Intentional Missionality by Don Rogers by Centerpoint School of Ministry

ministry

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALIT Y don

ministry

rogers

leadership

curriculum

Welcome! Over the last 30 years, ministry has moved my life and heart to Africa and back and has been an incredible journey with God and His people. During our time together I’m excited to share some personal stories where God’s fingerprints can be seen, along with the lessons that have come with them. My hope is that through this course your passion to serve God would be set on fire, sharpened, and strengthened as you pursue Christ’s Kingdom above all. My goal for this course is to provide you with valuable tools needed to understand and advance the Kingdom of God through missional work. We’ll learn about the importance of knitting our hearts to match that of our Heavenly Father. We’ll address key skills for cross-cultural work and study principles necessary for God-honoring encounters with the people we’re serving. We are here to empower the poor and to equip them to crush poverty, embrace Christ, and share their transformation with others. God trusts us with His message, so let’s equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to share it and ignite world-changers near and far. Don Rogers

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY Week 1: LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD �� 7 Week 2: YOUR CALL: UNPACKING YOUR LIFE FOR KINGDOM MISSION ��25 Week 3: THY KINGDOM COME �� 37 Week 4: ONE BODY: BEING A PART OF THE KINGDOM-ADVANCING TEAM �� 49 Week 5: FROM A MINISTRY TO A MOVEMENT �� 61 Week 6: PILLARS FOR STRONG PARTNERSHIPS �� 71 Week 7: PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR EMPOWERMENT �� 81 Week 8: MULTIPLIED IMPACT ��95 APPENDIX A �� 107 APPENDIX B �� 109

INTRODUCTION I count it a humbling privilege to share with you over the next eight weeks. I may not do it perfectly, and for that, I ask for your grace. I may not share it as clearly as I hope and I ask God to give you the gift of interpretation to hear His heart through what I share. My prayer is that when these next weeks of meeting together are over, we will all be different. I pray that we will be better equipped to serve God and His people with a heart and life focused on a unique and life-changing mission that will ultimately change the way the earth and heaven look. As we begin this journey, let’s take a look at the world from a few different perspectives. This will help lay a roadmap to follow as we gain tools to help bring change to those who God brings us into contact with. We will launch into this journey with real-life examples, videos, illustrations, and some surprising answers to important questions about the world we live in. I look forward to unpacking some of my own journey and I hope these experiences will help you better understand how to succeed and navigate your unique path and place in God’s Kingdom as well. Changing the world is a grand undertaking, but let’s never forget it is made up of people like you and me, serving together with God’s family who can be filled with and led by the Spirit of Christ. Ready to make a difference for Christ? Then let’s go change the world!

LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” Luke 10:1-2, NIV

“As one person I may not be able to change the world, but I can change the world for one person.” Paul Shane SPEAR

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

LET’S BEGIN WITH YOU In what ways have you been involved in missions and Kingdom-advancing ministry?

What are two things you’re hoping to gain / learn from this class (expectations)? 1.

A BIT ABOUT DON AND HIS JOURNEY Some years ago I moved out of an apartment and into a motorhome. This and other lifestyle decisions were done on purpose and for a purpose that set me on a track that changed the course of my life. This was all connected with a big picture of something God was doing in my life. He was shaping me, drawing me near, putting His passion for others and the world into my heart, luring me into a new life of focus outside of myself and into His wonderful and challenging world of service and sacrifice for a greater cause. Philippians 3:7-11 began to stir up a new picture of a future where things of the world were fading in importance compared to “the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ…”

Introduction to Don’s Journey

What are two things that you take away from hearing this part of Don’s journey? 1.

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WEEK 1 — Let’s change the world

OPEN YOUR EYES! - John 4:28-34

“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’ They came out of the town and made their way toward him. Meanwhile his disciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’ But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ Then his disciples said to each other, ‘Could someone have brought him food?’ ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” .

The disciples were thinking about the and doing

Jesus was focused on seeing

MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS! - Matthew 28:18-20

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I AM SENDING YOU! - John 20:19-22

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” POWER TO BE MY WITNESSES! - Acts 1:6-9

“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

SEEING THE BIG PICTURE We must learn to better see the world and people as God does.

Describe what do you see in this picture:

Jesus challenged the disciples to open their eyes and see what His harvest is really like. This required a . definition :

An important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is by a new and different way. This discovery will bring about a in our understanding. Describe a time when you experienced a paradigm shift in your own thinking:

1. SEEING THE WORLD

Many Americans live in a kind of cocoon, which effectively isolates us from connecting or fully understanding how the vast majority of people in our world live. Let’s look at some of the facts that can help us open our eyes to “the harvest.” Hans Rosling is a statistician and expert in world population and change. • What was the world population in 1800? • What is the world population in 2020?

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WEEK 1 — LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

What are your thoughts on these changes in our world?

2. SEEING THE BROKEN AND POOR 1

Mark these as true or false: 1. There has been little progress made in reducing global poverty in the last decade. 2. The US gives more money per capita to help alleviate poverty than any other nation. 3. Overpopulation is part of why Sub-Saharan Africa is so poor. 4. Malaria kills more children in Africa than any other disease. • How many live on less than $1 per day? • How many live on less than $3 per day? How would you describe “extreme poverty”? How many people in your life do you think understand “extreme poverty”?

MOVIE TRAILER: Living on One Dollar 2

What are two important things you want to remember so far? 1.

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WEEK 1 — Let’s change the world

3. SEEING AND EMBRACING GOD’S HEART FOR THE POOR

In Isaiah 58, God challenges His followers to have a paradigm shift. • Put a checkmark by the people’s complaints to God.

• Circle what God is asking them to see and do differently. • Underline the verses that reveal God’s promises to them if they will change. • Rewrite verse 6 in your own words. What message is in this for you? For the American church? Isaiah 58:3-10: 3‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 6

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,10and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” QUESTION Is helping the poor in our world today:

a. A burden that we need to accept and give it our best try to do something.

b. An obligation we have to do as Christians because of instructions in God’s Word.

c. An important opportunity for all Christ-followers that can be accomplished one life at a time with the love and direction of the Holy Spirit.

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

4. SEEING WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS ABOUT THE OPPRESSED AND POOR

What the Bible Says About Poverty 3 In the Bible, God speaks often of the poor and needy. He commands us to give generously to the less fortunate and to speak up on their behalf. To help you connect with God’s heart for the poor, we have compiled this list of Bible verses taken from the New International Version that speak to how God asks us to relate to and serve the less fortunate among us.

What God Says About Giving to the Poor The Bible tells us that generosity yields an amazing crop! When we refresh others through giving, we are refreshed ourselves. As Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” When we study what God says about giving to the poor, we can see His heart and understand the important responsibility God has given to us. • Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—when you already have it with you. — Proverbs 3:27-28 • Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. — Proverbs 28:27 • If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. — Isaiah 58:6-11 • Give generously to the poor and do so without a grudging heart, then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. — Deuteronomy 15:10-11

What Does God Say About Helping the Poor? God’s Word is clear that we are called to help the poor. It may be a simple encouraging word, a smile or an act of kindness. Or maybe God may call you to take up the cause of the needy by defending their rights. • Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. — Proverbs 31:8-9 ~14~

WEEK 1 — Let’s change the world

• Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life. — Proverbs 22:22-23 • Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. — Isaiah 1:17 • It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. — Proverbs 14:21 • There need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. — Deuteronomy 15:4-5 • If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. — 1 John 3:17

Bible Verses About Helping Others in Need It is helpful to study the Scriptures on taking care of the poor because they provide helpful insight on how to accomplish God’s command to care for the needy, as well as the blessing that comes from helping others. • A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. — Proverbs 11:25 • Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. — Proverbs 14:31 • And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” — Zechariah 7:8-10 • Then Jesus said to his host… When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. — Luke 14:14 • “I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. — 1 Corinthians 10: 23-24 • If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be open handed and freely lend them whatever they need. — Deuteronomy 15:7-8

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Bible Verses to Overcome Poverty The Bible tells us that God “takes up the case” of those who have been crushed. When we follow His lead, we become an advocate for the poor—doing whatever we can to fight for justice. These two themes are presented in the Bible on how to overcome poverty: 1. God is an advocate to the oppressed

• The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. — Psalm 9:9 • The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. — Psalm 9: 17-18 • “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” — Psalm 12:5 • My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” — Psalm 35:10 • With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them. — Psalm 109:30-31 • I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. — Psalm 140:12 • May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. — Psalm 72:3-4 • For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. — Psalm 72:12-14 • Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. — Psalm 113:5-8 • Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. — Psalm 146:5-9 ~16~

WEEK 1 — Let’s change the world

• [Lord] You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. — Isaiah 25:4 • Looking at his disciples, [Jesus] said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” — Luke 6:20-21 2. God uses His people to help those in need

• The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. — Proverbs 22:9 • Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. — Romans 12:11-13

QUESTIONS 1. Which of the verses capture your attention the most? Why?

2. According to these verses, is taking action to help people come out of poverty only for a few who are “called” or trained to do so?

3. In what ways has God highlighted the needs of the poor or broken to you? How did you respond?

4. What might God say to the American Christ-followers and the church today in regards to helping the poor?

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

5. SEEING “THE LEAST OF THESE”

Matthew 25:37-40: “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ We often make assumptions about what the world is like in terms of poverty, suffering, and wealth. Let’s take a closer look at just what is going on in our world today. In The Skeptic’s Guide to Global Poverty4, we read: “The modest cost of this book would exceed a poor person’s income for a week. Being poor, it turns out, is much more complicated than a lack of money. It is that the poor lack access to information… Poverty runs deep into the family and community, robbing individuals and whole societies of life saving information, health care, food, and water. Poverty robs individuals not only of security and health, but also of dignity. The poor person is often too busy surviving the present to spend much time thinking about the future... Just as knowledge is power to the poor, it is also power to those of us who are relatively rich. We can make a difference, but we have to understand more. We need to be smarter about poverty.” 6. SEEING THE SITUATION TODAY

In the book For They Shall Be Fed 5, Ron Sider highlights and explains many scriptures that reveal God’s heart for the broken, poor, orphan, alien and widow. In the introduction, Ron writes: Love for God is inseparable from love for neighbor and that is not an abstract theoretical truth… Who are the needy neighbors that God invites us to love and serve today? Certainly they are people of all races, classes, continents, sexes, and ages. But none of our neighbors face more desperate need than those who are so poor that malnutrition and even death constantly haunt them. Thirty-five thousand children die every day of starvation and diseases related to malnutrition. Seventeen million people die every year from infectious and parasitic diseases that we know how to prevent. The World Bank reported that about 1.3 billion people have to survive on less than one dollar a day. How does our situation compare to theirs?… The gap is vastly greater when you compare the richest 20 percent, no matter where they live. The United Nations estimates that the richest 20 percent of the world’s people are at least 150 times richer than the poorest 20 percent. The net worth of the 358 billionaires on the planet, listed by Forbes, was equal to the combined income of the bottom 45 percent of the world’s population (2.35 billion people). This is the context in which we live. This is the context in which the God of love and justice invites us to love our needy neighbors out of gratitude for the way God loves us.

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WEEK 1 — Let’s change the world

That God’s word may be startling, even disturbing, should not surprise us. Throughout history, God’s Word has constantly challenged as well as comforted. But the one who calls us to rethink our relationship to a billion hungry neighbors is the one whose love for us was so boundless that it took the incarnate Son to the cross. Thus the invitation to hear God’s Word again today is not only a call to costly discipleship. It is also an invitation to joy and salvation. Which two sentences above hold the greatest significance in your opinion? 1.

The fact that you are in this course shows that you are one of the people in the world who can make a difference knowing that this is God’s heart and that He will lead the way. It is possible to flip the script of poverty and relief - moving churches and ministries from short term handouts to lasting transformation. Poverty results from a broken world and broken relationships. We can discover how we can join in the work of Jesus, restoring that brokenness to wholeness. When we see poverty, we want to help. But our well-intentioned deeds may be contributing to the long term harm of the poor and ourselves. It is important to properly diagnose the problems that our world is facing. List the first 5 – 10 words that come to your mind when you think of poverty: 1.

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

List the fi rst five areas (of the world or society) that come to mind when you think of poverty: 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. Adapted from When Helping Hurts 6 If we believe the primary cause of poverty is...

Then we will primarily try to...

A lack of knowledge

Educate the poor

Oppression by powerful people

Work for social justice

The personal sins of the poor

Evangelize and disciple the poor

A lack of material resources

Give material resources to the poor

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WEEK 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHANGE THE WORLD

Where do you see evidence of each of the four broken relationships in your life or world?

Poverty alleviation is about reconciling relationships. A process in which people both materially poor and non-poor move closer to living in right relationship with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. Brian FIKKERT

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

ONE PILGRIM’S JOURNEY: DISCOVERING GOD’S HEART FOR THE POOR Where does Don’s story begin? How old was he?

What parts of the journey give a glimpse that the Holy Spirit was speaking and leading?

What role did the Word of God play during those formative days in his life?

Make a list of the various ministry activities that Don was involved in during those formative years he discussed:

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WEEK 1 — Let’s change the world

What pivotal moments stand out to you as you hear his story?

REFLECTING What are two key take-aways that you want to remember from today’s lesson? 1.

What scriptures do you want to spend more time reading this week to better understand God’s heart for the world and the poor?

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

AT HOME Scripture constantly challenges us to recognize and help those in need. Poverty and injustice are mentioned over 2,000 times in the Bible, so there is no mistaking God’s incredible love for the widow and the orphan. It is a command from our Heavenly Father that becomes our passion to obey as we knit our hearts with His. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

Proverbs 19:17

Proverbs 28:27

Proverbs 31:8-9

What does this look like practically? Sit quietly and take a few minutes to ask God to show you His heart for the world. Write what you hear or see in the section below.

HOMEWORK CHALLENGE SOMETIME DURING OUR EIGHT WEEKS: Choose a 24-hour period (or longer) to live on a limited budget. You choose your amount — $1? $3? $5? — and that amount should include driving gas (calculate the miles and cost), food, entertainment, etc. Only allow yourself that amount to “survive” the day. Carry the cash in your pocket and make a note of what you actually spend (or don’t spend) it on. Keep a journal of thoughts and challenges you had during the day and let us know how it went during the next class session. How does the idea of even doing this make you feel?

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YOUR CALL: UNPACKING YOUR LIFE FOR KINGDOM MISSION

“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work that God has prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Life is something like a remarkable, exciting puzzle. It comes piece by piece in packages marked days. John POWELL

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Many believers remember the moment they heard the truth of salvation and chose Jesus. As a person committed to advancing God’s Kingdom and mission, I’m convinced that before we move too far out to proclaim the Gospel and help the poor, there is something that needs to happen inside of us. It’s an encounter with the Almighty that deeply connects us to His heart for ourselves, for this world, and for the poor.

YOUR CALL Unpacking your life for Kingdom Mission This process is essential for us as believers to walk in the calling God has given us:

1. We are God’s workmanship 2. Created in Christ Jesus — present a surrendered and willing life 3. To do good works — maintain a listening posture to his agenda 1. WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP

What joy and confidence we can celebrate when we come to the point of fully embracing the fact that God has . In fact, Eph. 2:10 in the original language reveals that we are actually God’s . There are only a few verses or statements that are repeated in all four synoptic Gospels. It carries with it profound weight when Jesus responded to the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” with: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Mark 12:33; Luke 10:27 The command to love is not an option for those who follow Christ. To love our neighbor is often easier than loving ourselves but … God invites, in fact commands us to in Christ with agape love. You’re no mistake and are part of God’s plan to change this world.

Learning more about yourself is key to overcoming challenges, working with others, strengthening your weaknesses and focusing your life where you are gifted and can serve with passion. God made you and knows you. How well do you know yourself?

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WEEK 2 — Your call: unpacking your life for kingdom mission

There are a variety of ways that you can learn more about your strengths, preferences, and personality. Some options include the Enneagram, Meyers-Briggs, and Strengths Finder test. You can also learn your s.h.a.p.e. 7 The term s.h.a.p.e was developed by Rick Warren in his bestselling book, A Purpose Driven Life. The acronym s.h.a.p.e refers to five specific characteristics of who you are. It is the combination of your S

, and E

You can take the evaluation online at www.freeshapetest.com Just as God made you unique, He also made others with their own uniquenesses. Cultures also carry this uniqueness in ways that can sometimes reflect personalities. For example, the Sukuma Tribe of Tanzania could be described as , and the Kalenjiin Tribe of Kenya is certainly more . 2. CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS

This is where we come alive. Having God’s very Spirit living in us and guiding us moment by moment. He continues in His wonderful process of creating us to be like Him. Philippians 1:3-6: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:16-21: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. As we serve we will face challenges. Let’s remember that our ultimate goal is to live with Christ in heaven and create with God for all eternity without disappointment. This time on earth is our training ground in so many ways. James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

3. DOING GOOD WORKS THAT HE HAS PREPARED IN ADVANCE

1. We have ideas but God has a plan. a. Jeremiah 29:11

b. “Spiritual Leadership is moving people onto God’s agenda.”9 c. “It’s not about our ability but about our availability.”

i. In other words, it’s not about what we are willing to do but what we are willing to let God do through us.

When Moses was called, he focused on his weakness rather than God’s strength. Exodus 4:10-12 NIV: Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.

Moses would learn that with every divine assignment also comes God’s equipping. God would enable His servant to accomplish everything He commanded Him to do. The key was not Moses’ skill but Moses’ surrender. A servant wholly submitted to God’s will is an awesome instrument in God’s hand. Henry BLACK ABY

Many of God’s leaders throughout scripture, and even today, have had doubts and felt reluctant to lead others. In his book Empowered Leaders 10, Hans Finzel says, “Reluctant leaders are often the best leaders.” List some of God’s reluctant leaders from the Bible:

Why are leaders often reluctant to serve?

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WEEK 2 — Your call: unpacking your life for kingdom mission

Finzel points out that, “God really does to do His will on earth. He could have chosen angels or other means, but His method is always , even if they are frail and reluctant. We serve as leaders with a .” God of high standards, but at the same time He is a God of infinite We all have the blessed opportunity to surrender our view of ourselves and our upbringing and exchange it for God’s perspective. Have you felt reluctant to serve God or take on a position of leadership? How does knowing the real life examples that we see in the Bible encourage you to move ahead?

It is key that we develop a listening posture as we do the good works with God.

1. Abraham’s example: he constantly relied on the voice of the Lord at every stage of his life. This required him to remain in a state of humility, moving when he heard a word from God.

2. Why is it so crucial that we aim to listen to and learn from God’s guidance?

a. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

3. Obedience in the small things matters. When we are faithful to obey the simpler things we hear from God, He will speak greater things to us because He knows we’re listening and is able to trust us. (Matt 25:23)

4. The decisions we make without consulting God can end in disaster.

a. Abraham fled to Egypt when famine hit the land (Gen 12:10-20)

5. We see the examples of Jesus always listening to and obeying his Father.

a. John 14:30-31: I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

REFLECT How do you feel that God speaks to you? When was a time you felt you heard from Him in a profound way? What did that change in your life?

Be on the lookout for God’s fingerprints and promptings to guide us to His Kingdom works. 1. We can learn how to hear the voice of the Lord and this gift can have an influence in our lives and in the world. To see the specific ways we can answer His call is to actively search for His presence on a daily basis.

a. It’s important for us to remain in a state of humility, acknowledging God in all our ways. He will direct our paths, showing us the next steps to take. b. Prov 3:5-6 c. This is what we call 2. We can make a conscious choice each day to make God’s glory our aim. a. A helpful statement can be: “Lord, today for your Glory.”

my steps

How might your days be lived differently if every morning you said to God, “Orchestrate my steps for Your Glory”? If you have not made this a practice yet, what could it look like for you?

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WEEK 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Your call: unpacking your life for kingdom mission

DISCUSS Can you remember a time when you made a decision without first acknowledging God? How did it turn out?

Doing good works in the right way How can we best help the poor? We have to start with acknowledging that the at the root of poverty affects both the helper and the helped.11 MATERIAL DEFINITION OF POVERTY

GOD-COMPLEXES + OF MATERIALLY + NON-POOR

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FEELING OF INFERIORITY OF MATERIALLY POOR

HARM TO BOTH MATERIALLY POOR AND NON-POOR

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

BASIC VALUES QUESTIONNAIRE 12 Doing good works in the right way is impacted by how we see ourselves and our own personal preferences and worldview. This values exercise will shed some light on just what is important to you and will be of great importance in helping you understand and avoid conflicts with others especially when you serve cross-culturally. Please complete the basic values questionnaire and then return to this page. Below is an analysis sheet for the basic values questionnaire that you have taken. Fill in your response to each of the corresponding statements in the questionnaire. If, for example, your response to statement 1 was “5” then enter 5 in the first space in box 1 after holistic thinking. Then add the numbers in each line and divide the total by four to obtain your average score for each trait. total

1. Time orientation

2. Event orientation

3. Dichotomistic thinking

4. Holistic thinking

5. Crisis orientation

6. Noncrisis orientation

7. Task orientation

8. Person orientation

9. Status focus

10. Achievement focus

11. Concealment of vulnerability

12. Willingness to expose vulnerability

11 5 6 1

12 7 8 2

10 4 3 9

24 15

20 16

21 17

22 18 14

23 13

25 29 33

30 31

27 39

36 35

av er age

48 47

46 45

44 43

42 41

38 37

40 34

We will go through marking your scores on the personal profile grid together in class.

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task orientation

time orientation

person orientation

status focus

dichotomistic thinking

event orientation

achievement focus

crisis orientation

concealment of vulner abilit y

holistic thinking

noncrisis orientation

willingness to expose vulnerability

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

TIME VS EVENT ORIENTATION TIME

EVENT

• Concern for punctuality and amount of time expended

• Concern for details of event, regardless of time

• Careful allocation of time to achieve maximum w/in set limits

• Exhaustive consideration of a problem until resolved

• Tightly scheduled, goaldirected activities

• A “let come what may” outlook, not tied to any precise time

• Rewards offered as incentives for efficient use of time

• Stress on completing the event as a reward in itself

• Emphasis on dates and history or future

• Emphasis on present experience rather than past or future

TASK VS PERSON ORIENTATION TASK

PERSON

• Focuses on tasks and principles

• Focuses on persons and relationships

• Finds satisfaction in the achievement of goals

• Finds satisfaction in interaction

• Seeks friends with similar goals

• Seeks friends who are group-oriented

• Accepts loneliness and social deprivation for personal achievements

• Deplores loneliness; sacrifices personal for the group interaction

Two other great resources in understanding cultural differences are: 1. Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier.

a. This is an easy-to-understand read that explains, compares, and contrasts “hot” and “cold” cultures.

2. African Friends and Money Matters by David Maranz. a. This book is full of incredible insights; it highlights the differences between the African and American worldviews with a special emphasis on how we view and handle money. A must for any person working across cultures and especially where accountability for money is involved.

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WEEK 2 — Your call: unpacking your life for kingdom mission

What have you learned about your preferences? What areas of your values do you think would work well in an African context? Where might there be challenges?

DON’S JOURNEY:

1. Cooking soup, 2. Footprints in the sand, 3. Finding God’s Fingerprints - Pointing The Way

What does it look like practically for you to search for God’s fingerprints and promptings on a daily basis?

What mindsets, perspectives or actions are Holy Spirit prompting you to surrender to God for Him to use you fully?

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

NOTES

~36~

THY KINGDOM COME

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

The church was never designed to be a fortress for the righteous; rather it was designed to be a flood of revolutionaries into every dark place. Rob WEGNER

Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

TESTIMONY Chief Thomas had struggled to bring change and development to his village for over 20 years without much success. Growing up in a home with alcoholic parents made him very aware of the oppression and destruction that kind of life brings to a family and community. He fought passionately against the illegal brewing business in his village, but with little success. The women told him to give them money and then they would stop brewing and selling. Chief Thomas heard a testimony on a radio station of an illegal brewer who had changed after attending a training to learn new skills. He pursued the lead until he found our ELI leader Samuel Teimuge. Within two months Chief Thomas opened the door for women in his community to come for training. Little did he know that over 214 of them would respond to the request for change and alternative skills. After the short week of training, over 95% of the women stopped brewing and had given their lives to Christ. Stories of transformation began to spread from home to home until alcoholic men felt convicted and came asking for a way to change as well. New gardens were planted. Fallow ground began to produce new crops. Businesses of all kinds began to flourish and neighborhoods that previously were dens of darkness became alcohol free and positive forces of productive examples to others. Church pastors became willing to attend trainings so that the brewers they used to rebuke would be welcomed into the church family. Open-air campaigns where the gospel was preached were organized, and the Spirit of God has moved in wonderful ways that no one could have imagined. Enrollment in the public elementary school increased by 500 children within three months after the women came back from the training. Chief Thomas told me, “I have seen more transformation in the last 18 months than in the last 18 years.” The Chief now carries a Bible with him and loves to visit homes and sing hymns around his dinner table with his wife. The neighboring villages are seeing the change and are now asking Thomas to, “Bring this change to our village as well.”

~38~

WEEK 3 — Thy kingdom come

THY KINGDOM COME 1. The coming of the Kingdom of God was at the heart of Jesus’s message. a. The Gospel of The Kingdom: The coming of the Kingdom of God was at the heart of Jesus’ message. Yet the idea of the Kingdom is strangely absent from much of our thinking today.

b. Let’s look at a definition of the word “kingdom”. In Greek, the word is , and it does not refer to a king’s geographical but to the recognition of his royal . In other words, you have a kingdom any place where the king’s authority is recognized and obeyed. When we talk about the Kingdom of God, we are referring to people who acknowledge the Lordship of Christ and who are striving to obey Him at all times in all places.13 2. Jesus came to proclaim that, in Himself, the rule of God was that is in rebellion against Him. a. Mark 1:14-15: “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,’ he said. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”

b. Matthew 4:23 and 9:35: “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” c. Luke 8:1: “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him”

d. Luke 9:1-2: “When Jesus had called the Twelve together... he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God”

e. Luke 10:1,2,8-9: “The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them...’When you enter a town... tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you’”

3. The kingdom of God is the answer to Jesus’

a. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus prays, “Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

b. It’s whenever and wherever God’s earth as it is in heaven.

here on

. c. It’s what the Old Testament prophets called Shalom is a Hebrew word that is often translated as but it refers to more than a vague sense of well-being. It speaks of the complete ~39~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

restoration of surroundings.

in every area of a person’s life and

d. When Jesus spoke and preached, he had one message that united all of his teaching. This was the message of “good news” that he shared wherever he went. In more passages where Jesus refers to the kingdom of than God, you quickly notice that the kingdom of God is the core of Jesus’ message. It is the framework that unites all of his teachings and preaching.

e. After rising from the dead, Jesus spent forty days with his followers. Ask yourself, If I had one month left on earth, what would I want to communicate to the people I love? It’s likely that you would pass along the things that you hold to be most valuable. i. Acts 1:3: “He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the .”

4. This is the very same message the early church carried to the world.

a. The last glimpse we have of the early church in the last chapter of the book of Acts confirms this. The apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, and the book of Acts ends with this summation of the apostle’s life and ministry: i. Acts 28:30-31: “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance!”

b. For Paul and the early followers of Jesus, the good news of the gospel came down to two things: i. the proclamation that “Jesus is Lord”

ii. the proclamation of the kingdom of God. 5. The gospel of the kingdom touches every sphere of human concern and engagement, motivating care for the poor, bringing justice to the oppressed, feeding the hungry, healing the sick, fostering education, providing decent housing, and creating art and beauty. The gospel changes everything.14 How would you describe the kingdom of God in your own words?

~40~

WEEK 3 — Thy kingdom come

Early Missionary (1761) William Carey was committed to serving with a Kingdom worldview.15 What do you learn from Carey’s Example?

FROM SAVED SOULS TO SAVED WHOLES 1. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)

a. Luke 19:10 — Τὸ ἀπολωλὸς, that which was lost) viz. which had been lost (undone), both in the way of a loss negatively (‘amissionem,’ a losing by carelessness or inadvertence) and in the way of positive destruction (‘interitum,’ death, ruin). For the participle ἀπολωλὸς [that which was both lost and destroyed] corresponds to the two verbs, ζητῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι, to seek and to save. It was for this purpose that the Saviour came to the sinner, to his house. Through Jesus, all of creation - including our bodies and souls - is being redeemed from the effects of the original fall of man.16

2. Jesus Proclamation as he begins his public ministry

a. Luke 4:14-20: “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Who chose this particular passage for Jesus to read? What do you hear Jesus saying about his mission?

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Matthew 11:2-5: “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” What does this say about Jesus’ mission?

DISCUSS Why did Jesus come to earth? How can you live a life that intentionally follows Jesus’ example and reflects God’s kingdom?

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN “As this shift in emphasis occurred, the primary concern for many Christians became “saving souls” and “going to heaven”. “Over time, Americans - both Christian and otherwise - often acquired the understanding that the singular role of Christianity is to arrive at heaven’s gate and to be allowed entry. Although that is certainly something to anticipate with joy, it ignores Jesus’ clear, integrated teaching that God’s kingdom exists on earth as well. We are instructed to be simultaneously citizens of a future kingdom and ambassadors in this time and place. While we wait for a future with Christ, we are called to do everything we can to bring elements of that glorious future into this world. Jesus talked often about a kingdom that is breaking into this world right now, a kingdom that isn’t marked by opulent buildings but by opulent acts of compassion and kindness. This kingdom isn’t characterized by its military might but by its willingness to kneel down in selfless service.”17

~42~

WEEK 3 — Thy kingdom come

Have you seen God’s Kingdom advancing here on earth? Describe what you have seen and how it relates to the verses above.

FORCEFULLY ADVANCING THE KINGDOM OF GOD “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (Matt 11:12) 1. Who are forceful men? Forceful men and women are those who actually believe a. that the Kingdom of God is good b. that its manifestation is possible How is the term “force” used in the original language? What implications does this have?

Something new is happening, we are entering a new era. As Jesus is speaking, the Kingdom is present, manifested on earth through Him. Those who are desperately hungry for this Kingdom will lay hold of it. What does it look like to advance the Kingdom with force in practical ways?

~43~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

DON’S JOURNEY - WHEN THINGS SEEM TO GO WRONG After we have embraced God’s plan, it can sometimes seem as if the plan has collapsed and everything has gone wrong. Hold on! God is still doing something and can bring new shoots out of a pile of compost. Always remember this: God is more interested in our lives than

our problems.

Have you ever experienced God using you in a big, strategic way? If so, when did you realize your obedience served His greater plan? How did challenges you faced end up giving you greater direction, confidence in God, or focus?

HELPING WITHOUT HURTING: RELIEF OR DEVELOPMENT? There’s no “one size fits all” approach to helping the poor. To truly help people, we need to understand the root causes of their poverty.

Have you ever seen a church or program provide relief when the situation was actually needing development? How can you discern which is needed?

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WEEK 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Thy kingdom come

Make a list of some of the ministries that ELI has. Which of the above categories do you think that they each belong to: Relief - Rehabilitation - Development?

Which of those categories of ministry or work do you think you would be most passionate about? Could you see yourself doing this long term?

Dream and describe what your dream job might look like:

~45~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

ACTIVITY: WIN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN 18

Pay off Schedule :

4 X’s: Lose $ 1.00 each 3 X’s: Win $1.00 each 1 Y: Lose $3.00 2 X’s: Win $ 2.00 each 2 Y’s: Lose $ 2.00 each 1 X: Win $ 3.00 3 Y’s: Lose $ 1.00 each

Instructions: For ten successive rounds you and your partner(s) will choose either an X or a Y. Each round payoff depends on the pattern of choices made in your cluster. You are to confer with your partners in each round and make a joint decision. In rounds 5, 8 and 10 you and your partners may first confer with the other quartets in your total group before making your joint decision, as before.

4 Y’s: Win $ 1.00 each Scorecard Round

Bonus Round (Payoff x3)

Bonus Round (Payoff x5)

Bonus Round (Payoff x10)

Your Choice (Circle)

Group’s pattern of Choice

~46~

Payoff

Balance

WEEK 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Thy kingdom come

What are your reactions to this game?

Do you feel that you were successful? Why or why not?

What happened during the bonus rounds?

What kinds of emotions did you feel? What can we learn that can help us advance the kingdom more effectively?

~47~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

NOTES

~48~

ONE BODY: BEING A PART OF THE KINGDOM-ADVANCING TEAM

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:3-6

“A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses. I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me. His face, that hitherto may have been strange and intolerable to me, is transformed in intercession into the countenance of a brother for whom Christ died, the face of a forgiven sinner.” Dietrich BONHOEFFER

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

MODALITY AND SODALITY Whoever we are and wherever we are, we are on a mission. All Christ-followers are actually missionaries. I spent several years serving God by doing evangelism on high school campuses with Campus Life - Youth for Christ. I was a youth pastor and assistant pastor in a local church in California and then became a senior pastor. Though I had a sense of mission in my heart I cannot say that I called myself a missionary. I went on several short term trips and also worked with Cambodians who were migrating to my city of Garden Grove. The challenge and opportunity of working with people who had different world views and came from different cultures captured my heart and attention. I knew I wanted to learn more. I felt there were unique ways that God could use me, possibly in locations where other people were not serving. I did more and more research and realized how many places exist that do not have an effective Christian witness. I came to understand that in many places where the gospel has been preached the Christian leaders were living and serving God, but surrounded by poverty. The advancement of the Kingdom of God was being hindered because of malnutrition, sickness, poverty, and a lack of skills and education. I felt a growing drive to want to learn more. My position in the church was rewarding but I felt less and less at home in my heart there. An excitement and passion to serve people in other locations, who were suffering and did not know Christ, grew significantly. An unquenchable drive to move out, take a risk, learn how God sees the world and the poor dominated my thinking. I did not know where to go or what I would be doing. But the prompting was clear, real, and filled my life with great purpose. I was serving in a modality which was a foundation for my Christian life and ministry. But a yearning grew in my spirit to serve in a sodality, though at the time I had never heard of either of those terms. I now realize that modality and sodality are two parts of the body of Christ that can work together to advance the kingdom of God and bring change to the world.

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WEEK 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; One body: being a part of the kingdom-advancing team

THE IDEAL TEAM PLAYER 1. Wherever you are serving, it is good to know, recognize, and be an ideal team player. a. This is someone who is

, and

b. Someone can have one or two of these qualities, but an ideal team player has .

What do you notice about a person who has only one of the qualities?

What do you notice about a person who has only two of the qualities?

Being honest - Where might you find yourself in these diagrams?

~51~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Where might you need to change or grow to become an Ideal Team Player?

SERVING ON THE RIGHT TEAM I’ve heard an analogy that’s helped me see ministry as a big picture and discover where my place might be. Though it is not a perfect analogy, it provides a picture to see how God organizes ministries and describes the various roles. This gives us a chance to look at ourselves, our place in the work and assess where we’re going. Is this the right

. I am passionate to play (be involved in)?

Is this the right

? (Other players)?

Am I in the right Is this the right

? (My own role)? for me? (Leader)?

With this in mind, Let’s look at two important structures that exist in the one body of Christ. MODALITY AND SODALITY: TWO STRUCTURES, ONE BODY Modality and sodality are the two structures that carry out God’s redemptive plan. No matter where the movement of Christianity expands in this world, it will be spread by these two types of ministry. • Modality: the local church • Sodality: missions or parachurch organizations In a series of articles, Ralph Winter detailed his thoughts on the appropriate relationship these two forms should have. He addresses the misconception that missionary work is secondary or inferior to that of the work occurring in the church. Our efforts to advance God’s kingdom can only be fully effective if each of these two structures is wholly involved and in support of the other. In order to encourage and fully support one another, it is important to become familiar with the characteristics of each structure and how the Lord uses each to accomplish His purposes.

~52~

WEEK 4 — ONE BODY: BEING A PART OF THE KINGDOM-ADVANCING TEAM

MODALITY (local church)

SODALITY (missions)

What it does:

• Make disciples

• Call disciples

• Gather for worship

• Walk in prayer

• Nurture believers

• Evangelizing

How it looks:

• Organized

• Flexible

• Solid boundaries

• Peripheral

“The sending agency”

“The ones being sent”

Give one example of a modality you’ve served with or know well and the characteristics of you observe about the organization that helped you decide its structure.

Give an example of a sodality you’ve served with or know well and the characteristics of each organization that helped you decide its structure.

Each structure should feed the other. STRUCTURE: MODALITY & SODALITY T YPICAL DEPICTION

church

REALIT Y

mission

church

~53~

mission

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Our enemy attempts to deceive and divide. It is unfortunate that many believers take the stance that an organization or individual can only operate in a single structure, as if the two are headed in opposite directions or serving separate purposes. The truth is one structure cannot fully succeed without the other. We must see our fellow believers, regardless of their current role in the Body as partners, advancing the Kingdom together. We are on a collective journey to walk as the bride of Christ. What support looks like:

1. Local church sending missionaries out by the leading of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13)

2. Missionaries sending new believers to the local church for edification and maturation. What support sounds like: 1. “How can we, as a parachurch organization, help the local church become the bride?”

2. “As a local church member, what can I do to assist you in your mission?”

Have you ever experienced a disconnect between your call to missions and your service to the local church? If so, describe that experience.

Why do you think there can be disunity between these two structures? What are some practical ways we can create a healthy union between the two structures and feed one another as depicted in the graph above?

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WEEK 4 — One body: being a part of the kingdom-advancing team

SEASONS OF SERVING As new believers, we are often nurtured, equipped, and trained in the local church. Here, we’re able to mature in our relationship with God and others. We learn to walk as the bride of Christ in a safe place, surrounded by counsel. Sodalities are those who make a secondary decision to take the gospel message beyond their locality. Contrary to the modality church, which is (for the most part) established in its structure, the demands of missionary work change depending on the needs of the people they are serving. The apostle Paul spent certain seasons of his ministry establishing churches and edifying the body while other seasons involved being sent out from these churches to fulfill his call to evangelism. We see that each new step was made by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“It is our attempt here to help church leaders and others to understand the legitimacy of both structures, and the necessity for both structures not only to exist but to work together harmoniously for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and for the fulfillment of all that God desires for our time.” Ralph WINTER

Have you ever felt you have been called to serve in both structures at separate times in your life? Do you think an organization can operate in both at the same time?

NOTES

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INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

commitment to pe acem a k ing a nd r econcili ation Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Matt. 5:9).

Our ministry is committed to building a "culture of peace" that reflects God's peace and the power of the gospel of Christ in our lives. As we stand in the light of the cross, we realize that bitterness, unforgiveness and broken relationships are not appropriate for the people whom God has reconciled to himself through the sacrifice of his only Son John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:29-32; Col. 3:12-14).

Therefore, we look to the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit for guidance on how we can respond to conflict in a way that will honor God, promote justice, reconcile relationships, and preserve our witness for Christ. As God gives us his wisdom and grace, we are committed to actively teaching and encouraging one another to live out the following principles of peacemaking and reconciliation: Personal Peacemaking • •

• • • • •

• •

•

Whenever we are faced with conflict, our primary goal will be to glorify God with our thoughts, words and actions (1 Cor. 1031).

We will try to get the "logs" out of our own eyes before focusing on what others may have done wrong (Mat. 7:3-5). We will seek to overlook minor offenses (Prov. 19:11).

We will refrain from all gossip, backbiting and slander (Eph. 4:29). If we have a problem with others, we will talk to them, not about them. We will make "charitable judgments" toward one another by believing the best about each other until we have facts that prove otherwise (1 Cor. 13:7).

If an offense is too serious to overlook, or if we think someone may have something against us, we will go promptly to seek reconciliation (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15) When we offer a word of correction to others, we will do so graciously and gently, with the goal of serving and restoring them, rather than beating them down (Prov. 12:18; Eph. 4:29; Gal. 6:1).

When someone tries to correct us, we will ask God to help us resist prideful defensiveness and to welcome correction with humility (Ps. 141:5; Prov. 15:32). When others repent, we will ask God to give us grace to forgive them as he has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).

When we discuss or negotiate substantive issues, we will look out for others' interests as well as our own (Phil. 2:3-4).

Assisted Peacemaking • • • •

When two of us cannot resolve a conflict privately, we will seek the mediation of wise people in our ministry and listen humbly to their counsel (Matt. 18:16; Phil. 4:2-3). If our dispute is with a ministry leader, we will look to other leaders for assistance.

When informal mediation does not resolve a dispute, we will seek formal assistance from our ministry leaders or people they appoint, and we will submit to their counsel and correction (Matt. 18:17-20). If a person coming to our ministry has an unresolved conflict with someone in his former work, we will require and assist him to make every reasonable effort to be reconciled to the other person before joining our ministry (Matt. 5:23-24; Rom. 12:18). If we have a legal dispute with or within our ministry and cannot resolve it internally through the steps given above, we will obey God's command not to go into the civil court (1 Cor. 6:1-5). Instead, we will submit the matter to mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation,a division of Peacemaker Ministries (www.Peacemaker.net).

Above all, we pray that our ministry of peacemaking will bring praise to our Lord Jesus Christ and lead others to know his infinite love and peace.1

1 2004).

Adapted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, by Ken Sande (Baker Books, 3rd Ed.

~56~

WEEK 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ONE BODY: BEING A PART OF THE KINGDOM-ADVANCING TEAM

CREATING A CULTURE OF COOPERATION Some people who start out as a missionary do not stay in that work long. Yes, there are crosscultural adjustments (culture shock) and many new pressures and opportunities, but one of the main reasons that people leave the mission field is that they end up having confl ict with other missionaries on their team! Ken Sande has written a book called The Peacemaker.20 ELI has all staff read, discuss, study, and sign this document every year. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at the document and see how it applies to a missions team or ministry staff. What two principles in the larger document do you think would help alleviate the greatest amount of confl ict?

How would you feel if you were serving with a ministry team and knew that all of your comrades had signed and committed themselves to live according to the Peacemaker agreement?

Helping without hurting requires us to recognize that people in poverty are not helpless. They have God-given gifts and abilities that they can use to improve their lives.

~57~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

NOTES

Needs based focuses on shortcomings and deficits. I have heard comments from people who have come back from Africa who have told others, “Those people are so poor they really have nothing.” Though the people are materially poor, that kind of mindset does not recognize or see the many resources, skills, and local knowledge that exists. 21

NOTES

It is vital to begin with a focus on the gifts and abilities that people already have. Everyone has something to contribute. We are created in the image of God to use our ability to accomplish useful and productive things. Whatever erodes or diminishes that, whatever takes away from that sense of dignity and purpose, is against the will of God. Asking people to be the solution to their own problems and allowing them to innovate - that’s what empowerment really is. ~58~

WEEK 4 — One body: being a part of the kingdom-advancing team

DON’S JOURNEY: WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

~59~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

NOTES

~60~

FROM A MINISTRY TO A MOVEMENT

“If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African proverb

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Love God, love people. That’s the call. The great love of God has blessed me with a life full of adventures and compels me to empower the poor of this world. Through Empowering Lives International, I’ve been blessed to take part in transformational change - seeing one life at a time change and end up impacting a whole village and beyond. Peris was a moonshine brewer. Her eight children endured neglect, malnutrition, and harassment for years because of her illegal business. The brewing brought unimaginable evil into countless homes and fed the addiction that plagued so many. It was a painful scene that has unfortunately become the norm for countless villages. But after Peris attended a 5-day intensive training with ELI - everything changed. With a new sense of self-worth, freedom, and a passionate relationship with Jesus, she returned home to destroy the brewing equipment and used her business skills to benefit her family and community. Peris raised passion fruits to eat and sell. She began excitedly sharing the good news with friends and neighbors, pursuing another notorious brewer named Ruth. Under the leadership of ELI, Peris and Ruth are now key leaders in their communities and are called Women of Change. Over 1,350 women have received training and mentoring that empowers them to do the same in their own villages. It’s humbling to see God’s word alive and active in the hearts of these people. The ministry He has birthed through us is now an unstoppable force. It’s becoming a Spirit-led movement.

~62~

WEEK 5 — From a ministry to a movement

FROM A MINISTRY TO A MOVEMENT:

PRACTICAL TOOLS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Activity: Introduction to five sets - a unique game experience 22 Reflections on the game:

What is one thing you have learned that can help you serve more effectively?

Take a minute to think about the word empowerment. What does it mean? What does it look like, sound like, feel like? In light of what you’ve learned so far, make a short list of your thoughts below:

~63~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

In the 1990’s, the World Bank asked over sixty thousand poor people from various low-income countries about this same word: what is poverty? Here is how one woman responded:

“For a poor person everything is terrible — illness, humiliation, shame. We are cripples; we are afraid of everything; we depend on everyone. No one needs us. We are like garbage that everyone wants to get rid of.” Moldova Native 23

Poverty is complex and multifaceted. It robs power, extinguishes hope, and saps the soul. Men, women, and children each have devastating expectations for life due to generational poverty. It is difficult to embrace their struggle, but it is the only way we can be effective in rekindling hope to build up their communities.

HOPE EXTINGUISHED few skills

minimal education

no ideas

low self-worth

no money

meager food

fear

despair

isolation

resignation

~64~

WEEK 5 — From a ministry to a movement

We are here to empower the poor.

People in the most desperate situations have God-given potential to become effective worldchangers. Their testimonies are often 180-degree turnarounds that send shockwaves through a community. Their change is so profound that their neighbors take notice. As we provide the poor with knowledge, confidence, and measurable growth, it impacts their spiritual and economic lives. As they continue to grow, they become examples that others in their community will be drawn to imitate and surpass. The causes of poverty vary with each region and culture, so missionary work must be flexible. Our work is always subject to the needs and opportunities within each location, but our approach remains the same. This section will detail practical tools and guiding principles for missional movement. KEY TO RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY TO POVERTY When material needs are recognized by outsiders, material solutions are not usually the best way to help. Handouts and paternalism slow the multiplication process. 24

The problem with giveaways: 1. When the only progress villagers make is accompanied by giveaways, they can easily become convinced that they are incapable of making progress by themselves. 2. When donations are channeled to those most in need, divisions can arise and cause envy and jealousy. 3. People can become accustomed to giveaways, and even come to expect them. 4. Giveaways blind people to the need of solving their own problems. 5. Giveaways are detrimental to programs and people because they are expensive. 6. Giveaways can hide people’s indifference to the actual program efforts. They will attend your training while they receive something, but when the handout comes to an end, their interest is lost. 7. Giveaways destroy the possibility of there ever being a multiplier effect.

“Justice demands not that outside agencies give things away, but rather that people are taught to help themselves, keeping their dignity and selfrespect intact, and that these efforts cost as little as possible so that the maximum number of people can be reached with the funds available.” Roland BUNCH

~65~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

What is your reaction to these insights about handouts also called “giveaways”?

The Story of Patrick and the Cow

THE POWER OF ENTHUSIASM: The Driving Force Behind Development 25 Definition: Determination, drive, commitment, motivation, inspiration. It is the desire or willingness to work, and to make sacrifices, in order to reach a goal. The willingness to step out into the unknown, to experiment, study, make decisions, cooperate with others, and work together toward a common end. It is the basic dynamic of any self-help program, the driving force that is indispensable to all true human development. 1. The program must work towards solving felt needs.

2. The villagers must believe it possible for them to solve the problem. a. The solution must be simple and inexpensive enough to be perceived as within their means.

3. The people must believe that the program staff are competent and genuinely care about their success.

4. The people should come to identify with a program by being involved in the planning.

5. They should participate so that when success is achieved they will feel a sense of accomplishment.

~66~

WEEK 5 — From a ministry to a movement

Has God been already working on developing any of these principles in your personal life? If so, which ones? What has that process looked like?

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR HELPING WITHOUT HURTING What not to do:

What to do: 1. Promise low, deliver high

1. Don’t waste time

2. Positive inquiry

2. Don’t assume the problem

3. Promote sustainability

Promise low, deliver high: One key that you’ll likely find repeated throughout this course is listening. We do not approach a community eager to talk about what our specialties are and all the amazing things we are going to do for them. The goal is not to do for the community but to do with them. As a team, we want to hear what they need as well as any ideas they have as solutions. Positive inquiry: When we enter a community, we ask things like, “What is your favorite thing about your village?” We offer a line of questions that highlight the best parts of their community. We want community members to see the good in what they have and realize they have the ability to solve their own problems. Promote sustainability: Westerners are often willing to provide a hurting community with resources such as money, food, or even agricultural tools to establish income. However, in order to create a lasting impact, we must have participation from the poor themselves. The learning process takes time, but if community members participate from the beginning, they will more likely embrace and take ownership of the project. The result is empowered lives even after the missions teams leave. Don’t assume the problem: The most important step in missional movement is understanding the primary cause of poverty in the region we are assisting. Assuming the problem too quickly can result in only treating the symptoms or misdiagnosing the underlying problem. Neither of these will improve the situation, but has the potential to make both their lives and our lives worse. ~67~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Take notes on the 5 Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s below: SLOW

SMALL

STRAIGHT AWAY

START W/ WHAT YOU HAVE

SHARE W/ OTHERS

SHORT-TERM MISSIONS Over the past 30 years, people have helped ELI grow and develop as they invested their time, talents, and financial support. Many have felt the desire to come and participate first hand on the ground in Africa. It is important to consider a variety of aspects that surround such an adventure so that it is beneficial both to the people who are being visited and the person or team going. It is possible to go with good intentions to help but in the end discover that you have hurt the people you intended to help and that your own life may not have been impacted in the right ways. IN-CLASS VIDEO What are two ideas that struck you during the video? 1.

~68~

WEEK 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; From a ministry to a movement

Have you ever been a part of a short-term missions trip as a team member or supporter (financially or in prayer)? Think about that trip and describe any benefits for the following parties involved. Then describe any negative impacts this trip may have had for the same participants.

PARTICIPANTS

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

Team members Sending church/ organization Trip hosts Community served DEVELOPING A STRATEGY FOR A SUCCESSFUL SHORT-TERM TRIPâ&#x20AC;&#x160;26 1. Make sure the community hosts requested a team in their plan. 2. Keep the teams small, with members who have serious interest in missions. 3. Describe the trip as a learning experience for the team members rather than an opportunity for them to save a nation. 4. Make learning a requirement before and after the trip. 5. Best to have team members pay a portion of their trip cost. ~69~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

List three practical things you can do this week to join and advance the kingdom “movement”. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to be diligent about doing these things. 1.

~70~

PILLARS FOR STRONG PARTNERSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS FOR EMPOWERMENT

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...” Philippians 2:3-5

“He who is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.” Malawian proverb

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

I remember hearing about a friend’s project in Africa where they had raised funds to build a water tower in a community. All went seemingly well and the ribbon was cut and the water tap was opened up to begin filling the water tank at the top of the tower. They all went to the celebration lunch. During their meal, a thunderous crash rang out and all went running outside only to see that the weight of the water in the tank had caused the pillars to buckle under the new weight. We must be sure that whatever we build is not just a nice-looking tower but can actually hold the weight of the ministry God is leading us to accomplish.

POWER BOAT OR SAIL BOAT A powerboat captures the essence of the Western paradigm. Power is inside the boat, in the hands of the human operator. The powerboat metaphor represents “taking control.” It is confident, modern, powerful, noisy, and expensive. The destination — and getting there fast — is often most important. Unless there is a calamity on the sea such as a catastrophic storm, it will go wherever the captain directs, as long as he or she planned well and has enough fuel. The powerboat epitomizes high control. Contrast this image with that of the sailboat, representing the paradigm of less control. While the people in a sailboat have some control and power, their power is much more subordinate to the wind. Success depends completely on their cooperation with the wind. Some days the vessel will travel great distances. Other days the wind will be calm — time to rest and build deeper relationships. The slower days are not deemed inferior to the days when greater distance is traveled — for the journey itself is as important as the destination. Sailors know that a strategy that worked yesterday could get them killed tomorrow. They respect and carefully assess the context, and realize that flexibility is one of their greatest resources. The sailboat epitomizes high levels of trust and less control. The external circumstances are the same in both paradigms. The seas are what they are and the weather will be what it will be. The difference lies in the vessel: the design is different, the training is different, the journey is different. Perhaps most important is the mindset of those who choose a powerboat versus a sailboat 27

~72~

WEEK 6 — Pillars for strong partnerships

Healthy partnerships are achieved through the development of three overlapping traits: 28

GODLY CHARACTER

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCE

CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

1. Godly Character: Humbly following Jesus’s example with the goal of glorifying God. John 13:12-17 NIV: “When He had finished washing their feet, He put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” In your experience, what have you noticed about the effects of leadership characterized by pride? What about leadership characterized by humility?

~73~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

2. Cultural Intelligence: gaining a deep understanding of our partners and God’s purpose for the relationship.

There is a general aspect to cultural intelligence (CQ ) that, like Christ, enables us as believers to have a respect for all cultures. It’s accompanied by a desire to see the people in these communities saved and transformed into the likeness of Jesus while honoring and encouraging their uniqueness. As Americans, there are a few challenges that can limit our cultural sensitivity. We tend to underestimate the wealth and power that comes with American influence. We must also acknowledge the difference between serving a community and creating a healthy crosscultural partnership. When the goal is to accomplish the latter, developing a deep cultural understanding is essential. The investment requires more time and effort, but can result in the exchange of resources and relational depth. 3. Organizational Competence: practicing the principles of healthy partnership with wisdom and accountability. This third factor addresses the vision and expectations of the partnership. The key here is to ensure that both parties are focused on a common goal and effectively moving towards it. However, we must be careful in our approach to measure effectiveness. A tendency in the Western world is to use metrics (amount of people saved, number of churches planted). However, that system can get complicated or seemingly impossible to measure when you consider the fruitfulness of the Spirit. Often times it seems more helpful to measure success in a partnership by . That is, ultimately, the standard that our Heavenly Father uses to measure us:

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matt 25:23 NIV ~74~

WEEK 6 — Pillars for strong partnerships

PARTNERING WITH NATIONALS

“The mission of God is not accomplished merely in the religious sector of society or by a single local church. The most effective missional processes utilize a full gambit of partners to accomplish a core mission...A kingdom vision includes players from every domain of society, and it requires collaboration across those domains.” Rob WEGNER & Jack MAGRUDER, Missional Moves

No one knows the needs of the community better than the people and leaders of the communities themselves. We want to work with leaders who practice selflessness rather than seeking power. It’s important to obtain and develop leaders, empowering them to live lives that promote change in their communities. Partner with Ideal Team Players! PARTNERING WITH THE CHURCH

“Every local church and every follower of Jesus is called to the frontline of mission. Your local church is intended to be engaged in hand-tohand combat at the very gates of Hell. Jesus hasn’t called the local church to simply be financial donors, but dangerous revolutionaries.” Rob WEGNER & Jack MAGRUDER, Missional Moves

When we meet with local churches, we are not focused on financial support; we are looking for partners. In order to propose and eventually develop an effective partnership, we must know what we’re looking for. Take note of the following questions. 1. Does our ministry align with the mission and vision of this local church?

2. Does the heart (and senior leadership) of this church match ours concerning region and focus? 3. Do we agree on fundamental ideas regarding the roles of local church and parachurch organizations?

4. Do we share the same values, objectives and strategies? 5. Are we both willing to share resources?

~75~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Build genuine relationships. Successfully accomplishing this takes time, but is vital for an effective partnership. Once the partnership is established, it’s important that both parties work actively to deepen the relationship. Here are some practical ways this can be done: • Constant communication via email or phone calls • Regular visits to the church

• Sending in clear, detailed reports of progress and developments Helping the USA partner discern what ministries they should partner with: Diversified vs Singular Approach 29

Physical needs and/or Spiritual Needs? Take a look at “The Dial” 30 1. Humanitarian focus

2. Helping the poor in the name of Jesus

3. Empowering the poor and sharing the Gospel with passion

4. Sharing the Gospel

~76~

WEEK 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pillars for strong partnerships

Do you think most churches think deeply about the above? How would prayerfully moving through these ideas before partnering help a church to have a more effective Kingdom advancing ministry through the church and in partnership with other organizations and missionaries?

Empowering Lives and Church Partnerships (Village 2 Village) As Empowering Lives International serves together with USA based churches to help them meet their missions goals and calling, we have found powerful synergy and results in partnering together in this important and unique way.

Describe the Village to Village Program in your own words:

~77~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

SIGNIFIES ACCOMPLISHED

• village connection contacts eli

• eli praYs and discerns ministrY and timing to impact the communitY. • pre training visit

• reformed Brewer 5 daY training #1 • follow-up visit

• cBo’s formed (communitY Based orgs) NEXT STEPS:

1. KeY woc leaders training (5 people) 2. tier two training for woc group 3. reach 15 Brewers & 15 men of change 4. pastors empowerment training 5. village outreach events - 3 daYs 6. give a child a chance outreach 7. woc staff support & admin

IMPACT

Home Leaders & Children

• eli follow-up leaders identified • @eli - village pastors training • @eli - Brewer leadership training

• @eli- Business for life training

• evangelism outreach program • give a child a chance

• eli follow-up visits

• groundworK Baseline surveY

• agriculture training launched

• praYer retreat w leadership • church pastors & leaders training • village wide outreaches X 2 • woc leaders tier three training • B.f.l. training group 2 • Youth selected woodworK training • give a child a chance • Baseline surveY done & shared • a.r.c. program launched • eli collaBorative team - village trainings launched

• Brewers - new group training

IMPACT Leadership & Village

IMPACT

Families & Neighborhoods

What impact could this kind of partnership have on a church?

~78~

• communitY praYer event

• church pastors & leaders training • village wide outreaches X 4 • government partnerships developed

• Youth training program

• coop groups training

• give a child a chance • eli collaBorative team - level 2 village training

• @eli-Brewer training neXt group

IMPACT Government & Neighbor Villages

WEEK 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pillars for strong partnerships

With the partnership, there are opportunities to help develop disciples for Christ through: Participation 31

Engagement

Ownership

~79~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Reflecting back on the opening stories in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class, what are the key pillars you have come to understand will help create and maintain a kingdom advancing partnership? With national partners:

With USA church partners:

~80~

PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR EMPOWERMENT

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” John 4:35

“Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say ‘We have done this ourselves.” Lao TZU

Reach the greatest amount of people - in the leasts amount of time - requiring the least amount of resources - with the greatest amount of measurable results. Don ROGERS

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

The principle of sowing and reaping is astonishing. The Sower sows the word, and like Him, we do the same. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m now seeing the harvest of words sowed into my heart decades ago. I find it fascinating to see this process played out in the natural sense. Many of our ELI trainees become farmers, harvesting crops much greater than the tiny seeds planted. I see the characteristics of our Heavenly Father reflected in His children, one of whom is named Benedict. Benedict is a preacher. He has been for most of his life, but providing for his family was a struggle until he attended ELI. He had tried several jobs, including carpentry and working the cane fields, which only forced him into a cycle of never-ending debt. Upon learning new skills by connecting with ELI, he began his own thriving small business. He and his wife started vegetable production and opened up training sessions to teach others to do the same. They are now known as innovative, generous, self-sustained disciples of Jesus. Benedict is now ministering in Kenya and continues to share his knowledge of farming techniques with other pastors. To date, he has helped over 1,200 people - including widows and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; with his farming skills. Benedict was called to be a sower. God equipped him to do that in more ways than one. When it comes to harvesting what we plant, He always seems to exceed our expectations.

~82~

WEEK 7 — Practical tools for empowerment

PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR EMPOWERMENT 1. See where God is already at work. We’ve learned about the harvest and we are ready to take it, but there’s one question: Where do we start? We can educate ourselves on which regions are most in need of our services right at this moment. If we worked efficiently, we’d likely be successful in building up the community. However, this is the Kingdom harvest we are reaping. As we look for God’s fingerprints, He will speak to us concerning where to go. The Holy Spirit is already at work in a region, and that’s where we start. Here is some powerful advice from Henry Blackaby: “Right now God is working all around you and in your life. One of the greatest tragedies among God’s people is that while they have a deep longing to experience him, they are experiencing God day after day but do not know how to recognize him. If this has been true of your own Christian experience, I pray that this book will help you learn ways to recognize clearly the activity of God in and around your life. I pray that God will open your spiritual eyes to see what he is doing. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God will instruct you and help you know when and where God is working. Once you know where he is working, you can adjust your life to join him where he is working. Once you join God in what he is doing, you will experience him accomplishing his activity through your life. When you enter this kind of intimate love relationship with God, you will know and do the will of God and experience him in ways you have never known him before. Only God can bring you into that kind of relationship, but he stands ready to do so.” 32 In the past, have you been watching for the Father’s work around you or planning and doing your own work for the Father?

~83~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

2. Look for where Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingerprints have already touched the world. Where ELI works in Eldoret, Kenya, the main tribe is the Kalenjiin people. Consider the amazing connection between the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and the Biblical parallels that missionaries Gerald and Burnette Fish recognized and used as a bridge to sharing the Gospel.33

1. The men as they gathered

13. The shade tree

2. The women and children as they gathered

14. The priest admonishing the people

3. The sacrificial he-goat

15. The people seated and listening to the priest

4. The arch

16. The priest's house

5. Sotoonik (gourds)

17. The mabwaita at the priest's house

6. Mabwaita

18. The sacrificial he-goat at the preast's house

7. The young people who helped the priest 8. The mixture for sprinkling 9. Sodom apples representing the cattle 10. The stool 11. The priest ready to sprinkle people 12. The rising sun

~84~

WEEK 7 — Practical tools for empowerment

In what ways do you see the Gospel message being reflected within the culture before missionaries ever arrived? What aspects of their beliefs could be a bridge to their understanding of the message of Jesus and salvation?

3. Know that the sower and reaper will rejoice together.

“My food,” said Jesus, “ is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” John 4:34-38, NIV

On the cross, Jesus completed the work that His Father began. He, being the living Word, accomplished the purpose for which He was sent. In the same manner, we are tools that God uses to plow, sow, nurture, and reap His harvest. Just before the verse above, we read the story about the Samaritan woman at the well and find the process of sowing and reaping expedited. In agriculture, the time between sowing seed and reaping produce or fruit is often a few months, but in this narrative, the word Jesus planted in this woman’s heart produced a harvest of an entire community of believers in the same day. We can’t always count on an immediate reward. But the beauty of this Kingdom in which we serve is that the one who sows and the one who reaps will rejoice together. We can do our work wholeheartedly for the Lord, regardless of the phase of the process to which we’re contributing. We are confident that we’ll share the same joy and reward as we celebrate what God has done for this world together.

~85~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col 3:23-24 NIV

When we witness salvations and rejoice about the healing and deliverance coming to a community we are serving, we may be reaping the benefits of someone else’s hard work. This is why we maintain a humble posture. The Holy Spirit has been at work, preparing things in advance to advance His Kingdom through people, village chiefs, other missionaries and Christians and the very culture of the people. 4. Embrace Your

(Moving People Onto God’s Agenda)

From the beginning, Empowering Lives has had as a goal to

In some cases, we begin with physical needs, and at other times we preach the gospel without reservation. As an organization, we are convinced that God has called and aligned us to both proclaim Jesus as a savior that we can follow, love, and serve, and to provide the poor with knowledge and skills so they can crush poverty. This can be seen in our vision statement which is

5. Articulate your

This is also captured in our Mission statement. “Providing training and skills to orphans and families so they can poverty, Christ, and with others.”

their transformation

Someone in poverty struggles to provide an example to follow or to bring change to their world. Pastors preach about God’s care and provision, yet they are some of the in the village. Youth run away from a calling or parents reject their children’s call to ministry.

~86~

WEEK 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Practical tools for empowerment

Someone with skills that generate income can take strides out of poverty, but their soul and spirit still hunger for purpose, meaning, and a way to have the God-shaped vacuum filled. Many people that we have trained have told us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very grateful for these ideas in business and agriculture. They are so important and will help us come out of poverty. But, we need change from the inside out!â&#x20AC;? We began training people in agriculture and simple business. But when we asked many of the women if they were moving ahead they told us that their business was doing okay, but they still had no money. On further inquiry, they shared that their husbands were alcoholics and would demand the money and use it for drinking. Our eyes were opened to see many men and women passed out along the sides of the roads or stumbling through the villages. Alcoholics were not just a disturbance to the village but alcoholism was a barrier to transformation and a stronghold that was keeping darkness intact and poverty moving from one generation to the next. .

6. Be committed to

An intern contacted me about doing a health survey. Soon 400 homes were interviewed. What used to be accepted now became a topic of conversation. A volunteer emailed me saying that he could come and give his testimony of recovery. He came and dozens responded to start accountability groups. The translator committed his life to helping follow up and carry on the message. 7. Watch God

While visiting the nearby city for supplies, a providential connection led to an invitation for two of our volunteers to go to the community and discuss alcoholism. That discussion became a community meeting with 150 people. When our team left, there were dozens of people who chose to organize themselves into accountability groups so they could stop drinking. Several men who recovered from their addiction felt called by God and joined our staff to become recovery counselors. Through this whole process, we saw the fingerprints of God exposing the darkness, revealing the stronghold, rallying people to help, bringing the sin into question, opening first steps to a strategy of accountability, birthing new leaders from among those transformed, and maturing a ministry over 20 years that is now reaching thousands. We can see that God is just getting started.

~87~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

8. Develop a

process: Jenga illustration

How does this illustration help you understand what it means to have a discernment process? In what ways does it correlate?

LESSONS FROM JESUS ON SENDING OUT DISCIPLES In Luke chapter 10, Jesus tells his disciples to find the . When he finds a home, stay there and do not move around. This is a unique instruction that is important to take to heart as a missionary. God longs for us to build genuine relationships - looking for His guidance - and not be independent, affirmation-seeking, program-accomplishing heroes. The best servants are like a unique SEAL team that moves with strategy and stealth. Empowering Lives founder Samuel Teimuge says that the most mature and effective crosscultural workers move into communities like a crocodile moves into the river — quiet and unannounced — not like a hippopotamus who enters with a huge splash, noise, and the scattering of screaming birds.

“Be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. “ Matt. 10:16 ~88~

WEEK 7 — Practical tools for empowerment

Luke 10:1-8 holds valuable Kingdom-building missional instruction from Jesus! a. Vs 1: God chooses those with willing hearts. b. Vs 2: Jesus is passionate about the need and his solution is for us to pray to the Father who is the lord of the harvest (He is in charge) to send out workers into his field! Note the powerful implications of this verse:

Note: Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love and many other books is heading to the mission field after decades of serving in the church. You can see his announcement in Appendix A. c. Vs 4: Depend on God. list: “Do not take a purse or bag or sandals.” This is Jesus’ Jesus’ unpacking list. We’re so used to making sure we have everything possible so that we are comfortable and are as prepared as possible. God sometimes does His best work when we are least prepared. He wants us to depend on Him. What might you need to unpack in your life to be more available for God’s mission?

~89~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

d. Vs 5,6: Discern who has a spirit of . A heart that is open. Someone who is ready and is already in the process of promoting people rather than personal gain. e. Vs 7: Note that Jesus says to stay there. Embrace whatever they have. And then again, he says, “don’t move around from house-to-house.” f. Take time to get to know them and build a leading to increased trust and insight. When you do, they will begin to not only give you insights into themselves, but also into their family, the neighborhood, the community, the government, and how they really see their own problems and the potential solutions. This is powerful. Do not overlook this. Working alongside nationals that become lifelong friends is one of life’s great rewards. Some organizations move into a community or a ”mission field area” first with a project. When described in a USA church it sounds amazing and full of adventure and potential impact: they might talk about building the building, putting up a home base, (“It will have solar power and warm showers!”), setting up a headquarters where you return when you’re too tired to make your own meal, where you’re comfortable and “safe” from any disease. The model Jesus gives us is very different from this. This quote by Lao Tzu is powerful and worth committing to memory:

“Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. with what they know. with what they have. But with the best leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say ‘We have .” g. Vs 8: Connect with the people where they are. Don’t talk much about your own mission or vision. Just be there - live and love. Jesus said when you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Watch how they live, take notes, explore where they get their water, learn where the churches are and what leaders they respect. Promise nothing, but clearly express your admiration for the things that you can about the life they have. When you see something or they express something good - affirm it. Be a student - not the teacher. h. Practice . There’s a tremendous amount of information about how to go about getting to know a new community in order to bring change.

Appreciative Inquiry summary: Instead of coming in and asking people what their problems are, build relationships. As they begin to explain the challenges and problems, you look for every opportunity to affirm the resources they recognize and good decisions they have already made or the ideas that they may have in motion to solve their own problems. ~90~

WEEK 7 — Practical tools for empowerment

i. Start with small integrity checks. Sometimes involving money or a small property (cell phone or “Can you help me buy phone credit?”). See this reflected in Luke 19:17, ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ j. Discern if they have a “personal” agenda or a “people” agenda. Do they genuinely care about others or is their motive to string you along until they gain something personally? Be loving and wise. Have you or a church you know ever been “burned” by a “partner” from another place or country? How could this have been prevented?

Don’t f launt money! Showing the money you have in any way can derail the building of a genuine friendship. Ask John Mwangi. What do you think about this discernment process? What might have taken place if such steps and awareness were not practiced?

Which three of the above tools make the most sense to you? Why?

~91~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

IDEAS THAT CAN EMPOWER OTHERS From the early days of ELI we have been called to be a bridge to bring God’s creative ideas that can empower lives to the remote villages where people need them the most. Definition of appropriate technology:

“Technology that is suitable to the social and economic conditions of the geographic area in which it is to be applied, is environmentally sound, and promotes self-sufficiency on the part of those using it.” I remember attending a workshop where the retired government professor confessed, “I never cared whether all of my agricultural research ever reached the rural poor. Now I am a believer and I see how I wasted my research! You are the ones on the ground - don’t depend on institutions - find the ideas and utilize them for the benefit of people in need. One of the first booklets I found was on tethonia. Here are other key ideas that ELI uses in Africa to bring change to the lives of the needy as we also share God’s love and message of salvation. Take notes on which you see has the most potential in your opinion to help the poor. • Small Kiosk - Chips, Mandazi, Chai, Samosa

• Oyster mushrooms • Papermaking

• Chickens & chicks - Improve breed; Road island red; Crossbreed Vigor

• Charcoal Production • Sewing

• Zero grazing

• Fish pond

• Double dug beds

• Plant trees

• Vertical gardens

• Passion fruits

• Bread oven

• Banana trees

• Composting - Soil improvement

• Honey - Topbar hive with queen excluder.

• Fertilizers - Tethonia, Gravelia leaves, Rice milk and molasses (Miracle Grow)

• Drip irrigation bucket kits • Dairy goats

• Chaya

• Sheep Dorper

• Grevillea trees - sell seeds Being Researched:

What did not work so well:

• Black Soldier Fly

• Wind Mill

• Bat houses

• Solar Cooker

• Oyster Mushroom production

~92~

WEEK 7 — Practical tools for empowerment

Which of these do you think has the most potential to help empower a poor person? Why?

When people begin to earn money they are encouraged to participate in some kind of loan scheme. One of the most practiced in the villages in Kenya is called the “Merry-Go-Round.” How does the Merry-Go-Round Loan scheme work? In what ways would this actually help empower a needy person?

~93~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

NOTES

~94~

MULTIPLIED IMPACT

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

“Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” D.T. NILES

“Never underestimate the power of a domino.” Don ROGERS

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Last year God gave me a clear picture during a time of prayer: I saw villages covered by a thick blanket. It was a blanket that seemed heavy and difficult to penetrate. People were going about life under the blanket in darkness. Without notice, a rush of power from Heaven tore the blanket down the middle. One person in the village rose and was able to get a glimpse of the light. He climbed up in pursuit of this resurrecting power and ran to one edge of the curtain where he joined ELI staff that were there pulling as hard as they could, but with little impact. More and more nationals caught sight of the light and rushed across the blanket to join the others pulling at the edges. We were all gathering at each end of the curtain’s peak, watching the gap widen. The darkness covering the villages was slowly being invaded by light. In a climax of unity, I saw every faith-filled believer who made it to the edge prepare for a unified pull with full force. We pulled together, and the heavy, seemingly unremovable blanket lost its place and light released the entire community. A village chief was saved, the elders saved, and alcoholics and brewers became the light for surrounding communities. We are participating in this lifestyle of grasping God’s bigger picture, presenting a surrendered heart, maintaining a listening posture and looking for God’s fingerprints. We are experiencing a kingdom movement and it is humbling to participate to help bring village-wide transformation that now has the attention of government officials who are saying, “The approach that ELI is using is a gift from God.”

~96~

WEEK 8 — Multiplied impact

MULTIPLIED IMPACT: CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR VILLAGE-WIDE TRANSFORMATION Disciples Making Disciples: Here’s a fun activity to help us understand the success of discipleship multiplication. Fill out the chart below completing each sequence by either adding 2 or multiplying by 2. + x

5 5

7 10

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20 NIV

Operating in a spirit of multiplication rather than addition takes more time and, often times, more work. But this is the labor that the Lord commanded. When we make disciples, we are helping believers become rooted in Christ and establish themselves in the faith. As these disciples grow they are encouraged and equipped to fulfill this call of making disciples as well. “Ketes”

is changing to “Kenyel”

THE DOMINO EFFECT 34 What strikes you the most about this illustration? How can you apply it to the ministry?

~97~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

WOMEN OF CHANGE A case study in multiplication of changed lives. ( v ideo ) We are now raising up an army of emerging leaders who will share their transformation with others. Reaching the children is key to village transformation. One half of Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is under the age of 18! We cannot expect to change the future without bringing a new vision and opportunity to the children. In ten years, those who are now children at will be agents of influence as young adults. Currently the greatest threat to Kenya is its own idle youth. Having a long term plan to empower the children can be key in defeating the devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongholds! What ministry principles do you recognize are in play in this real life example?

CREATING A TIPPING POINT In the science and research world, Malcolm Gladwell is well known. One of his best selling books was called The Tipping Point.35 Because of the parallels that have taken place in our ministry, let me share a few principles that Malcolm highlights from his research. Important to the creation of a tipping point are key people:

1. Connectors: they have a massive social network, with many acquaintances that allow ideas to spread from one social group to the next.

2. Salesmen: they boast about ideas they love and their incredibly positive energy is contagious. 3. Mavens: they hoard information in order to be a source of great tips to their network, and they greatly influence these people with their advice.

Why be on the lookout for the kind of people that Gladwell describes here?

~98~

WEEK 8 — Multiplied impact

Does the communication have “stickiness” — is it memorable?

God has used Habakkuk 2:15-16 in a powerful way to create a message that has stuck loud and clear in the hearts of many in East Africa in the illegal brewing business.

How do people change?

1. There is no lasting change without the

2. Praying for change is central to the happens inside a person that becomes a a. Recent crisis

process. Something for change:

b. A burden becoming so overwhelming that they want to pursue I’m ready to see something different. This is not the way I want to live life

c. The introduction to a new way of doing something or seeing that could their lives. Maybe my life can be different. Reflecting on what has been and what could be. The next step is to act on that decision. To see what worked and what didn’t work. Now your life situation is different.

One of the big causes of poverty is lack of access to social networks.

One of the ways that we can help empower people is to provide them access to social networks. In Empowering Lives, we help alcoholics develop accountability groups. After recovery, we have a special handing over ceremony between the church and family. We help the reformed brewers form co-op groups and give them instructions to apply for funds from the government. If problems are rooted in broken relationships, then you’re not going to solve the person’s problem by giving them money. You’re going to help solve the problem by walking with them in highly relational, empowering ways that help them discover their gifts and then develop those gifts so they don’t have to come back and ask for help over and over again. Most of our church strategies attempt to provide solutions using a monetary approach that is very low on relationship. A genuine relational approach is what is needed. Start with people who are willing to change. If they are not willing to change you cannot force them. With our empowering programs we do a pre-village visit to meet with the people who are potentially coming for training. There we explain to them what the training provides and what it does not provide. We challenge them to search their hearts and make sure that they are in a place where they are willing to change. ~99~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Is it good stewardship of our time and resources to spend it on people who are actually not at a stage where they want to change? That is part of what you need to think about when you think about helping empower others. Measure receptivity and work with people who are open to growth. They likely have some issues but you can work with them to help them move forward to bring change in their lives.

Sees no problem

Not “my responsibility”

Fearful/Doubtful

NOT RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE

Willing

RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE

Adapted from Lyra Srinivasan, Tools for Community Participation, A Manual for Training Trainers in Participatory Techniques (Washington, dc: prowwess/undp, 1990), 161.

From When Helping Hurts 36

LOOKING AT THE OIKOS APPROACH 37

MULTIPLYING HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT One of the main reasons why our organization has been able to successfully multiply in impact is because we believe in holistic development. A holistic approach means thinking about the big picture. In medical terms, “holistic” means addressing the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional health, while taking social factors into consideration. As previously mentioned, we take the time to develop disciples who are then empowered to make disciples. This process begins before we make any moves. We must first determine if the community is in need of relief, rehabilitation, or development. Soon after Empowering Lives began its Skills for Life training strategy for development, we realized that a number of the people we were serving were first in need of rehabilitation. Alcoholism plagues a large majority of the younger generation in this nation. Statistics support that unless this addiction issue is properly addressed, poverty will only increase.

~100~

WEEK 8 — Multiplied impact

Before we could economically develop the people we wanted to serve, we had to attack this debilitating epidemic. We launched a prayer campaign and performed a village-wide survey. Through God’s providence, volunteers came and established accountability groups leading to a much needed Christian rehabilitation program. Now, over 1,000 people are living in freedom and purpose, addiction-free. They are contributing to the growth of their community and are proving even more successful in our Skills Training developmental program. The impact is multiplying in part because we are intentional to provide training and workshops that encourage people to pass their transformation onto others. What is one example where Jesus ministered holistically to another person in need?

IGNITING WORLD CHANGERS TO MULTIPLY

A “movement” exists because of rapid multiplication. The only way to launch and sustain exponential impact is through intentional leadership development. Each of our leaders has been through the following process. Once a mentee successfully completes the steps, he will begin the entire process again with those in his sphere of influence. People become excited to dive deeper and the movement develops a life of its own. Awareness: As we give people eyes to see their circumstances, surroundings, and situations from a different perspective, we then inspire them with ideas and innovative concepts, so they become aware of a completely new reality.

Coaching: It’s crucial to continue along this journey with our trainees as they grow and learn through the successes and failures of their new ventures. The best results come from fostering a culture of lifelong learning. ~101~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Mentoring: For true deliverance and restoration in every area of life, partnering villagers with a mentor who has conquered the same struggles is key. ELI also brings key leaders to the Training Center or meets them in the village and connects by phone to keep a mentoring relationship growing.

See Appendix B: Empowering Lives International Strategic Action Map 2020 What sticks out to you about the ELI Action Plan Map?

BRINGING THE IMPACT HOME This generation of world changers has the incredible opportunity to connect people across the globe through technology. The resources we currently have available allow us to advance in multiple areas. Relationships with partners.38

Changing from Transaction to

~102~

WEEK 8 — Multiplied impact

TELLING THE STORY WELL: STORYBRAND AND FRIENDRAISING

TECHNOLOGY Cell phones make communication with all of our national staff possible on a daily basis. We have an organized structure for who communicates what on What’sApp. We utilize video resources to give our supporters in the USA and future partners a glimpse of who they’re helping and how. One successful way we do this is by providing a VR experience. Our partners can step right into one of the villages we are empowering and see the growth being made with their own eyes. HOME PARTIES At ELI, we encourage our partners to host gatherings throughout the world. A partner will invite friends, family, and colleagues over to learn about their passion to change the world. We provide all the materials, media, and content necessary to present a concise message. WEBSITE Our website makes it easy for people to access and share stories of the lives we’ve empowered. Our unique online system allows any person to create their own customized account with a password where they can select the areas of the work they want to be notified about most often and also to track any financial support or communicate with a sponsored child (orphan) that is in the ELI home. We have several projects currently underway and those who visit our site will see multiple ways to support including prayer. Have you ever experienced a revival that kept growing? What do you believe helped it to grow to impact more and more people?

~103~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

Where have you seen the Kingdom of God advancing in a unique way?

What three things stick out to you most about the principles that you learned today regarding multiplication?

Which week of lessons do you remember most? How will you serve differently as a result of this class?

~104~

CONCLUSION Imagine the reward of knowing you are making a concrete difference in the life of another person in need and leading them into the love Christ has for them for now and eternity! When it comes to serving God and advancing the Kingdom, it is incredible to realize that we can change the course of life and even eternity as we serve God and influence another person to follow Christ. How humbling to be a part of God’s family and what a privilege to be able to participate with Him in helping change the world and what heaven will look like as well! Can we make a difference today in this huge and diverse world? Absolutely! In many ways we are the hands and feet of Jesus. With God’s help and by His power I ask that He will orchestrate your steps each and every day for His Glory. As you listen and move out of your comfort zone with courage and the principles we have shared together we will change the world - one life at a time. And that life will transform another… who will bring change to another… and then another (remember the Domino Effect) until Jesus comes. It is my joy to know that together we are... - Empowering Lives, Don donrogers@empoweringlives.org

~105~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

NOTES

~106~

APPENDIX A

Francis Chan: 'I don’t want to be judged as a coward' 39

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post Reporter | Thursday, November 07, 2019

Bible teacher and best-selling author Francis Chan announced that he will be moving to Asia in February to be a missionary and challenged other Christians to ask themselves if they, too, are willing to boldly follow God’s call on their life. “My family and I are going to move to Asia in February,” he announced Wednesday during a chapel sermon at Azusa Pacific University. “A few months ago, we were in Myanmar and my wife and I and kids, we were just with a translator going from hut to hut in these slums, trying to explain to people who Jesus is. These people had never even heard of Him. And the eagerness, the way they listened, seeing people get baptized — it was just like, wow, what do we do on a normal day that even compares to this?” “As we got on the plane home, I was like, ‘Honey, I think it’s time to move,’” Chan said. “I describe it like this: I feel like I’ve been fishing in the same pond my whole life and now there’s like thousands of other fishermen at the same pond, and our lines are getting tangled and everyone’s fighting over stupid things, and one guy tries some new lure and we go, ‘Oh, he caught a fish, let’s all try his method!’ And it just feels like, what are we all doing here?” “What if I heard of a lake that’s like a five-mile hike away, and no one’s fishing it. And they’re saying, ‘Man, the fish are biting — just throw a hook in there and they’ll go for it!’ Man, I’ll make that five-mile hike if I love fishing,” the Crazy Love author continued. “What would keep me at that same pond? I’ll tell you what would keep me at the pond is I built a house on the pond, and all my friends have houses on the pond. And we don’t even fish that much, we just go out, and we hang out, and we talk, and we play, and I don’t want to leave my friends. “But if my calling is to go fish, and there’s no one fishing over there, why wouldn’t I go?” The former pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California, Chan has ministered in the United States for over 20 years… Chan, who in 2012 launched a discipleship movement called Multiply , warned that far too many Christians are concerned with “appeasing” nonbelievers and their feelings. He pointed out that Scripture warns against “lukewarm” Christianity. ~107~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

“[Jesus] says, ‘I’m knocking on the door. You want to get real with me? You ready to surrender to me? You ready to start submitting to this Word even if no one else does?” Chan said. “If your thoughts contradict this book, then you need to come under His thinking.” “I’m going to come under this because I’m going to stand before Him one day and I’m going to be judged by Him, and I don’t want to be judged as a coward,” Chan concluded. “That’s the greatest joy you’re going to find in life, is when you understand you have a holy, holy judge for a Father who is rich in mercy and full of love for you and is knocking on the door.”

~108~

APPENDIX B

EMPOWERING LIVES INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN 2020

ELI 2.0 VISION To Ignite World Changers

A Vision Statement is an inspirational and aspirational declaration of ‘Who we are’ and ‘What will we do’. In ELI 2.0, a new goal has emerged, specifically to empower agents of transformation or ‘World Changers’. This applies to our kids in Children's Homes, other vulnerable children, pastors, poor farmers, alcoholics, brewers, donors in the USA, etc.

ELI 2.0 MISSION

To equip orphans and families with skills so they can crush poverty, embrace Christ, and share their transformation with others. A Mission statement addresses ‘How we will achieve the Vision’.

~109~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

WHAT'S TRANSFORMATION LOOK LIKE? One Family's Story...meet Mom

"We have had children for years, but our Family is only just beginning." mom "I worried for my children every day. My alcoholic husband brought home fear instead of food, and my own conscience pounded at my heart every day because I was making and selling the same illegal drink to other people's husbands and fathers. I saw my children every day, but as the years passed, I grew numb to the desperate look in their eyes." Now, life is different for Mom. After attending an ELI training, Mom's life has been transformed. "By the time I left, I felt like I had changed from the inside out. Our children are beginning to trust us...the change in my life has brought hope to my family."

NOW... they are becoming World Changers!

WHAT'S TRANSFORMATION LOOK LIKE? One Family's Story...meet Dad

"It started out as a sweet thing. What I thought was good eventually tied me up in an addiction that I could not reverse. I realize now that none of my children had seen me sober for even one day of their lives." dad But darkness does not have to be permanent...hope is available. "I went to an ELI Training Center for just over a week. What began like hell turned into a kind of heaven. The daily talks, prayers, and sharing from the Bible started untying the ropes of my addiction. I have not taken a drink since that week, and my mind and body feel stronger every day." Today, the power of God has transformed despair into hope and fear into pride. "It is a new chapter in life for us all."

NOW... they are becoming World Changers!

~110~

Appendix b

WHAT'S TRANSFORMATION LOOK LIKE? One Family's Story...meet Daughter

"The chaos of our mother brewing and dad beating anyone with reach continued day after day. My best hiding place was on a large branch of an avocado tree where would sit for hours while my resentment grew faster than the tree."

daughter

With God, transformation is possible. "I am out of high school now, and for the past two months I have been pinching myself because a miracle has taken place that I never dreamed possible!." "For the first time in my life I am seeing my dad sober, working, and doing what he can to help make amends for the years of violence and trouble he and my mother created. Last night during dinner we even talked abut how we might be able to help a neighbor we know who is still living in the darkness like we were for years.."

NOW... they are becoming World Changers!

PRIMARY FOCUS FOR TRANSFORMATION ELI programs fall into one of two categories with regard to ‘Focus’. They are: ORPHANS & VULNERABLE CHILDREN (OVCS)

• Orphans and vulnerable children are the ultimate victims of poverty today

COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES

• These are the contexts in which either the enemy or God reigns. We want to empower moms and dads to usher in the Kingdom of God and eliminate the cause of orphans and vulnerable children.

~111~

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALITY by Don Rogers

~112~

Appendix b

~113~

BOOKS CITED: SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

Henry Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership Henry & Richard Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership Hans Finzel, Empowered Leaders Henry Blackaby and Claud King, Experiencing God Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community BOOKS ON MISSIONAL STRATEGY AND KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT

Rob Wegner and Jack Magruder, Missional Moves Jerry Trousdale and Glenn Sunshine, The Kingdom Unleashed Ralph Winter, The Two Structures of God’s Redemptive Mission Tom Mercer, 8 to 15 – The World is Smaller Than You Think (OIKOS) CROSS-CULTURE WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Sherwood Lingenfelter and Marvin Mayers, Ministering Cross Culturally Roland Bunch, Two Ears of Corn Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, When Helping Hurts Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, Helping without Hurting in Short Term Missions Werner Mischke, The Beauty of Partnership Sivasailam Thiagarajan, Barnga David Maranz, African Friends and Money Matters Sarah Lanier, Foreign to Familiar Burnette and Gerald Fish, The Kalenjiin Heritage POVERTY

Ronald Sider, For They Shall Be Fed Deepa Narayan, Voices Of The Poor Dale Hanson Bourke, The Skeptics Guide to Global Poverty Peter Greer and Phil Smith, The Poor Will Be Glad BEHAVIOR AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Gary Keller, The One Thing Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point Patrick Lencioni, The Ideal Team Player Ken Sande, The Peacemaker FUNDRAISING

Eric Foley, Coach Your Champions Donald Miller, Building a Story Brand

ENDNOTES 1 Bourke, Dale Hanson. The Skeptics Guide to Global Poverty. Authentic, 2007 2 Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci, Ryan Christoffersen, Sean Leonard. Living on One Dollar. www.amazon.com/Living-One-Dollar-Chris-Temple/dp/B01KBZH0P6 3 www.compassion.com/poverty/what-the-bible-says-about-poverty.htm 4 Bourke, Dale Hanson. The Skeptics Guide to Global Poverty. Authentic, 2007 5 Sider, Ronald J. For They Shall Be Fed: Scripture Readings and Prayers for a Just World. W Publishing Group, 2003. 6 Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor… or Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2014 7 S.H.A.P.E.: Keys to Finding and Pursuing Your Unique Purpose. www.justpurpose.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/s-h-a-p-e-keys-to-finding-and-pursuing-your-uniquepurpose 8 www.fbcbristol.org/docs/SHAPE_Inventory.pdf 9 Blackaby, Henry. Spiritual Leadership. B&H Books, 2001. 10 Finzel, Hans. Empowered Leaders. Thomas Nelson, 2002. 11 Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor… or Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2014 12 Lingenfelter, Sherwood and Marvin Mayers. Ministering Cross Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. Baker Academics, 2003 13 Trousdale, Jerry and Glenn Sunshine. The Kingdom Unleashed: How Jesus’s 1st Century Kingdom Values Are Transforming Thousands of Cultures and Awakening His Church. DMM Library, 2018. Pg. 44 14 Wegner, Rob and Jack Magruder. Missional Moves. Zondervan Academic, 2012. Pg.33 15 Trousdale, Jerry and Glenn Sunshine. The Kingdom Unleashed: How Jesus’s 1st Century Kingdom Values Are Transforming Thousands of Cultures and Awakening His Church. DMM Library, 2018. Pg. 49 16 Bengel, Johann Albrecht. The Gnomon of the New Testament. Nobu Press, 2011 17 Greer, Peter. The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty. ReadHowYouWant, 2012. pg. 43 18 Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor… or Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2014 19 Lencioni, Patrick. The Ideal Team Player. Jossey-Bass, 2016 20 Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict. Baker Books, 2004. 21 Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor… or Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2014 22 Thiagarajan, Sivasailam. BARNGA: A Simulation Game on Cultural Clashes. Nicholas Brealey, 2006. 23 Narayan, Deepa. Can Anyone Hear Us? Voices Of The Poor. World Bank Publications, 2000. 24 Bunch, Roland. Two Ears of Corn: A Guide to People-Centered Agricultural Improvement. World Neighbors, 1995. Pg. 20, 21 25 Bunch, Roland. Two Ears of Corn: A Guide to People-Centered Agricultural Improvement. World Neighbors, 1995. Pg. 20, 21

26 Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. Helping without Hurting in Short Term Missions. Moody Publishers, 2014 27 Araujo, Alex, Mary Lederleitner, and Werner Mischke. To Catch the Wind: A New Metaphor for Cross-Cultural Mission Partnerships. 28 Mischke, Werner. The Beauty of Partnership: Gain the Successful Skills to Achieve Cross-Cultural Partnerships Around the World. 29 Wegner, Rob and Jack Magruder. Missional Moves. Zondervan Academic, 2012. Pg. 176 30 Greer, Peter. The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty. ReadHowYouWant, 2012. Pg. 251 31 www.MIF.org 32 Blackaby, Henry and Claud King. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. B&H Books 2008. Pg. 71 33 Fish, Burnette C. The Kalenjiin Heritage: Traditional religious and social practices. World Gospel Mission, 1995. Pg. 25-50 and Illustration #8 34 Keller, Gary. The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results. Bard Press, 2013. pg. 12 35 Gladwell, Malcolm. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference. Little, Brown and Company. 2006 36 Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poorâ&#x20AC;Ś or Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2014 37 Mercer, Tom, 8 to 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The World is Smaller Than You Think. Oikos Books, 2013. 38 Foley, Eric. Coach Your Champions: The Transformational Giving Approach to Major Donor Fundraising. W Publishing, 2010. pg. 122 39 www.christianpost.com/news/francis-chan-moving-to-asia-to-be-a-missionary-i-dont-want-to-bejudged-as-a-coward.htm

INTENTIONAL MISSIONALIT Y Th is course is designed to sharpen your vision and equip your call to the mission field. You'll learn a strategy for empowerment that integrates Biblical teaching with dynamic skills to help

the poor address the challenges in their lives. We'll focus on developing healthy and effective cross-cultural partnerships, as well as a humble, open heart posture to see God work powerfully through us. You'll be introduced to Don's story and experience on the mission field, and discover

ways to grow in your own maturity as a follower of Jesus. Th is course will help you grasp God's bigger picture and boldly run the race He has set before you.

KEY OUTCOMES  Outline the most efficient process for community growth and leadership development

 Analyze a community to determine its potential for transformational success

 Study guiding principles for practical advancements on the mission field

 Demonstrate key skills needed for crosscultural work

 Identify traits necessary to establish healthy partnerships that empower

 Challenge common misperceptions about poverty, empowerment, and the most effective ways to see God's Kingdom come to earth

DON ROGERS Don Rogers is the founder and International Director of Empowering Lives International, which began in Kenya in 1994 and has

since expanded to other countries in East Africa. He’s passionate about empowering the poor and igniting world changers. Don

graduated from Azusa Paciﬁc University and received his M.A. from Asbury Theological Seminary with a focus in Cross-Cultural

Missions. Prior to ELI, he served with Youth for Christ in Southern California.

Don ministers with his wife, Amy, and their two sons. Although

Kenya often serves as their “ homebase”, Don and Amy invest strategic blocks of time in the US, sharing the vision of ELI and connecting with ministry partners.

C E N T E R P O I N T S C H O O L O F M I N I S T RY

PRICE: $20.00