Ryan's Think Space

The unfolding adventure of a leadership transition

2011-06-16T17:39:00.006+01:00

GOD’S SOVEREIGN TAPESTRY

Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God’s ‘poema’, His workmanship, master-piece or tapestry of grace, wherein He not only saves us by grace (vs 1-9) but also weaves us together within His divinely orchestrated plan to come together for His pre-planned works of service, through which we bring Him great glory.

None of our lives are random; rather, as a bright display of grace, God calls people and churches into an inter-weaving that unfolds like a craftsman’s tapestry. Each thread (church/person) on its own may seem like a meaningless straggling wisp but when woven together we see Divine forethought, planning and destiny that only He could wisely and perfectly interlace. God is the master craftsman, we are His material; He is the Artist, we are the humble, yet beautiful artwork. This is such a story where Father weaves the journeys of three couples and two churches together for His glory and His fore-ordained good works ...

JOURNEYING UNDER GOD’S VOICE

Keath and Michelle Gaitskell - Our Journey

In light of the significant changes taking place, we have felt that it would be a great idea to document what our journey has been in this process. Apart from being helpful to Michelle and me as a reminder of God’s hand in leading us to where we are, we also felt that it may come in useful to others as they try to work through the changes taking place. I am not going to put every detail down as some of them are personal but if anyone has any questions they are always welcome to chat with us.

Background

On May the 8th it was the 16th anniversary of Michelle and my arrival in the UK. If you had said to us when we arrived at Heathrow that we would permanently settle here, have all our children here, change our careers radically and be leading a church in London I think Michelle and I would have laughed at you! A proverb that I try to keep at the front of my mind is “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21.

Michelle and I had been part of Glenridge Church in Durban, South Africa for about one and a half years before we flew over to the UK for what we thought would be a fun excursion for a couple of years. We came over to make money so that we could travel and see the world a bit but about five months into our time here we got a letter from Nigel saying that they were looking at coming over to the UK to plant a church. We knew Nigel and Melita from Glenridge where they had been on eldership and so we were keen to help them where we could with their relocation. As it turned out, Nigel and Melita planted in Richmond, which was near where we had been living, and so we decided to become part of this fledgling church – christened London Church International. Michelle has the honour of being one of the seven people at the very first meeting that was held in our old bed-sit!

When we had those first meetings in the bed-sit, Michelle and I had no idea just how much this church was going to become part of our lives. I do think that we had some sense that God had prepared a way for us to come over to the UK. Looking back I can see God’s fingerprints in how we got over and settled into UK life, but at the time I don’t think we really appreciated what God had in store.

In March 1997 Michelle and I returned to the UK after a six-month tour through America and Australasia. It was at this time that we made a conscious decision that we wanted to settle in the UK. Upon our return to England God began to deepen our affection for LCI. Without really noticing it we were getting involved more and more in the life of the church and in 1998 we were asked onto the deaconate. At this time Michelle and I were leading a home group (which included Amber Chandler and Rob and Laura Mussel!) and I was leading worship in the church. LCI was becoming much more than just a church but our family. In 2000 Nigel asked us to come onto the Eldership at LCI, and after being market place elders for three/four years Michelle and I went full time in May 2004.

People often comment on what a change it must have been to move from investment banking to being a pastor. It certainly was a change, but it felt like I had put on clothes that I had always meant to be wearing. When I had first got saved, the minister at the Methodist church became a bit of a spiritual father to me. One day he said to me: “Keath, I don’t know how it is going to work out but one day you are going to be in the ministry” and he was right! Michelle and I had also received a number of very powerful prophetic words over us before we even came to the UK and before I even really understood the significance of the prophetic. It is when I look back now at those words that I feel so encouraged and excited about the future. There is one prophetic word that I think is worth mentioning in light of what is being discussed tonight. When we were ordained as elders Meryl Wienand had a prophetic word for us that said that Michelle and I were going to be like oxen in the church and that we would bring stability to LCI and bring constancy to the church. The prophetic word over Guy and Steph was that they were going be eagles – at the time that sounded a lot more glamorous!

The last four years

I would like to jump ahead a little bit now to when Ryan came to visit LCI in 2008. By the time Ryan came over in that February, Michelle and I were starting to feel like God was stirring something inside of us but we weren’t really sure what it was. Michelle and I were beginning to lose vision doing what we were doing and we had started to stop dreaming – both of us wanted something new, particularly a new challenge.

Well the new challenge came with Ryan’s arrival! Not so much with Ryan as with all that was going to take place over the next two and a bit years. The hand over from Nigel to Ryan, the name change, the purchase of the venue and the replanting of the church certainly kept us busy, but it didn’t remove this dissatisfaction inside of us, as well as a desire for more of what God had for us. During this time there was much praying, many long walks asking God what on earth was going on AND where he wanted us to go. The result of all these walks and prayers was no direction at all only an assurance from God that he was there and in control. If I asked God once where he wanted us to re-locate to I must have asked him 500 times! So in summary Michelle and I were righteously frustrated, lacking vision and direction and getting no indication from God of what the way ahead looked like. Coming back from Israel, Michelle turned to me on the plane and said “I really believe that God has got us in a holding pattern” and looking back, that was exactly what was happening.

Then at the end of August during Dwell we received two prophetic words:

Chris Jungles (who I didn’t know from a bar of soap at the time) came up to me and said “You and your wife have been asking God the answer to a question. God wants you to know that something has shifted”. A number of months later when Ryan was talking to me about his decision he mentioned that it was during Dwell at the end of August that he felt something “Shift” and “lift” off him and that it was as if he knew his time at KingsGate had come to an end.
Mark Elliot came up to me at Dwell and said that he had been praying for us and he saw a lock. There were a number of keys but none of these opened the lock. Then God applied pressure on the lock with his fingers and then the lock just opened.

I felt a weight behind both these words and both Michelle and I felt excited that God was speaking but we still had no idea about where to go.

After speaking to a few friends about where we were at and the prophetic words we had received, we were encouraged to pursue (in the absence of any other clear words) what had always been a dream on my heart – America.

Consequently we started pursuing a number of avenues in the USA – one of which seemed to indicate that a door was opening for us there. We were really excited that something was starting to happen. The church in America seemed very keen to have us and relationally there was a strong connection in a very short time. In November 2010 I went over to the States with a view to explore ways of getting over there. The trip was great from one point of view in that relationally I really connected with the guys there. On the other-hand it was really frustrating, even though they wanted us to come over, there were no means for us to get in. Getting in on a working visa seemed to be getting more and more unlikely by the hour, the church itself couldn’t sponsor me and there were no churches looking for a lead elder!

When we spoke to Ryan about our visit, Ryan suggested another option. Ryan’s idea was that maybe KingsGate could sponsor Michelle and I i.e. pay us the salary that we would need in the States. In one way that excited me as that was now a real option – on the other hand it did feel a bit like we were trying to make something happen rather than allowing God to open the doors.

The last four months

When Ryan took me for lunch after I had picked him up from the airport I was anticipating him letting me know about opportunities for the States – particularly the possibility of being funded by KingsGate/Glenridge. Imagine my surprise when Ryan told me what the real news was! After speaking to me about the possibility of them going to take over Glenridge, Ryan mentioned that Chris Wienand, Rory and himself had all felt that Michelle and I were the right couple to take over from Ryan and Melissa here at KingsGate. Chris, Rory and Ryan all said that they hadn’t heard a word from God on this but that it seemed to be sanctified common sense to them. After the lunch I went home and told Michelle and there we sat, both stunned together!

My initial response was feeling exceptionally honoured to have been asked to take over KingsGate and by men who I had looked up to for many years. However I didn’t want to take the position because it is a great church and a great privilege and I didn’t want to take the position as captain of this eldership team because it was a good career move. I wanted to take up this role first and foremost because this is where God wanted Michelle and me and this is what God wanted me to do. I also wanted to settle in my own heart whether America was what God wanted for us now and the other elders needed to know this as well. I didn’t want to lead this church with my heart and my dreams in America and I wanted the elders and the church to be convinced that that was not the case.

As a result Michelle and I said that we were not going to make any decisions until we had gone to the States. The trip was already booked as a “fact finding mission” and so it made sense to use the trip to clarify a few things in our hearts.

During February and March, we as an eldership talked, prayed, fasted and worshipped our way through this decision. One of the things that was essential was that the eldership made this decision as a whole – this was not something that was imposed in any way shape or form. The eldership decided whether this was right in God for the church; the eldership discussed what the new captain of the team should look like and the eldership decided who that captain should be.

Another thing to mention was that up until February, God had spoken to Ryan clearly about the rightness of this decision to take over Glenridge but Michelle and I still had not heard a yes from God. The eldership was clear that they wanted us to hear God on whether this was right for us and until March we weren’t hearing much. Then in March a number of people in the church started bringing Michelle and myself prophetic words which were quite uncanny given the context of our situation of which they knew nothing. By the time we left for America I was pretty certain what our decision would be but we still wanted to give God every chance to speak differently to what we anticipated. Our trip to the States was helpful in that we had some distance from London and time on our own although it wasn’t altogether relaxing. We spent quite a bit of time thinking about the question at hand and the significance of it. By the time we left though, we knew that the right decision and what God wanted us to do was to lead KingsGate. I didn’t see an angel nor did I get writing on the wall but what I got was peace about the decision which is what I had been looking for. From that vantage point of God’s peace, I could look back at the prophetic words over the last year (particularly the last two months) and see that God had been leading us to this decision.

When I got back from the USA I got a text from Mike Hanchett who is a prophet and a friend of mine. I hadn’t spoken to Mike since early January and he knew nothing about what was going on. This is what his text said: “Hi Keath, thinking about you a lot. Feel you are in a decision making mode. Praying for wisdom for you. This is a strategic time for KingsGate. Your plans are going to merge into his plans and you will be surprised at what God does. He has prepared you for such a time as this. I have a real excitement for you.”

Ryan and Melissa Matthews - Our Journey

In January 2009, while on a 2 week holiday in London, God spoke to me clearly regarding 3 key matters for KingsGate’s (then known as LCi) future. This ‘download’ from God was in response to my questioning of Him as to what He wanted for the future of this amazing community. The first two were exhilarating, while the last was daunting to say the least.

Firstly, He made it clear that I was to mobilise the elders and push strongly for the church’s new facility. That was easy to respond to as it was abundantly clear that the church could not continue much longer in the school hall. My response in prayer was ‘Lord, I trust you that we will be making moves in this direction by the end of the year!’ True to God’s goodness, this indeed happened, with the fulfillment of this promise coming to pass in our ‘Year of Possession’! The Empire building is continuous evidence of His ability, provision and faithfulness, regardless of our shortcomings and lack as leaders.

Secondly, He made it clear that I was to identify and release the mighty ‘general-like’ leaders in the church and endorse their unique gifting under God and let them flourish. This is what I live for - the success of men and women under God that brings glory to God and breakthrough for His church. I made a commitment to intentionally do so, starting with the elders, the leaders and the rest of the church. To date, God has been causing these people to flourish and step into their calling at greater measures with the examples being many!

Then the third, which totally caught me off guard. Nearly a year before this, Melissa and I, together with Zoe and Gabriel, left the land of our birth, family we loved, church we were saved and released in, after selling our home, spending our life savings, to live, love and lead in the most remarkable city on the planet, London! We left Durban, South Africa, completely to live completely in London. After a relatively short space of time, London was home. A place of deep friendship, team, exciting adventures and a church with God’s hand on it. To say that the last three years of our lives have been the best yet is an understatement. From our marriage to ministry, this has been true to date! Nevertheless, this was not stopping God as He said : ‘I have called you and Melissa to be midwives here. You will bring LCi (now KingsGate) into the birth of its new day then hand it over to the couple I have called to lead the church. In this I am preparing you to lead Glenridge.’ WHAT? You can imagine my shock and surprise at this news from Heaven. I was delighted at the prospect of parts 1 and 2, but 3 was too much. My response was to bury this and put it completely out of mind as this was home for us and I did not want to live, love and lead with my ‘head’ elsewhere. I did not even speak to Melissa about this for many obvious reasons; in fact, I spoke to no one!

(Aside - Heavenly information from out of left field seems to be God’s modus operandi, as in this case. I cannot imagine what a virgin teenage Mary must have thought after Gabriel’s little visit!?)

Well, after this interesting devotion in January 2009 I (we) have wholeheartedly pursued God’s plan and purpose for this house, KingsGate. I have been excited to watch the elders, many of the leaders and saints step into more of their unique calling within KingsGate with much fruitfulness resulting (as per no. 2 above). Moreover, we have seen Father perform miracles in our midst as He delivered the most remarkable facility into our hands in the early part of 2010. As He said, it was indeed a Year of Possession which began toward the end of 2009 (as per no. 1 above).

However, post exchange and completion for the 14000sqft that KingsGate calls home, God began to resurface His statement from January 2009. This began to unfold around July 2010 while I was walking around the building during the latter stages of the fit out. While walking around, marveling at ‘my new building’, the Lord dropped into my heart ... ‘this is your building but it is not’!! Amazed, He continued to say, ‘these are your people but they are not your people’. With these jolting statements He began a process of shifting and loosening my heart here at KingsGate. As of yet I had said nothing to Melissa nor anyone else. During August, and heading into the official opening of the facility, this ‘shifting’ and ‘loosening’ became so real that I began to feel what I can only call ‘third party-ish’, and it was during this time that God dropped into my heart that Melissa and my task at KingsGate was complete! Our ‘job’ was done ...

Now, this ‘shifting’ continued and increased deep into the end of 2010 where I finally asked Julian Adams, a prophet with New Frontiers, to do me a favour ... I asked him to ask God regarding my and Melissa’s future without saying anything to him about what I had been sensing and hearing of course! I needed external prophetic input. Interestingly, at the first ‘Unlimited’ evening, while Julian was ‘reading peoples mail’, he began to prophesy over KingsGate saying that, amongst many things, God was changing and shifting seats of authority in the house and bringing a fluidity to the leadership. This caught my attention in the light of what God was doing in my heart till that point.

Then, I received an email on the 8th of December 2010 from Julian in which he submitted what he felt God was saying. In this he said he felt God was repositioning and relocating us into a larger apostolic ship (which he later described as a church) in order to play a part in ‘turning the ship into revival’ as well as helping to establish and lead new apostolic ministry connections among nations. He said this door of opportunity was opening and we were to walk through it. In so doing we would stand on the shoulders of another man to break open a new season in the church. (Wow, very clear!)

With this I then began to speak to Melissa about what I had been feeling God say since Jan 2009, and she confirmed that she too had been feeling a shifting in her own heart simultaneously to mine. Her words were: ‘I have been feeling like an outsider the last while’. This is not to say that she was not well loved and knitted into the family of KingsGate, but rather that she was feeling strangely separate for some reason. She further mentioned that she had had a strong sense of our future involvement in Glenridge. The was the first time we chatted about such things.

On the eve of our departure for our family holiday in South Africa I had a clear God dream. In this I was holding onto a big red weather balloon and I was rising higher into the air. In front of me was a large mountain range and the sun was setting behind the mountains. I remember thinking that this was so beautiful. I love sunsets the most! I then traversed this mountain range and landed at a train station, but instead of landing on a platform I landed on top of a large moving train. At this the dream ended and I awoke shortly thereafter. Well, this dream was/is clearly about transition (traversing mountains, sunset, train station) and that the Holy Spirit was taking us higher into transition. The train, according to dream language, is often about a large ministry or church, and with me landing on such, the dream was suggesting that this was a transition where we would be shifted to a large church/ministry. It was clear from this and Julian’s prophetic mail that God had us in serious transition and this had to do with KingsGate and Glenridge. This completely daunted and overwhelmed us to say the least.

During the first week of holiday in South Africa God began to repeatedly prompt me that I needed to approach Rory (leader of Glenridge along with his wife Melanie) and tell him all that God had been saying to me and Melissa. Now this was crazy to say the least! How could I approach the leader of an established church and tell him that God said I was to lead that church? Arrogant and presumptuous to say the least!! However, God continued to urge me to the point where I finally arranged a moment to chat to Rory in person. By this stage I figured in my head that this would simply be a moment of closure for me so that I could get on with God’s exciting adventure with KingsGate in London. I most likely had got this all wrong and this was where I could close the door on what I had felt prophetically before.

So, I sat with Rory and for an hour and a half told him the whole prophetic journey (which even included parts from my early 20’s), every detail, also saying that I was very happy to be wrong and return with my tail between my legs to the most rocking city and the most exciting church in the world, KingsGate! This was about to be the end of our much needed holiday ...

Rory and Melanie Dyer - A brief recounting of their story as told to Ryan in early January 2011

After recounting my journey to date Rory went on to explain what God had been doing/saying for some time regarding his and Melanie’s role in Glenridge and that their season in actively leading such an amazing house was clearly coming to an end soon and that they felt that we were the couple under God to lead Glenridge going forward. This resulted in us together beginning a process of consultation with apostolic men and the Glenridge elders which led to the moment where we returned to London to lay the prophetic whisperings of Heaven at the feet of the KingsGate elders for their prayerful and careful processing as a team. Here, there were and are many prophetic promptings concerning Rory and Melanie and their role that led up to the moment of our discussion, as well as thereafter.

THE PROCESS AS KINGSGATE ELDERS

Regardless of an overwhelming confluence of prophetic threads, words, and journeys from many people it was essential that we respond in a Biblical manner that honours God and all involved.

Firstly, all prophetic words need to be weighed up before Scripture and in team (1 Corinthians 14:29); secondly, any future sending/commissioning is done in consultation with elders and apostolic/prophetic gifted persons. (eg. Acts 13:1-3)

The framework for the unfolding process which began in the first weeks of February were the following:

Submission to the Word of God
In open, honest partnership as an eldership team
In clear consultation with Apostolic fathers and voices

Submission to the Word

The Word of God is the highest authority in our lives, inextricably linked to the Person and character of God. All prophetic nudgings, no matter how prolific and clear, are to be filtered through the Scriptures.

Furthermore, ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ (2 Timothy 3:16) The Word, being a lamp to our feet and guiding every step forward, would help dramatically in this process. Beyond this, the KingsGate eldership firmly believes in the Word of the Spirit and the Spirit of the Word and that this needs to be modeled in every way, especially this.

In submitting to the Word, it was essential that this was done in team in order to eradicate subjectivity, suggestiveness, text shaping and the like. A team pursuit of this would allow for greater honesty, objectivity and integrity required for such an important discussion.

In submitting to the Word we asked the following:

Is such a transition in leadership after a seemingly brief period of time i. Biblical (ie. is this Scripturally viable and is there evidence to inform us in this process?) and ii. Beneficial for all involved?
In the above we were also asking ... Is this God? Is this good for KingGate? Is this what Ryan and Melissa are called to?
Further critical questions we asked were : are Keath and Michelle the right couple to lead into the future? What is the ‘shape of the captain to come’? What does the ‘shape of the team to come’ look like in KingsGate’s future?

During this process, we took much time in prayer together to discover Biblical perspective. Here is a summation of some of the collective findings that answers its Biblical base and how Beneficial it is:

Submission to the Word:

Choice of the New Testament -

Simply because it expresses God’s will and ways for the church within the Church Age wherein we find ourselves, as well as the early Church apostles’ practices and perspectives.

Chosen examples -

Jesus : Head of the Church, ultimate pattern of Kingdom Christianity and pre-eminent example to follow.

Paul : After Jesus, one of the greatest apostles and certainly the greatest exponent of planting and establishing churches, and raising and releasing leaders therein.

Part 1 : Jesus’ Transitional Leadership - from Jesus in person to the the Spirit in and over men.

John 13 - 17 ... Jesus was preparing His disciples and apostles for His departure and transition from ‘Jesus of Nazareth’/God incarnate leadership to Holy Spirit-led leadership after 3 years. From flesh and blood to Spirit.

Centrally - John 16:7 ‘But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away ...’

Jesus is not speaking specifically here concerning His crucifixion (which was and is indeed extremely beneficial); rather, He is referencing the coming leadership and dispensation of the Holy Spirit in and over men.

Basically, according to His perspective His departure was good regarding the change of leadership and Kingdom governance, as well as the fact that His task in redemptive history was about to be fulfilled before His return at the culmination of the ages.

Importantly - Jesus placed major stakes of security in the hearts of His nearest during a period of change and uncertain future:

Emulating servant leadership brings present blessing (13:12-17)
Love counts greatest (13:34-35)
Trust in God (14:1)
Abide and you will be fruitful (15:1-17)
Protected by The Name (17:11)
Sanctified by the Word (17:16)

Acts 1-2 ...

‘The coming of the Spirit on the group signified the creation of the Spirit-endowed, Spirit-empowered, Spirit-led community.’ Stanley Grenz

1:3-8

Between resurrection and ascension there was further preparation.
The absolute priority is the Kingdom of God in its ways and lifestyle.
Before the return of the King the Spirit’s leading and empowering is essential and primary.

1:12-14

In transition prayer together is key.

1:15-26

In transition responding to the Word is key.

2:41-47

The result of transition was dramatic with several thousand salvations and the welding together of God’s kingdom community called the Church.

Aside - It is important to note that there could not be a more unexpected transition of leadership than this. After 3 years Jesus said it was time to go and hand over the baton to men governed by the Spirit. These people were thrust into the uncertainty of the unknown; yet, He said it was/would be good and indeed it was good with the result being the birthing of the Church with great salvations and a remarkable community life!

Moreover, Peter was the initial key leader. He had just renounced Christ three times yet was graciously re-instated by Jesus and powerfully enabled by the Spirit to lead the team that led the early church.

In answering the question regarding whether a transition in leadership after a seemingly short period of time is both Biblical and Beneficial -

This most dramatic and unexpected transition from the flesh and blood leadership of Christ to the invisible leadership of God the Spirit over and in men reveals that there is Biblical evidence for a seemingly swift transition of leadership and that in God it is indeed Beneficial for all involved. This example of Jesus’ transition is clearly informs the process and is great, glorious and compelling!

Part 2 : Paul’s Transitionary Leadership

Thessalonica ... Acts 17:1-10 and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8

This is Paul’s shortest tenure of leadership and that being 3 Sabbaths which was basically 3-4 weeks. After such as brief period Paul moves on in the midst of serious persecution and his leadership is ‘handed over’ to ‘the brothers’. You would imagine that this fledgling church would fizzle and fade incredibly quickly; however, Jesus is indeed the head of His church and the church in Thessalonica more than flourishes!

We see such evidence in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8

**NB : 1vs1 ‘the church of the Thessalonians in God ... and the Lord Jesus Christ’ This was Paul’s theology regarding the foundation and root of Kingdom success for every church, that the church is rooted in God not men!

1vs2-3 : The key fundamentals to a flourishing church after transition are simply FAITH, HOPE and LOVE

1vs4 : ‘He has chosen you(pl)’ ... Again, Paul’s theology on who presides over a faith community - God first, a leader(s) a distant second.

1vs7-8 : This church, seemingly ‘abandoned and left to the wolves’ after 3-4 weeks, became a church of great influence and example, and a launching pad for the Gospel into the surrounding regions because God the Spirit presides over His church and leads leaders in the way they need to minister for the glory of God and the good of His people!

Again, coming back to the question of Biblical evidence and its Benefits, we see that even a transition of leadership from Paul to the brothers in the midst of persecution after 3 weeks or so will never stop God from causing His church to flourish!

ii.Ephesus ... Acts 19:8-21, Acts 20:17 - 21:1, Rev 2:1-7

In comparison to Thessalonica this is Paul’s longest stay in a given region. He spent 3 years in Ephesus and then simply decided to leave while the church was just beginning to explode into another level! He hands the church over to the elders, and then after many tears they tear themselves away from each other and he heads to Jerusalem to face an uncertain and dangerous future. Please make note of the following verses :

19:8,10, 21

20:17, 22, 25, 28-31, 36-38

21:1

We then see that many decades after Paul’s swift and decisive departure from a church of great influence that the church is still going strongly and that Jesus, the Head of the church, is still deeply at work in their midst in order for them to continually flourish! Note Rev 2:1-7!

Again, in this instance Paul departs from a church in revival on a whim and hands the church on to the elders under God and His Word of grace and the result is, wait for it, continued blessing and increase. This is further evidence of the Biblical example as well as the fact that it is always beneficial in answering this critical question.

In the pursuing of God’s Biblical perspective on these critical questions it is simple to see from both Jesus’ and Paul’s examples that God moves swiftly many times in leadership matters and it is indeed Biblical, and it is indeed always beneficial regardless of the genuine heartache of the goodbyes.

Open, honest partnership as an eldership team

It is important to note that this whole process of responding in a Godly fashion was entirely done in team. The last 3 years together as an eldership has been an adventure in so many ways and one of the most exciting aspects of this has been the genuine development of teaming together as an eldership. It has not been a term we have paid lip service to, but rather something God has graced us to become. We celebrate and endorse each others gifting and roles within the team and are quite delighted with the fact that not one single man has the whole package and that we are in desperate need of each other.

This pursuit of team came to the fore in a whole new way on our return to KingsGate in early February with the intent of beginning the journey of responding to God’s prophetic promptings. It is essential that this is understood that Biblically the elders are the highest governing authority under God in any given local church and that these elders direct the affairs of the church at any given time (1 Timothy 5:17). On our return we did not approach the team with our prophetic directive sanctioned by the apostolic body demanding each elder agreed with this directive as if it was already decided for them. Not at all - we arrived back to lay the evidence of God’s internal and external prophetic words at the feet of the elders for their prayer, consideration and response, making it clear that we will not move a step unless, under God, there was a ‘yes’ from the team!

So not only has this process be one of submitting to the Word of God in response to the array of prophetic words, but it has, moreover, been one of submitting in love to each other as a team in response to His whisperings (Ephesians 5:21). This was indeed a very radical process with very little precedent to lean on around the world. In this the elders need to be commended for their purity of heart, genuine desire to honour God and His ways, their willingness to lay aside their emotions and their genuine quest for relational integrity in weighing up an unfolding future that had huge implications for themselves, Keath and Michelle, KingsGate, Ryan and Melissa and Glenridge.

iii. In clear consultation with Apostolic fathers and voices

We, as a team, have not only journeyed under the Word and in genuine partnership in response to God’s prophetic initiation, we have from the outset diligently consulted Apostolic men who have walked closely with KingsGate, and Ryan and Melissa, over the last 3 years specifically. Men who have insight into who we are as a church in varying degrees, men who are objective and have nothing to gain in this process, and men who will speak honestly for the good of KingsGate.

We have consulted with the following for their prayers, insight, honest perspective and advice :

Chris Wienand

Paul Tothill

Rigby Wallace

Peter Howard-Browne

We have asked these men for their insights on whether they believe this is of God, is this right for KingsGate, and is this God’s plan for Ryan and Melissa and their honest assessment of Keath and Michelle.

From the outset their was unanimous consensus that God is in this, Ryan and Melissa’s call is to be at Glenridge and that Keath and Michelle being the couple with the gifting and quality to captain the team that leads the church. Now, this consultation is not a game-breaker, but it is critical for making objective steps forward. It has added further confirmation that God is in this and that the future is indeed bright for KingsGate.

Further External Prophetic Confirmations during the Process

February 11th, 2011 - Derek Andrews, a pastor from Adelaide, Aus, called me out of the blue. Till this point we had not spoken for at least 2 years. After 30mins of a conversation he asked me out right what Rory had asked me in South Africa. At this I was extremely agitated and confronted him as to whether he had spoken to Rory at all. In asking this I realised he couldn’t have considering the fact that I had approached Rory and not the other way around. He then went on to say that he had not spoken to anyone but that around September last year while praying for Glenridge (he was an elder there many years ago) God ‘dropped’ into his heart that Rory and Mel would imminently hand over Glenridge and that Ryan and Melissa would move from London to lead Glenridge. He said he wanted to chat to me on a few occasions last year but felt restrained, and that only then (Feb) did he feel able to!

February 22nd, 2011 - Francis Agbana, a prophet and church leader with whom I have been building a friendship with over the last 8 months, told me of what God had said to him while he was at a Revival Alliance Steering Group meeting at the KingsGate building on November the 24th, 2010. I had gone over to pray for him and lay hands on him and he said that as I did that God showed him my future. He said that he saw me moving to South Africa and that God was relocating me there to be part of establishing a new apostolic network. He said he saw me on a speed boat traveling from SA to Australia, Europe, UK and the United States.

Here, it is important to note that God has been speaking both internally (in my personal capacity as a son with God) and externally (through Julian Adams, Derek Andrews and Francis Agbana), and that the Word of God has clearly shown that this is not only Biblically viable but also Biblically frequent and beneficial.

THE CALL

Before we discuss the importance of what Keath and Michelle are called to, what their unique gifting is and how this will add to this house going forward, as well as what we are called to going forward, it is essential that we understand how God builds from one tenure of leadership to another.

All we live in now - by way of revelation, understanding and freedom - as a church throughout the world is due to men and women laying down their lives for the sake of key truths that have needed to be restored to the church. It was only a matter of centuries after the birth of the early church that critical aspects Kingdom understanding and Biblical truth began to be eroded and eventually lost to church as we know it. For example, it did not take long for the Biblical way of the priesthood of all believers to be rendered useless as power became centralized in the bishop and all matters of Christian life were required to be ‘passed’ by and through the bishop. This was in the early 4th century! This is one example of many, but since then God has been systematically restoring lost truths back to the church in order for the church to live in its fullness.

The most well known restoration happened under the watch of men like John Huss and Martin Luther (et al) in the late 1400’s and early 1500’s. The most wonderful truth of salvation by faith in the faithfulness of Christ to justify man completely sparked a world wide reformation which has forever changed the church and the world. This truth has triggered and authorized many other revelations that have been required for the church to flourish (such as Believer’s Baptism, Priesthood of All Believers, etc); however, all such subsequent truths had to be built on the previous one. Every present understanding owes its existence to the previous revelation, and it should be honoured as such!

Now this is all said because this is especially true of how God establishes a church. God will initiate a church through His chosen vessel(s) in order to bring about His plan and mandate for that given church. God will put in place those essential ingredients that are required then through that given man/couple/team. Then, because no one person has the whole package, God will release another man/couple/team to build upon what has previously put in place, and take matters further. Phase 2 of building can only take place if phase 1 has been put in place. And so this continues through the life span of a local church. Although the leader may move on, what God has deposited through that leadership remains in the DNA of the church and never changes and only continues being transferred into the next.

This is true of KingsGate. All that we have been able to do in this last phase of the church, all that we have been able to go for and put in place, is because of what Nigel and Melita sowed and deposited as grace gifts to the church. Nigel and Melita’s hard work under God has authorized the great things God has done under Ryan and Melissa’s tenure. The Nigel and Melita phase gave permission to the next and we have been able to stand on their shoulders reaching into new heights.

As KingsGate looks forward to this third phase, this principle continues. The new day for the elders with a new captain couple carries with it all that Nigel and Melita were called to deposit, and all that Ryan and Melissa we graced to install. Nothing is lost but is only built upon. This is the glorious artwork of God, unfolding with every layer and stroke of paint on the canvas, giving life and texture to the next.

With this having been said, Keath and Michelle, with their unique gift mix together with the elders, have a resident spiritual DNA imparted from previous phases under God upon which and from which they have the privilege of building.

Here is something of what makes them key for the future ...

As I have studied church history I have become more convinced that powerful, Gospel centered, Kingdom focused, revelatory preaching will ignite hunger in hearts that will result in a faith that brings heaven to earth! Keath has this gift all over him! He carries within him the seeds of such preaching ability under God that will be essential for KingsGate’s unfolding future in the UK, Europe and the world.
His strength and security as a leader to release and celebrate gifted elders, men and women around him. This is critical for KingsGate’s future considering that God has given this house many men and women with mighty calls and this requires a leader who will open doors and celebrate the flourishing of others around him. This is a special and much needed requirement going forward.
Besides Keath and Michelle having a bench mark marriage, they carry and embody a father and mother heart. This is so critical for the UK going forward and they carry a strong desire to do such in a fartherless generation.
Keath is passionate, first and foremost, for the glory and presence of God. Both of them carry this. They are worshippers and lovers of God! Keath has a strong desire to build around God’s glory and this is something that God has put into the heart of this church.
Keath is a vocal promoter of a church that reflects Jesus increasingly in grace and truth, and Word and Spirit. Again, I believe this is a hallmark of KingsGate and they are both desperate for this to increase, together with the elders.
They both have the ability to engage people from all walks of life, from the young to the old, to the advantaged to the less fortunate etc. They both have a hugely pastoral heart in this respect.
Keath, although born and raised in South Africa, is more ‘British’ than typically South African. From his sense of humour, his engaging style, to his knowledge of this nation, he will be able to bridge gaps to local people as well as many others. KingsGate’s future is vastly multicultural and Keath has a remarkable ability to engage many different people groups.
A very important aspect is that Keath and Michelle are both ‘sons of the house’. Due to them being in the church from its very inception, they carry the very heart and culture of this church. This is essential in them being able to foster God’s intent for the future without compromising on what God has put into the fiber of the church since its beginnings!
According to Paul’s instruction to the Ephesian elders, as well as Timothy and Titus in their respective leading within their contexts, the guarding of doctrine and truth was an absolute priority. One of Keath’s major strengths is his gift regarding the priority of Biblical integrity in its preaching, teaching, and pre-eminence in the face of subtle heresies which have plagued churches throughout church history. He is indeed a guardian of doctrine and this is critical for the church in a post modern and increasingly pagan era world wide.
In as much as there are many facets to Keath and Michelle’s key positioning for the future of KingsGate, the rise and fall of a given church is never dependent on one man or couple. God has never and will never allow this, but has always called the church to function as a body in order for it to flourish in health. In this, the strength and breadth of the KingsGate eldership team in its quality, character and diverse gifting bodes incredibly well for the future increase of KingsGate and its growing reflection of the ‘all-ness’ of God (Ephesian 4:10-16)!
There are many others that may be added here, but the last is that God has called them to captain the team that leads the church, and that is vital!

THE FUTURE

What lies ahead for KingsGate. To say that the future is bright is an understatement. God always moves His redeemed community from one place of glory to another. This is always His way, and regardless of challenges that may arise, the future is always better and bigger than the past or the present! It is so important to note that each and every decision made to respond in obedience to God always results in increased favour and fruitfulness!

Regarding the call, mandate, mantle and God-given vision upon KingsGate, nothing changes within this new leadership tenure. God’s plan and purpose has always and will always be linked to His ability and not ours. His purpose predates and surpasses a given leader/leadership/personality/gift and this is easily seen in the change from Moses to Joshua (Deut 34, Joshua1 ... ) as well as Paul to the ‘brothers’ in Thessalonica, and the elders in Ephesus by way of three examples.

Having said this, much changes. Whenever we step into greater levels of obedience, whether as a community or as an individual, God releases much greater levels of growth, fruitfulness and influence. And all of this is change, for the better. In this, the subtle methodologies of ministry and applications of truth may need to adjust, but never the majors of truth, mandate, purpose and vision. Whenever we remain inflexible on matters of methodology and application we open the door to the religious spirit in its form without power; however, if we remain passionate and precious regarding truth and the related majors, while remaining simultaneously flexible and relaxed around its application, much grace, life and colour is released. And this is the future of KingsGate!

OUR RESPONSE AS BELIEVERS AS THE JOURNEY PROGRESSES

Without pinning success singularly on the mast of people, because it is God who has initiated and He will complete, how we as believers process such momentous news is absolutely essential in facilitating the increased momentum and success of a church in change.

Here are some keys...

Spiritual Before Emotional Process. Without a doubt, any change in leadership that requires saying goodbye to loved leaders is always sad and emotional. However, it is essential that emotions remain subservient to the will and directives of the Word and the Spirit. Such a moment requires the bridling of the emotions in order for the Spirit to prevail in such a way as to bring His life and breakthrough. If this is not the case, any emotions left unchecked and not submitted to the Word and the Spirit will open the door to emotionalism which then cripples, or at least applies brakes, to the movement of God and the Kingdom in a given context. So as leaders we are to bridle any unhelpful emotions and lead under His grace. Having said this, we do not negate the importance of processing emotions, but this needs to be done in a Godly fashion before God and in fellowship.
Matthew 16:13-28 (especially vs 21-23) Beware Carnality. Whether we like it or not, unchecked emotionalism opens the door to the enemy, who is the arch-enemy of God’s purposes for His people. Jesus’ forthright statement and rebuke of Peter, who really thought it was helpful to say what he felt to say, reveals the danger of operating out of the Mind of Man without gaining the Mind of God. So, it is essential that we prize the mind of God at all times.
Keep The Unity Of The Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6). God blesses and moves upon and within UNITY (Ps 133). It is essential at this time that if there are any key matters that need discussion around this process it is done face to face with the elders/men of faith, and not with ‘grumblers’ in the car park. In the safety of a face to face discussion one can be honest while remaining in unity; hence, we need to ‘make every effort’ to guard against anything that would erode loving, faith-filled and honouring relationships. Furthermore, we all have a common responsibility to focus on what is good, uplifting and faith-filling and therefore situations may require you to speak up so as to steady ‘grumblers’ who have found their comfort zones now uncomfortable within this season.
Faith And Courage. It was said to me that no one remembers or names their children after the spies who lacked in faith; rather, many children are named Joshua and Caleb. And for good reason, because it is only such men that deserve emulating and remembering! All such change requires Joshua and Caleb faith and courage in order to inherit the greater promises. It requires a heavenward gaze, a Christ-filled perspective, a worshipful heart and the trust that whenever God calls us into the deep there is indeed a great catch! It is essential that we all look upward, lift our hands upward, lift our voices heavenward and a culture and disposition of faith will naturally be cultivated inwardly and outwardly, governing every aspect of our lives, loving, language and leading.

FINALLY

We began this with God’s divine tapestry of grace. It is clear from the direct and detailed, internal and external, prophetic words from many sources that God has spoken; it is clear from the evidence of Scripture that God has done and always will do swift and seemingly surprising Kingdom moves for His glory and the good of His people; and it is clear through a process of diligent consultation with apostolic men that God is indeed the initiator of this exciting unfolding of KingsGate’s future! Although sad in some respects, God’s future for His people is always better than the present or the past and His hand of favour will rest on those who obey His call. These are indeed great and exciting days of God weaving further strands of His tapestry of grace for more extravagant works of service intended for KingsGate.

‘Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ 1 Timothy 1:17

Transitions of Leadership - Biblical and Beneficial

2011-06-01T14:55:00.001+01:00

Biblical Transitions of Leadership

Here follows a part of the document we, as KingsGate elders, have put together throughout this process of transition and which has powerfully informed and shaped the way we have responded to the many prophetic words indicating a transition of leadership within KingsGate.

Furthermore, the following examples were the basis for the messages I preached at KingsGate on Sunday the 29th May, 2011, with the intent of both teaching God’s perspective through a time of exciting change, as well as letting the congregation in on some of the prayerful and careful due diligence of the eldership team in the last months.

During this process, we took much time in prayer together to discover Scriptural perspectives on transitions in leadership in both its Biblical basis and whether it is or is not Beneficial. Here is a summation of some of the collective findings regarding this ...

Key Biblical Examples Of Transitions In Leadership

Choice of the New Testament -

Simply because it expresses God’s will and ways for the church within the Church Age wherein we find ourselves, as well as the early Church apostles’ practices and perspectives regarding this.

Chosen examples -

Jesus : Head of the Church, ultimate pattern of Kingdom Christianity and pre-eminent example to follow.

Paul : After Jesus, one of the greatest apostles and certainly the greatest exponent of planting and establishing churches, and raising and releasing leaders therein.

Part 1 : Jesus’ Transitional Leadership - from Jesus in person to the the Spirit in and over men.

John 13 - 17 ... Jesus was preparing His disciples and apostles for His departure and transition from ‘Jesus of Nazareth’/God incarnate leadership to Holy Spirit-led leadership after 3 years. From flesh and blood to Spirit.

Centrally - John 16:7 ‘But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away ...’

Importantly - Jesus placed major stakes of security in the hearts of His nearest during a period of change and uncertain future:

i. Emulating servant leadership brings present blessing,

ii. Humility is essential through any change (13:12-17)

Love counts greatest (13:34-35)
Trust in God (14:1)
Abide and you will be fruitful (15:1-17)
Protected by The Name (17:11)
Sanctified by the Word (17:16)

Acts 1-2 ...

‘The coming of the Spirit on the group signified the creation of the Spirit-endowed, Spirit-empowered, Spirit-led community.’ Stanley Grenz

1:3-8

Between resurrection and ascension there was further preparation.
The absolute priority is the Kingdom of God in its ways and lifestyle.
Before the return of the King the Spirit’s leading and empowering is essential and primary.

1:12-14

In transition prayer together is key.

1:15-26

In transition responding to the Word is key.

2:41-47

The result of transition was dramatic with several thousand salvations and the welding together of God’s kingdom community called the Church.

It is important to note that there could not be a more unexpected transition of leadership than this. After 3 years Jesus said it was time to go and hand over the baton to men governed by the Spirit. These people were thrust into the uncertainty of the unknown; yet, He said it was/would be good and indeed it was good with the result being the birthing of the Church with great salvations and a remarkable community life!

In answering the question regarding whether a transition in leadership after a seemingly short period of time is both Biblical and Beneficial -

Part 2 : Paul’s Transitionary Leadership

Thessalonica ... Acts 17:1-10 and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8

We see such evidence in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-8

Note well ...

1vs1: ‘the church of the Thessalonians in God ... and the Lord Jesus Christ’ This was Paul’s theology regarding the foundation and root of Kingdom success for every church, that the church is rooted in God not men!

1vs2-3 : The key fundamentals to a flourishing church after transition are simply FAITH, HOPE and LOVE in the hearts of every believer!

1vs4 : ‘He has chosen you(pl)’ ... Again, Paul’s theology on who presides over a faith community - God first, a leader(s) a distant second.

ii.Ephesus ... Acts 19:8-21, Acts 20:17 - 21:1, Rev 2:1-7

Ch19:8,10, 21

Ch20:17, 22, 25, 28-31, 36-38

Ch21:1

I trust this is both helpful and informative for those reading, especially those part of KingsGate upon whom dawns a glorious future in God within a new leadership era. “From Glory to Glory”

Ryan

Contending for the Greater Measures

2011-03-08T12:34:00.002Z

While on holiday a few months ago God dropped a question in my mind that has left a lasting impression. In fact, this question is shaping much of my thinking going forward. Here goes ... "Will we become communities that contend for and contain the greater measures of God for the good of mankind?" Seems pretty simple at first glance, but the more you mull over it the more revolutionary it becomes. I would like to present a few thoughts around this knowing full well that I am a man in process regarding this and that there are many others who have greater insights on this subject too ...

Both the evidence of Scripture and Church history reveals that when the character of God is manifested on earth Mankind benefits in innumerable ways, from the inner transformation of peoples' lives through the power of salvation to the stemming of the tide and influence of sin in society such that there is secular transformation. Whether it is the Biblical example of Joseph, Daniel or even Jonah, or the recent example of William Wilberforce, moments of Heaven 'coming' to earth are utterly transformational. After all, Jesus did say were are Light and Salt - Light that reveals the radiant Holiness of God from within us as Believers, but Salt too that is more than a display of God in us, it is very much a proactive agent here on earth both preserving and re-invigorating!

Now, before I say any more I want to explain my thoughts on 'the Greater Measures of God' ... In this, I simply mean the character and nature of God displayed on earth, ie. the Glory of God! God's Glory is such a vast subject, but I believe in its simplest definition it is when His character and nature is revealed/demonstrated through His people here on earth. For example, when His grace is manifest through the salvation of a person, His Glory is revealed; when His redemption/deliverance is revealed through a Believer writing off another person's debt, the glory is manifest; when the wholeness of God is made known through the physical healing of a body, glory is expressed; etc. His glory is much more than an experience; in fact, it begins with His Person!

It is critical to grasp that between the greater measures of God (His character and nature made manifest) and the good of Mankind is a company of people who are willing to pay the price personally and collectively to see His Presence transform a desperately needy world. Ezekiel 22:30 (cf Psalm 106:23) is a powerful example of what God is doing these days. The New Living Translation says it like this :'I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one.' Although we are very much the junior partners, God has always worked His redemptive plan out in Creation in partnership with His people. From Adam, to Abraham, to Moses, Joshua, David, Israel; and now, with the Church. His eyes continue to range throughout the earth seeking a company to respond to the heart of God for His glory and the betterment of society.
(Aside: it is important to note here that whatever is to the glory of God will always be for the good of Mankind!)

Here, I would like to present a brief case study of such a man who responded to the heart of God that resulted in the transformation of society. I do believe that Nehemiah is a model and type of the people that God is raising up in this day that will lay down their very lives for the betterment of people. I further believe that both Ezra and Nehemiah are accounts of apostolic authority revealing the intent of God in bringing both revival and reformation here on earth.

Without referencing the whole of Nehemiah I would like to make mention of a number of key matters in the first two chapters.
Nehemiah: A man who contended for the greater things for his people ...
1. He was a Man Moved (1:4)
i. God always searches for a person for His purposes.
ii. God is looking for a person with His heart. 'wept, mourned, ...' How do we gain His heart? Simply by knowing His thoughts, will and intent. Note Nehemiah's prayer content in vs 5, 7, 8-9. He knew God's intent and plan through His Word and was moved by His intent. So, GOD MOVES MAN! Every move of God is initiated by the heart of God. Every initiation through the leading of the Spirit is an invitation to His greater measures!

2. A Man who Moves (1:4-11)

i. Emotion (wept, mourned) is not enough to move the heart of God, only actions undergirded by faith does ... fasting and prayer. Emotion must mature into faith actions!

ii. Nehemiah's contending was firstly toward God. In a place of worship (where he was able to gain the heart and perspective of heaven) Nehemiah brought the intent and promises of God before His Throne of justice and mercy. Here it is essential to understand that God is moved by His nature alone, especially when it is reflected in the hearts of His people! I love that - as we reflect more of God as we approach Him, He is moved. This is seen in Moses' intercessory/mediatory contending before God on behalf of Israel in Numbers. Secondly, Nehemiah contended with people of lesser influence, namely Artexerxes. Nehemiah sort the favour of a king for the sake of his people. It is essential to understand that all earthly favour is the result of heavenly favour first!! Favour with God triggers favour with men and our first move is toward God before any move toward man. This is reflected in ch2 vs8 'And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.'

3. A Man Positioned (1:11)

Nehemiah, as a mere cupbearer, was positioned in exile for the service of the King's intent. He was not merely marking time in exile, waiting for his return to his beloved Jerusalem. God had sovereignly set him up for His Majesty's service. This is exciting knowing that we are not randomly stationed where we are, but rather positioned. The word 'position' smacks of intent and purpose, and our position - no matter where in this life - is for service!

4. A Man whose fears were Subject to God's Intent (2:2,3)

I love this ... 'I was very much afraid, BUT ...' Every act of faith-filled obedience will require the overcoming of differing measures of fear. Faith is not the absence of fear; rather, it is the acting out of obedience to God's will in the face of fear! Fear is overwhelmed by Divine perspective in the place of worship and intimacy, and as we contend for the greater measures we need to drown out all face-value fears in the secret place! Again, the encouragement is that the king granted Nehemiah's request regardless of the fear.

5. A Man who multiplies His Heart (2:11-18)

The greater measures of God that transform society may begin with a person, but it is ultimately not God's plan. He is looking for a company of people with His heart for revival and reformation contending together for this impact. A pioneer needs to multiply himself lest there is the perpetuation of the one man show. All moves of God halt if this is the case.

In looking at the example of Nehemiah, and only in a few chapters, we can see something of the shape of a community that contends and facilitates the kingdom coming. We have the world's remedy in us - Christ the hope! It's time to respond to the promptings of the Father's heart and take increasing steps towards being a company of men and women who live to facilitate the Love and Life of God that changes the world around us! Here's to contending by His grace ...

The Face of Christ.

2010-11-18T13:36:00.003Z

I am astounded at the truth that I have the ability, with Christ radiating in and through me, to help unlock and reconfigure another persons understanding of God! Think about this ... Everything I do as a Spirit-filled believer either promotes or diminishes peoples' revelation of God. This is remarkable and sobering.

Well, you may be thinking - Ryan, how do you get to this conclusion? Simple really ... In John 14 Jesus reminds Philip that He is the Face of the Father; moreover, the author to the Hebrews explains perfectly in chapter 1 that Jesus is the exact representation of the Father in every way. Now this Face of the Father, Jesus, resides in every believer. In Colossians, Paul rightly explains Christ as 'in us, the hope of Glory'. Furthermore, His Presence and residence in us enables us to be transformed into His likeness, that is Jesus' likeness, from one degree of Glory to another. Therefore, it is agreeable to say that as He is within us and we are becoming more like Him in reflection and likeness, we are also reflectors of His likeness!

Now, it has been said countless times that we are the hands and feet of Jesus - we all agree with this. Could it also be that we are the face of Jesus too? I think so. How many times have you said 'when people see me I long for them to see Jesus'? This is not a fanciful, super-spiritual statement; it is truth and it is power! As I said previously, this is remarkable in privilege and weighty in responsibility!

What does this mean for us or how does this impact on who we are and what we do?
1. The little acts of Grace count! Never before have I truly grasped that my Spirit-led acts of kindness, from a warm greeting to a hug or words of encouragement or honour, have great bearing in helping the recipient know and perceive the wonder of God. We have this one dimensional perspective that all revelation happens in moments of personal devotion or worship. Not true - nature reveals the wonder of God (Ps19) and so do we!! Our momentary encounters with people can, and should, have a dramatic impact in shifting peoples' deformed view of God to one that is truthful. Wow! I am all the more convinced that when I reflect Jesus, and hence Father, in my actions I create an opportunity for the recipient of a simple act/word to grasp a deeper aspect of God Himself!
An example ... The word 'honour' is rooted in the word 'glory' in the Bible. In essence, the Biblical emphasis of glory is twofold - a weight or imprint and to have an opinion! Now when we have God's opinion regarding someone and we share that with them we impress upon them God's likeness and create and opportunity for them to perceive as God perceives. That person is shaped by words of honour which shapes them into a person of glory, reflecting Glory. Such a simple truth with such powerful results, and all through the vehicle of interpersonal relationships! My little acts of grace count, and remember that actions speak a thousand words!!
2. Community counts!
Under God, we need each other in communities called church to help us have an increasing revelation and understanding of who God is! Such is the enormity of the grandness of the Face of Jesus that we require the many reflections of Christ around us to enhance our knowing of God. I love the fact that one person will remind me of the fact that God is a Mighty Warrior, and then another next to me will whisper of His romantic intimacies as God the Lover. We see this in the way people worship, pray, preach, lead worship, communicate with people in fellowship ... The list goes on!
I find it crazy when people say they love Jesus but don't need the Church. Such people become rather one dimensional let alone parochial!

Now many of you may be fretting as you read this saying 'Ryan, the Holy Spirit leads us into the fullness of truth!' Bravo, you are right! But such is the beauty of God that He would design us in such a way that as we live together, intentionally in step with the Spirit in community, we subtly and subsequently create an atmosphere of revelation that is an accessory to the primary Person of Revelation, the Holy Spirit, through the Living Word!

Let us look to reveal the Father through Christ the Son in us, by the power of the Holy Spirit in every little way we act, speak and engage amongst people, whether in the church or in Costa. Then we will see the scales fall from peoples' eyes and the evidences of joy appear as they grow in their knowing of the Living God!!

Huge love,

Ryan

Observations and Anticipations

2010-11-04T14:14:00.003Z

Wow, what a whirlwind these last few months have been! I thought moving nation and house with little children was intense enough, but moving several hundred people 5 miles to a new home in SW London is another ball game altogether. From the logistics to the spiritual aspects, it is an altogether different kettle of fish. Ha, but Grace prevails in it all and here we are ... several weeks into our 'amazing space' with so many stories to tell already, still sane, and very much full of God and with 'great expectations' for what He has in store for us!

I would love to give you an inside track to some of my observations over this last while; some of the nuances I have noticed in captaining a team and a church through an historic move ...
I have seen how people are explosively unlocked by vision and purpose - a vision and purpose that terrifies people to the very inner parts. As we know "Without vision, people perish" and this is also true in its converse state ... people flourish when they have something huge and remarkable to live for. Now, there is nothing hugely adventurous about moving to a landmark building in SW London, is there!?!?! But more than bricks and mortar, the adventure is about what is behind the bricks ... people's lives! And I have seen young and old in the KingsGate family come alive to a new level as they have seen the vision of what Father has planned for us. People want to give their lives to something so inspiring that it rips them out of the cautious and conservative Christianity that plagues Churches throughout the world. This past season has been a breeding ground for such dangerous vision. It is dangerous in that all lesser, self satisfying, man-centred thrones now have targets on them ... and they are all getting blasted!!
I have also noticed that God has designed every one of us to dream, and dream big! When we dream in colour and ditch the mundanity of the various shades of grey we so often tend towards, we begin to step into the realm of faith and we know that faith pleases God. We can become overly theological about a statement like that in Hebrews, but I liken this to my son sitting me down and rambling passionately about all he wants to do even at his young age. There is never a moment where I walk away without a smile on my face and a greater determination in me to ensure that he remains bold, courageous and passionate about those little dreams that will become the stepping stones to him becoming a world changer. During this time, this God-given venue has given many people permission to dream like children. I love it!! and our desire as leaders is to facilitate these dreams as far as we possibly can. Keep dreaming!!
I have observed many more matters this last while from a willingness to serve, to an increased heart for outreach in our prime situation, but what inspires me and satisfies me most absolutely is that increasing numbers of people are getting that HIs Presence with us is what counts the most. We have a mind blowing new home, but this space without His defining and distinguishing Presence will soon become another monument to human effort that appeals to people in a humanistic way and we will no longer be a vessel of noble purpose living to usher in His life-transforming Kingdom Gospel!

I have many great expectations and anticipations for us as KingsGate going forward. I am so thankful that we have been gifted this brilliant facility to help administrate the dreams and vision that many people have been envisaging for ages. I look forward to us evidencing greater measures of Revival in many, many lives being radically saved and all of us in KingsGate becoming more and more passionate for our one true love, Jesus. I also look forward to significant bridges of contact and service being established within spheres of politics, business, social service, arts and media, sports, etc. in such a way that we can serve society for the sake of Reforming the way people think, live and behave. I cannot wait to see us plant and establish, both locally and internationally, new beach heads of Kingdom Life called churches, and various expressions of local church, that usher in the Kingdom, life by life.
But my all time greatest desire is that we will quickly become a house of such radical love for God and all people, where every person in KingsGate is deeply compelled by Christ's love that we all live beyond the crippling bounds of obligation, fear of man, and living for the plaudits of man, so that we become a church of dangerous, adventurous, courageous 'laid down lovers' where there is no one too difficult to love, no outsider too wicked to embrace, no nation too far to reach, no obstacle too fierce to overcome, no sickness and disease too advanced to see healed ... This is my passion, such an army of love raised up and released on a waiting world!!! As I write this, this army is already rising within KingsGate ... the dream is becoming a reality, fast.

Keep going for it people - keep living passionately and intentionally for Jesus ... He alone is worth everything we have to give!

Hugest love and blessings, and be sure to read my next update on our remarkable time in India ...

A Fist Full of Dynamite

2010-08-11T12:22:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Fellow World Changers,

Here is an exerpt from the brilliant 'Run with the Horses' by Eugene H. Peterson. This is a fist full of dynamite that'll jettison unwanted debris and unblock the riches within ... Are you ready for this?

"Nearly everyone believes in God and throws casual offhand remarks in his general direction from time to time. But prayer is something quite different. Suppose yourself at dinner with a person you very much want to be with - a friend, a lover, a person important to you The dinner is in a fine restaurant where everything is arranged to give you a sense of privacy. There is adequate illumination at your table with everything else in shadow. You are aware of other persons and other activity in the room, but they do not intrude on your intimacy. There is talking and listening. There are moments of silence, full of meaning. From time to time a waiter comes to your table. You ask questions of him; you ask to have your glass refilled; you send the broccoli back because it arrived cold; you thank him for his attentive service and leave a tip. You depart, still in companionship with the person with who you dined, but on the street conversation is less personal, more casual.
This is a picture of prayer. The person with whom we set aside time for intimacy, for this deepest and most personal conversation, is God. At such times the world is not banished, but it is in the shadows, on the periphery. Prayer is never complete and unrelieved solitude; it is, though, carefully protected and skillfully supported intimacy. Prayer is the desire to listen to God firsthand, to speak to God firsthand, and then setting time aside and making arrangements to do it. It issues from the conviction that the living God is immensely important to me and that what goes on between us demands my exclusive attention.
But there is a parody of prayer that we engage in all too often. The details are the same but with two differences: the person across the table is Self and the waiter is God. The waiter - God - is essential but peripheral. You can't have the dinner without Him, but He is not an intimate participant in it. He is someone to whom you give orders, make complaints, and maybe, at the end, give thanks. The person you are absorbed in is Self - your moods, your ideas, your interests, your satisfactions or lack of them. When you leave the restaurant you forget the waiter until the next time. If it is a place to which you go regularly, you might even remember His name."

As we move into a glorious future together as KingsGate it is more than crucial that we allow the Love, Grace and Glory of our Father to woo us away from an over-attention to and obsession with ourselves to Him alone. It is that place alone that will truly and deeply satisfy who we are while igniting us to live ultimately for His Glory.

Let's go for it!

Hugest love,

R

Why 'REVIVE, REFORM, RELATE'?

2010-06-10T14:59:00.002+01:00

Greetings,

In my last post I took time to explain the practical and prophetic precipitating factors behind us changing the name of the church from London Church International to KingsGate. I do trust that was helpful in clarifying any clouds of confusion relating to this, as well as answering any questions that you may have had regarding the name change. It is important to us that critical issues like this are fully explained so as to eradicate any confusion that the enemy may take advantage of, and that we create increasing measures of ownership through education and understanding.

So, with that, I would like to take some time to unpack the thinking behind the 3 key words that undergird both our vision and mission as KingsGate Church - Revive Reform Relate!

Firstly, we like the fact that in 3 simple words any person in the life of the church would be able to explain to a curious questioner what it is that we are passionate about, what we are in pursuit of and what our purpose under God is. These 3 words say volumes in themselves, but they are actually 'coat hangers' upon which all our belief systems, statements of faith and values are 'hung'. However, a new person would not need to plumb the depths of a list of 50 values etc to get who we are and what we are on about; a brief, explanation of 3 words would give them enough info.

Secondly, this may sound like a religious cop-out but the Holy Spirit popped these 3 words into my head toward the end of '09. I will shortly explain how these words perfectly work and how they perfectly sum things up succinctly, but we love that it was and is God's initiation as a leader team. There is much talk world wide of being 'intentional' and I love that. I am discovering more and more that our Heavenly Father is highly intentional and we are simply called to tune in to His frequency and respond. As a team we do not buy in to 'super spirituality', on the one hand, where we have our heads so in the clouds and have no idea how to incarnate on earth; and we equally do not advocate pragmatic Christianity, on the other hand, where we expect God to bless what we initiate! God is Intentionally Inspirational - He is Author, Originator and the most Creative Artist and Architect beyond the Universe; we are Intentionally Responsive - we get to passionately and practically incarnate His Eternal and Specific genius on this planet. So, He inspired the words and we have figured out how perfect they are and how it fits!

Thirdly, without us knowing it, God had been shaping our thinking through a series we did in the church for around 10 months last year. We spent the best part of this time plumbing the depths of Ephesians 1 through 3 where there is an overarching emphasis of Positional Christianity as a vital and significant part of the Gospel that under girds the church. The Gospel unpacked here in these chapters are as follows : Ch1vs3-14 ... we are 'In Christ' saved, sealed and satisfied as Sons, Ch1vs15-Ch2vs10 ... we are seated 'With Christ' as Sons to serve with Throne-room power here on the earth, and Ch2vs15-Ch3vs21 ... Christ has broken down every dividing wall in the Gospel that He would 'Dwell in Us' by His Spirit! I say all this to explain that Revive - Reform - Relate has its roots deeply set in this Gospel truth. This is not a clever catch phrase, but rather a deeply Gospel-saturated, Christ-centred, Kingdom-focussed statement. This we are excited about and it was only in the last few months that we realised that the Spirit had inspired us from the series of preaching from Ephesians.

So, what is the meaning behind the 3R's?

Revive - At first mention this word conjures thoughts of mass crusades, revival meetings, prayer cloths, old revival hymns, altar calls and so on. While these are all good and true, this is not what 'revival' is in essence. It is our firm conviction that before the lost are reached on mass with the mercy and grace of God, He is reviving His people to the greatest Prize, Passion and Pursuit ... and that is Himself! It is a revived church that will revive the hearts of the lost, and while we believe that a harvest of salvations is most definitely part of 'Revive', it begins with a church revived! So, here, our vision and mission is to first facilitate a family of faith where Sons (and daughters of course) prize the Person and Presence of God, revealed in Christ Jesus, above all else in all areas of life. Whether through preaching, teaching, worship or any other form of in-house ministry, this is our first pursuit - the Person and Presence of God in us and with us! This clearly facilitates 'church-ward' type ministries where our endeavour is to set each believer on fire with passion for their 'First Love'. We believe that this is only done through the perfect and complete work of God the Son on the Cross on our behalf in irrevocably opening the way to God the Father, being made alive eternally through God the Spirit. This emphasis opens the way to live a life of personal and overflowing revival where we long for all to know 'First Love' as we do, through personal lifestyle evangelism, or organised regular events together as a community. This one word opens the door to dozens of related beliefs, related values, and our kingdom practices. We will 'hang' these on the coat hanger at a later stage.
Reform - While 'revive' expresses the establishing and flourishing of Sons saved, sealed and secured in Christ with Him as the first passion and pursuit, 'reform' expresses the natural and intended consequence of this. And that is that saved and satisfied Sons are seated 'with Christ' presently in order to serve in this world with the life, love and Power of God! In as much as the first is generally 'church-ward', this is expressly 'world-ward' where we are the salt of God in all places and spaces of society to effect kingdom change. We are not only here to evidence that we are obviously different as Sons of Light, we are here to be Salt and bring impact and change. We believe this includes the reaching of the lost with the Gospel (and herein there is an overlap with the former) and transforming society from the inside out, life by life; but we also are convinced that we are called to positively engage society to positively influence society with Kingdom ways, life and power. So from people to policies, from hearts to the family, from sports fields to the halls of government, we are called to be light and SALT so as to bring about transformation and ultimately a reformation of thinking and living in this day. In as much as we want to raise up Wigglesworths in this day, we long to ignite new Wilberforces for the sake of the Gospel. The latter, along with the William and Catherine Booth and many others, is an example of a revived man who could not help but bring reformation in the place and the space he found himself in, politics. Our vision and mission is to engineer and mobilise Sons who heal the sick on the streets and other who have creative insights and wisdom in business to positively impact society for the flourishing of the Gospel! Again, many belief systems and related values will be hung here!
Relate - With all the energy and passion of the above, together with its subsequent ministries and endeavours, this will all fall apart if it is not held together with the glue of love and 'one anothering'! After all, before Jesus declares the Great Commission, He establishes the Great Command, which is to love one another extravagantly. It is this that sustains the revival and reformational move of God - the Spirit of Unity - where God commands His blessing. Faith will result in a Visitation but faith expressing itself in love will result in God's habitation and it is that which He is on about. So, we want to facilitate passion for God and the People of God as we win the world. From how we minister, meet and greet, live together, fit out our facility ... people are very important, not as members and congregants, but people with names who are significant and treasured. Of all things this is truly the most difficult to ongoingly sustain, but we will continue to hinge many key values and belief systems thereon! Also, in endeavouring to be family, which most importantly means that we celebrate each and every son and daughter in the house uniquely, we do not seek to conform people to a particular style or preference, but rather create space for them to be who they are under God. Our longing is that the 'conservative' and 'crazy', while not necessarily 'getting each other', will love each other and celebrate each others uniqueness. So, family is not about slinking and moping around at home, it is about celebrating and honouring one another under God! Biological families are diverse in some many ways as they flourish under a Dad and Mum, and we believe God has called us to that. Inasmuch as we will not put up with the erosion of the family unity in society, we will not put up with critical and conformist church!
This is a brief run through of our vision and mission expressed in the 3R's. There is so much to add on each but this will follow in due course and we will have it on our new website in September. More than values and vision statements, it is something we want to live as best we can by the Spirit where our lives are the letter. Moment upon moment, grace upon grace we will do so, raising a generation of Sons who Revive - Reform - Relate. And by God's grace we will have the privilege of replicating this as we plant churches, mutli-site venues, homegroups and ministries at home and abroad.

Hugest love,

Ryan with the team

Why the name King's Gate?

2010-05-27T15:40:00.001+01:00

As we landed at Heathrow that significant day of the 8th of May 2008, all we knew was that Father had done a swift work in relocating us from Durban, South Africa, to be part of a church with an incredible heritage and an exciting future. Our intent in coming here was never to stamp our 'mark' on the people, with our preferences and styles, but rather to continue to make room for the Father to keep pressing His signate ring of authority, ownership and destiny upon an already remarkable church. Many come in from 'the outside' to take on the leadership of a church and make wholesale changes of name, personel etc to the detriment of the DNA of the house; we knew in God that we were to honour what God was doing, and had done through Nigel and Melita, and that He would unfold His plan in his time, perfectly. Afterall, this is His Church and we are called to the privilege of shepherding a community under the Great Shepherd!

The journey of the name of the church and its potential change began shortly after we officially took on the mantle of leadership on the 1st of June 2008. This was the first of two precipitating factors that caused me to go before God and the pastor team. It began with a 'random' conversation I had with some of the fellow leaders, during a trip, where it was mentioned that the tag 'International' was a potential stumbling block to us reaching the local British people. It was revealed that friends of the leaders were looking for a new church and knew of us but hesitated to join because the word was that we were a church for 'internationals' due to our name. Now, we knew why the tag was in place as prophetic declaration that it was our heart to reach all nations with the Gospel as per Jesus command in Acts 1 etc. However, it became increasingly evident that, though the name was a statement of intent, it was becoming a hinderance to us in reaching the people we were here to reach! And so the journey began.

The second nudge along the road of a name change came with some comments from significant friends who are apostolic gifts to this house. Fathers who have our best at heart and our inheritance in mind. Three such men all commented seperately that it was time to change the name of the church in this new season. Now, when apostolic men make such comments you listen and ask a few questions. But, it is important to say that one does not change a name, especially the name of an established church, simply because of a few comments and misunderstandings alone. God's voice is ultimate and most essential!

With these two contributing factors now synergising in my mind, we had a few discussions as a team with varying responses and no outright agreement. The reality was that there were far more important issues at stake, and a name change was not one of them. However, we knew the moment would come into the future.

While this name journey was unfolding, God had us on a far more critical adventure of finding and securing 'a home of our own' as a church. 5 years previous, Nigel had launched the venue initiative with a building slipping through the fingers at the last minute. So, the church was left to remain in the existing premises at Shene School. Shortly after our arrival a few doors and opportunities began to open, specifically with a large 28 000 sqft facility off the A316 in Richmond. No matter how hard we pressed practically and spiritually, the door never budged open. However, through this process, God had unlocked a greater capacity to dream big - up till now, the options considered were much smaller facilities that could never really 'support' the call upon this house. I also recalled Chris Wienand stating that God often uses Triggers to get us moving in a particular direction that are not ultimately God's intended Target. We knew He was preparing us for more although we were disappointed and keen to provide space for the church to grow - our meeting hall was far too small and obstructive.

It was also shortly after this process that God began to speak throughout the world about how there was an increasing migration of population to cities again, and how God was wanting His church to engage urban locales enabling them to reach many nations in one location. It was roughly around this time that Rigby Wallace was with us and shared his journey of how the church he was part of began to gear towards reaching the city and what a great impact it was having both on them and the city itself. We began to realise that we were camouflaged in leafy East Sheen with little interface with the masses reflected in greater London and our hearts began to be stirred for a position that was more 'incarnational' within society.

The hand of God is amazing beacause during this time I received an email from one of the leaders identifying a fantastic building that was up for sale in Kingston upon Thames. The email stated : 'Is LCi moving to Kingston?' The timing was amazing regarding all that God had been stirring in us. Although Kingston had not been on our radar we realised it was perfectly situated for the area we were reaching when compared to Richmond/Sheen, as well as being a major 'urban' hub for the SW London area. It is always abuzz with all sorts of people of differing age, culture and status. A 'city' within greater London. Well, cutting a long adventure short, we became the privileged 'virtual freehold' lease owners of 14000 sqft of phenominal space right in the heart of Kingston. And it was during this process of gearing to move the church and of discovering the history of Kingston (7 Saxon kings have been crowned there) that God began to speak afresh about the existing name of the church. It was clear the time had come - there was a prophetic poignancy over and above the previous precipitating factors.

Biblically, there is much evidence for the renaming of people and places, and my search of Scripture began to cement the importance of a name change. The giving and re-giving of names in Scripture has a number of facets to it but here are 2 key aspects that were and are pertinent to us :
A name is often given as a description of how God has revealed Himself in a geographical place, or what He has done in a particular location. Eg. Genesis 28:10-22 esp vs19
A name is re-given/changed for the purpose of declaring God's prophetic purpose over them for the next season. Eg. Abram - Abraham, Genesis 17:1-8 and Simon - Peter, Matthew 16:16-18
A name is never given randomly and is prophetically weighted for God's puposes over and person and a people. Also, father's bestow names under God ... eg. Jacob changing Ben Oni's name to Benjamin in Genesis 35. As per the points above, God was revealing that He wanted to restore His royal rule in and from Kingston as well as us being a gateway for such rule!

Finally, all precipitating factors and the prophetic poignancy led to a moment when God clarified His name for us, among many good options, in light of the above and in this next season, namely KingsGate. This is a name that reflects the Cross and the Throne in that Christ is our acces alone to the throne of grace through the Cross, and Christ in us is the gateway of the glories of the kingdom through us to a broken world. (John 10:9 and Hebrews 3:1 ... Jesus is the High Priest who takes us in and the Apostle who sends out with power to transform and reform.) It is a name that reflects what we believe to be true in the Gospel - in the Cross, Christ restores us to the Father and satisfies us completely as Sons and raises us up with Him to be seated as Sons in heavenly places to serve in this world from the place of His Throne ( Ephesians 1: 3 - 2:10).

We are excited for this new day as a house of faith. Not only do we have a wholehearted yes from Nigel and Melita regarding the name change (which is super important), as well as from apostolic fathers, but we have a unanimous yes as leaders and saints under God! It is a new day of ushering in greater measures of the kingdom through one of the gates of the King, as we along with many others restore the Lion to the land of the Lion, the United Kingdom. It is the day of Kingsgate!

I trust this helps and clarifies any questions regarding our new name as well as inspire you in this new day. More information will follow regarding our three-fold mission : Revive, Reform, Relate.

Huge love,

Ryan with the team

Isn't this beautifully true

2010-05-12T11:15:00.001+01:00

C H Spurgeon said the following:

God's promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper; He
intended that they should be used.... Nothing pleases our Lord better than
to see His promises put in circulation; He loves to see His children bring
them up to Him, and say, "Lord, do as thou hast said." We glorify God when
we plead His promises. Do you think that God will be any the poorer for
giving you the riches He has promised? Do you dream that He will be any the
less holy for giving holiness to you? Do you imagine He will be any the less
pure for washing you from your sins? He has said, "Come now, let us reason
together, saith the Lord, though your sins...be red like crimson, they shall
be as wool." Faith lays hold upon the promise of pardon, and it does not
delay, saying, "This is a precious promise, I wonder if it be true?" but it
goes straight to the throne with it, and pleads, "Lord, here is the promise,
do as thou has said." Our Lord replies, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt."
When a Christian grasps a promise, if he does not take it to God, he
dishonours Him; but when he hastens to the throne of grace, and cries,
"Lord, I have nothing to recommend me but this, Thou hast said it;" then his
desire shall be granted. Our heavenly Banker delights to cash His own notes.
Never let the promise rust. Draw the word of promise out of its scabbard,
and use it with holy violence. Think not that God will be troubled by your
importunately reminding Him of His promises. He loves to hear the loud
outcries of needy souls. It is His delight to bestow favours. He is more
ready to hear than you are to ask....It is God's nature to keep His
promises; therefore go at once to the throne with, "Do as thou hast said."

Possessing the Land

2010-01-29T10:11:00.000Z

Happy New Year all! We have just returned from a great holiday in SA with family. What a time of rest and celebration - it was our first time back together in 20 months. There were a few tears on departure as we said our ''till we see you again's'', and there have been a few tender moments since returning; but, we are super excited at what Father has for us as a family of faith in 2010.
Toward the end of last year God clearly spoke to me about what He has and is going to do. He clearly stated that '09 was a year of Position (and how we feasted on our Position in Christ much of that year) and that '10 would be a year of Possession! Being positioned securely and surely in His love, grace, person, and presence will always be our past and present foundation that we revel in, but this positioning has set us up to take our God-given inheritance without losing sight of who our Amazing Father is. There is no point in gaining much without His presence after all. Anyway, He is our first and matchless inheritance!
However, in moving into our inheritance, the Spirit sparked a question in me : what does a church look like that gains her inheritance? Many answers come to mind, but the Lord led me to the account of Joshua and I would like to leave one thought with you as you ponder the manifold dimensions of that question ...
Joshua 4:19 - 5:12 This is remarkable - after first crossing a river in full flood by the miraculous hand of the Lord (and what a great welcome mat to an inheritance that was!!) the many enemies of the people of God were crippled with great fear at their arrival (5:1). It says that at that time the Lord crippled His people, in fact all the mighty warriors, through circumcision (5:2)! What? They were incapacitated until all the fighting men were healed, and how long would something of that nature take to heal? They were open game for their enemies, and yet that is what God was wanting to show them - trust not in your own abilities to conquer, lean heavily on Mine!
If we are to be a possessing people we need to be a surrendered people - fully reliant on Him alone. Only great faith ventures require great relinquishings of self effort and reliance, and I believe that this is one of the trumpet calls for us, and indeed the churches, throughout the earth! Ps 44:1-8 is key especially vs3 'it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You love them.' His love revealed in the glory of His Presence and the wonder of His Power will move mightily as we become crippled regarding our own feat of arms by humbling ourselves before Him. Humility and being 'poor of spirit' (Mt5) will allow us to inherit God's specific promises over us. It's time - time for the substance of the promises, and time we become adequate receipients of His good gifts.
Let's fall on our knees church and revel in the might and magnitude of our Good Father as He leads us into His promises for us.

Love,
Ryan

Kingdom Leadership

2009-09-28T08:59:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone,

Wow, I have just returned from a life-changing, cranium-cranking, grid-shifting summit in Tennessee - a Signs and Wonders conference with some of the fore-running chargers of the 'Glory Realm'! Much to say, but more on that later.

I love how Father is shifting and shaking the way church leaders 'lead' around the world. Here are a few thoughts and comments ...

From the outset may I say that I am convinced Biblically that leaders in the Body are God-given and essential to see the Bride sparkling and reigning; Father is, however, getting shepherds back to being shepherds as per His design.
1. Culture of Desire - as leaders we have two ways of leading; firstly, through obligation, secondly, through desire. By obligation I mean we develop a mentality within the Body that we 'have to' in order to get anywhere. We 'have to' go to meetings, 'have to' do mission, evangelism etc. This has the guise of success but is lifeless, joyless and powerless and actually reveals the existence of external rules as opposed to internal reasons. In perpetuating this 'way' we say that heavenly favour is conditional; if not from Father, then at least from us. In this, church meeting attendance is a surperior sign of significance than kingdom life impact. It is church oriented than kingdom focussed. I am sold-out to committment and partnership within the Body and Body endeavours, but why? Because I have to or because I want to? Jesus never had his closest jump through hoops, never lead out of obligation. He even pressed them to see if they wanted to leave with the many disciples who were struggling to accept His teaching in John 6. Their response was revealing - their options had been reduced due to His life!!! Paul, also, reveals something in 2 Cor where he says he is compelled/co-erced by love. Wow, love was an inner restraint, an inner dynamo, an inner guide, not external law-orientated obligations. Jesus said Himself that love precipitates obedience in John 14 and his word order is significant. So, if obligation is something we need to avoid, how do we lead? Call me a romantic idealist but I have to believe that when we create an atmosphere of Love and Life in the people and among the people, people will lovingly lay down their selfish pursuits and agendas for kingdom first by becoming bondservants, or love-slaves!! So let's attempt to move from 'what' we have to do to 'who' and 'why'! In so doing we'll create and atmosphere of desire that breeds delight that in turn develops an atmosphere of faith that draws kingdom power to transform lives and regions. From 'have to' to 'want to'!
2. Culture of Interaction - Jesus' idea of training and discipling was/is so different from how we do it today. Jesus was into Relationship, Revelation, Impartation, Demonstration and Participation. We, generally, are into the exact opposite - we let people in so far and no more, we camp around knowledge, dispense information, theorise about the practics of things and then tell people to get on and do it. Remember, this is about training and discipling, hence God is identifying those we need to bring close - obviously we can't be best mates with everyone. But surely we can foster deep friendships with those we want to go beyond us. This has huge ramification on who we draw in, how many we draw in and how we do what we do. I learnt how to cast out demons because a dear friend took me along to 'bust ghosts' with him.
3. Culture of Presence - Eddie L. Hyatt, in his survey on church history called 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity, makes an insightful and revealing comment concerning leadership and the Presence and Power of God in the early church. Basically, his observation points out that as church life was centralised in the bishop there was a simultaneous decrease in the gifts and operation of the Presence and Power of God in the church community as well as an increase in sexual immorality. My point is this, as we become too focussed on structure as well as becoming overly leaderly, where leadership structure becomes the be all and end all in 'successful' christianity, His Presence becomes de-centralised and form usurps its place, promoting powerless religion where people are forced to indulge in sub-standard, worldy but instant 'satisfactions' that open the door to carnal christianity and immorality. We need to becoming Davidic in our leading and restore David's fallen tent which basically means we become obsessed with the restoration of His Presence and kingdom worship (1Chron 13 ...) by returning the Ark from the Philistines (flesh/worldly thinking etc) and letting all kingdom structures take their cue from facilitating the Presence and increasing the Presence in the midst of the community.
We need to be shepherds as in Ps23 where we lead people to life and not chaperones, orchestrating and stopping lovers from encountering, where we are made to Yadah(OT) and Proskuneo(NT) - to know Him(as in a romantic intimate way) and come forward to kiss!!!!

Again, I am convinced of kingdom leadership, but 'who' we lead people to and 'how' we lead will develop either Love and Life-filled relationship or joyless, obligatory religion. Leaders, we are gates, so let's lift our heads and open up that the King of glory may come in!!!

Love in heaps,

Ryan

A Heart Stripped Bare

2009-08-20T14:36:00.002+01:00

Last Sunday night I had a little fun with my sermon title. Some were shocked, others offended maybe, still others very interested; but, 'Getting Naked' was more profound than a simple play on words in a sermon connected with the Garden of Eden! There is no co-incidence that the first son and daughter of God wore not a strip of clothing before Him as they walked unashamed in perfect, blissfull intimacy with Him. The context of what I had to say was to do with how sin (an act of disobdience brought about by a progressively distorted view of God) covers us up and breaks the touch of the 'cool' (breath, wind) of God's Presence from the body of our lives; however, I would like to take it a step further. I would also like to encourage you to take a listen to the message from this last Sunday night - there's something in it for sure. It's called 'Getting Naked'!
There is a growing cry amongst us as a family of faith for more of the reality of God's intimate Presence and Power. For myself, this yearning has been growing steadily for the last year or so and it grows still more. As He is wooing me deeper I have found something happening again. I have seen it a few times in my walking with Father, but not to this degree. I find that He is stripping me bare - stripping me of all compensating longings and life crutches that seek to take the place of the one and only satisfaction, Him alone! He's 'getting me naked'! He is highlighting garments that I've allowed upon myself but that will hinder His intimate touch. Garments of religious theory, tradition, facades, cheap talk, etc! I realise He wants me, as I am! Gee, it's radical and exposing, but it is beautiful. He doesn't withhold Himslef from me and He is now asking me to do likewise. I shouldn't have expected anything less.
I see Him doing it with many around me and many around the world and it is soooo exciting, because when we get Him we get everything and a dying world will come to us, not for religious ritual, but rather for the life He has released to us in intimacy. Unveiled intimacy is the key that unlocks all kingdom power - the world needs this life-changing power, and we need this bare-naked intimacy!
My call to myself and others is 'do not resist His unraveling of you'!! And do not be shocked when it happens - it is God. Like He did to Lazarus, let Him do it again. Afterall, He has brought us back to the treasure of the Garden of Eden in Christ and He wants to rid us of the unneccessary apparell of the heart!
More of You Lord our satisfaction, in me and in us all for the sake of our inheritance - First You and then the lost!!!

Blessings as I go on Holiday,
Ryan

An Act Of Courage Requires The Overcoming Of Fear

2009-07-07T11:18:00.000+01:00

This is a quote from a book I am presently loving. In it the King of Ithaka, Odesseus, speaks with a emotionally feeble and fragile Aeneas who has been battered by life's circumstances. Odesseus sees the hero ,shrouded in doubt, within this young man; he sees the destiny and the call to be a mighty champion, but he also recognises the fear and intimidation gnawing at Aeneas deep within. Well, the fable has it that this young imp becomes the mighty Aeneas who traversed the Great Green (Med sea) with many mighty exploits trailing in the churned wake of his beloved ship, Xanthos! Is this not legend that mirrors the truth of many revivalists and reforms of old, of many champions of the faith at present, and many churches in many cities clouded by demonic doubt and discouragement. Ah, and we have before us no Odesseus to call us out of the cavern of intimidated introspection - we have our Lord and Saviour , Jesus Christ, who faced the deepest depths of dispair for us, and His voice harkens with clarity and power and our designed destiny will come forth. The chains of death and hell could not restrain our Firstborn from the dead, therefore nothing is able to resist His voice as He calls forth our destiny to sit as sons and daughters of royalty ushering in His rule of love on this earth with every co-laboured act of service (Eph 2:1-10)
'Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you ...' Is 60
Here is an exerpt from a book we should all read, Heaven on Earth by Alan Vincent, 'Since my conversion, I had believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as an historical fact ... I had concentrated on the physical miracle not the spiritual power it released. That day the Spirit showed me the power, glory, and authority of the Risen Christ. The Spirit showed me the great triumph and victory that Jesus had already accomplished through the Cross, the power of His glorious resurrection, and the present authority of His throne ... when this revelation came into my spirit, everything changed. Instead of seeing how strong the devil was, I began to see how strong and mighty Jesus was! I began to feel indignant that Jesus was not being glorofied as He deserved in my city. It seemed very possible that the Spirit could use a few nobodies like me to throw down the powers of darkness and change our city. So, I began to work with the Spirit to that end ...'
A few thoughts to ponder!!! Blessings in great measure,

Ryan

Lessons from a Household in Revival

2009-06-18T12:36:00.003+01:00

There is much I have gleaned from my (together with Nick and Duncan) recent trip to Bethel Church, in Redding California. We purposefully went outside of the buzz and busyness of conference time as we wanted to discover the DNA of a family of faith in prolonged and increasing revival. We were not disappointed and here are some discoveries ...

1. Bethel Church is filled with saints who prioritise and are passionate about the Presence of God. During worship, while the band changed songs and song sheets (one moment nearly taking a minute), there were no people looking up to see what leaders were doing or not doing to make worship happen. Rather, people continued to posture themselves in loving worship regardless of songs or pauses in songs. There was a greater God-awareness than Man-awareness!
2. Although clearly led by passionate leaders, the church was filled with a faith-filled priesthood! Two guys,both of whom we had just met and not part of the official leadership team, prayed and prophesied over Nick and myself for 30mins and absolutely 'read my and LCi's mail'! No 'courtesy prayers' lasting a few sentences where the prayers are more concerned with getting a cuppa coffee; rather, patient and faith-filled ministering the life of God!
3. This above revealed a genuine culture of love. We were accepted as part of the family without reserve, suspicion or arms length 'you are from another flow' caution. Beautiful! We left knowing that when we return we have mates we could hang with and that we'd totally love to have them in our homes.
4. Rest! All they do is from a secure place that God loves them, is for them, is not angry at them, is in a good mood, will not change His thoughts concerning them,and embraces them in Christ for all eternity! There is no striving for the favour of God through Martha-like church activities - they know they have it, and all they do is from His constant and consistent favour that results in grace-girded faithfulness and supernatural fruitfulness ! As a result they work hard with a smile on their faces - yeehaaaaa, that's grace!
5. Finally, as Keath G said - this was no 'Christian Disney'! These were real people representing the Living God in a real way with real power! There was not a hint of hype and weirdness, simply genuine Jesus wildness! Unreligious, unpretentious yet unfettered. The real deal! I loved it!!

I came back highly encouraged knowing that, although they are a long way further down the road, we are on the right track! We are seeing similar things in our midst albeit in a smaller dose. Ha, but we've got it! So let's keep going for it - revival of the church and reformation of the world!

Here's to increased blessings on Bethel and a rising tide of the unshakeable kingdom in our midst!

Mountains of love,
Ryan

Check-List Charlie - Confessions of Legalist

2009-05-07T16:36:00.001+01:00

Morning,

As you all know we have been revelling in this series we're in - Kingdom Status! Father has been doing so much as we have unpacked our positioning in Christ together. The Gospel of the Kingdom has been bearing much fruit in us, and long may it continue.
I have been focussing in on Redemption specifically with it's various facets, eg. 'Redemption - Deliverance from the Penalty and Power of Sin', 'Redemption - Deliverance from the Power of the Enemy' and this last weekend, Redemption - Deliverance from the Obligation of the Mosaic System. We didn't get to finish all we wanted to get through in discovering how free we are from 'living under the old code to live in the new way of the Spirit' as Romans 7:6 says, so here are the complete confessions of Check-List Charlie from Sunday night. As you'd agree, there is much more to add! Sorry, they are in point form ...

Check-List Charlie ...
1. Pursues religious rituals as evidence of spirituality before Pursuing the person of Jesus himself as the prize (Jhn 5:39,40)
2. Considers 'The Rules' as more important than people! (Mt12 etc ... Jesus healing on the Sabbath and the Pharisee's response)
3. Considers 'The Rules' before relationships. (Jesus, friend of sinners vs Pharisaical Seperationism, and Cephas'/Peter's withdrawal from Gentiles in Galatians 2)
4. Lives with the 'I have to, I must' mantra before 'I want to ...'
5. Embraces a Culture of Obligation before a Culture of Desire
6. Emphasises the 'act of the will' (Discipline) before the 'longings of the heart' (Delight)
7. Fears the dangers of emotionalism and experience in the Culture of Desire and Delight above. (Does Scripture say 'think and see that the Lord is good'?)
8. Emphasises 'leadership' before 'fathering'
9. In looking to release leaders, he prizes Committment to meetings and ventures before the Call, Character, and Charisma. Here, Charlie considers 'character' to be the sacrificial, sweat of the brow, white knuckled attendance of 'meetings' instead of a life of worship, holiness, and love for the gathering of believers etc (Heb 10:19- ...) 24/7!
10. Puts Works before Worship (Martha vs Mary)
11. Recalls what 'I have done' before what 'He has done'
12. He never feels he has done enough, forgetting that He is enough
13. Works 'for favour' instead of 'living from favour'
14. Delights in Servanthood before Sonship
15. Is highly sin-focussed (fault-finding in self and others) before knowing the power of forgiveness (grace and mercy toward self and others)
16. Penalty obsessed before Pleasures in Christ
17. Highly Introspective instead of Intimacy (Christ focussed)
18. I am a 'failure' before I am an 'A+ student' ... Christ graduated summa cum lauda for me!
19. Prides himslef on personal Morality and/or personal Spirituality (and tends to be super-spiritual)
20. Makes the 'grey' areas/minors of scripture into non-negotiable, black and white majors for self and projects them onto others
21. Majors on the 'letter of the law' and forgets the heart of the 'law' (Mt 23:23-24)
22. Readily quotes 'what not to do' from scripture but struggles to recall the promises and good plans of God
23. Has a bias toward correctiveness and caution instead of encouragement
24. Uses the prophetic as a tool for criticism, correction and judgement and not for edification and the building up of the common good ... and takes pride in the fact that he can 'prophesy' too
25. Will temper any form of encouragement for fear that the recipient may become 'full of himself'
26. Demonstrates false humility to curry favour with people and not biblical humility
27. Lives off second hand revelation (echo chrisitainity)
28. Lives with facades for fear that honesty and vulnerability will negate favour from people, especially respected leaders
29. Fears man before genuine fear of God
30. Requires people to 'jump through hoops' to his level before 'getting in the dust' with people where they are at. People around Charlie feel like they never reach the grade.
31. Lives with high personal expectations and projects them onto others
32. Is often let down by others when they do not meet with expectations
33. Often sweats over the little things
34. Is often driven by guilt and peoples' perceived expectations
35. Lives life with a 'debtors ethic' ... when receiveing a blessing from someone's pure act of kindness Charlie feels he has to repay them in some way and often avoids them until the 'debt' is settled.
36. ...
There are so many to be added, and as I finish this, I realise that I have lived with so much of this myself. Oh, but Father is so loving and will not leave us paralysed in this slavery. It is for freedom's sake Christ has set us free ... to be sons and daughters. Let us not fall into the trap of , now, trying to work this all out. Let us simply repent of anything, receive complete and absolute forgiveness and remain transfixed, intoxicated with Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd and He'll lead us through. Holiness, freedom and purity are not the prize - He is! And as we delight and desire Him and 'walk with the Spirit' unhindered, and face 2 face, we will accidentally live (as Michael Eaton puts it) in freedom, joy, holiness, purity. We'll stumble into it with laughter!

Richest of blessings and mountains of love,

Ryan

Bright-shining Bride or Wandering Widow

2009-04-29T10:53:00.000+01:00

Good morning Everyone,

The last few weeks have been an amazing time of Father God loving on His church with His presence, power, joy, deliverance and fun. Both in the local church and with our friends in others, His hand has been with us - at leadership conferences, during Sunday services and Schools of Healing! I have to say that sitting under the ministry of Randy Clark, Bill Johnson and Leif Hetland at the Southampton School of Healing has been an incredible life-changing highlight. Their heart of humility, father-heartedness and unswerving pursuit of the greater measures of the kingdom of God through the church and into the world were both encouraging and inspiring!
I have noticed for the last few months that the Father has been releasing two major kingdom realities again - Freedom and Joy! It is for freedom sake that He has set us free - free from illegitimate identities, free from crippling legalistic obligation, free from the influences of the enemy. Free to be, to live, to laugh!! Oh, and joy - His righteousness on us, His peace surrounding us and His joy exploding in us as a result ... this is the kingdom in the Holy Spirit. May the water levels rise in all of us as we see Him, know who we are in Him, and delight in our apportioned inheritance from Him. He is so good!!

I want to leave you with two quotes from a Roman Catholic church leader, Ralph Martin, in his book The Catholic Church at the End of an Age : What the Spirit is Saying. Randy Clark pointed these out last week ...

"When Jesus is proclaimed clearly and confidently, in the power of the Holy Spirit, many more people come to faith, and there is much more growth to the Church than when He is not."

"The church is a bride, and she shows to the world that her spouse is alive by living by His power and receiving life from Him. There is a danger in our day that the church will look more like a widow, alone and without resources except those possessed by any human organization. If we yield to what the Lord has poured out upon us - His Spirit - the world will know that the church is truly the spouse of a living Lord."

The Gospel, central and, powerfully proclaimed; and the Holy Spirit, relied upon and given room to be God in our midst! May these two profound statements disturb us until heaven's desire and directive bulges within us until breakthrough!

Let's live, not by the legal document of marriage but, rather, the relational delight of being the Bride of Christ!

Mountains of love and blessing,
Ryan

Real God through Real People

2009-04-02T15:00:00.000+01:00

'The Presence of God in the church will put an end to infidelity. Men will not doubt His Word when they feel His Spirit. For a thousand reasons we need that Jehovah should come into the camp, as aforetime He visited and delivered His people from bondage in Egypt.' - C. H. Spurgeon's dying appeal!

Arthur T. Pierson said : 'The most alarming peril of today is naturalism - the denial of all direct agency and control. Science is united with unbelief, wickedness and worldliness, skepticism and materialism, to rule a personal God out of the universe. The drift toward materialism and naturalism demands the supernatural as it's only corrective.' (Although we are in the age of post-modern thought, materialism, skepticism and naturalism continue to abound in greater measures and this statement is all the more relevant!)

'If anti-Christ is about to make his mightiest and most malignant demonstration, ought not the church confront him with mighty displays of the Spirit's saving power?' - A.J. Gordon

Frank Bartleman, a key figure during the Azusa Street Revival, said : 'Oh church of Christ, awake! Be baptised with power. Then fly to rescue others.'

These are but a few comments from mighty proponents of revival from recent church history. If we were to consider the lives and statements of the many others, including the contemporaries of the above mentioned men, we will see an altogether startling thread ... More of God's Presence and Power in the church and through the church!!
I am convinced that the building of bridges of engagement with a world that hardly thinks twice of Christianity, in the same way that our Lord Jesus exampled incarnational living, is more than essential. Our 'form', how we communicate, how we present ourselves. It is pivitol for the modern church. However, the crux of all things is 'what are we building bridges towards?' Are we so willing to buy into a form of godliness yet deny its power? Are we so ready to offer much from the gospel yet not carry true gospel-power punch? Do we declare the power of deliverance in redemption, the joy and freedom of grace, yet fail to preach a gospel of the kingdom that heaven is willing to authenticate with real power and life? Like 'religion', do we offer much but fail to deliver?
There seems to be a canyon between the evidence of scripture and the experience of many of our lives, but this cannot remain so - this is not Father's intention for His people. Scripture tells us so, and Jesus shows us the same in being our example! I am realising that, as I read of the lives of revivalists present and past, they tend to be helpless romantics - star struck idealists heaven bent on God's real. If that is what is needed, do we have an option? May we be 'helpless romantics' never resting until we have more of God in us and through us. Let us not forget that God's real is our real, not what we simply call the 'ideal'!

If these mighty men and women of reformation and revival had an over-riding heartcry ... 'More of you God in Your Presence and Power!' ... may we do the same! It is the answer for the world alone. The Person, Presence and Power of the Gospel alone is the answer!! Let us preach Him, pursue Him and present Him, as star struck romantics and be willing to lean into Christ and His Gospel until we see the 'tipping point'! We are seeing some of the spilling already. Let's not give in, or up, family of faith! Let's keep going for it, believing for Him, and stepping out to a place where only He can come through.

People have said there are two options, sink or swim! Swimming is good, but there is a third, more Jesus-like option - walk on water!! That's really our only option - the option that'll shake this world with the glorious Gospel! Yikes, it is an adventure serving the Living God who is Real; it's terrifying and exciting all at once! We got to love it ... the Real God through very normal, everyday, real people like you and me!

Let's go huge for Him and, most importantly with Him.

Ryan

'Potential Converts'? or Precious People

2009-03-18T09:21:00.000Z

Gee, comms are open again! After weeks of silence, a voice from the wilderness... Melissa and I have subsequently returned from a fantastic ministry trip to NZ, and have fought off the wretched effects of 'the lag', to enjoy two weekends of outstanding ministry from Chris and Meryl Wienand, and Michael Eaton! Our greatest joy in returning is seeing how the 'glorious gospel' is capturing and enthralling hearts as we revel in our 'Kingdom Status' series through Ephesians. There is greater life, joy, freedom and laughter among the community as the gospel takes centre stage - long may it continue! Surely the loudest, brightest 'advert' for Chritianity is a community of life, joy, freedom and laughter. As Paul said in Romans, the Kingdom is ... righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit.
Here's a thought on evangelism in the light of shining brightly with His gospel in a dying world ...
I am becoming increasingly convinced that our motive and methods of evangelism are far from the heart of God. Generally we want to win converts from the jaws of hell and we do it in a way that is programmed, parrot-fashioned and with a pointing finger. I would like to say that they aren't potential coverts, they are precious people and, it may seem trivial, but this change of perspective will transform how we reach out with news that is very good. What is Father's thought on this? We don't need to look further than Luke 15 where we see Jesus, the exact representation of Father, showing the Father's heart.
Firstly, we see Jesus embracing the 'sinners'. The way we act around 'sinners' often reveals that we consider them as some disease-infested freaks, allergic to their very presence as we turn our noses up at them. (Allow me some dramatic license please). Ah, but he dined with them showing His love for them beyond their ghastly living. He loved them in the midst of their wayward lifestyles.
Secondly, in all three parables we see in the pursuit of the one and the joy at their return that Father considers the lost to be of great value! The wretched sinner is worth a lot!! The pursuit and pleasure reveal the precious prize that even one presents! This weekend we scratched the surface of redemption truth, and we came to the conclusion that we are worth much - to say the least - to our Father. We asked the question : how much do you cost? Some didn't respond, some replied '£30 000', others made up crazy cosmic figures. All fade away when we consider the price placed on our heads by Father - the very life blood of Jesus! 1 Peter 1:18,19 ' not with silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ'! That's the worth of a 'sinner' on the street, in the classroom, the office, the park. His love and His first and final thought on our worth should undergird our partnered pursuit of the wretched. We will live with greater compassion, share the glorious gospel with greater love as we remember that the world, though it is shipwrecked on the reef of sinfulness, is not a worthless waste, but it is indeed precious and worth much, the very life blood of Jesus.
We will not invite 'potential coverts' for dinner or work on 'pet evangelistic projects' during our lunch breaks and speak of a gospel with no love and carrying no power and conviction; pointing out their faults and telling them how cross God is with them. No, we will love precious people without the agenda of a notch on a belt, and this love will pave the way for His power and He will back us with signs and wonders as projects become people again, because we embrace and love as He does and consider lost treasures to be truly precious!!
Let's live loud with love, open our homes to our neighbours and welcome the skeptics to our dining-room tables and love on them with His supernatural, irresistable love and show people how much Father loves them and desires their company for eternity!!!! We will see the wilted flowers raised again as He shines in us and they begin to ask 'what is it about you?'

Let's win this world of worth with Christ!

Mountains of love,
Ryan and Melissa

Hunger, hunger, hunger!!!

2009-02-11T14:39:00.000Z

A belated, yet happy, 2009 to you all! As a family we had a fantastic three weeks break in January, but we are super stoked to be 'in the saddle' at the beginning of what, most feel, will be a seriously significant year for LCi.

The last two weeks have been fabulous as a church with a host of new faces, a glorious salvation, some real beautiful moments of life-filled worship, a flying start to the 'Kingdom and the Church' series, and a ripper of a three day fast last week. That was more than a highlight for me. Hours of sustained prayer and intercession, some 'out-of-the-boat' prophetic moments and not too few significant 'tipping points' in the spirit realm. The unblocked wells are beginning to flow but we must not stop contending for even greater measures of the vats of God to pour forth in the three areas we've been trusting for ... His Presence/Power/Provision, the '750' and our 'Rehoboth' - the home of our own!

In all of this I believe God is looking for HUNGRY people. I am convinced that within the Sovereignty of God, He has sovereignly purposed to stir the hearts of the saints by His Spirit of grace to hunger after the more He has designed, to pursue Him at all costs, and so be met with the mountainous download of His kingdom come on earth though us!

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.' Jesus

Ah, we are made to be filled, designed to be filled, saved to be filled with 'all the measure of the fullness of God'! (Eph3) And we will only be truely satisfied (meaning of 'blessed') when we, the naos/temple of God, are filled to overflowing with Him. Until such a time, nothing else will do! Only Him and Him alone. But, it's the hungry who enjoy the more of God ... the hungry ... the hungry! When one is hungry, ones body craves, yearns and longs for what it truely requires and desires ... remember when we were fasting! All that dissatisfaction with ghastly mediocrity and sub-Biblical, luke-warm, comfort driven churchianity is your spirit-man calling out for more of God's kingdom satisfaction. The enemy would like to manipulate this dissatisfaction to his own end stoking the fire of frustration that burns brightly, eventually, as dissillusionment; but, heed the whispers of the Spirit - He is calling us to desire the standard of the Word, the benchmark of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ and the starting place of the early church and go for all that God has made us for!!!

'Blessed are those who hunger ...'

By the grace of God let us hunger for Him in all of our endeavours together as LCi, especially in our relationship with Him, and He will satisfy! Let us ask, seek and knock, and He will come, indeed! He has spoken and He has the final word!

As we head off for the 'land of the long white cloud', New Zealand, pray with us that Father will do remarkable things in the midst of his children as we minister in the churches ... loving, satisfying, inspiring and firing with His glorious Holy Spirit as we preach Jesus!

With mountains of love,

Ryan and Melissa

Ps. Another person has been healed of another food allergy! Yay : )

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2009-02-11T10:08:00.005Z

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Jan '09- The Year Ahead - 'more than religious semantics'

2009-01-07T11:00:00.002Z

Wow, another year has flown by! And what a year it has been! Without even mentioning the turmoil and upheaval of socio-economic affairs in the nation and the world, enough has transpired in our lives as a 'family of faith' to keep us talking for an age. From the transition of the leadership of the church to Father God healing bodies, it has been an exciting year. It would be appropriate and right to honour a few looking back. Firstly, Nigel and Melita deserve roars of honour as founding parents of an incredible church. We would not have enjoyed such a smooth and 'successful' baton change of leadership if it wasn't for their loving, faithful and skillful leading. We have the privilege of 'standing on the shoulders of giants', and each victory and mile of ground achieved in God susequently is testament to their lives poured out for LCi!
I have no shadow of a doubt that the leaders - elders and deacons - deserve equal plaudits! They have nurtured the weeks and months since transition with hearts of faith, love and expectation for the greater in God! What champions ... and Melissa and I have the joy of more in God together with them :)
Thirdly, the precious saints have made room in their hearts for us and for what God wants to do into the future. The faith and love displayed over this time is remarkable!
Most importantly, Jesus is the undisputed head of the church, local and universal! He is unchallenged in His rule over us and He alone deserves the highest praise. His historical faithfulness inspires great confidence in us as we anticipate an exciting '09. Now for a synergy of His faithfulness and fruitfulness!!

Having said this, a few words at the get go of '09 ...
This last Sunday I mentioned that God is into 'Kingdom revolution' more than self-actualizing, humanistic resolutions devoid of His inspiration. Preaching from Eph 1:15 - 23 I said I felt God wanted to emphasize 2 major things in bringing 'Kingdom revolution'. I mention them in my first blog of the year again as a reminder and because many have been on well deserved holidays and missed out on Sunday ...

1. Relational Cultures
2. Radical Living

1. We are contending for, and building, 3 essential Relational Cultures mentioned in the Eph 1 text ...
• Faith - relationship with Father in bring His rule
• Love - relationship with each other and the lost
• Hope - relationship with our destiny in God
These 3 will be the bedrock for all we do as we build kingdom culture, with the greatest being 'love'!

2. We will continue to keep Radical lifestyles in the following areas revealed in Eph 1:15 - 23
• Prayer
• Passionate pursuit of the Person of Christ as our prize
• Enjoying and embracing the People of God as one of our inheritances
• The Power of God in and through us - dimensions of heaven being demonstrations on earth!
• re-Presenting Christ (as Bill Johnson says) authentically and powerfully, as the Head of the Church fills the world through us, the 'fullness of Him'
These 2 major issues combined will do a lot more than a few resolutions; we will see 'kingdom revolution' in us and through us. Regardless of the necessity of economic and political change, the world is in dire need of a revolution in the church where we live large with faith, love and hope and get radical!

Here's to continued 'kingdom revolution'! And may we look back on '09 this time next year having seen more faith-filled action than mere religious semantics!

Mountains of love and blessings from us as we enjoy a few weeks off this month. Catch you in the next blog at the end of Jan.

Ryan

A Stadium, A Restuarant ...

2008-12-03T16:53:00.001Z

Hi Everyone,

There have been two moments recently that have highlighted, once again, the heart of God for His people being conduits for His kingdom coming everyday, everywhere ...

A few Saturdays ago I had the privilege of watching England take on a rampant Springbok side at the 'Fortress', Twickenham. My brother and his wife had bought tickets for us all in South Africa - that's where they're from - so we were sitting in a sea of 'green and gold' with no few Afrikaans words being thrown around from behind us. In the midst of this Springbok hysteria I 'happened' to be seated next to a very polite English supporting couple. I am learning more and more that as children of the King, encounters are never 'by chance'. As we leapt for joy with every green shirt going over the white-wash I noticed this polite chap whincing and guarding his left arm, so I asked him if he was okay. Well, he had recently had a shoulder operation - one that I had, in fact, had 4 years before; so we started chatting ... I have to say, I was a little distracted from that point on! I have, together with so many of you, been trusting Father for opportunities to pray for people everywhere we go to reveal His kingdom, so I knew God wanted me to lay hands on this chap next to me! I was looking for the gap and it finally came a few minutes toward the end of the game as they were about to leave. He couldn't believe that I wanted to pray for his shoulder in front of 81,132 people at 'the Fortress', but he consented. After a vocal, faith-filled prayer he was not instantly healed there and then, but he knew God loved him enough to put a Believer right next to him surrounded by a sea of beer-drinking, ex-pat, cursing-at-the-ref, Springbok supporters! I was God's man for that mission and He ordered our seating for that encounter. What a privilege! I'm just learning to keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities!
More recently, we have had a spate of people in the church set free of allergies! Amazing to watch people enjoying all sorts of foods that had been 'no go' for so long, and would have put them into hospital all puffed up and gagging!! So, with this happening, a few of the guys were in a local restuarant for a meal and Steve Coopers' girl, Jess from the US, was lactose intolerant ... but not for long! She was keen to feast on a pizza, but what about the cheese ...? There were no lactose intolerant options, so they decided to pray, right there, for her healing, and ... she is now a rabid pizza-scoffing, cheese-eating, Californian in London! That's it!

God's Presence and Power cannot remain in the four walls of a building on Sunday; He longs for His kingdom flowing through our lives. So, whether it's in a stadium packed with over 81,000 people or in a local eatery, let's trust God to do fantastic stuff! Let's keep going for it! Jesus is the Head over everything for the church, His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way (Eph 1). Let Him fill the streets with His fullness through us, His body!

His Amazing Love on you!

Ryan

Guarding Greatness In Our Hearts

2008-11-20T12:44:00.002Z

Hi People,

This last week has been a significant one for me to say the least. It started with God's greatness invading my smallness while I worshipped with many saints at a conference where Bill Johnson and Che Ahn were ministering. The next stop was time with Colin and Mary Peckham who have seen, and been used in, revival. And to top it all, a weekend with the 'firebrands', Keir and Callie Tayler. Nearly seven days of God-encounters, significant healings and a heart to revive and reform this world with the love and power of God. To be honest, my heart is burning for more of Him as a result!
In the light of all of this I'd love to let you in on what I felt God show me in my devotions Wednesday morning. At a time of the increased moves of our Living God in our midst where He's saving souls, setting people free, lifting depression and anxiety off sons and daughters and healing bodies, there is a clarion call to guard the good deposit He has made and nurture it into full bloom. 'Guarding His greatness in our hearts' is of top priority right now ...

I have been reading through the Gospel of Mark recently, but I'd like to highlight Ch5:21 - Ch6:6.
Here's the scene, Jairus' daughter is on the way out and she's only a little girl. Although a synagogue ruler, Jairus' pursuit of the life of Jesus rips him out of the wretched clutches of religious thinking that he finds himself in, into the reality only found in Jesus. By the time Jesus gets to Jairus' daughter - having delivered a precious woman of 12 years of infirmity on the way - the crows are circling, cackling 'your daughter's dead'! Jesus' response is remarkable and penetrating - 'Ignoring what they said...' vs36 NIV! He then proceeded to put courage into the dead girl's father with 'don't be afraid'. It was with this that the Spirit challenged me with the first issue if I am to 'guard His greatness in my heart' - am I prepared to ferociously ignore, not deny, but ignore, all other circumstances and calls of the crows to see the resurrection life flow through me? The cackling is loud and circumstance generally glaring, but I must guard myself against these if I am to be a conduit of His transforming power. We know how it ends - the crows are scattered, and a father receives back her daughter, alive!
The account then moves from a religious ruler's faithfilled pursuit for life beyond rigidity to Jesus hometown. One would expect the fanfare of the town's 'blue-eyed boy' being welcomed home. Not at all! These town folk had a diminished view of the Messiannic Miracle Maker saying "he's just the carpenter's son". Their earth-bond, impoverished perspective; their small-heartedness; their parochial pettiness could not grasp His greatness and only inflamed offense. Basically they were saying to themselves : 'Who does he think he is? Doesn't he know where he's from?' They couldn't handle it! The result of this pathetic view of Jesus, which opened the door to offense, was a lack of faith that amazed Jesus. No miracles were done, and only a few were healed. This is remarkable - my diminished, unBiblical view of Jesus will open the door to offense when He 'comes to town' to release His life, resulting in no faith that will ultimately short circuit God's desire to reveal and demonstrate His loving kingdom. I see this in many - their poor perspective of Jesus can't handle what He longs to do, they take offense, and shut the door to Him. This in turn creates a void around them that sucks the life out of others. I see it in me to some degree and it is my personal responsibility to 'guard God's greatness in my heart' if I am to see His kingdom come in and around me. In fact, it is all of our responsibility!

So, two key issues at this time - 1. ferociously ignore the cackling crows that highlight circumstances, and 2. let your impoverished perspective be transformed.

Guard the good deposit and let's keep cultivating a culture of His kingdom coming!

Huge blessings,

Ryan

This one's for the ladies

2008-11-11T13:15:00.007Z

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Hi Everyone,

After two weeks of silence, Ryan's Think Space speaks! We've just returned from a week of spectacularly beautiful holiday in Cornwall straight into a ministry trip up North in Edinburgh. Wow, what an amazing city! The ministry was jolly good too.

I'd like to give you a heads up as to what we'll be doing in the next while (this one’s for the ladies). This event that we will be putting on will be of great benefit and will cause ,no doubt, not a few sighs of relief among the single ladies in the family! Without saying too much, hopefully more than a few young bachelors will make the leap from 'negligible' to 'eligible' as result of this time! Yes, ladies, our Father is a miracle maker in more ways than you can imagine, and we're trusting for His kingdom to break into the dusty, cob-webbed craniums of that 20-something enigma that sits in front of you in church!
Imagine a man that stands up in your presence to give you his seat quicker than he can take your place on the sofa to play the dreaded ... XBOX! Imagine a man that knows how to marshall a kitchen as well as his team mates on the football pitch! Imagine a man who can string an intellectual sentence together more than just a few grunts and 'ughs' from in front of the telly! With God ALL things are possible ...
So, young men and women, it's time for a little make over, from the inside out! From opening a door for the lasses to Jamie Oliver expertise! Get the word out ... maybe we'll have a few wedding bells in the not too distant future.
We'll be announcing it over a few Sundays in the next little while with much fun and laughter as you hear 'what' we call it and 'how' we promote it. Men, don't let the humour lull you into a state of lethargy - take heed!

Most lavish favour from the Father on you all!

Ryan

When the Word and the Spirit come together!

2008-10-23T10:09:00.002+01:00

Hi People,

Take a look at what Smith Wigglesworth prophesied in 1947, the year of his death.

"During the next few decades there will be two distinct moves of the Holy Spirit across the church in Great Britain. The first move will affect every church that is open to receive it, and will be characterized by the restoration of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The second move ... will result in people leaving historic churches and planting new churches.

In the duration of each of these moves, the people who are involved will say, 'This is a great revival.' But the Lord says, 'No, neither is this a great revival but both are steps towards it.' When the new church phase is on the wane, there will be eidence in the churches of something that has not been seen before: a coming together of those with an emphasis on the word and those with an emphasis on the Spirit. When the Word and the Spirit come together, there will be the biggest move of the Holy Spirit that the nations, indeed, the world, have ever seen. It will mark the beginning of a revival that will eclipse anything that has been witnessed within these shores, even the Wesleyan and Welsh revivals of former years.

The outpouring of God's Spirit will flow over from the United Kingdom to mainland Europe, and from there, will begin a missionary move to the ends of the earth."

This is significant and this is happening ... a coming together of those who champion either the Word or the Spirit. Not only is this so, but in the hearts of many there is a cry ' We want the Spirit to demonstrate His Word in this day!' And it is this that excites me.

Consider what Bill Johnson wrote in his book 'Face to face with God' ... "The kingdom of God must never be reduced to talk, ideas and principles. The kingdom of God is power. Unlimited power has been granted to those who encounter Him over and over again. Each encounter works deeper in our hearts, bringing about the needed transformation so that we might be entrusted with more of Him. The more profound the work of the Spirit within us, the more profound the manifestation of the Spirit through us."

At this time the Spirit of Truth is removing options and excuses from us quickly, leaving us with with only one alternative, the reality of the Word made real through real people. The Living God revealing Himself in a real way through real people who seek Him!

And so, He is looking for a 'So be it' generation ... 2Cor1:20 says "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." Jesus' life, ministry, and triumphant work on the Cross declares 'YES' into eternity on our behalf so that we, with great child-like boldness (often considered 'presumption' by many), may respond 'LET IT BE' today as it is in Eternity to His glory.

As Hebrews 11:39,40 reveals, we live in the privileged day of fulfilled promises, so let us not cower away into the fear of the 'unknown' or 'what if'; let us, together, be that people who boldly say 'let it be as You have promised Father', that the dimensions of Heaven would be the demonstrations of earth, and that the living words of the Living Word would not remain as ink and paper, but be etched onto the hearts, lives, bodies and minds of a world groaning for the Sons of God to be revealed to usher in the Father's intended time of 'when the Word and the Spirit come together'!

I'm pumped to be alive in this day!!!!

Loads of love,

Ryan

“Sacrifice is not in the vocabulary of Romantics and Lovers!"

2008-10-22T11:10:00.001+01:00

“Sacrifice is not in the vocabulary of Romantics and Lovers!” What a significant and profound statement; one of many Nick Davis charged us with as leaders this past weekend. Consider that a moment … as God is moving us ,as His ‘called out ones’, into the wild and breathtaking expanse of Revelation, Transformation, Demonstration and Reformation in this world, He is calling us to Kingdom feats that require dramatic decisions of us all. He does not stand looming over us with a pointed headmasters finger demanding change for Kingdom’s sake; rather, He comes along side us as the Great Shepherd and leads us on with His Love. His eyes are the window to our future, and as we intentionally and passionately gaze up, we, like Paul,will say, ‘ Christ’s love compels me. ‘
The Father recently showed me that, in enlarging our hearts for the future, there are two ways. One is His way, the other carries the guise of religion and leads to human effort. I’ll start with the last …
Here, we see and know what is right, and through devotion, we make room for the things of God in our lives. This is not all that bad, but God has a better way that has lasting life-giving fruit. If we find ourselves in this first place, all the decisions we make will seem like sacrifice, but, again, he has a better way ….
Here, Father God delights us with a deeper and more intimate ‘knowing’ of Him; and His delighting of us with Himself gives natural birth to spontaneous devotion. Romance!! This one takes a little more time as we marinate daily in His presence and in moments together called church meetings; ah, but here, all seemingly sacrificial decisions become moments of ’starry-eyed’ obedience, because we ’see’ Him and lose sight of ourselves!
So, 1. a quick-fix devotional sacrifice, or 2. a patient marinating where He increasingly delights us with Himself and we can’t help respond.
Didn’t He say after all, ‘obedience is better than sacrifice’! I vote for God’s Delight that leads us into Devotion!!!!
Mountains of love on your heads,
Ryan

An Incredible week

2008-10-22T11:04:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone,
Wow, what an incredible last week we’ve had together. Last week’s time of prayer seemed to be the foretaste of what was to come with us ‘ending’ at 8.50pm on a Thursday night, toward the end of a long week! A Spirit-led, unrushed time of pursuing the Person of God as our prize. He is the place and source of all fruitfulness that will last into eternity.
And then, personally, a Saturday that the Spirit will always remind me of … I was watching a Bill Johnson DVD and he made a statement that the Holy Spirit has used to reach into the deepest recesses of me, ‘we need an anointing equal to the revelation we have received in order to see it demonstrated. A revelation is an invitation from God to encounter Him in order to be transformed and empowered to usher in His kingdom.’ (my paraphrase around Bill’s kernel of truth.) Think of that … it is profound! God has begun to show me how He has revealed much truth to me over the last year and how legitimate things have taken the edge of my prioritized personal pursuit of Him. I have no more excuses as He continues to ‘disturb’ the status quo in my life.
And then Sunday night … after a ‘good’ morning time together, the Lord had something special up His sleeve for us that evening. After a great time of worship and my message ‘The Anchor-man generation: co-labouring with the Holy Spirit’, there was a natural, unforced, worshipful response for nearly 45minutes. Scotty G got behind the mic with his guitar and slowly the hearts began to rise in love songs as we devoted ourselves to our Lover, Jesus. (I even made a return to the bass guitar after at least a years absence. The blister is proof of that.) Wow!!! Again, having to ‘kick people out’ at 9.10pm ‘cos we don’t have the freedom of a ‘home of our own’, yet!
Yes, God is moving and stirring our hearts for more of Him! Let’s continue to ‘press through the crowd’ as a people for more of Him!
Within this, Nick Davis recently had a sense from God that the Spirit was releasing ‘a wild hunger’ for the King and His kingdom in LCi, and that ‘God wants to hallmark (us) with wildness’! May we not reduce ‘wildness’ to rabid, mouth-foaming religious action that amounts to nothing more than a more weary Bride; rather, may this ‘wildness’ be undergirded and inspired by a desperate hunger for God , and as He responds and graciously draws us nearer to know Him more intimately, may God encounters fuel our living for Him in a world poised for the reality of the Kingdom coming!
From glory to glory, here’s to more of Him dwelling with us!(Eph2:22,3:19)
Much love,
Ryan

Two profound statements

2008-10-22T10:59:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone,
Here are two profound statements that I stumbled into the other day that some up something of where we are at as a ‘People of Faith’. Here goes …
“If you want to build a ship, don’t summon people to buy wood, prepare tools, distribute jobs, and organize the work; rather, teach people the yearning for the wide, boundless ocean.”
De-Saint Exupery
”A great deal more failure is the result of an excess of caution than of bold experimentation with new ideas. The frontiers of the Kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution.”
J. Oswald Sanders

Church, let us continue to find ourselves in the place of constant wonder as the wild blazing fire in His eyes sets our hearts racing with the excitement of the new frontiers of God and His purpose! Great moments of Revelation of Him moving our lives into Transformation to be like Him so we can tangibly live out Kingdom Demonstration like He did!
Much love,
Ryan