So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand. 1 Samuel 13:22

The state of the Christian religion in this country urgently calls for deliberate action. That definite action is no less than the conversion of England to the Christian faith. The duty of evangelism is laid upon the whole Church, not only the ordained ministry. By every means possible the clergy must be set free from all hindrances, spiritual as well as material, which prevent them from exercising an evangelistic ministry. More particularly must they be given time to fulfil their primary responsibility of training the laity for evangelism. Without the participation of the laity the conversion of England is impossible. Not only are the clergy too few in number, but by reason of their special calling and pastoral duties they have not the opportunity of permeating every section of the community such as is afforded to the lay-priesthood of believers.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal those who were ill.

‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them’  But Jesus turned and rebuked them.  Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

FOUR CHURCH CULTURES Dead Controlling culture Permissive culture Empowering culture

DEAD IS JUST DEAD!

Controlling Only the professionals are allowed to minister Very little mess but very little personal growth

Permissive culture You have permission to step out and we encourage you to do so, no or little real equipping, A little mess but generally only the extroverts and confident grow

Empowering Equipping Culture You have permission and we want to empower, train and equip you to do so, A lot of mess but a much more inclusive personal growth curve

“You cannot have an empowering culture and a controlling culture at the same time.” “If we fail to focus on equipping, then we selfishly treat God’s people like children who have never grown up spiritually.”

Key elements to shift the cultural paradigm WHO- Who are we WHAT- What are we called to do HOW- How do we equip our people to do it

WHO? Who are we? Mat 11:11  I tell you with certainty, among those born of women no one has appeared who is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least important person in the kingdom from heaven is greater than he. Jas 1:17  Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow. Eph 5:18  Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit. Eph 5:19  you will recite to one another psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; you will sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts; Eph 5:20  you will consistently give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah; Eph 5:21   you will submit to one another out of reverence for the Messiah.

“Many New Testament believers minister out of an old covenant visitational mindset.” Heb 8:6  However, Jesus has now obtained a more superior ministry, since the covenant he mediates is founded on better promises.

WHAT? What do we have? I hope something happens but I’m powerless to really do anything Ministering from methodology Matt 17:14-21 Ministering from gift Matt 7:21-23 Ministering from abiding presence Matt 13:54-58 We don’t want God to do what he can, we want him to do what he wants! Ministering from abiding gift in visitational presence Luke 5:17

6) Ministering from abiding presence in corporate faith Matt 15:30-31

HOW? Building to the tipping point Inspiration, Education, Activation and Risk 1) Strategic prayer team In house Spirit filled ministry training/School of the Spirit Prophetic appointments Joint mentoring days Revival nights and conferences Missions national/international Strategic national/international networking Personal mentoring Making space in normal gathering (Create a culture that celebrates risk)