http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ This Blog is for communicating overall vision to our entire community Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:15:12 GMT en-us Copyright 2012 Missio Dei Communities http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-gospel-and-race/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-gospel-and-race/ Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:15:11 GMT This Sunday, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, we will look at the topic of “The Gospel and Race”.  I am excited to look at racism through the gospel lenses I drew last Sunday: Cosmic, Communal and Individual.  I want us ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/no-gathering-on-sunday-1112/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/no-gathering-on-sunday-1112/ Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:57:49 GMT We will not be gathering at Thew Elementary this Sunday.  Most of our Missional Communities will be celebrating the New Year together. If you are new, we appologize if this is an incovenience.   If you'd like info on how to get ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/christmas-eve-service/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/christmas-eve-service/ Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:37:29 GMT   Join us Christmas Eve at 4PM.  All are welcome! The Missio Dei family is getting together at Thew to sing Christmas Hymns and celebrate the first coming of Jesus by looking at Micah 7:18-20.  The teaching will be interactive ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/micah-3-5-hope-for-a-ruler-notes/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/micah-3-5-hope-for-a-ruler-notes/ Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:50:08 GMT I had a couple folks ask me about the quotes I used yesterday during the sermon, so I thought I would post them on the blog. They were very helpful/encouraging to me, I hope they are to you as well! Micah 3-5: "Hope for a Rule... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missional-thanksgiving/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missional-thanksgiving/ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:06:41 GMT This morning, I was studying Micah with a few guys in preparation for our upcoming teaching series. One passage in particular hit us all pretty hard. After 5 chapters that tell how the people of Israel have rebelled against God & stopped ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaking-in-jonah/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaking-in-jonah/ Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:29:58 GMT   Yesterday we jump into the riveting story of Jonah, looking at Jonah's rebellion. If you missed the sermon, the podcast is up HERE. We'll spend the coming weeks walking through the book chapter by chapter.  Take some time the next ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fasting-praying-and-planting/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fasting-praying-and-planting/ Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:23:03 GMT Here is a message from Amy Baumert.  I spoke with her last week and she threw out an idea.  I loved it! I had her write it down so we could send it out to everyone.  Missio Family,This week Chris presented the possibility of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missio-is-pregnant/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missio-is-pregnant/ Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:46:15 GMT Pregnancy is incredibly exciting.  It points us to the future, to hope, to expectation.  At the same time it is painful and draining (Amen, ladies?).  Parents begin preparing for the new baby long before it is here, getting ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/everyone-in-missio-should-know/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/everyone-in-missio-should-know/ Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:03:21 GMT 1.  I am uberly-excited for this Sunday morning at Thew.  I'll be preaching from Deuteronomy 6:20-25.  Spend some time soaking in it the next few days.  See where it situates in the True Story and how you see the 4G's come ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-clothesline/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-clothesline/ Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:26:05 GMT I'm not sure if this illustration works.  But it made sense in my mind.  See what you think...  I read through the bible twice the first year I was a Christian.  I had no idea what I was reading half the time, but I soaked ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/napkins/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/napkins/ Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:09:47 GMT   Have you ever... ...Walked away from a sermon thinking, "I know what I just heard was really good, but I could never explain that to someone else!"  ...Had someone ask you what the gospel is all about only to find yourself ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/heart-idols/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/heart-idols/ Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:49:25 GMT Yesterday we reached the heart of our Idol Factory series.  We talked about 4 common root idols:  Comfort, Control, Acceptance and Success.  Here is a helpful chart for identifying idols.   And here are some prayers from ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mc-covenants/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mc-covenants/ Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:47:48 GMT Over the next few weeks, many of our MC's will be introducing Covenants.  Download the template we use on our MC Leader Resource Page.  The intro explains why we are doing this and what the covenant means and doesn't mean. There are ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/confronting-cultural-idols/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/confronting-cultural-idols/ Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:12:08 GMT   Earlier this summer, I found out just how strong ocean currents can be.  Our kids were playing in the ocean, just a few feet into the waves.  But every 10 minutes, they would be 30 yards down the beach.  I had to keep ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/kids-missional-community/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/kids-missional-community/ Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:35:26 GMT Last night our Missional Community got together at the Senums' house after serving dinner to 40 hot and hungry homeless friends.  Nick led a great discussion.  He asked everyone, "What about the restored Earth do you look forward ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/restored-earthheaven--q-a/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/restored-earthheaven--q-a/ Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:26:40 GMT This Sunday, I want to color in Heaven a bit and make it sing.  Last Sunday, I tried to put some structure to it and get people thinking.  But I didn't make it sing.  I want to make it sing this Sunday. But there are still ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/a-story-formed-church/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/a-story-formed-church/ Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:34:25 GMT Last Sunday I preached from Revelation 21 where John sees a picture of the end of the Biblical Story.  In 21:1 there is the line, "and the sea was no more."  I am convinced that in order to understand what this means, you ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/heaven-this-world-restored/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/heaven-this-world-restored/ Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:47:52 GMT This morning I tried to stoke the fires of our hope in heaven.  I threw out the idea that Heaven is not what happens when this earth melts away and Heaven comes.  Rather, the end of the biblical story is King Jesus reigning on this ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/bible-study-for-people-who-hate-reading/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/bible-study-for-people-who-hate-reading/ Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:42:30 GMT Do you find it hard to focus on and understand what you are reading after a paragraph or two?  Has it been years since you read an entire book cover to cover(People Magazine doesn't count!)?  Does a book written 50 years ago confuse ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ready-for-every-good-work/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ready-for-every-good-work/ Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:17:41 GMT Yesterday I called us to be a community "ready for every good work" from Titus 3:1-8.  Check out THIS VIDEO from our sister church, Soma Communities in Tacoma, WA.  If you look closely you can see Mark Durben and Kyle Smith manning ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ideas-for-a-missional-4th-of-july/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ideas-for-a-missional-4th-of-july/ Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:14:52 GMT The 4th of July is just three weeks from yesterday! During this holiday where almost everyone likes to get together to hang out, watch fireworks, and grill lots of red meat...what better opportunity to be on mission to your friends and ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/this-sunday-529/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/this-sunday-529/ Mon, 23 May 2011 23:09:29 GMT This will be controversial.  I am about to write something that may slaughter your sacred cow.  For some this will be akin to heresy or blasphemy.We are not meeting at Thew Elementary School for a worship gathering this Sunday ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/titus-setting-missio-dei-in-order/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/titus-setting-missio-dei-in-order/ Mon, 09 May 2011 14:57:40 GMT This Sunday we plan to have the Missio Family begin an 8-week study in the book of Titus. It is a short and fascinating letter written by the Apostle Paul to a young pastor named Titus who had been left on the island of Crete to set the new ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/evidences-of-grace-easter-weekend/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/evidences-of-grace-easter-weekend/ Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:51:18 GMT Missio Family,I sit here blown away with what God did this weekend!  I have to share with you some of the evidences of God's grace in us.  Make sure you get to #4!1.  Good Friday.  A few weeks ago I had this crazy idea that ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/death--resurrection-celebrating-as-a-family/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/death--resurrection-celebrating-as-a-family/ Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:51:29 GMT :::GOOD FRIDAY   "And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last." (Mark 15:37)We will fast together as a family on Friday.  Fast from food or anything else you feel the Spirit leading you to.  Soak in Mark 15 all week and ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/true-story-series/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/true-story-series/ Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:00:36 GMT This post marks the first in (what we hope is) a helpful, thought-provoking series where we run ideas, objects, and themes of our culture and our lives through the "True Story". The goal of this series is to see different aspects of our story ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/stay-awake/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/stay-awake/ Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:06:36 GMT Thank you to everyone who stayed awake during yesterday's sermon!  Like Amy, you may have been confused with the history and details and different interpretations of Mark 13.  But I hope we were all crystal clear on the fact that ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/equipping-mark-12/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/equipping-mark-12/ Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:23:35 GMT Here are some of my notes from this morning on the Equipping section from Mark 12.  Here are some things we learn from Jesus as he talks to people who don't think He is King. 1. Less "converting". More “loving and serving” ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/helpful-gcm-resources/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/helpful-gcm-resources/ Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:48:17 GMT At Missio Dei we believe the primary organizing function of the church is Gospel Communities on Mission (GCM). It is our conviction that these communities of people have been called to “live life” together, that the communities are ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/intro-the-gospel-according-to-mark/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/intro-the-gospel-according-to-mark/ Sun, 09 Jan 2011 12:45:35 GMT Over the next 16 weeks we plan to study the Gospel According to Mark.  Mark's gospel presents Jesus as both familiar and overwhelming.  On one hand Mark’s depiction of Jesus is direct and to the point, as if he ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/christmas-2009/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/christmas-2009/ Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:35:15 GMT Join us this Friday for our first ever Christmas Eve service.  We will start at 4:30PM and end by 5:30 so you have plenty of time to celebrate with your family!  Hope to see you at ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fear-of-man/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fear-of-man/ Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:40:22 GMT Yesterday we talked about the second of the 4G's, "God is Glorious."  He is the most famous, most weighty one.  Psalm 29:25 tells us that "fear of man" is the opposite of trusting in a glorious God.  Here are some signs you might ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/10-signs-you-might-not-believe-god-is-great/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/10-signs-you-might-not-believe-god-is-great/ Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:13:39 GMT Yesterday we began our series on the 4G's.  Be sure to read the intro to the series HERE.  And if you missed the sermon yesterday, podcast it HERE.  I want to keep us thinking and interacting over the idea that God is Great.  ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/new-series-4gs/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/new-series-4gs/ Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:02:45 GMT “What I believe about God is the most important thing about me.” - A.W. Tozer“Sinful acts always have their origin in some form of unbelief. Behind every sin is a lie. The root of all our behaviour and emotions is the heart: ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/homework-a-poem/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/homework-a-poem/ Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:10:20 GMT Although tis for many Fall BreakImportant homework you must takeTo skip may be thy temptationDon’t! Tis essential in your formation Gather with family and friendsTales of your lives each one lendsThen read a scene from the True StoryOur ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/creation-story/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/creation-story/ Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:39:51 GMT Yesterday, I gave everyone in our Missio Dei family some homework to do.  I posted a PDF with the homework on The City and as a resource HERE.  Be sure to plan early this week to make sure you get your homework ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/true-and-greater-resources/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/true-and-greater-resources/ Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:52:25 GMT Got some great feedback from the “True and Greater” series we just finished up.  Sounds like some really good fruit in people’s lives from more and more seeing Jesus as the hero of the Bible.  Here are a few resources ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/5-missio-myths/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/5-missio-myths/ Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:56:24 GMT Myth #1:  You go to Hell is you aren’t in a Missional Community.  Yes, we are all about living life in Missional Communities.  Yes, we believe the primary organizing principle of our church is gospel communities on ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/i-hate-small-groups/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/i-hate-small-groups/ Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:43:41 GMT I recently met with some pastors.  After explaining our ecclesiology and drawing out the model of our church, one pastor remarked  that he was “not really into small groups.”  He talked about how he had never really ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mdkids/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mdkids/ Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:25:49 GMT           We started Missio Dei two years ago with a kids ministry of 3.  And all 3 had the same last name... Gonzalez.  Two years later we have an increasing number of people toddling around the back of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/a-part-of-something-bigger/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/a-part-of-something-bigger/ Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:32:13 GMT I am convinced that one reason Christians get bored and apathetic towards mission is that we lose the context of what we are a part of.  We have a tendency to become myopic.  We zero in on the immediate, the now.  When we think ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/true-and-greater-intro/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/true-and-greater-intro/ Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:07:25 GMT             I have this natural proclivity to make everything about... ME.  if I am honest with myself, it seems as if I am hardwired to think and act as if the entire universe revolves around, is ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/find-a-wife/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/find-a-wife/ Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:10:33 GMT “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” -Proverbs 18:22 If you haven’t read yesterday’s post, do so for some context. This is fleshing out my 3rd point.  if you don't read and ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/reflections-on-being-kind-of-single-for-2-weeks/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/reflections-on-being-kind-of-single-for-2-weeks/ Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:56:36 GMT The following is written specifically to the single guys in MDC, though I hope it will be helpful to all of our family.Leslie and the kids have been gone in California for over two weeks.  On one hand, I am an introvert, so I love having ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/invest/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/invest/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:59:18 GMT I post this the day after I got word that we made our budget this month.  So, this isn't a plea to pay my salary.  It is a plea to invest wholeheartedly in our church and the Kingdom.  What we are trying to do here at Missio Dei ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/treasuring-christ-resources/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/treasuring-christ-resources/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 13:07:34 GMT Take advantage of some of the following resources to help you treasure Christ:   1.  Bibles - Do you have a good bible?  Here are some good options if you don't. ESV Bibles ESV Study Bible   2.  Books Seeing and ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/life-on-the-jersey-shore/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/life-on-the-jersey-shore/ Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:42:04 GMT The past three weeks have been full of extremes. We have moved across the country, remodeled a rental house, and started living life with a new community.  Most of the days time has flown by and yet during certain parts of the day minutes ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/treasuring-christ/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/treasuring-christ/ Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:45:20 GMT Here are the notes from the end of my sermon from yesterday.  Hope they are helpful.  Throw out a comment at the end and let us know what you have found particularly helpful to help you Treasure Christ.Treasuring Christ is how ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missio-dei-communities-is/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missio-dei-communities-is/ Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:39:58 GMT Andy Stanley says, “Vision Leaks.”  Over the years in pastoral ministry I’ve found that to be very true.  You can have a great vision and cast it really well.  But people forget it. It leaks.  I believe we ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/core-group-2-years-later/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/core-group-2-years-later/ Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:04:16 GMT This is for those of you who like stats.  If you like stories of real life people, stop reading... now.  I found a doc I made in August 2008 of all the people in MDC just as we first broke down into Missional Communities.  I ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/this-sunday-sabbath--celebrate/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/this-sunday-sabbath--celebrate/ Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:44:11 GMT Here is a video where I try to explain the plan for Sunday.  We will meet at Thew in the morning, then party in the afternoon and evening.  The details on the party are up to ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missional-but-not-missions/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/missional-but-not-missions/ Wed, 26 May 2010 13:25:57 GMT A few months back Ed Stetzer wrote about how newer “missional” churches tend to forget about global missions.  It is a very interesting article and, unfortunately, all too true.  It seems like people start getting excited ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/church-planting-movements/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/church-planting-movements/ Mon, 24 May 2010 16:45:58 GMT I hope it is no secret that the aim of what we are doing is to plant the gospel, which will lead to planted churches.  We want to see a church planting movement sweep across the Valley and world.  Why do we have our hybrid structure ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/shut-up-listen/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/shut-up-listen/ Wed, 19 May 2010 15:29:08 GMT Last Sunday we hit the rhythm of Listen.  In an age of self-absorbed, self-conscious, self-interested, selfish people, what better way to demonstrate love and care for someone than to really listen to them.  Here are some of the ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-jersey-shore/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-jersey-shore/ Tue, 18 May 2010 17:30:45 GMT First things first: The answer is NO. No, I won't be around the wonderful cast of The Jersey Shore when I arrive in NJ.  Now, with that out of the way, I wanted to recap the past months as Kay and I've processed, prayed, cried, and been ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/your-bathroom-says-something-about-god/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/your-bathroom-says-something-about-god/ Wed, 12 May 2010 13:20:39 GMT God created Adam and Eve and gave them a beautiful and good world to enjoy (grace).  He then gave them orders to be fruitful, multiply and subdue the earth (mission).  He says in essence, “Fill the earth with people bearing my ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-is-missional-anyways/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-is-missional-anyways/ Tue, 04 May 2010 14:00:36 GMT Seems like you don’t have to go far in today’s church culture to hear about mission and every thinkable derivative of the word --  missional, missio, missionality, transformissional, missionipleship, missiology, ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-swear-jar/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-swear-jar/ Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:52:30 GMT Last week I wrote an article for a new website called Shrink the Church.  i tried to stir it up a bit by writing about the Swear Jar, part of Missio Dei's history.  Here is the link to read it.  I'd love to see some more MDC ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/kyles-gospel-paper/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/kyles-gospel-paper/ Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:06:21 GMT Last week we got the Gospel Papers back from the Transition Community.  This is an assignment we have given to everyone in our church to answer the question "What is the Gospel?" in one page or less. Some great stuff in all the ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/servant-of-your-mercy-new-song-lyrics/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/servant-of-your-mercy-new-song-lyrics/ Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:05:37 GMT Here are the lyrics for Paul's new song, Servant of Your Mercy (stay tuned in the Media section for a recording of the song):   You’ve washed my feet You’ve set me free Though equal with God You gave Yourself to be a slave ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/why-dna/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/why-dna/ Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:18:29 GMT Kevin and I got an email from Rachael Thomson this morning around 2AM.  She had just listened to the first podcast from the DNA series from Prague.  Rachael said she liked the idea, but  asked why we are doing this series. She ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/dna-we-are-family/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/dna-we-are-family/ Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:16:00 GMT The gospel does not merely give us some good advice or some "course corrections" for life, but rather births within us a radical new identity.  This week we talked about how we are God's family.  This fact has at least three huge ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/gospel-identites/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/gospel-identites/ Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:19:24 GMT As two guys working in a college ministry Chris and I realized that we were doing a good job of calling people to the mission and even seeing people actively engage in serving our community in tangible forms. However, we observed that many of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/on-the-cross-wednesday/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/on-the-cross-wednesday/ Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:46:15 GMT Here is a quote from Chris Wright's book Salvation Belongs to Our God.  It's a book that our Surge table's have studied through and had our minds blown by.  This quote comes from a section in the book that is discussing the scope of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/on-the-cross-tuesday/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/on-the-cross-tuesday/ Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:09:39 GMT The following quote is from Leon Morris’ The Cross in the New Testament.  He ponders what we learn about God’s relationship to suffering at the cross.  Read it through a few times and let the profundity soak in:“There ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/on-the-cross-monday/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/on-the-cross-monday/ Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:53:25 GMT The following is from A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent.  I can’t highly recommend this little book enough.  Let it soak in:But wonder of wonders    so great to behold,My God chose to save me    with ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/thoughts-from-haiti/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/thoughts-from-haiti/ Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:17:05 GMT We've been in Haiti for 3 days now.  I asked Brad to write down some of his thoughts on the trip so far:   We are three days deep in Haiti. The state of Port au Prince has confronted us with the question of “how could God let ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/recording-of-the-missio-dei-original-live-free/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/recording-of-the-missio-dei-original-live-free/ Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:25:11 GMT Well, after plenty of hours of toil and tinkering I think it is fair to say this song is officially finished!  This is the original song we sang a handful of weeks ago called Live Free, and now you can download the official "studio" version ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/haiti-team-update-1/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/haiti-team-update-1/ Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:51:59 GMT   Here is an update from Kevin after their first day working in Haiti:Today we saw over 300 people, at the makeshift medical clinic.  The strangest part of this trip is that the city lies in ruin but the people walk around almost ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-im-thinking-rehaiti/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-im-thinking-rehaiti/ Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:02:10 GMT Here's an excerpt from my Journal as I process heading to Haiti tomorrow.   Haiti makes my heart pound and my pulse race. Thinking of the magnitude of suffering that human beings are experiencing shatters my heart.  My eyes feel like ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-review-314/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-review-314/ Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:39:31 GMT Nothing replaces missing a family gathering, but if you did miss yesterday's gathering here are some of the highlights:   - This Saturday (March 20th) we are sending a team to Port au Prince, Haiti for ten days.  As a Missio wide ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/haiti/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/haiti/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:22:13 GMT Roughly two months ago we heard the news that a devastating earthquake had hit the empoverished nation of Haiti.  Immediately Missio had people praying and discerning how the gospel of Jesus was compelling us to act.  We didn't want to ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fresh-new-resource-the-cycle/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fresh-new-resource-the-cycle/ Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:10:36 GMT About a month ago we drew out a cycle that we've seen Missio people go through in the last year.  It has been a process we've all engaged in over the last year as we become more gospel centered missional people. It's not so much a road map ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/everyday-life-through-a-gospel-lens/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/everyday-life-through-a-gospel-lens/ Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:28:21 GMT You are about to read something that makes me very excited.  It is an example of someone in our community looking at a normal everyday experience through a gospel lens.  We have asked our Missional Community leaders to fill out an ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ragnar-to-the-glory-of-god/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/ragnar-to-the-glory-of-god/ Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:28:53 GMT Last Saturday morning I went for a 4-mile run.  In reality, my 10-minute miles are less a “run” and more of an “Old Man Shuffle.”  It felt great to get out there and knock out a few miles.  But the next day ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/saturday-sessions-theologica/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/saturday-sessions-theologica/ Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:32:57 GMT Saturday Sessions are back:  March 27  Thanks to everyone who has been coming out and learning through the Saturday Sessions.  We want to keep on doing them, but here's the deal, we are going to be mixing it up a bit. I know, add ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-big-red-tractor/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/the-big-red-tractor/ Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:42:04 GMT The Big Red Tractor from Jacob Lewis on Vimeo.   How are we using the tractor at Missio Dei? &nb... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/pneuma-resources/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/pneuma-resources/ Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:07:32 GMT Have you learned anything about the Holy Spirit?  I hope so.  It has been quite eye opening and transforming for me to be soaking in the Holy Spirit over the last few weeks.     This Sunday we will finish up our Pneuma ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mdcnj/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mdcnj/ Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:28:34 GMT "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man calling him to come to plant the gospel in Macedonia. "Come over to New Jersey and help us." Over the last couple months Kay and I have had, not a vision, but actual ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/perceptions--reality/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/perceptions--reality/ Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:28:44 GMT Over the last few weeks my perception has been:     - Missional Communities are a mess.      - They are all realigning.     - The majority of people are no longer in an MC, but rather in a ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/pneuma-questions/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/pneuma-questions/ Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:40:06 GMT We pray these two weeks focusing on the Holy Spirit will help open our eyes to the Holy Spirit and His work and ignite a fire within each of us.   Yesterday, we tried to zoom out and get a bigger picture of the Holy Spirit.  How and ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411-1310/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411-1310/ Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:56:51 GMT Thirteen chapters into Acts and we finally get Paul’s first sermon.  He has been sent out on his first missionary journey.  So we dug into Paul’s sermon to see what his message was.  His message wasn’t a bunch of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/411-december-28th/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/411-december-28th/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:37:45 GMT Here's the rundown from last week and the 411 of what's coming up. The Rundown: If you missed the teaching it should be online soon, apparently we have some issues recording and uploading content, but I promise we are trying to make sure all ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/generous/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/generous/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:31:13 GMT Missio Family, As we wrap up 2009, we’d like to take a minute to identify one more evidence of Grace in our church.     We all know that 2009 will go down as a year of financial turmoil. Businesses of every sector have ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/waffles/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/waffles/ Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:59:15 GMT Hope God's gift of Jesus brings even more joy and excitement than this! http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411-122009/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411-122009/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:15:01 GMT You can learn a lot about someone by how they wrap a present.  I took a present from under our Christmas tree on Sunday and  brought a present to Thew.  The tag said “To Amy, Kailey and David.  From Momma and ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411/ Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:34:22 GMT Ever miss a Sunday gathering at Thew and feel like you are out of the loop? Or what about when you make a Sunday gathering at Thew and still feel like you missed something? I know there is so much we try to pack into the time that it can be ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/christmas-wish-list/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/christmas-wish-list/ Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:56:05 GMT Only 13 shopping days til Christmas! Don’t stress, we are here to make your holiday shopping a joy. It is our pleasure to make your idolatrous holiday consumerism a bit more... easy. Why not buy some books! Here is a list of books ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/encouragement-don-abas/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/encouragement-don-abas/ Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:21:43 GMT So, what does it look like to be a Barnabas today? As I have studied Acts and seen Barnabas come to life, I keep thinking about Don.  If you don’t know Don Christensen, you should.  He is the third elder of Missio Dei.  Much ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/encouragement-barnabas/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/encouragement-barnabas/ Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:40:06 GMT A dude named Barnabas has come up a couple times in our study of Acts.  We learned in Acts 4 that his name means “son of encouragement.”  When I think of an “encourager” I think of someone who says nice things ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411-12609/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-411-12609/ Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:15:51 GMT Ever miss a Sunday gathering at Thew and feel like you are out of the loop?  Or what about when you make a Sunday gathering at Thew and still feel like you missed something?  I know there is so much we try to pack into the time that ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/great-reward/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/great-reward/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:09:06 GMT Want to see what it looks like to treasure Christ above all else in the midst of the storm? READ THIS from Matt Chandler.  Matt is an Acts 29 pastor at the Village Church in Texas.  He had a siezure on Thanksgiving morning.  He ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/hows-mdc-going/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/hows-mdc-going/ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:19:44 GMT I got asked this question 4 times today.  I know how I answered.  But what would you say?  If someone walked up to you and asked, "Hey, how's that new church you've been a part of going?"  What would you say?  I'd love ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/spiritual-disciplines-quotes/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/spiritual-disciplines-quotes/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:52:10 GMT Okay, before we get into some specific disciplines, let me give you a few quotes on discipline.  I love quotes:    ‘First we form habits, then they form us.’ Rob Gilbert   ‘No man or woman has achieved ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/spiritual-disciplines-legalistic-moralism/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/spiritual-disciplines-legalistic-moralism/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:47:52 GMT So aren’t spiritual disciplines really just a more spiritual way of talking about “How to be a Pharisee”?  Aren’t they all about religion and therefore about me? NO. An Irreligious look would be:  ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/spiritual-disciplines-intro/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/spiritual-disciplines-intro/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:43:33 GMT Paul writes this to the Hebrews (Hebrews 12:10-11):”Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we  may share in his holiness...    it produces a harvest ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/meet-mark-part-3/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/meet-mark-part-3/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:42:01 GMT A couple weeks ago at Thew, Dareth shared with us His journey in Cambodia and beyond. Two things struck me. First, his statement that rather than trying to do great things for God we should seek to draw closer to Him. It is so easy to focus on ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/meet-mark-part-2/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/meet-mark-part-2/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:56:51 GMT Chris and Kevin asked me to reflect on how I came to the practice of spiritual disciplines.  The time spent reflecting on that has been very fruitful.  But I thought I would start out with my story.  We all have a story that God ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/meet-mark-part-1/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/meet-mark-part-1/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:54:47 GMT What will you hold in your hands as you stand before Jesus, the Creator, King and Judge? What if you were 60 and realized most likely, you’d be standing there sooner than later?  Would you be less concerned with your hobbies and more ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/whats-it-take-part-3/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/whats-it-take-part-3/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:12:28 GMT If no one is following you, you are not a leader.  You are just taking a walk in the woods.  And if you aren’t even walking anywhere, you are… crazy.  Yesterday we saw that the first key ingredient to a Missional ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/whats-it-take-part-2/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/whats-it-take-part-2/ Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:42:49 GMT What makes a Missional Community?  Yesterday we raised that question HERE.  Some good insights from Mike and Amy.  Mike, how did I make it through seminary and never learn any of those words?  Amy, yeah, I think the whole ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-a-dude-who-lives-out-acts-2/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-a-dude-who-lives-out-acts-2/ Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:58:40 GMT Last Sunday in Acts 2 we got called to live as a redeemed community living out the True Story, empowered by the Holy Spirit, bringing the good news to the nations.  We dreamed about what this could look like.  But sometimes, all this ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mc-whats-it-take/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/mc-whats-it-take/ Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:32:08 GMT The bottom line is that we are about developing a movement of communities utterly convinced of the gospel and unwaveringly committed to declaring and demonstrating that gospel to a broken world.  Unofficial Definition: Aside from Jesus, ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/somethings-stirring-in-sandy/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/somethings-stirring-in-sandy/ Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:21:54 GMT Just got this email from Sandy Bacon.  She and David are leading the "Thew-ology" MC that is seeking to bless the Thew school and families.  I thought this would be such an encouragement to many of the MDC family trying to live out the ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/who-were-not-looking-for/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/who-were-not-looking-for/ Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:40:04 GMT We don't want everyone to come to our church.  Sound weird?  Harsh?  Maybe, but it got your attention.   We are not looking for people to attend a different worship service. We are not looking for people to give ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/nt-wright-on-the-resurrection/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/nt-wright-on-the-resurrection/ Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:58:29 GMT Yesterday, we finished up the book of Luke by looking at the Resurrection of Jesus.  I don’t think anyone alive today who is able to more richly and profoundly write about the Resurrection than N.T. Wright.  Here are two huge ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/thew-breakfast-info/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/thew-breakfast-info/ Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:02:27 GMT Last Sunday Jen announced that their MC is hosting a breakfast for the families of Thew elementary school this coming Sunday (10/4.)  They have an e-mail address set up to connect with them if you want to be a part of this movement of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/this-changes-everything-lk-23/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/this-changes-everything-lk-23/ Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:38:33 GMT The cross of Christ changes everything.  At the wrath absorbing, sin forgiving, bloody cross of Jesus everything changes.  Creation that has groaned for a redeemer sees the Deliverer freely offer himself up to die the death we deserved ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fail-a-poem/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/fail-a-poem/ Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:48:07 GMT I wrote a short poem last week as I was studying Luke 22 for yesterday's message.  For me, it captured the idea that in the midst of his greatest struggle, and everyone around him failing, Jesus stayed true.  Thought I would throw it ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/cost-of-the-cross/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/cost-of-the-cross/ Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:03:10 GMT This past Sunday we learned that Lon can string words together to create something beautifully convicting.  I wanted to post Lon's manuscript for your reading pleasure.   The Cost of the Cross This idea of the self crucified is ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/kevins-dad/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/kevins-dad/ Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:15:13 GMT A ton of people have been asking for updates on Kevin’s dad.  I will try to keep this blog post as updated as possible.  Also, Kevin will post comments when he gets a chance to let you know the latest. Last Saturday morning, ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/411/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/411/ Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:43:25 GMT We don't have bulletins so we give the 411 (that's slang for information in case you are quizically staring at the screen) via Sunday announcements and the blog.  If you miss a Sunday at Thew, talk to some people in your MC or check the ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-4/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-4/ Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:05:14 GMT Today we are finishing up the posts on ways to get Soaked in the Word. Our hope isn't to create another system or checklist that you use to "try to get closer to God", but that by reflecting on the message that God has given us we'd be able to ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-3/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-3/ Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:02:52 GMT Yesterday we started with the first two thoughts for getting soaked in the Bible.  Today’s and tomorrow’s posts will hopefully get even more practical. 3.  Use the Learning Guide.   It may sound like ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-2/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-2/ Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:41:36 GMT We want to offer some advice and tips to get us soaked in the Word. Today we will start with a couple preemptive strikes.  Try these before you even open your bible.    1.  Pray. Let’s be really clear on one ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-1/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/soaked-part-1/ Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:39:46 GMT  I think every follower of Christ goes through periods where reading the bible becomes… well… dry.     You try to spend some time reading your bible in the morning, but it just doesn’t flow.  No spark. ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/jesus-is-saving-me-from-the-good-life/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/jesus-is-saving-me-from-the-good-life/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:42:35 GMT I have lived a privileged life.  Upper middle class upbringing, B.S. from a major university (completed in 4 ½ but whose counting?), catapulted from front line staff to middle management in one of the leading hotel companies in the ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/my-idols/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/my-idols/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:54:34 GMT We asked Joe Taylor to write a post telling us what he has learned about heart idols and his particular struggles with them over the last few months. Let us start where it always starts: God. God is on his self-exalting, self-promoting,  ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/-part-3/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/-part-3/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:06:09 GMT The third truth though is that our use of money can be redeemed.  It can become a currency of love, a grace drenched medium for declaring and demonstrating the gospel of a loving, gracious, generous Savior. The only way that will happen ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/-part-2/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/-part-2/ Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:48:10 GMT It’s always good to start at the beginning.  First, $$$ is part of God’s good creation and is not inherently bad. It is another part of God’s creation that was given to us to steward.  When stewards think their ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/-part-1/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/-part-1/ Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:20:07 GMT This is going to get personal.  I’m putting it out there so that you know ahead of time. For the next few posts I’m sharing some of my reflections that I’ve been learning from Luke regarding… money. Luke has ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/odds-and-ends/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/odds-and-ends/ Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:49:25 GMT Click   For more information and thoughts coming off Sunday's message.Comment and Comment  on either of the last two posts by MC Leaders.Got a good story of the gospel working in your life (Idols being smashed, mission moving ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-im-learning-as-im-leading/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-im-learning-as-im-leading/ Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:29:58 GMT We asked Mike Baumert to share some lessons he has learned over the last year leading the Mill Ave MC.   A few weeks ago, I was presented with the idea of writing a blog about leading the Mill Ave. MC.  Immediately, a bunch of ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/gospel-reflections-of-a-new-dad/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/gospel-reflections-of-a-new-dad/ Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:04:13 GMT The following post is by Dennis Kelley.  We asked Dennis to write a short post reflecting on Fatherhood and the gospel.  He and Summer recently had their first child, Logan.Logan looks so sweet, so innocent, so fun.  He is my ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/lost-and-found/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/lost-and-found/ Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:02:27 GMT Unbelievably rich community teaching on the “Lost and Found” stories of Luke 15 yesterday morning!  I was blown away by the interaction and clarity with which we were able to work through the chapter.  Maybe evidence of the ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/we-dont-expect-obedience/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/we-dont-expect-obedience/ Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:33:06 GMT “I know of no American church that expects obedience from their people.”   That is a shocking statement.  Maybe a little overstated, nevertheless, quite profound! Last year, Kevin and I were convinced we did not ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-gathering-with-gospel-intentionality/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/sunday-gathering-with-gospel-intentionality/ Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:37:04 GMT In their book, Total Church, Tim Chester and Steve Timmis coin a helpful phrase, “Living everyday life with gospel intentionality.  It is the idea that being “missional” is not just about some big event or activity.  ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/repent-rinse-repeat/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/repent-rinse-repeat/ Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:56:07 GMT   It may have been Martin Luther who is given credit for the statement "All of life is repentance", but he definitely stole the line from Jesus.  Like a Diddy beat, Luther simply took the truth Jesus  said and put a new spin on ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/still-learning/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/still-learning/ Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:41:21 GMT When I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to someday be done with school.  I longed for the day when I wouldn’t have to learn anymore.  No more homework!  Oh to have it all figured out!My dad is a television sports ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/an-absolute-train-wreck/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/an-absolute-train-wreck/ Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:30:55 GMT I got done preaching on Sunday and realized I forgot to use my favorite line from my notes.  On Thursday night I asked Mike Baumert about prayer.  He is a leader in the Mill MC.  I asked him what his experience has been with ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/prayer-/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/prayer-/ Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:07:34 GMT I know we said that it wasn't all about finding another book, sermon, or article to be the next silver bullet when it comes to prayer.  We are still convinced that there are no accelerants for prayer like a right view of the Father and a ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/money-and-missio-dei/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/money-and-missio-dei/ Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:07:25 GMT Why do we give our money to Missio Dei? We give money to Missio Dei Communities because investing our money together is another way of saying we are in this together.  We give because God has given us everything we have and we want to ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/three-thorn-promoting-tactics/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/three-thorn-promoting-tactics/ Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:31:09 GMT In Luke 8, Jesus tells a story of seed sewn into 4 soils.  The fourth is the good soil.  The other three… not so much!  I believe the soil we are most likely to be affected by as Missio Dei is the third soil.  Thorny ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/better-than-a-bulletin/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/better-than-a-bulletin/ Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:57:55 GMT I grew up with eight page bulletins.  If you aren't that familiar with some of the culture of smaller baptistic churches, let me enlighten you.  We would have eight pages of information, some of it useful, most of it not. With the best ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/taking-the-day-on/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/taking-the-day-on/ Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:55:09 GMT In case you didn’t get to read the handout yesterday.  Here is what it said… Last week someone asked me why we are taking this Sunday off.  I tried to explain to him that just because we are not having a worship service ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/whats-in-a-name/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/whats-in-a-name/ Tue, 26 May 2009 18:19:51 GMT When I tell people we planted a church, they ask me what it is called.  I tell them "Missio Dei Communities" and watch for the puzzled look on their face.  Then, I know I have a great opporutunity to explain what we are all ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-in-the-wordle/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/what-in-the-wordle/ Tue, 26 May 2009 00:45:37 GMT Sunday I showed the wordle for the book of Luke– People loved the idea so much I’ve gotten 5 different texts asking, "What program creates wordles?" Lucky for you it’s free and online.  Click HERE to make your very own ... http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/are-you-jubilating/ http://www.missiodeicommunities.com/missio-dei-blog/are-you-jubilating/ Fri, 22 May 2009 15:15:57 GMT Yup.  We just made up a new word.  “Jubilating.”  It is the active practice of living out the Jubilee that Jesus came to fulfill.   Confused?  Let me explain. Jesus’ sermon in Nazareth in Luke ...