GlocalNet

It is so hard to be connected to the world, to see what God is doing, how he is doing it, and not grieve for my own country.  We have so much to learn from the world - if only we would - and even more from the global church.  Sadly, we view it as a market for our stuff instead of a body that can speak into us in the West. 

I’ve been with a group of global church planters -once again out of 11 there is only one from the West deliberately.  We are meeting as equals and giving and receiving from one another.  Each one of them is incredible - all started their churches, all have church planting movements, and most are connected to leaders be they political, business, or faith leaders in their various nations and globally. 
There was one man that I really admired, and got a charge out of.  He is a pastor - having personally planted 50+ churches and thousands through his planters - but he isn’t a pastor or a planter - he’s an economist in Africa.  He advises various African Presidents on economics, etc.  He makes his living from his job - and his churches are small to huge.  Once again, most have cells (&/or house churches) as well as gathering places for city churches and national movements.  They have moved beyond arguing forms of church and instead focus on the church in multiple expressions.  They have nothing to market but everything to multiply!

His understanding of society, domains, etc., is way beyond mine.  His practice is that of what we strive to do in the U.S. but he does it naturally. 

Another pastor here is a man who has a church in a predominately Muslim city - he has over 16,000 at one location on Sunday - he has had his house burned four times - but is good friends with the Muslim leaders and imams - I am not alone!  I met him 23 years ago when in Africa I filled in for a meeting Rick Warren couldn’t go to - I got sick - the man prayed for me and I was healed - it was kidney stones and I have the X-rays to prove it.  I hadn’t seen or heard from him until a fluke meeting a few months ago - he’s here with us in London. 

Too much good is happening -I’m optimistic.  Even in England I’m with a group called New Frontiers - Terry Virgo - I love these guys.  They are Reformed Charismatics that are blowing it out of the water.  With all the dire reports I hear from Europe on the church - this is a breath of fresh air!