I (Mac Lake) summarized our discussion with these key points.  Starting a Movement Requires…

• …a concentrated intentional effort (Neh 8:2-4,7-8).  As you read this passage you notice that a lot of preparation went into this event that sparked a revival.  Movements don’t just happen, they require leadership.
• …maximizing the platform God has given you (Neh. 8:4-6). Ezra was a highly respected spiritual leader who had a lot of influence. Not only did he have the platform of his character and reputation he also had a literal platform as well.
• …influencing influencers (Neh. 8:4)  Ezra had key influencers to his left and to his right.  This sent a message to the people that the leaders or main influencers were in agreement.
• …getting people to use the same language (Neh 8:7-8).  There is a huge synergy when you align people’s language.  Ezra not only taught from God’s Word, he enlisted the Levites to break the crowd into groups and teach what he was teaching as well.   There was alignment from the top.
• …re-shaping people’s perspective (Neh 8:9-12). Ezra, Nehemaih and the Levites helped the people change their mentality or pre-disposed attitudes.
• …inspiring new behavior in those you lead (Neh 8:12).  The people who had been living in dispair were not filled with joy.

To read Mac’s full post, go here:  maclakeonline.com

Enjoy and learn…

Margaret: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing evangelicals?

McKnight: The biggest challenge facing American evangelicals is Christian universalism.

Margaret: What do you mean by Christian universalism?

McKnight: Christian universalism is the belief that everyone will eventually be saved because of what Christ has done. Christian universalism differs from raw pluralism. Pluralism is the belief that no religion offers superiority in the process of redemption. With pluralism, all religions lead us to the same god and the same ends. The distinction for Christian universalists is that what God did for humans in Christ will redeem all humans, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, or atheists, all will eventually be saved.Margaret: What do you think is contributing to the rise of Christian universalism?

Read the full interview (find Part II and III via links in the right navigation bar): http://www.margaretfeinberg.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=1437&Itemid=5

A key responsibility of the leader is to know what season the organization is in, to name it, and then to communicate the implications of that season to his or her followers.

Hybels names some seasons as examples…in any group, we might experience a season of growth, consolidation, transition, malaise, and reinvention.  Your group or organization might be creating its own season.

Bill Hybels

The nature of human beings is such that we tend not to drift into better behaviors. We usually have to be asked by someone to consider taking it up a level.

If you’re chasing a bold vision, one of the greatest gifts you can give the people around you is to get in front of them, eyeball to eyeball, and ask them to step up and do something great for God. Do it well, and you’ll bring glory to God, esteem to the other person, and much-needed resources to your ministry.

Bill Hybels

Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs

Axioms – 1.) Language Matters

The very best leaders I know wrestle with words until they are able to communicate their big ideas in a way that captures the imagination, catalyzes action, and lifts spirits. They coin creeds and fashion slogans and create rallying cries, all because they understand that language matters. Axioms bolster a culture and steady it against the winds of change.  Choose the right words and you’ll set up everyone you lead for a level of effectiveness you never thought could be achieved.

Here are some quick observations about the loudest voices in different relational dynamics:

• When the loudest voice is a critic, it’s easy to begin making decisions that compromise God’s calling.
• When the loudest voice is our kids, we sometimes sacrifice their future by giving them an inflated view of their place in this world.
• When the loudest voice is someone other than our spouse but they’re the opposite sex, it will very likely lead to an affair.
• When the loudest voice is someone older and more experienced than us, there’s often great wisdom but it may also come with a hesitancy to take new ground.
• When the loudest voice is a friend, sometimes their desire to protect us prevents them from delivering the truth we need to hear.
• When the loudest voice is our voice, we can easily find ourselves at a place where we are crippled by pride or fear.

Read Tony’s full post at: www.tonymorganlive.com

Check out how Marty signs off…”until every heart has a home”…ain’t that cool!

Dear Moses Basket Family,

This email is a Moses Basket update to inform you of news and information regarding the adoption, foster care, and orphan care ministry of Fellowship Bible Church.  It contains very important information, some of which is time-sensitive.

Here you go…read the full post…three important items…

http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/The Butterfly Circus/

Thank you Doorpost Film Project.