As I think back to all that happened at the National Gathering, I find myself in a constant state of processing. We were blessed with moving speakers, idea-sparking forums, and inspiring workshops. It’s hard to believe I have so much to process and I only got to go to a handful of the forums and workshops! If you’re feeling the same way, be sure to check out the audio recordings available here.
After joining together in worship through music on Friday, March 16, Evelyn Sekajipo gave a message on taking the church out of the four walls to the streets.
You are not exempt of the material presented here. Do not let your prejudices prevent you from meeting people. God has something to give you. He wants to return and do something incredible. @eveysekajipo #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
The harvest is plentiful, so the laborers can’t get comfortable. @eveysekajipo #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
Throughout the day, we heard from Tod Bolsinger, Alan Hirsch, and Deb Hirsch our keynote speakers. There were multiple forums and workshops in the afternoon followed by a panel discussion Leading from the Inherited Church. Here are somethings that really stuck with us.
Not just stewards. @todbol #SteepletoStreet pic.twitter.com/HOn7RKy3E8
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
We are losing our cultural advantage. We need to learn to work with those who are used to not having privilege. @todbol #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
APEST is God’s grace to heal the broken ministry of the Church. @AlanHirsch #SteepletoStreet #5Q
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
It’s hard to get someone to understand something when their salary depends on it. @AlanHirsch #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
Should your team be effective or efficient? @jr_briggs pic.twitter.com/jhYjrcuh2D
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
You have to prioritize folks outside of the church over some church people’s feelings. @lukesedwards #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
Incarnational presences really is more powerful than the institutional metrics. Matt Lake #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 16, 2018
We don’t need to build fences, it’s to dig wells for living water. @DebraHirsch #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 17, 2018
Saturday morning, Iosmar Alvarez spoke about engaging with the Holy Spirit as we navigate taking the church outside of the four walls we’ve become comfortable in. He made us aware that planting churches out of our gifting and not the presence of the Holy Spirit is a dangerous thing.
5 Questions when sending pioneers: Does it glorify God? Is it legal? Does it make disciples? Does it expand the vision of this church? Is it according to the Word of God? Iosmar Alvarez #SteepletoStreet
— Fresh Expressions US (@FExpressionsUS) March 17, 2018
As the day went on, we broke up into different forums and workshops again. The 2018 National Gathering ended with a closing sermon from Phil Potter and worshipping through music.
It’s safe to say that if you were at the Fresh Expressions National Gathering, you left with a journal, notebook, or brain full of ways to think about spreading the Gospel to those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. If you were unable to join us, or need to hear something again, I would encourage you to check out the video and audio recordings that are available! When I think about everyone taking just one thing they learned over the weekend and putting it into action, I can’t help but think of all of the people we may get to welcome into the body of Christ, His family.
