RE:GEN

I would recommend the following as wonderful additions to your knowledge base:

• The Prodigal God – Timothy Keller
  (watch for Tim on upcoming Hour of Power)
• Lord, Save us From Your Followers – Dan Merchant
  (also available in full-length movie!)
• RE:Jesus - Michael Frost and our friend Alan Hirsch (tremendous!)
• IT – Craig Groeschel
• Death by Love – Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
• Tribes – Seth Godin
• Church Unique – Will Mancini
• Made to Stick – Chip Heath and Dan Heath
• The Trouble with Paris – Mark Sayers

The Classis of California witnessed two very difficult situations rise in 2008. Revolution/Lakewood celebrated their fifth birthday amidst the loss of their founder, and the Crystal Cathedral ended its relationship with their leader as widely reported by news services around the globe. Both situations have proven to be stubborn problems that would have been better avoided! While neither situation has been completely overcome, here is where we are today. (more…)

If we thought 2008 was a tough year in ministry (and for me, it truly was), look at the world economy in 2009! Trillions of dollars in equity has evaporated in our country alone. Every day, thousands are laid off from their once secure-looking jobs. According to recent reports, even communist China has had to send workers home – how is that possible? Home foreclosures in our own area set new records each month. Let’s face it kids, we’re in the weeds! (more…)

Q&A With John Alwood from Infusion Church

Question: When did Infusion launch and what has been the result?
We launched Infusion on the 11th of January and the results have been good. In all of my 11 years of church planting, I can say that this is probably the most “solid feeling” launch I’ve had. Of course, it is difficult to gage off only 4 weeks, but we’ve had great attendance, lots of fun activities, and a real sense of community is already building. Several people have come to Christ, and we’re excited to have our first baptism in a month. The church has also taken shape multi-ethnically. We really didn’t do anything intentional to make this happen. We just prayed for God to make it that way, and in his grace, he did. (more…)

You also should take advantage of the CATALYST WEST conference. Many of us (more than 40 leaders last year alone) have been trekking off to Atlanta, Georgia the past four years to this event and now it is right in our own neighborhood. Register by contacting Rick Mysse and receive the $169. rate not available anywhere else! More info at: Catalystwestcoast.com

The annual Care and Kindness Conference at the Crystal Cathedral really is a must-attend for anyone (and that should include EVERYONE) who serves in ministry today. Learning to deliver care and kindness in a world so hurting is not going to go out of style. Go to CareandKindness.org to learn more – again, bring as many people as you can to take advantage of this gift right around the corner from where you are.

We are so blessed to welcome John Maxwell as our presenter at the March 21 meeting. This will be a SATURDAY (not Tuesday as usual) meeting in order to accommodate our lay-leaders and interested persons who wish to sharpen the edge of their leadership swords! But as usual, we will have a wonderful lunch so we can experience some community. BRING AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN!!! This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

RE:Fresh / Classis Day with Mark Mittelberg “Contagious Church” @ The Bridge