laugh. Enjoy life.

Go outside. Enjoy the sun. Change some lives with the love of God. 26

The Bible

by James Peter Jandu

“The Word of God is a Person. When you read it, do you see words or do you see Him?” Jacquelyn K. Heasley

“What we really need, after all, is not to defend the Bible but to understand it” Millar Burrows To most Christians, the Bible is like a software license. They don’t really read it; instead they just scroll to the bottom and click “I agree.” In most cases they rely on someone else’s interpretation of this miracle book. The Scriptures were not written to this modern culture, but they do speak to us without a need for any alteration of biblical theology and should never be twisted to accommodate modern culture at the expense of truth.

The Bible is a miracle book. When Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration…” he was referring to the books we know as the Old Testament. The New Testament writings as we have them today were not in existence in book format. A problem for scholars is that there is a lack of direct evidence on when Christians began accepting their own writings alongside the Septuagint (OT writings).

During the 3rd century a shift away from direct revelation as a source of authority occurred. This trend has continued. Tragically I find that many Christians worship the book more than the author, virtually wor-

shipping paper and ink. Worshipping the letter (literal text) and not the Spirit; they live by a verse and not the Life of God. “You diligently search the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life” (John 5:39) The words He speaks are Spirit and Life, not paper and ink. Life is not in scripture; Life is in a person – Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. Many mistakenly believe memorizing scripture, studying the Bible and quoting verses is sufficient to enjoy abundant life.

You can read the Bible intellectually or devotionally. Either way you should take care to interpret it correctly. One’s concept of the Bible determines the attitude with which he approaches it. If you think of it as an impersonal “rulebook,” you will tend to consult it only in regard to infractions, rather than be motivated to meditate on it with the intent of establishing a personal relationship with its Author. If you think it is only a history book, you may read it with little more than a detached curiosity.

27

Quotes “But he is unworthy the name of a minister of the gospel of peace, who is unwilling, not only to have his name cast out as evil, but also to die for the truths of the Lord Jesus.”

George Whitefield “As preachers of the gospel of Jesus, do not expect worldly honors: these Jesus Christ neither took to himself, nor gave to his disciples.”

Adam Clarke “No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means.”

George Bernard Shaw “It is a mistake to look to the Bible to close a discussion; the Bible seeks to open one.”

William Sloane Coffin “It is not at all incredible, that a book which has been so long in the possession of mankind should contain many truths as yet undiscovered.”

Bishop Butler

Church growth conference helps pastors feel like miserable failures

PEORIA, Ill. — The “Bigger Church, Bigger Impact” conference wrapped on Friday, leaving participants feeling drained and dejected.

“I came here thinking my church was doing all right. Now I see we’re so dinky and dumb, it’s not even funny,” says pastor Steve Irvine of Reno, Nev., who went to his hotel room and cried after each session.

Several faith-filled conference speakers shared how they grew their churches to tens of thousands of members with various ministry techniques. In the foyer afterward, many participants wore tight grins.

Some broke down on the spot.

After paying $400 to attend the conference, pastor Ryan Delacourt of Eugene, Ore., left feeling “about three tons worse” than when he came.

“I don’t know why I go to these things,” he says, noting that his church has been trying to break the 100-member mark for twelve years.

After the conference some pastors hit the local Cracker Barrel restaurant to commiserate. Some vowed not to return.

“If I want to be this depressed again, I’ll rent Apocalypse Now, or read my e-mails,” quipped one.

28

“Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!” Charles Haddon Spurgeon “ “The Bible is a harp with a thousand strings. Play on one to the exclusion of its relationship to the others, and you will develop discord. Play on all of them, keeping them in their places in the divine scale, and you will hear heavenly music all the time.” William P. White

“It is a mistake to look to the Bible to close a discussion; the Bible seeks to open one.”

William Sloane Coffin 29

Religitics

Record numbers visit Holy Land Tourism to Israel continues its upward trend as record numbers of tourists flocked to the Holy Land in April.

entering by air increased 3% over the same period last year representing 793,000 entries. About 140,000 people entered by land

A record 354,000 tourists arrived in Israel last month, representing a 12% increase over the last previous record April, set in 2010.

Over one million tourists have traveled to Israel during the first four months of 2012, representing a 19% increase over 2011 figures for the same period, and a 12% increase over the same period in 2010, the last record year for tourism. Easter and Passover both fell in the month of April in 2012 and in 2011.

In addition, the number of tourists

borders, up 8% over the same period in 2011. Much of this increase is attributed to the political stability in Egypt and accordingly, Israel's major tourism crossing border with Egypt had 42,600 tourists representing an increase of 30% compared to the same period last year.

Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezh30

nikov, said: "The consistent increase in the numbers of visitors entering Israel positions the country as an attractive tourism destination of the first order, makes a contribution to the national economy and increases employment market in the center and the periphery."

Given the additional hotel rooms underdevelopment along with continued quiet in the region, Israel's tourism industry could very well continue with its record double digit growth. If the current increases remain steady, for the first time Israel may come close to or even surpass the four million tourist mark in 2012.

Pastoral Search report We do not have a happy report to give. We’ve not been able to find a suitable candidate for this church, though we have one promising prospect still. We do appreciate all the suggestions from the church members, and we’ve followed up each one with interviews or calling at least three references. The following is our confidential report on the present candidates.

• Adam: Good man but problems with his wife. Also one reference told of how his wife and he enjoy walking nude in the woods.

• Noah: Former pastorate of 120 years with no converts.

Prone to unrealistic building projects.

his stack and acts rashly. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge.

• David: The most promising leader of all until we discovered the affair he had with his neighbor’s wife.

• Solomon: Great preacher but our parsonage would never hold all those wives.

• Elijah: Prone to depression-collapses under pressure.

• Elisha: Reported to have lived with a single widow while at his former church.

• Hosea: A tender and loving pastor but our people could never handle his wife’s occupation.

• Deborah: Female.

• Jeremiah: Emotionally unstable, alarmist, negative, always lamenting things, and reported to have taken a long trip to bury his under-

• Moses: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator, even stuttering at times. Sometimes blows

• Amos: Too backward and unpolished. With some seminary training he might have promise, but has a hang-up against wealthy people.

Might fit in better in a poor congregation.

• John: Says he is a Baptist, but definitely doesn’t dress like one.

Has slept in the outdoors for months on end, has a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders.

• Peter: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper—even has been known to curse. Had a big run-in with Paul in Antioch. Aggressive, but a loose cannon.

• Paul: Powerful CEO type leader and fascinating preacher. However, short on tact, unforgiving with younger ministers, harsh and has been known to preach all night.

• Timothy: Too young.

• Abraham: Though the references reported wife-swapping, the facts seem to show he never slept with another man’s wife, but did offer to share his own wife with another man.

• Joseph: A big thinker, but a braggart, believes in dream-interpreting, and has a prison record.

by getting swallowed up by a great fish. He told us the fish later spit him out on the shore near here. We hung up.

wear on the bank of foreign river.

• Isaiah: On the fringe? Claims to have seen angels in church. Has trouble with his language.

• Jonah: Refused God’s call into ministry until he was forced to obey 31

• Jesus: Has had popular times, but once when his church grew to 5000 he managed to offend them all and this church dwindled down to twelve people. Seldom stays in one place very long. And, of course, he’s single.

• Judas: His references are solid. A steady plodder. Conservative. Good connections. Knows how to handle money. We’re inviting him to preach this Sunday. Possibilities here.

Persecution Watch UK parliamentarians hear plight of Christian women Revelations about the scale of hate crimes against Christian women in Pakistan and Egypt are to be the subject of a meeting in parliament during May 2012.

At the briefing in the House of Commons, MPs and peers will hear how Christian women in countries marked by religious persecution experience kidnapping, violence, rape, and even have basics like water denied them.

Evidence of widespread discrimination against Christian women is highlighted in a number of new reports.

These include the Life on the Margins report by the Pakistani Catholic Church’s National Commission for Justice and Peace, and Catholic charity Aid to the Need (UK)’s new book, Christians and the Struggle for Religious Freedom, which will be launched at the event in parliament.

According to research, women are more likely to experience sexual harassment or rape because of their lower social status – which is due to both their religion and their gender.

One survey of women from minority religions in Pakistan revealed that 30 per cent of those with jobs had experienced sexual harassment.

Other reports revealed how abductions of Coptic women in Egypt have increased, with 800 cases of Chris-

tians kidnapped and pressured to convert to Islam since 2009.

The Commons meeting will hear from Thomsena Anjum, originally from Pakistan’s Punjab province, who fled to the UK with her family after being shot at following a blasphemy allegation against her son.

Mrs Anjum, whose husband Stephen worked closely with assassinated Pakistan minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti, will say: “I am a witness to the plight of Christian women in rural areas – but also deeply saddened because of the atrocities they faced on a daily basis due to their religion.

“These hate crimes towards Christian women are increasing and do not seem to end. These crimes are unreported and unpunished.”

Mrs Anjum visited hundreds of Christian families in Punjab province as a district councillor and social worker in Faisalabad between 1998 and 2009.

Chaired by Lord David Alton of Liverpool, the meeting will also hear testimonies from Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi, Pakistan, and Coptic Catholic Bishop Joannes Zakaria of Luxor, Egypt.

At the House of Commons meeting Aid to the Church in Need’s John Pontifex will outline the findings of research by the charity and other organisations.

32

He will say: “Taken as a whole, this research suggests that Christians in general are often treated at best as second class citizens and Christian women are treated as if they are barely citizens at all.”

ACN has compiled a briefing document specifically looking at the extent of persecution of Christian women in Egypt and Pakistan and highlighting the findings of key research into the subject.

Among those quoted in the briefing is Peter Jacob from Pakistan, one of the authors of the Life on the Margins report, who highlights the rape of Christian women.

He said “the number of attacks against women in Pakistan is four times higher than the cases that [are] reported” and many crimes “based on sex pass in silence”.

At the Commons meeting, Mrs Anjum is set to describe other problems faced by Christian women – including how in many places they have been denied water after local Muslims claimed that wells would become ‘unclean’ if Christians touched them.

She said: “Christian women are the poorest of the poor in Pakistan and they are living with shame and suffering discrimination silently.”

Vo lU N TA Ry P o S I T I o N S Graphic Designers Basic and advanced graphics designers required.

Whatever your skill level and ability to use PC and graphics software we would like to hear from you. Must have good access to internet. Work from home.

Flexible hours.

Assistant Editor(s) Assist with editorial content of magazine. Research/obtain articles and other suitable content. Work from home. PC and Internet access required.

Email: nextwave@icof.net

Marketing Assistants If you have a few hours to spare each week and PC/Internet then we would like to hear from you. Assist us to publicize this e-magazine.

Guidance provided.

PAID PoSITIoNS Advertising Sales Duties to include securing advertisements for Christian publication.

Commission only.

Email: nextwave.icof.net

Send comments and suggestions to: Email:nextwave@icof.net

Contact Us for Advertising Rate Card(Price List)

"It is not faith and works; it is not faith or works; it is faith that works" Anonymous 33

Christianity? byJames Peter Jandu Millions of Christians have been and are being used to benefit humanity. God does not only employ Christians. Viewing yourself as the elite and not the elect for a specific purpose is arrogance. Each human fulfils a unique purpose, no one is an accident or mistake. Never allow others to dictate your life to you. All are divinely connected to God. In God all live, move and have their existence. God is not far from everyone of us.

I have seriously enjoyed my journey and freedom from religion. Contrary to the opinion of those who thought I would fail, I am alive and well! I have never felt so free! It's been well over a decade and a half...and it just gets better!

Like Paul, I say, " I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day."

In Christ or in Christianity? Not automatically equivalent. There is life beyond religiosity. I sincerely pity those trapped in the religion known as Christianity. Thank God I am free.

The sincere soul can be left bewildered by the overwhelming pressure to perform, succeed and live perfectly according the ideals of religious and controlling humans. Religious environments are often not conducive with spiritual growth and evolution; rather they can stunt the sincere seeker of truth. You cannot go wrong when directed by Inner Light. The Light is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. In this Light we live, move and have our being.

The Light is not far from ever one of us. It makes the unknown known.

The Inner Voice is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates and divides between human reasoning and spiritual truth, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Until the inner voice guides us out we are trapped in a mindset defined by experiences, learned behaviour and ideas logical by our limited reasoning. The journey into enlightenment involves crossing bridges guided by inner divine

peace. The peace of God reigns in you as a compass. Fear of failure confines individuals to the comfort of past perceived success. The daring Christian scientist is eager to explore everything God has for them trusting that the one who begun a good work in them will finish it. To the self important religious elite this approach is wreck less because it involves stepping out of the boat and walking on water; it involves tearing holes in roofs. it involves raising ones voice when the crowd seeks to silence you. It involves pushing through crowds that view you as unclean, just so you can collide with the Inner Voice - The Word.

It involves overcoming your shortcomings and climbing trees, standing out fro the crowd, just to see and hear The Word. It involves sitting at the feet of The Word when others urge you to mimic their excess frantic activity. The inner voice will contradict human voices. It will enforce the truth of the excessive love of God for you. Any other voice is delusion. How far are you willing to drift from religion?

The Bible: More up-to-date than tomorrow's newspaper!

34

Prayer Meeting Pastor Rebecca Goins of the ICOF US Synod leads a weekly prayer meeting via Skype. This meeting is held live every Tuesday 10.00 AM EST For more information: Email: rgoins@icof.net Skype: rebecca_goins22

““Sometimes God doesn't tell us His plan because we wouldn't believe it anyway.”

“Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.”

“Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.”

“Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.”

35

Quotes “Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.”

“The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.”

ROUNDTABLE withDr. Robert Straube ONLINE

Dr. Robert Straube, PhD, President ICOFCSU. Dr. Straube also serves as President of Christian Multiversity, Fivefold Apostle and Chief of Staff for ICOF President Bernie L. Wade.

A new forum I would like to highlight and introduce is the newly formed Presidents’ Roundtable; a group of Christian leaders involved in higher educational leadership. The Presidents’ Roundtable is a monthly get-together of men and women who collaborate to further advance Biblical education systems and structures, endeavor to find solutions to the challenges they are facing, and offer cutting edge, innovative ideas to better serve their students, staff and community.

This is the forum where educational leaders can help one another rise above the obstacles they may be encountering and offer a different perspective, or a new twist.

Sign-up is now in progress for the Presidents’ Roundtable, hosted by Dr. Robert Straube at chancellor@icof.net. Once we register those professionals who desire to participate, we will announce the date, time and on-line location for the forum.

Available as e-book or paperback

Join the Team We are always in need of volunteers for marketing, graphics and editorial posts. Email Us. 36

Humor Don't let worry kill you off let the Church help.

The 7th commandment is 'Thou shalt not admit adultery.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge--Up Yours"

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Senior Choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

The Vicar is on vacation.

Massages can be given to church secretary.

On a sunny morning, William's mother came into her son's room and said, "William, it's Sunday. Time to get up! Time to get up and go to church! Get up!"

On a sunny morning, William's mother came into her son's room and said, "William, it's Sunday. Time to get up! Time to get up and go to church! Get up!"

From under the covers came mumbles, "I don't want to go!"

"What do you mean?" she said. "That's silly! Now get up and get dressed and go to church!"

"What do you mean?" she said.

"That's silly! Now get up and get dressed and go to church!"

"No!" he shot back. "I'll give you two reasons. I don't like them and they don't like me!"

"Nonsense," she told him. "I'll give YOU two reasons to go. First, you are 42 years old, and second, you are the PASTOR!"

From under the covers came mumbles, "I don't want to go!"

"No!" he shot back. "I'll give you two reasons. I don't like them and they don't like me!"

"Nonsense," she told him. "I'll give YOU two reasons to go. First, you are 42 years old, and second, you are the PASTOR!" A bishop visited a church in his diocese. Only three people turned up to hear him peach.

He asked the Vicar "Did you give notice of my visit?".

"No" replied the vicar, "but word seems to have got round anyway".

Two ministers met in the after life.

One said, "Isn't heaven wonderful after the parish ministry?"

The other said, "This isn't heaven!"

37

What Should Church Look Like?

Meeting May 23rd through 24th in Carrollton, KY lem…be a part of the solution.” The mission of those who attended – to birth a vision that has been harboring in the hearts in many, and move it forward to see it become a reality.

The title of this leadership meeting was “What Should Church Look Like?”

On Wednesday and Thursday, May 23rd and 24th, 2012, a small group of believers gathered together to discuss a mutual burden. This burden has been expressed often in ICOF and it was decided that action must be taken.

Taking a step of faith, Bishop Bernie Wade, founder of ICOF, and Assistant Presiding Bishop Robert Straube called a meeting in his hometown of Carrollton, Kentucky. It was evident, based on discussions held by many, that church today is not how God had planned.

Surely the Bride of Christ is nowhere ready for her Groom.

Church today has been institutionalized, utilizing programs offering ven-

Wednesday night, at the start of the conference, Bishop Wade talked about the need to identify those things that are Right, those things that are Wrong, and those things are indifferent. “We have to reinforce those things that are working in the church. We have to take a strong stand against those things that are wrong like homosexuals trying to invade the church in general and the ministry in particular. And those things that are indifferent we just can't afford to major on the minors. “ Apostle Straube discussed the Church’s relationship responsibility, it’s lack of demonstration of love to one another along with its not being a loving witness to the unsaved.

Thursday morning’s meeting opened up with Prophet Robert Palmer laying the foundation of the Biblical structure of the body of Christ. This structure was defined from the Throne of God down to the individual five-fold offices. We are all part of a Royal

“real people with real problems getting answers…if we meet the conditions and requirements of the Book then we can have what is in it.” ues of entertainment, and has abandoned the vision of the fivefold ministry and instead had made it a one-man show with a pastor at the helm. There is a saying that goes: “Don’t be part of the prob38

Priesthood which is under the headship of God. One would think, when we envision the way our structure is today, that anyone in leadership should be over their congregation.

However, this is not the case in the Biblical model. Since we are all priests unto God (Revelation 1:6) then all who serve in the five-fold ministry are servants…and a servant is less than the one in which they serve. Jesus called us friend (John 15:15) because He also came to serve as he demonstrated when he washed the feet of his disciples.

Therefore as our callings are defined as we are discipled we fall under the Royal Priesthood making the structure that of a bottom – up

structure instead of a top – down structure like we might be used to seeing.

We saw from this model shown by Prophet Palmer how church was not intended to be organized as a corporation, but as an entity that serves one another with Christ as the Head.

Apostle Dr. Robert Straube presented his vision of the Church which confirmed Prophet Palmer’s diagram and took things a little deeper with an overview of the church and the fivefold offices. He explained that church is a network of relationships with a group of people coming together for fellowship. His explanation didn’t leave out the importance of the foundational relationships between elders and that each of the five-fold should be committed to one another. Should we commune together? Yes, it is good, but relationships should be part of our everyday life. We must be taught to love, and understand that our meeting together is not just for worship but to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:25). We need to change our carnal minds and develop the mind of Christ, which is what Christ did with his disciples. Believers must be taught how to relate to each other.

Believers must be discipled and their giftings recognized and en-

39

couraged.

But God wasn’t finished yet at this meeting…Apostle Ted Dones stopped by to confirm, through the Spirit of God, the five-fold in action by describing the ministry God has placed him over and how it operates. He stated that ministry today should be “real people with real problems getting answers…if we meet the conditions and requirements of the Book then we can have what is in it.”

Overall the day was packed with prayer, confirmations in the Spirit through the mouths of witnesses and signs and wonders that followed. Prophet Palmer was prayed over by the members present and received a healing in his body which resulted in him giving his cane (which he used when he came into the meeting) to Apostle Ted Dones to take back to his crusade as a testimony. Apostles Robert Straube and Bernie Wade were also prayed over, and it is believed they too received their healing. Even as I sat there with a pain in my hip as they prayed over these others, the Lord revealed to me He was healing me also. When I got up from my seat my pain was gone from my hip. I do believe the Lord was present and moving throughout this meeting, and I have no doubt that this vision will be birthed through faith.

It was not possible to come up with all the answers needed for understanding what Church should look like at this meeting. There is no doubt in our minds that others share this same burden about the church. We can sit around and complain, or we can get up and be the catalyst that God called to birth His Church and prepare her for her Bridegroom. More meetings will be held with the next visionary meeting scheduled to be in the fall. Details will be announced as soon as the location is confirmed.