You’ve probably seen in my previous writings that insanity is "doing the same things over and over again; expecting different results." 

Our environment resonates with three (3) principles:

• First, God orchestrates personal relationships for divine purposes!  Teamwork and ministry are maximized through the “avenues” of meaningful personal relationships.  God uses relational networks to accomplish His strategic plans in impacting a small group of people, a large fellowship, or an entire community.
   
• Second, unity may be defined as a targeted force of many…moving as one!  This is not accomplished through conformity, but through unity of purpose – where we celebrate our own unique designs, respect other’s differences, and then capitalize on personal strengths and pooled resources.

• Third, through “synergism” we cross the threshold into explosive biblical dynamics.  This is a process by which people learn the value of effectual communication, mutual cooperation, and transformational community.  In a practical sense, ministry aspirations are fully realized, visions are transformed into actions, and results are measured in biblical proportions.

As individuals, we can often see the "big" picture as this relates to finding simple solutions to complex challenges.  But this doesn’t satisfy us.  We purpose to reach new heights in helping ministries grow and move forward.  To do this, we must constantly tap into creative genius and innovative design.  This is found only in "relational synergism" - the "bigger" picture.

What God has done…and continues to do in our midst, He can do in yours.  We embody transformational principles which are transferal to others ready for the journey.

 
An unwilling to negotiate change can hamper the growth and forward progress of ministries.

Change often flows like a mighty river.  The current can be swift and strong with no obvious place to cross.  But people soon come to realize that crossing the mighty river of change is not only inevitable, but necessary.

For change to happen, four (4) mighty rivers, characteristic of people’s culture, values, and perception of reality, must be bridged.  These bridges pave the way for a successful crossing.  Keep in mind these mighty rivers as you plan your safe crossing.

River of the Mind - people’s intellect (knowledge and perception of reality).  A "bridge" of good information must be built. This requires providing new information for people to digest. This must include facts, statistics, and testimonies that "raise people’s eyebrows," creating a sense of urgency for progress and growth.

River of the Heart - people’s emotions (beliefs, values, and attitudes).  A "bridge" of meaningful relationships must be built. This requires intentional processes in the building of good relationships.  The kind built on trust and a growth-oriented environment that values individual contributions, celebrates differences, and promotes unity of purpose.  We can impress people with facts and figures from afar, but we cannot impact their lives except through up-close and personal encounters, which foster understanding and empathy.

River of Group Behavior - the culture.  A "bridge" of life-giving community must be built.  Community provides the environment where change can be embraced, celebrated, and put into action.  It also creates awareness, addresses people’s needs, and transforms the culture.

Change is all about “bridge-building,” which takes time and much effort.  Once built, the path to growth and forward progress may now be available for many others to follow.

Relationships: the good, the bad, the ugly. 

Did you know that most problems we face in life have to do with difficulties in relationships?  These include marriage and family; employee and employer.  Problems that we have with others can impact our relationship with God and vice versa.

Good relationships begin with us.  God wired us for relationships.  The value and essence of good relationships lies deep within our hearts.  The choice is ours to breathe life or death into relationships.

There are times when we become our own worst enemy in sabotaging relationships.  This can result in a breakdown in our ability to accept and love ourselves.  To compensate for this we often wear masks to hide our true identity.  We can play games with our emotions to disguise our true feelings.  We can build walls around our lives that safely block-out the influences of others, whether good or bad.

Jill has problems accepting herself.  These problems make it difficult for her to accept and love others, including her family.  Holding relationships at arms-length is her way of dealing with her poor self-image.  Until she learns to accept and love herself, she will never be fully able to connect in meaningful relationships with others.

One of the ways people compensate for the problem of a poor self-image is through the wearing of “phony-bologna” masks that hide their authenticity.  According to Alan Loy McGinnis in his book, The Friendship Factor, “We vacillate between the impulse to reveal ourselves and the impulse to protect ourselves with a blanket of privacy.  We long both to be known and to remain hidden.” 

Many of us need what I call a “new view of you!”  According to Genesis 1:26, we are all created in the image of Almighty God.  We are all quite unique.  And to prove this, God offers physical proof.

As a former FBI trained fingerprint technician, I learned that no two people have the same fingerprints.  This is God’s way of saying, “I broke the mold when I created you!  No other person was, is, or will ever be like you, ever!”

God made each of us for a divine purpose.  He has plans and a mission for us; specifically designed according to our gifts, talents, and temperament.  All of this works in conjunction with the relationships we encounter in life.

We must keep in mind that learning to love and accept our self according to God’s design does not exempt us from personal change.  We simply cannot say, “Well, that’s the way God made me; like it or not.”  Accepting a “new view of you” gives us a passport to personal growth.  This may be the beginning of the transformation that God promises for all of us. 

Perhaps it’s time to let go and let God transform your life.

Reading is my passion! 

Over the course of 27 years, I’ve read countless number of books on various topics.  I enjoy everything from great Christian “classics” to modern, contemporary literature.  It’s not uncommon for me to have two or three books going at the same time.

Kim (my wife) and I truly enjoy going to the Christian bookstore.  Once inside, we tend to go in different directions.  She starts with new arrivals and then moves to biographies.  After that, she searches for certain authors in the Christian Living section.  Finally, she spends the rest of her time listening to praise and worship music.

I too like to start with the new arrivals but quickly move on to certain sections: Church Growth, Leadership, Discipleship, and Evangelism.  I like “how to” books; those with transferable concepts that can be taught to others.  Teaching is also one of my passions.  I truly enjoy passing along knowledge and wisdom to others; watching them grow and mature.

Our bookshelves at home overflow with books.  Some people even ask us if we are building a library.  What can I say?  We really like to read!

Despite the fact that Kim and my repertoire of literature are different, we both focus in on certain topics together.  These include books on relationships, building community, and contemporary church.  We believe reading keeps us “teachable” and open to fresh ideas.  This includes daily reading of our Bible, which starts out our mornings.

The following is a short list of Christian literature Kim and I highly recommend.  Most are currently on the shelf in Christian bookstores; others you may have to order.  Whether you are going through a “paradigm shift” in Christian transformation or simply need encouragement for tomorrow, these books may help.

Revolution by George Barna
Get Out of the Pit by Beth Moore
The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McAllen
This Present Future by Reggie McNeal
Where Do We Go from Here? by Ralph W. Neighbor
Be a People Person by John C. Maxwell
Top Performance by Zig Ziglar
The Church in the Workplace by C. Peter Wagner
The Performance Factor: Unlocking the Secrets of Teamwork by Pat MacMillan
Connecting by Larry Crabb

Most of these books were written during the last number of years.  They reflect current thought about church and ministry.  For those of you looking for a specific topic of interest, I might be able to recommend some excellent works. 

Each week three guests, all claiming to be the same person, would answer questions about their occupation.  Only one was telling the truth.  The other two were imposters. 

A panel of people were given the opportunity to ask questions of each of the guests, in hopes of identifying the “real” person.  At the end, members of panel would each guess which person was telling the truth.  The moderator would then say, “Will the real ______ please stand up.”  Oftentimes, there was great surprise!

Going to the Christian bookstore these days reminds me of that quiz show.  The bookshelves are filled with so many new titles for Church.  Here is a short list of different titles:

• Future Church
• Externally Focused Church
• Equipping Church
• Emerging Church
• Missional Church
• Kingdom-focused Church
• Connecting Church

I’ve got to admit that I’ve read most of these books and more.  For over 27 years I’ve read countless books on Christian leadership and church growth.  I like to keep up with current thought and applications.  In my opinion, all of these authors are right “on target” with their thoughts.  I highly recommended their works!

But I wonder about the next generation of young people who are searching for truth.  They are asking a lot of questions.  They want simple answers without all the rhetoric.  In many cases they search for the same things we’ve all been looking for – real Christians and real Church.

So, with all the new titles of Church on the bookshelf, which one do we recommend to young people?  What if they are only interested in reading just one?

In order for us to reach this next generation for Christ, we must be ready and able to answer the question, “Will the real Church please stand up?”

We all go through “seasons” in our life. 

For many years I have been involved in communal transformation and city-reaching.

A wise old saint once said, "Pray as if everything depends on God…work as if everything depends on you!"

Successful transformation is all about both - praying and doing!

I believe God is doing a great and mighty work all around the world in preparation for Christ’s return. He is preparing and positioning Christians for reaping the last great harvest of souls.  Many have answered the call, but many are still asleep. The mighty Church must be awakened to its mission to reach people…reach communities…and reach cities with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Lives are at stake, and time is short.

Transformation happens to people and ministries in much the same way.  Consider the following factors that start and continue the “process” of transformation:

1. The success in communicating a compelling vision for transformation that is urgent, relevant, and anchored.
2. The fertility of the culture’s environment for the planting and growing of new paradigm, ministry models.
3. The realization in creating an accepted local coalition that guides the transformation process.
4. The ability to "connect" people in solid relationships that grow in depth and maturity.
5. The level of commitment, responsibility, and accountability of people to common purposes and goals.
6. The flexible and functional nature of effective organizational processes.
7. The willingness of Christians to focus on God’s will and bind together in "relational synergism."

Always keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is the power behind transformation, and relationships are the "avenues" for transferring transformational power.

I believe the Church in the 21st Century must awaken to the reality of its present mission and embrace all of its foundational, biblical principles.  We must become relevant; walk the talk that communicates our passion for God and compassion for people. 

As Christians we must recapture our "state of innocence" in trusting and obeying God. To do so means that we must be willing to allow God opportunity to bring the needed changes to our lives that foster transformation according to His design.

Consider the current state of Christianity in the today:

• 85% of the 350,000+ churches in today are stagnant or in decline. Six out of ten Americans believe the church is irrelevant. Only one out of three pastors believes the church is making a positive impact on American culture - George Barna Research Group
  
• Evangelical churches have failed to gain an additional 2% of the American population in the past 50 years. In other words, we are not even reaching our own children. - American Society for Church Growth
  
• North America is the only continent where Christianity is not growing. - George Gallop, Church in the World Today
  
• During the last 10 years the combined communicant membership of all Protestant denominations has declined by 9.5% while the national population has increased by 11%. What’s more, not one county in the US has a higher percentage of churched people than it did 10 years ago. - Charles Arn Institute of Church Growth
• Half of all churches last year did not add one new member through conversion growth. - American Society for Church Growth
  
• Approximately 70 to 80% of all church growth in the country can be attributed to the movement of Christians from one church to another. - George Barna Research Group
  
• 4,000 Churches close each year in the US and 3,500 people leave the Church each year committed not to return.  One-half of all ministry students are out of the ministry within five years of graduation.  Only 12% of churches are growing but only by way of transfer growth from other churches.  Only 3% are growing by conversion growth. 167 to 187 million non-Christians live in America, making us the fourth largest mission field in the world. The Church is growing on every continent except North America - "A Snapshot of the Church" from the McAlvany Intelligence Report 

Christians are starving to death!

Churches everywhere are filled with Christians who are starving to death for meaningful relationships, passionate spirituality, and purpose.  The are searching for a place to belong…grow…and participate in the building of "life-giving community."  Many Christians are inside the church walls hoping for better times; others are "displaced" outside the walls hoping for change in the Church.

We cannot afford wasting time in addressing people’s needs and church problems with the same level of thinking that helped create them in the first place. To do so would suggest an insane process – “doing the same things over and over again…expecting different results.”

We must prepare and position ourselves for a "paradigm shift" in awareness…attitude…and application.  Maybe it’s time for the 21st Century Church to re-engineer and recapture its true essence.  I am thankful for those churches that have heard the voices of those "crying in the wilderness" and answered the call.

My hope is that more will have "ears to hear."  

We all need prayerful support.  I am greatly encouraged when I hear someone say to me, “I’m praying for you.”  I also cannot imagine going through life without my prayerful conversations with the Lord each day. 

Quentin Schultze is a communications professor at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has authored many books on the subject of good communications, especially the internet.

In an article (http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/topics/culture/internet.php?) published on the Youth Specialties website, Schultze is asked, “What will be the most significant Internet development as they concern the Christian community?”  He says, “Christian women have formed strong online prayer groups and chat areas that serve their own gender interest.” 

Small groups of intercessors can privately gather together for prayer, or they can open the door to public ministry.  Local churches can have their own “virtual prayer room” where people gather, chat, and pray.  Out in the community, a closely-connected group of intercessors from different churches could have one too.

Unique prayer environments could be created for personal prayer or group intercession.  Groups could be linked together for “concerts of prayer” and strategic intercession.  This can happen in a local community, city-wide movement, or global outreach. 

In our Virtual Prayer Room intercessors can talk and unite in prayer.  They can accept prayer requests and minister to people’s needs, day or night.  Testimonies of answered prayers can be posted; giving people hope.  People can return to the prayer room…time and time again.

 
Think about the possibilities:  real people…real time…real prayer, 24/7 – 365.  People and prayer – united together; anytime, anywhere…all over the planet.

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16, NIV).”

Life and change can offer us “life-changing experiences.” 

As to what organic means, different people have different answers.  For farmers, organic refers to natural, healthy foods – fresh, without preservatives or additives.  Biologist will talk about interconnected cells in living systems.  Business people will refer to strategic networks of people and resources.  Even though the word organic is used in many different contexts, it’s fundamental attributes speak volumes about life, relationships, and growth.

I have chosen to use the word organic in terms of how people are interconnected in relationships in organizational environments.  When combined with the process of transformation, organic becomes a back-to-basics, healthy process – one that brings “life-changing experiences” into people…and the life of their organization.

In January of 2000 we were not yet a Christian company, but simply a company of Christians.  We were idealists…visionaries, and we were told – “ahead of our time.”  We held firmly to our beliefs that God orchestrates personal relationships for divine purposes.  We were filled with much hope and expectation.  Little did we know that what we were developing, would one day…transform our lives.

From 2000 – 2002 we worked hard at developing new paradigm ministries in the community.  We wanted to use technology tools to better advance our efforts with a new generation of young people, hungry for God.  Our goal was to raise-up a new breed of missionaries and evangelists who were excited about organic transformation.

Countless hours were spent in planning, but progress soon came to a sudden halt.  Still filled with great passion, we were finally empty of resources.  This forced us all to move on with our lives.  Some even scattered to other parts of the country.  For the next few years all of us went through many changes; and at times, feeling disillusioned about life and ministry.  And then something happened around January of 2006; circumstances that would change our lives.

For some reason, God was bringing us back together again, but for what?  We had all moved on with our lives into other vocations.  And even if vision and passion were still resident in our hearts, our pockets were still empty.  But here we were; sitting around a big table – discussing ideas and plans.  For the next three months we explored possibilities, and we watched in amazement as how God was naturally building us into a high-powered, synergistic team.

We all had to go through many changes.  Our pride was tested.  Our authenticity was challenged.  Some of the changes were very difficult; others were fluid and refreshing.  We entered an organic work environment in order to increase our productivity; one without all the stress associated with most new projects.  We soon realized that all of us was smarter that any one of us.  We learned to communicate and collaborate well; oftentimes marveling at how quickly we found ourselves “on the same page.”

We were willing to let go and let God have His way.  Creativity flowed like refreshing water from a spring-fed well.  Innovative thinking kept moving us forward as we naturally responded to “relational synergism” – people working together for greater purposes realized only through concerted efforts.  Although we had painted for ourselves a “big” picture, God would soon unveil a “bigger” one.

As individuals, we are all starting to grow again…in our faith and passion for ministry.  As a group, we are being transformed into a synergistic team, filled with vision, passion, and purpose.  All of this is happening inside a natural, organic environment where life and change are producing “life-changing experiences.”  This is best described as organic transformation.