Sorry I’ve been so quiet lately. A lot of things have been happening, which take priority over blogging, like counseling, preaching, teaching, studying, being on mission, writing a book(let) and board meetings. A few things I’m excited about:
PlantR: The continued growth and direction of PlantR, our local cross-denominational church planting network, is generating cross-denominational partnerships, missional impact, equipping and gospel advance! We will be posting video clips from George Patterson’s insightful address very soon.
Acts 29: We are currently developing an official Acts 29 Regional Network for Texas. The provisional vision statement is: The Texas Region of the Acts 29 Network exists to develop reproducing gospel-centered churches that engage the peoples of Texas. The Regional vision will be shared with all Acts 29 planters on May 11-12 at the Village Church in Dallas.
CCEF: I am currently taking the second of three courses for a certificate in Biblical Counseling. The course Counseling in the Local Church, is deepening my understanding and ability to apply the gospel to all situations and to create a culture of shared counseling in Austin City Life.
Fight Club: I am finishing up the book(let) Fight Club: Gospel-centered Discipleship. Thanks to all who voted on covers. I have also posted a table of contents here.
The first chapter lays out a brief biblcial thelogy of fighting leading us to the hope of having the Divine Warrior fight with and for us in the fight of faith. The second chapter shows how we have fought incorrectly as the church, fighting as wimps or bullies via cheap grace or legalism. A gospel-centered approach to following Jesus is offfered that emphasizes the role of the Spirit in making us like Christ. The final two chapters emphasize the role of community and actual practice of forming a Fight Club.