Led by the Spirit Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 6:6-10

Revelation and Cooperation “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; He can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.” John 5:19ff

Revelation and Cooperation “Spiritual leadership is moving people on to God’s agenda.” “Only the Holy Spirit can ultimately accomplish the task.” Henry & Richard Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership

Jesus as Prophet, Priest & King  As Prophet Jesus will be speaking the word of God in power and authority.  As Priest he will be bringing forgiveness, healing, cleansing, and reconciliation to His people.  And as King he will be advancing the Kingdom of God, calling men, women and children to enter it, and will also be overturning the Kingdom of Satan

Metaphor: Dance of Cooperation This cooperation is…  Personal  Dynamic “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

The Two Foundations for the Dance of Cooperation  Leadership that embodies the reality of the Kingdom of God “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1  Congregations “growing to fullness in Christ”

THE SEVEN DYNAMICS OF COOPERATING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Divine Love Drawing Us into Participation  This was the starting motivation of Jesus’ own ministry and it opens the door for us to engage in ministry too.

Intercessory Prayer; Inviting God’s Engagement  The Holy Spirit prompts us to pray which opens the door for God to work in our situations but he then guides and directs us in cooperating with him.

Faith Clothed in Obedience; Opening the Door to God’s Activity  The gift of mountain moving faith opens the door for God to act in our midst.

Receiving Divine Guidance for Cooperating with the Holy Spirit  How individuals and the community engage in the discipline of listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit so we may take part in the dance of cooperation.

Spiritual Discernment; Making Listening and Obedience Safe  The theological safety-net enabling us to avoid both gullibility and skepticism and, instead, identify and affirm what is truly from God so that we can step out in obedience.

Welcoming the Gifts and Manifestations of the Holy Spirit  Affirming and clarifying the normality, purpose and practice of spiritual gifts in the congregation – these are the power tools for building the Kingdom of God.

Seeing and Responding to Kairos Moments  Learning to identify and cooperate with the activity of the Spirit in spiritually-pregnant moments, and so going deeper into engagement with the work of God.

The Synergy of the Dance These dynamics do not normally occur in isolation or in a sequence.  There is a fluid interplay with a tremendous synergy as they combine together, facilitated by the congregation’s leadership but made reality by the activity of the Holy Spirit.  Human and divine dimensions are intermingled, woven together under the direction of the Holy Spirit and the cooperation of God’s people.

Implementation in the congregation  Not about styles of worship or activities.  About the practicalities of allowing the Lord to direct the life of his people and his Church.  Aim is to equip leaders and churches in the practicalities of seeking, discerning and then acting on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.