When “church people” hear—for decades—one limited proclamation of the Gospel, it seems hopeless for a new preacher to get them to think in broader terms of exactly what Jesus’ message is.  Even biblically grounded and inductively presented preaching, supported by good story-telling, does not alter the structures and traditional ways of “doing” ministry.

One year ago this week, Chuck Colson (1931-2012) was called into the Lord’s presence. Even though the day of his home-going was unexpected, Chuck had both anticipated and prepared for it, as did Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha did during their day.

Those who come will recognize our commitment to support you in your ministry. Why, because you are part of Jesus’ Plan A, the local church, called to bring His Kingdom into the light. This year, three of our key speakers are working pastors. Several others serve as church leaders in an equipping capacity.

It was a bit unusual for a senior pastor of one of the largest churches in northwest Michigan to promote house-churches but, after listening to the incredible story of Big-Life Ministries, I now understand  why Pastor Nick Twomey did.  And, why he wants to see if this approach could potentially take off in our area.

Sometimes it just isn’t easy to let a direct challenge go by unanswered, and Carl Trueman issued one in his insightful blog (Reformation 21, “Keep Calm and Carry On”) when he ask, “Of course, I am not a cultural transformationalist; but if there are any such reading this blog, I might suggest that now would be a good time for you chaps to start proving me wrong.

. . . If I had both the time and money, I would be at each at least once in my lifetime. However, as I look at the Kingdom-focused mission of God—to both summon people to Jesus and to take up the work of bringing every sphere of culture under His kingdom influence— I recommend the Wilberforce Weekend and here is why.