The Commission

Jim Leffel

Acts 1:1-8

The book of Acts provides us with an incredible historical account of the birth of the early church. The world is profoundly changed as Christ ascends and commissions his disciples it carry out his plan on Earth. The global spread of the church came in waves from this point, and continues in our day both locally and internationally. We can learn from the early church not by idealizing it but rather by imitating it.

Healthy Leadership and Followership

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Paul writes to the Thessalonians about the relationship between God-ordained leadership within the church and the role of those who follow the leadership. Biblical leadership within the church is not only essential, but also should be plural and involves many components, including: 1) serving those within the church through interpersonal interactions; 2) providing spiritual direction on areas within the confines of Biblical mandates; and 3) teaching God's Word in various places with specific application for individuals. Those who are following the direction of spiritual leadership also have responsibilities, including: 1) being responsive to the direction of leadership; 2) regarding Christian leadership as a vital and important work; and 3) supporting the leadership. The key to effective leaders and followers is the love of Jesus Christ.

All Quiet in the Western Church

Craig McElvain

Matthew 9:16-17

The statistical decline of people in the Western church is alarming, and if continues at its current rate, the church is at risk of dissolving into an ineffective, forgotten task force. This decline is apparent in both attendance and church planting, though church planting is still the most effective mode of growing the church as evident by the research. The Western church may be in decline due to the church (and the believers inside of it) having often become impersonal, selfish, and hypocritical. Apart from these characteristics, there is hope if we emphasize aspects common to all church planting movements, ten of which are included in this presentation.

Intro to the Xenos Home Group Model

Phil Franck

Hebrews 10:24-25

This workshop includes a brief overview of the number and structure of home groups in Xenos, the history of how Xenos came to be, and how these home groups plant new groups. When a plant happens, new leaders must be considered through biblical criteria and raised up. There are several main areas that are crucial for leaders within the groups to focus on and emphasize, which include both evangelism and discipleship. We can promote both of these focuses in our home groups in numerous ways as we equip ourselves with some practical suggestions.

Puritan and Pietist Missions

Alice Ott

Hebrews 10:24-25

The Puritan mission movement had both successes and failures. While the goal was to reach the Native Americans for Christ, their approach tended to be egocentric and they emphasized the natives abandoning their current cultural practices to imitate the Englishmen. That said, there were examples of missionaries who did effective evangelism, and from them we can learn. The Pietist missions were also characterized by positive and negative attributes and emphasized individual piety and faith displayed in action.

Obstacles to Missional Replication - What Holds Us Back?

Ed Stetzer

Psalms 47:2

In Paul's call to be ambassadors for Christ we find the mission of the church. In order to understand how we can live out the mission and multiply we need to understand the obstacles. There are four obstacles to keep in mind: 1) putting the world's values above God's; 2) recruiting people, rather than reconciling people; 3) not being on a kingdom mission; and 4) failing to appreciate the cross.

Kingdom Multiplication

Ed Stetzer

Luke 24:46-49

There are four biblical principles that should propel the church into a multiplying movement. The first is that all people are sent into the world to share the Gospel. The second is that Jesus commissioned his followers to go to all people. The third is having a true understanding of the message that should be shared; the Gospel. The fourth principle is that in all this work God is the one who empowers you with the Holy Spirit.

Adorning the Gospel in Your Community

John Cleary

Luke 24:46-49

Christians are called to follow Jesus' example and stand out as people who represent the gospel. There are many open doors to adorn the gospel through words and deeds, and doing so glorifies God. This can be applied in neighborhoods, jobs, agencies, and even city-wide situations.

Multiplication - Effective Method or Biblical Principle?

Jim Leffel

Acts 2:46

The biblical principle that we see throughout scripture is church growth through organic reproduction. This model is not only successful all over the world but it is the most sustainable. Multiplication through home church planting leads to quality growth because it is reflected in personal discipleship. Jesus said: go and make disciples.