Thinks and Links

Issue #2

Ecclesia Thinks and Links is a monthly publication of The Ecclesia Network that highlights articles, blog posts and publications from members and friends of the Network.

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A Model for Discernment in the Missional Church Context Part I,  Part II and Part III

by Bob Hyatt
In this three-part article Bob lays out a model for discernment. In this series of posts, you can also get a good look into Evergreen’s story.

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The Death of Leadership: Christ, Co-Leading, and Missional Living

by Geoff Holsclaw
You might notice that this is an older post, but Geoff addresses the question of leadership in a missional context – particularly how leadership and co-leadership works out at Life on the Vine.

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When Redemptive Work Begins with Hot Dogs

by Gary Alloway via J.R. Briggs 
J.R. Briggs posted a great story from Redemption Church of Bristol in Suburban Philly.

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7 Questions with Scot McKnight
by Dave Kinnaman
Scot McKnight talks about his book One.Life, The Blue Parakeet, Women in the church and women in leadership.

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Creating a Missional Culture

by JR Woodward
This isn’t really a post, this is a whole book. JR’s book was released by IVP in July. Check out his new website and be sure to get a copy of his book.

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My Journey with Apostolic Ministry
by Bob Roberts, Jr.
Bob talks about his jouney in discovering his apostolic gifting.

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Aurora and Bethany

by Winn Collier
Drawing on the story of Lazarus, Winn reflects on the trajedy in Aurora, CO.

Welcome to a new publication of the Ecclesia Network: Ecclesia Thinks & Links. What follows is a collection of some recent articles, blog posts and news from people within and outside the network. As I’ve been collecting links over the past few weeks, I was reminded that we have some amazing voices that are part of our community.

Of course, a disclaimer is necessary: While the articles below will be mostly written by Ecclesia pastors and leaders, not all of them will be (Those with an ** on articles written by people directly connected to Ecclesia). Obviously, there are some really helpful writers and thinkers outside of Ecclesia and we’re excited to highlight them too. Of course, nothing we link to below shows our complete endorsement of whatever is said in a post or whatever they have said elsewhere on their blog, on facebook, twitter or while they were talking on the phone last night – hopefully this goes without saying.

If you have read or have written articles or blog posts that you think could be included in upcoming issues of Ecclesia Thinks and Links, please forward them to Todd Hiestand (toddhiestand@ecclesianet.org)

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Church Potluck or Catering Facility**

by J.R. Briggs
A great look at the nature of the church through the metaphor of church dinners by the pastor of the Renew Community in Lansdale, PA

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Submissional Parenting: God’s Great Gift**

by Matt Tebbe
Matt reflects on how we are discipled through parenting.

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Who Imitates You? 9 Ways to Invite Others In
by 3DM
A great list from 3DM in the UK about mentoring and discipling others.

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Church Planter Spotlight: Aaron Graham**

by Aaron Graham on the Exponential Network Website
Get to know a bit more about Aaron, a pastor in Ecclesia, and his churches mission. Aaron was recently interviewed by the Exponential Network.

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More Than a New Color
by Lance Ford 
“Missional doesn’t visit the neighborhood. Missional moves into the neighborhood.” A great short reflection by Lance Ford.

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The Scraments of Place**

by David Fitch
David Fitch, pastor at Life on the Vine, recently had this aritcle published on Christianity Today. Provacative as usual, he asks hard questions about being rooted locally.

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Vocation and Healing**

by Winn Collier
Winn, pastor of All Souls Charlottesville, reflects on why he became a pastor and, more importantly, why he stays one.

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Making Disciples**

by Ben Sternke
Ben, pastor at Christ Church in Fort Wayne, recently published a series of excellent posts on his philosophy and practice of discipleship. Very, very well worth sinking your teeth into!

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Again, if you have any questions, please send them Todd’s way!