Scot McKnight is a New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, theologian, speaker, and author who has written widely on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, the emerging and missional church movements, spiritual formation and Christian living. He is currently Professor of New Testament at Northern Baptist Seminary in Lombard, IL, and an ordained Anglican with Anabaptist leanings. He earned his B.A. degree from Grand Rapids Baptist College (now known as Cornerstone University), an M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham in 1986. |
In the first session McKnight focused the conversation on defining the Gospel as given by the Apostles (Acts 2, 6, 7, 10; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Timothy 2:8; etc.). Basically the Gospel is Jesus. He is the Christ, the son of the living God, the fulfillment of God’s promised deliverer as revealed to Israel. The living Lord Jesus Christ transforms everything, from individual lives to the existing world order. The Church has sadly traded the life-changing Gospel for a transactional event, whether it’s catechetical instruction and induction or a spiritual experience and “praying the sinner’s prayer.” Of the 90% who enter the faith via these routes as children or youths, only 20% remain in Christ at age 35. The issue is discipleship, or more specifically, introducing people to Jesus and helping them grow into deeper relationship with him. The Gospel centers in the answer to this one question: “Who do you think Jesus is?” |
The second session focused on the purpose of the Gospel, or God’s mission in the world. Historically the Church has defined its mission/purpose from four perspectives:
Each of the above is important and come into play in God’s mission, but the Church often identifies with only one aspect of the total mission. To do so is a huge mistake as a full Gospel involves all four. McKnight developed the third dimension in more detail to illustrate the components necessary to clarify the mission of God in the Church. He named five essential elements of biblical kingdom thinking. If there is a Kingdom, there must be… |
- A King - It’s Jesus! He’s at the center of everything, and everything is done for him.
- A Rule - To be king, Jesus must rule as sovereign and redeemer.
- A People - In the Old Testament it was Israel, but in the New it’s the Church from all nations.
- A Law - It was the Torah, but now it’s the teachings of Jesus directed by the Holy Spirit.
- A Land - Israel had a land, and the people of God today do also (Hebrews 11, Revelation 20-22).
Ed
Soli Deo Gloria!
Search for New CGGC Executive Director in Progress
An application, position description and desired attributes of the Executive Director are available on the Churches of God website or by contacting [email protected] or [email protected]. Applications received by December 15, 2014 will be given priority, with a decision to be made, Lord willing, by March 31, 2015.
For more information regarding values, beliefs and history of the CGGC you may visit http://www.cggc.org/about/ online. Please direct all inquiries pertaining to the Executive Director position to the e-mail addresses above and not to the CGGC offices.
Train Your Church Leaders
I didn't know how to engage volunteers. I didn't know how to turn the youth into an effective team. I didn't know how to develop young leaders. I was young and available. Luck wasn't enough. I needed training. I wasn't the only one.
I have built a solution for developing leaders in your church. You may want to start with yourself. You may want to train your staff or key volunteers. There are three steps to this solution.
Step # 1: Take our "Foundations in Christian Coaching" class. During January and February of 2015, we are offering it at three different locations (Mattoon, IL, Findlay, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA), AND we are offering this class for the first time online.
Step # 2: Take "A Coach Approach to Christian Leadership" class. This class will be taught in Findlay, OH on March 23-24 (Mon-Tue) by Bill Copper, a seasoned ministry coach and teacher.
Step # 3: Take our Mentor Coaching class and hone your coaching skills to a level of confidence.
These three steps will also make you eligible for the Certificate in Christian Leader Coaching from Coach Approach Ministries.
It is very frustrating to be want to lead for your church and not know how to do it. These three classes will give your leaders confidence and tools to lead your church into the vision God has for it.
Can you imagine how much less frustrated and more effective your church leader could be by May of 2015?
To sign up for any or all of these classes, click here: http://www.coachingclarity.org/become-a-coach/
Because you are with the Churches of God General Conference, use the Promo Code "CGGC" for a 30% discount on any or all classes.
Listen to my interview with author Reggie McNeal, as he speaks about the importance of building a coaching culture in your church: http://www.coachingclarity.org/?p=917
Thanks!
Brian Miller