Welcome MOSAIC ALLIANCE
Hey guys, for one hour today (10 AM -11 AM PST), I’ve invited the Alliance for a
time of reconnection here at “Into the mystic…”. Welcome.
However, since this is my personal blog, please be sure to read the “Disclaimer”
in the frame on the right hand panel called “Pages”.
So, if you’re an Alliance member, click on the comment link below and join the conversation.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Let’s start by finding out who’s here. Tell us who you are (Name, location, church, role, etc).
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
Stephen Hammond from Arlington Texas (smack dab in the middle of Dallas/Ft. Worth)
Currently planting the Mosaic of Arlington
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
Good to be here Alex
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
Dean Sharp, pastor at The Spring
Hola Alex y todos las personas de la Alianza. ¿Octavio, quien es mas macho?
Currently God has me watching Him pour out a movement of Christ-culture into what we call the “suburban desert.” In an attempt to find a passage from suburbia into the Mystic Kingdom we’ve church planted in Thousand Oaks, California about two years ago.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Dean, Welcome. Enjoyed our visit last Saturday. Rgards to Tina.
Comment by Kirk Schneemann
# August 31, 2005,
This is Kirk Schneemann from Frontline in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am a church planter (spiritual entrepreneur!) and also serve as worship leader and primary teaching pastor.
Comment by Sean Taylor
# August 31, 2005,
Sean T. from Gainesville, FL
Getting ready to launch our first gathering at Catalyst Gainesville! Jason Joseph’s friend!
Comment by Eric Devine
# August 31, 2005,
Eric Devine here. I’m planting a Mosaic in Silver City, NM.
Comment by Octavio
# August 31, 2005,
Octavio Martinez here.
Y dean, yo soy mas macho!
Anyways, church planter and lead pastor of Sojourn in Whittier, CA.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Stephen, good to hear from you. Welcome.
Comment by Octavio
# August 31, 2005,
kirk,
you’re a busy man…
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Kirk, welcome. I’ll see you next week in Michigan.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Hey Sean, good to hear from you. Have you seen Max lately?
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Eric, good to hear from you. Regards to Krys.
Comment by Geoffrey Baines
# August 31, 2005,
Hi everyone, Geoffrey from near Manchester in the UK here. I’m superintendent (like a senior pastor) in a Methodist circuit of thirteen congregations. We’re presently looking at what it will mean though to be “one church in many places with many faces”
Comment by Sean Taylor
# August 31, 2005,
I still see him pretty regulary. He just returned from India about a week ago where he was part of building the first church building in this particular city (name which I can’t even begin to spell or pronounce). He’s doing well.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Octavio, welcome. I agree with Octavio, Dean. El es mas macho.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Everyone, just a word of advice. Refresh your page after you post and regularly. That way the new posts will appear. Refresh.
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
got it … refresh
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
Alex I am interested in knowing what your thoughts are about the future of the Alliance. How do you see things progressing so far? And what changes do you foresee coming in the near weeks/months?
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Let’s start with what’s on your minds. What questions do you have or what’s going on in your mission?
Comment by Eric Devine
# August 31, 2005,
Alex, Krys says hello. She is working right now and I just e-mailed her your comment.
Comment by Geoffrey Baines
# August 31, 2005,
I’ve just read Stephen’s question - I’ve had a few people recently asking about what may be happening for the UK
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
On a more local mission scene, we are trying to move people from “information” to transformation. Moving them from the need for “Bible study” toward a more holistic approach of encountering the Bible for life though weekly small group settings. Both for us and the community we live. This is harder than I thought it would be. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Comment by Geoffrey Baines
# August 31, 2005,
I’ve been having a conversation with some of my staff members who are really getting what it means to be a missional church. This can be a really hard thing in an institutional church so this conversation means that things are moving towards trying to be church in a missional way.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Stephen, great anticipation. I see the Alliance to continue to take shape as a culture crerating force and as a church planting movement.
Some of the other groups have fashioned alliances where all the new churches they help launch contribute back to help new churches start.
We’ve never done this. We’ve focused primarily on pouring out into others because there is no way to “fund” a movement.
But I think there is enough interest now to actually begin thinking together about continuing to ignite a cultrue creating movement and participate more concretely in a church planting movement through voluntarily teaming and financing new projects, etc.
That may be something we need to explore together. What do you think Stephen?
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
Been thinking alot about wind lately. Actually, it has been pretty well consuming my thoughts.
Comment by Eric Devine
# August 31, 2005,
I’m disappointed with how long it is taking me to build momentum. I have had several people tell me that I’m experiencing a time of preparation. So I’m reading, learning and dreaming and listening for God’s voice. I did get an invitation to speak at a church out of town this week so I’m trying figure out what God would have me to share there.
Comment by David Brittain
# August 31, 2005,
David Brittain here, Celebration in Rio Rancho, NM. I appreciate the comment of wondering how to move people from information to transformation. Working with people one on one and in small groups has helped many pursue being Christ-followers. I think its both/and — knowledge and abandonment beyond knowledge.
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
I like it A. I think I have spoken with you before about how things are done here in my local denom (regarding coaching, funding, etc…). I currently have a “learning community” of church planters in my region and only 1 or 2 us have the proper “encouragement” we need to really make it in this world. I would say that anything (Alliance, SBC, Act 29, etc…) that will be able to serve as encouragement to the next generation of church planters is highly needed. One of the biggest hurdles would be to stay highly relational. I am still not sure how this will be done as the Alliance expands throughout the world. I would think that regional relationships would have to be the key with maybe Origins serving as a once of year “gathering” for us. What do the rest of you think?
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Hey, Geoffrey. Welcome. As you know, I have a particular interest in Europe and the UK. I would move to London yesterday. [Or Zurich, Barcelona, etc]
I’ve already approached a church planter from Scottland and a church planting missionary in Zurich to be part of the first Alliance Navigation team.
My personal goal — I am not speaking here as a spokesman for the Alliance or Mosaic — is to catalyze thousands of red hot churches in Europe and the UK over the next twenty years.
Of course, that spills over into my work with the Alliance. I sense that what we’re doing here today is part of a beginning of a much larger and dynamic movement that can shape western culture in the years to come.
Comment by David Brittain
# August 31, 2005,
Eric, how long is long? Movements don’t tend to happen quickly. Erwin and Alex have been at Mosaic quite a while. I finally seeing movement here and October will be my sixth anniversary. I know Siver. Being a cultural architect there will take time.
Comment by Sean Taylor
# August 31, 2005,
Stephen, I believe that Jonathan Simpson (Mosaic Atlanta) is attempting to do just what you’re talking about. I’ll be attending my first “Mosaic Oasis” in Atlanta next week. Have no idea what to expect, but I’m still full of anticipation concerning whatever it is that God wants to do there
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
David, welcome. Glad you could make it. Refreshing your page after you post will help you get all the new posts on your page.
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
stephen, I do think points of gathering for us is important. I’m local here in L.A. to Origins but couldn’t make it this year. However, I did get down to the hotel for the Alliance dinner and was so glad I did.
Comment by Kirk Schneemann
# August 31, 2005,
David,
Thanks for your words. I agree that things take time. We have been in Ann Arbor (a.k.a. Berkeley east!) for about seven years and are just now beginning to see some of our hopes/dreams/vision become reality. I still struggle with that faithfulness/”success” tension. We’re in it for the long-haul, which I believe is essential for all of us, especially in a transient culture that changes and abandons so frequently.
Comment by David Brittain
# August 31, 2005,
I agree that we could use points of gathering. My brother is getting ready to start a church here in Albuqerque. We wouldn’t mind coordinating things for the Southwest.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Sean, you’re exactly right. Stephen, what’s happening now is that we’re creating regional “leadership networks”. Jonathan Simpson has been forging the way for us in Atlanta.
By the way, Sean, I’ll be with that group on December 7th. Check out my speaking schedule (”Alex’s speaking schedule”) in the top right hand panel (”Pages”).
By the way, Sean, I spoke with Jon about the name “Mosaic Oasis” — the name “oasis” doesn’t exactly create the ethos we’re looking for with regard to these leadership meetings. He agrees so we’re changing the name soon. Just fyi.
Comment by Octavio
# August 31, 2005,
dean,
right on the mark… points of gathering are important.
Comment by Geoffrey Baines
# August 31, 2005,
I’m really encouraged to hear that things are beginning for the UK. What Mosaic and the Alliance have to offer (I include you personally too) is so important for us. Some of our thinking, hoping, and darned refusal to accept the status quo has been catapulted forward by what you have been sharing; I would be really up for exploring what it means ‘teaming with and financing new projects’.
Hi David, you mention six years - I wonder how a church - willing to have six years of someone “transformationally tampering” - is a positive thing. Methodist churches in the UK “get rid” after five years.
Comment by Sean Taylor
# August 31, 2005,
Alex, thanks for the name update as well as the scheduling heads up. It’s now in my calendar! Really looking forward to seeing you there in Dec.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Dean, you’re exactly right. I think we have to think in terms of developing life long relationships. That means making time and space in our lives for those moments of reconnection–like ORIGINS — but also like this online conversation.
To carry forward a second idea. The Alliance has a navigation team that meets a couple of times each year. If you have a travel budget that might be a way to connect at a different level.
On a more local level, the Alliance needs mentors to guide new pastors and church planters into the Alliance. we do this because relationships need to be stressed. A great way for you to stay connected and help others connect is to be a mentor.
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
What is the thing that we can be doing immediately to fuel the movement? What are the things that we need to be on guard against to stay as effective as possible?
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
Octavio,
Yes, and I’m really interested in continuing to pursue the tech possibilities (like this one) that can bridge the miles. I’ll buy you all Macs (ya right) and then get you on an Eyesight conference call!
that reminds me, here’s a little link that you all might appreciate and be encouraged by. Check it out:
http://www.uriah.com/apple-qt/think-different-one.html
Comment by Eric Devine
# August 31, 2005,
Thanks David. You are right and your thoughts are encouraging to me.
I think this is a great forum for communicating as well as bogging. It can connect us with movements all over the world. I think it also has great potential to build community locally as well.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
By the way guys, this the third time I’ve used this format for meetings like this. We’re creating, I think, a new way of “leading together”.
Comment by David Brittain
# August 31, 2005,
Kirk, that’s exactly right. I think it comes down to choosing to build what God leads. This church has basically been a restart. People are excited. Our vision and mission have been heavily influenced by Mosaic. The tension for me is between helping people understand the primal essence of being a Christ-follower and passing on vital knowledge; avoiding emotional roller-coasters on one hand and killing the faith with a religion of cold-hard facts on the other.
Comment by Kirk Schneemann
# August 31, 2005,
Dean,
Many of us are already Mac addicts. The iSight/iChat potential is huge. I used it to communicate with our church in Michigan when I was in Korea last month. We’re looking at a number of new uses of technology. What’s your iChat address? Who else has an iSight?
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
Alex count us here in Arlington in on helping the Alliance anyway we can. We are already meeting monthly with guys from the DFW area but it’s not officially “Mosaic Alliance” sponsored (not that I really know all that this would entail).
But whatever we could do we would to help others.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Hey guys the hour is almost up. I want to post a couple of reminders. And maybe address Eric’s question about “information” vs. “tranformation”.
Comment by Octavio
# August 31, 2005,
i have iChat/iSight.
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
Kirk, It’s verysharp@mac.com
Comment by David Brittain
# August 31, 2005,
Geoffrey,
If your question is whether it has been a good thing for me to stay here six years and make these changes, the answer is an unequivocal “yes.” Actually, I was greatly encouraged by Erwin sharing his experience at Mosaic, as mine has been much the same here. As Alex said at Origins, when people understand that God is on the move, the life flows into them. The propect of being a part of a church that is willing to crash the darkness inflames peoples’ minds and hearts.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Reminders…
1] ORIGINS — May 22-24, 2006
2] Regional training — I’ll be host regional training events in Detroit, Montreal, Providence and Atlanta. If you know someone in these areas, let them know. They can register here at my blog (”Regional Events”)
3] Later this week you’ll hear a podcast about serving the homeless with Dean and Tina Sharp.
I think’s that it for the reminders.
Comment by Octavio
# August 31, 2005,
this was good.
thanks everyone.
ocmartinez@mac.com
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
Kirk,
And Skype can now handle 5-way conference calling.
Comment by Eric Devine
# August 31, 2005,
Good being with you all. God bless you and yours, eric
Comment by Geoffrey Baines
# August 31, 2005,
Where’s the hour gone? I’ve really appreciated beginning to look at these areas - the earlier comments about it being a good way of connecting are right.
David, I’m heartened to hear you speak so enthusiastically about your situation. I guess I’m trying to get through to a more significant year - I’m about to go into year five and the review of my appointment is in full swing. Keep going.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Moving people from “Information” to “transformation”.
Principle #1] ALL human transformation happens “within” the person. Therfore the only transformation that can happen happens when the person himself wills it, embraces it, chooses it.
Corresponding application] The key role of a life change agent is to ask questions and listen for where the person in need-of-change is struggling to surrender or wrestling with change at a primal level. Strategy: Pray for the person, listen to the person, ask questions and challenge the person’s will.
Comment by stephen
# August 31, 2005,
good thoughts to all
looking forward to this again A and O. maybe we can try to get together via the web at least bi-monthly? (or even monthly)
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
alex,
Yes, yes. The listener/questioner gets the chance to perceive the pathways into people’s hearts.
Comment by Alex
# August 31, 2005,
Hey guys, That’s it for now. Thank you for investing time today. I hope this has been helpful.
Are you interested in meeting again? Maybe sometime in early December. Let us know and we’ll make it happen.
Blessings.
Comment by Sean Taylor
# August 31, 2005,
agreed
Comment by Dean Sharp
# August 31, 2005,
I’d love to.
Comment by Geoffrey Baines
# August 31, 2005,
I’m in for December. This has been a good time to meet too - early evening over here. Good night from the UK everyone. I’ll be printing off our conversation and praying through all that’s been shared.
Comment by john edgar
# August 31, 2005,
Sorry I missed today, just finished my meeting. Call me this week if you get a chance. I have a venture capitalist question for you.