Denver Church Planting

Church Planters... here is a message from Danny Christian about a great opportunity connected to Taste of Colorado.

 Pastor,

We are coming up on the Taste of Colorado Outreach next weekend, September 2-5. I am still hoping to have you come join us. This is a great way for people to be trained in sharing their faith and to win souls here in Denver, CO. Again, I am not asking for a person to give up a whole day, or even weekend to do this. I have attached the schedule so you can see, and just join us at one of the outreach sessions. Even if a team, or group of people want to join for an hour or two that is GREAT!. If you are involved in the Rock the Range this is a great way for people to put into action what they learned there. Over 300,000 will move through this event next week. Let us reach souls for the Kingdom of GOD. (last year we had 27 professions of faith)....AMEN!!

Let me know what you are going to do either way please Pastor. Thanks for your time.

Taste of Colorado Outreach Information 2011

September 2-5 is the actual event. See schedule below to see how and when you can be involved.

Taste of Colorado Outreach Schedule (tentative)

Friday September 2, 2011

9:00- 10:30 am – Devotion @ Host Church:

10:30 – 11:30 am – Prayer Walking @ witness areas

11:30 - 12:30 pm – Lunch @TBA

12:30 – 2:30 pm – Witnessing

2:30 – 3:00 pm – Break (hydration and shade)

3:00 – 5:00 pm – Witnessing

5:00 – 6:00 pm – Supper @ TBA

6:00 – 7:30 pm – Witnessing

7:30 – 8:00 pm – Break (hydration and shade)

8:00 – 9:30 pm – Witnessing

Saturday September 3, 2011

9:30 – 10:30 am – Devotion @TBA

10:30 – 11:30 am – Witnessing

11:30 – 12:30 pm – Lunch @TBA

12:30 – 2:30 pm – Witnessing

2:30 – 3:00 pm – Break (hydration and shade)

3:00 – 5:00 pm – Witnessing

5:00 – 6:00 pm – Supper @ TBA

6:00 – 7:30 pm – Witnessing

7:30 – 8:00 pm – Break (hydration and shade)

8:00 – 9:30 pm – Witnessing

Sunday September 4, 2011

9:30 – 10:30 am – Devotion @TBA

10:30 – 11:30 am – Witnessing

11:30 – 12:30 pm – Lunch @TBA

12:30 – 2:30 pm – Witnessing

2:30 – 3:00 pm – Break (hydration and shade)

3:00 – 5:00 pm – Witnessing

5:00 – 6:00 pm – Supper @ TBA

6:00 – 7:30 pm – Witnessing

7:30 – 8:00 pm – Break (hydration and shade)

8:00 – 9:30 pm – Witnessing

Monday September 5 2011

9:00- 10:30 am – Devotion @ Host Church: TBA 10:30 – 11:30 am – Prayer Walking @ witness areas

11:30 - 12:30 pm – Lunch @TBA

12:30 – 2:30 pm – Witnessing

2:30 – 3:030 pm – Closing (rest up for your travel home)

--

Laboring Till He Returns,

Danny Christian

Sustainable Evangelism Ministries

720-298-1244

www.equipthechurch.com <http://www.equipthechurch.com>

sustainableevangelism@gmail.com

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I

may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord

Jesus, to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God."-Acts 20:24.

Church Planters,

An exciting opportunity is scheduled at Restoration Community Church for August 20th. Carl Medearis, well known for his work with Muslims, will lead a seminar on sharing one’s faith. Medearis promises to empower and encourage believers as they seek effective ways to share the good news about Jesus. You are invited to this event as well. You and the members of your church / ministry are invited to come!

We all wrestle with how to raise needed funds to go after the vision God has called us towards. Church planting requires an ability to constantly raise needed resources. But, you are not just raising dollars. More important, you are building meaningful kingdom partnerships. In my own journey, the friendships far outweigh the money raised. Some of the best contributions were in the order of advice and coaching. Servant Network offers helpful tips in the arena of fundraising. See the below links for helpful tips:

Tuning in to Donors

Donors are Inspired and gain Confidence if you have a PLAN

 Click here for other fund raising tips

The World Has Come to Denver

By Joe Beckler

We were sipping Turkish coffee in the Al Basha restaurant in south Denver. Arabic sounds were in the background in a restaurant that made me feel as if I was in Turkey. Wisam, my friend, was sharing about his family. Two nights prior to our meeting, a thunderstorm rolled through Denver. He explained that the booming thunder reminded his children of home, back in Baghdad, Iraq.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“The bombs,” Wisam explained, “The thunder sounded like the explosions we heard in Baghdad.”

Again, I was reminded of the hard journey that eventually brought Wisam and his family to Denver. They are refugees from Iraq, seeking asylum. My family, along with another family in our neighborhood, decided to mentor Wisam’s family as they adjust to their new life in Denver.

We found that the journey of assimilation is not easy. It is complicated and at times very harsh. Wisam’s family is just one of thousands that have found their way to Denver, which has become a place of safety for people from all over the world. Refugees from Iraq, Somalia, Ethiopia, Bhutan, Nepal, Burma, Congo, as well as many other places have found their way to our neighborhoods in Denver.

Their stories are remarkable and heartbreaking at the same time. Some are too hard to tell. Other refugees carry experiences that Hollywood would use to make a thrilling movie.

Pastor Rico Gutierrez and his church, First Baptist Church of Aurora, know all too well the stories of refugees flocking into Denver. Their church, once filled with military personnel who served at Lowry Air Force Base and Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, has changed through the years. “The bases closed,” Gutierrez explains, “and the community changed.” Eight years ago, this one church was trying to cope with the radical shifts occurring at the corner of Colfax and Havana, the location of their church. Gutierrez explained that the church consisted of older members who desperately wanted to reach a changing and diverse community.

The community of Aurora, then and now, reflects the world, with people from South and Central America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The members of First Baptist called Gutierrez and his wife to pastor the church into the future. Gutierrez, a Filipino, was the right man for the job. He has led the church, under God’s grace, to become a congregation that has 10 different nations represented. In addition, the church has opened its doors to other refugee and migrant congregations.

The Karen people, from northern Burma, share the building as Karen Baptist Church of Denver. The Nepalese and Bhutanese worship as Hope Intercultural Ministries. The Hispanic community, as well, is strongly represented in a congregation called Primera Iglesia.

Pastor Gutierrez explains, “The way we do ministry changes with the influx of refugees.” The area is already very diverse, but the refugee population is a game-changer. “A lot of the cultures,” says Gutierrez, “are different to us.” This has led Gutierrez to look for help from missionaries serving in other countries. He has sought to learn as much as possible to help the people living around the church.

The biggest issues faced by all refugee groups include learning English, assimilating into American culture, and many times processing through the stress and strain of their past. Somali refugees, for example, fear anyone knocking on their door. In their homeland, opening the door could mean death, rape, kidnapping, or something else very frightening.

Refugees are better off living in safer and freer environments like Denver, but finding jobs is frustratingly difficult. Many times, as is the case for Iraqis coming to Denver, the refugee’s experiences and skills make them qualified for higher paying jobs. Yet, poor English ability limits them to lower wage paying jobs. In many ways, as Gutierrez explains, teaching English unlocks a whole world of possibilities for refugees.

Emotionally, the average refugee’s adjustment to life in Denver can be a huge strain. Husbands and wives who once provided for their families are limited and become depressed, timid, and lose the assertiveness they once had in their homeland.

Refugees, when coming to the United States, arrive through refugee resettlement agencies. In Denver, one such agency is Lutheran Family Services. This agency, in partnership with the government, offers resources to refugee families as they arrive. This includes funding for the first six to eight months in the form of grants or other funding. Food stamps, job coaching, English lessons, and medical care are part of the services provided. But after the six to eight month period, when government grant funding ends, the refugee family is living in a new reality. Typically, six months is not enough time for a family to adjust, learn English, and find jobs.

Gutierrez sees this as an opportunity. For example, we don’t have to buy a ticket to Nepal. Nepal has come to us! Unreached people groups are living in our neighborhoods! Right here in Denver, people have come, looking for help, safety, a new life, and hope. Jesus is the best hope we can offer and the churches of Denver are perfectly positioned to walk with refugees through their issues and struggles.

When asked about needs, Gutierrez explained, “Financially, it is really tough.” With limited resources, pastor Gutierrez must watch with a sense of agony as many needs go unmet. He shared about one instance where a Congolese man came to him sharing a burden about his past experiences, coming out of war-torn Congo. The man was a pastor, and started an orphanage in one of the refugee camps bordering Congo. The orphanage started after the pastor learned about a child who committed suicide, because he was hungry and hopeless. “A child!” Gutierrez remarked.

The Congolese pastor started the orphanage to help children whose parents had been killed in Congo. Gutierrez explained that the Congolese pastor, now living in Aurora, was still burdened for those children back in Africa. “Coming here,” he explains, “their hearts are still there.” The pastor wanted to fly back and visit the orphanage. He came to Gutierrez , looking for possible funding for the trip. The church could not help. It was very difficult.

Refugees, have very little financially to offer in return. But, as First Baptist Church models in the way they serve refugees, the Gospel mandates that we reach out to those who have come to our neighborhoods. The world has come, and First Baptist Church Aurora knows that the love of Jesus must be shown.

Gutierrez also explained that the economy’s downturn is tough on areas like East Colfax. In general, jobs are hard to come by, so refugees find themselves faced with multiple challenges when it comes to creating a self-sufficient future in Denver.

The opportunity is for the church to be famous in Denver as the place refugees can go for help. First Baptist Aurora has become such a place.

Ways to help are many and opportunities for followers of Jesus to engage refugees are everywhere! As Guiterez explains, the dream is to establish a missions center in East Colfax that could help refugees with tangible needs like learning English, how to write a resume, job placement. As well, churches willing to partner financially are of the utmost importance. Funding makes a Gospel-difference when the church becomes the “go-to” place for refugees.

Finally, Rico Gutierrez is praying for missionaries to join him in his work Aurora. Presently, First Baptist Church of Aurora is looking to develop a project for North American Board Missions Service Corps volunteers and/ or US C2 missionaries. Seminary students and those exploring foreign missions would be terrific candidates for serving at First Baptist Church Aurora.

What could happen if we became the place of hope for refugees? They would find Jesus. They could find salvation. They could find the hope they are looking for. David Garrison’s book Church Planting Movements, chronicles the growth of the church all over the world. In places other than the United States, the church is growing fast and furious. Why not in Denver? Could it be that our next global church planting movement starts at Colfax and Havana? Could our churches become the top “go-to” place for refugees looking for hope?

Fast Facts:

·     In the world there are roughly 20 million people living in refugee status. (From http://www.lfsco.org/refugee-asylee)

·     Help First Baptist Church of Aurora serve refugees. Contact information -- 303.366.1339 or fbca.pastor@comcast.net

·     Help refugees learn English. Volunteer at Hope Intercultural Mission Center. Visit -- http://www.denverchurchplanting.org/serve-denver/hope-intercultural-center.html

·      Become the first U.S. friend to a refugee family relocating to Denver. Join this amazing opportunity to guide a family from a country such as Burma, Iraq, Sudan or Somalia in their adjustment to life in the U.S. For more information, please call Tom Leavitt at 303.953.3939 or e-mail him at TLeavitt@denrescue.org.

·      For more information, contact Dr. Bob Ryan, Mile High Baptist Association at bobryan@milehighbaptist.org or Joe Beckler, Colorado Baptist Convention at jbeckler@coloradobaptists.org

We all desire to lead our churches towards opportunities that make an impact in the world. Consider the below opportunity as one way you can be part of an amazing effort to impact our world through your church or small group. 

Hey all-
         I want to make you aware of an incredible opportunity. A group of pastors/planters/movement leaders from Zurich, Switzerland will be sharing with us about what God is doing in Europe and what methods they are using. They have planted over 30 churches all over Europe and continue to plant more each year. There is no cost and bring anyone you would like! Check out ICF on the web http://www.icf.ch/

When: Saturday July 2nd 7:30 PM
Where: Vanguard Church theater 6 (3950 N Academy Blvd)
Who: Anyone interested 

                                 Kingdom come, Alan

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Alan Briggs, Vanguard Church
Apprenticeships & Church Planting
719.271.5866
www.SaintEquipper.com <http://www.SaintEquipper.com>
www.Twitter.com/AlanBriggs <http://www.Twitter.com/AlanBriggs>

I was recently asked to respond to some church planting questions, with respect to the Denver Context. These were my thoughts...

1. What do you know now about church planting that you wished you had known before you moved here?

I think the most important thing I wish I knew was that church planting is a spiritual journey... More than anything else it is a journey of faith, walking in the Spirit, trusting Jesus. The mechanics will come if Jesus is leading the movement.

2. What have you done that seems to be working that you could build on?

To reach people who are pre-Christian, post-Christian, etc... I have learned the importance of being part of God’s kingdom work. As a church planter (as was the case in Durango, as well as being a church planting consultant in Denver) I must understand that my scope of pastoring relates to every person  I relate to. Whether attending my church or in some other domain, if God has allowed me to build a connection with someone, I am to be a Jesus-follower who serves that person at whatever place they are in the spiritual formation process. The kingdom of God is not about building a single church. It is about the reach of the Gospel in our world.

3. What is your greatest ongoing challenge?

Funding is a tough one, but the biggest challenge is expectations... All leaders have expectations for the Denver church planting context. Disappoint is birthed when expectations do not mesh with the context. Taking time to clearly understand the context doesn’t necessarily mean slow growth or hard times... It simply means that we must look really hard at the people God loves in Denver. We must figure out the most natural paths into their lives and worldview perspectives.

4. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned that you would want to pass on to the next generation of planters?

• Collaboration is crucial. Find a network of like-minded leaders who will pray with you, encourage and empower... Not stifle or slow down.

• TAKE CARE OF YOUR WIFE AND KIDS! Seriously, listen to your spouse and make sure you are tracking with what she is thinking and feeling. Make sure your family is settled and doing well.

• Don’t buy into the idea that church panting is a 60+ hours a week gig. Live a balanced life, work really hard and play really hard. Take care of yourself physically.

• Figure out, constantly, the elements you need to closely manage, as well as the ones you need to let go of, in the overall structure of the church.

• Develop leaders. Some will stick, while others will disappoint. Don’t worry about the disappointments... Expect it. Constantly work on your leaders.

• Coach people through the lens of faith... Your not starting a small business or simply starting a 501c3 non-profit. You are participating in God’s creation of a church. Help people see the journey through the lens faith.

• Constantly educate yourself... Listen to other leaders, listen to people in your community, observe, ask a lot of questions. Then, do it again!
  

5. What do you do to meet people?

   I create learning zones. These are places where I can meet people through consistent interaction...

• A regular hang-out, like a coffee shop, workout center, etc.

• Sports-related opportunities. Coach a team!

• Play — ski with people, run with some one consistently, camp with another family, do fun stuff with people around you... Be the inviter, too. People love to be asked.

• Stick close to your neighborhood. Hang out in your front yard. Walk your streets and say hi to neighbors. Help neighbors with projects. Have a BBQ on your street... Not in your back yard... In the front! (In my case, after a snow storm, pull out the snow blower and clean as many driveways as possible!)

• Figure out the community cycles of your community and prioritize being part of these events (i.e. Memorial Day picnics, 4th of July events, Christmas seasonal opportunities.)

• Do not reinvent serving opportunities that already exist. We sometimes like to do our “own thing” as churches. Instead, latch on to opportunities in the community so that you have lots of face-time with the world around you.

• Meet anyone who will meet with you (Mayor, city council, Sheriff, governor’s chief of staff, etc.) You will be surprised how willing and accessible people are. Ask them how you can help, choose to address one of the needs, and deliver on your promise!

• Mentor a refugee family.

• Mentor a homeless family.
  

6. What are people trying to do in their lives, that they are currently unable to do, that you can help them to do?

In Colorado it typically feels like people come to get away from something. They also come to enjoy an idyllic life that seems to be associated with the mountains. People typically are happy here, but they also find themselves living with little margin and difficulty when it comes to balancing life. Jesus is the best remedy, helping people slow down, breathe, and think. This means confronting the things they are running from.

People also need to see that faith works. Intellectual dialogue is crucial in our context. However people really want to know that Jesus works. You have to demonstrate faith.

The commodity in Colorado is “experience”. People pay big bucks to have a thrill. We value experiences. After a while, however, the thrill fades and people need help understanding a deeper unmet need.


7. What’s the best thing you do to help people to “live outside themselves?”

You must provide specific opportunities for people to “live outside themselves”. You coach them up towards this value and deliver with turn-key opportunities designed to serve those in need. Once you have lit the fire in many people, they start living outside of themselves without coaching because it feels so good! As a leader, you need to embrace the kingdom movements in your context and become a broker of sorts, connecting people with opportunities so that they can taste the brilliance of serving, just like Jesus.


8. What “lies” are you most tempted to believe?

The biggest lie... "Butts in pews and dollars in the plate are most important".

In Castle Rock, an amazing church has emerged. This group is not but of the Colorado Baptist network but belongs to the greater movement of God's Kingdom in the front range of Colorado. Steve Roloff, the founder of Broken Tree, is an amazing church planter!

The Summit Denver, serving in the Five Points/ East Side Neighborhoods of Denver celebrated their first baptism this weekend. We celebrate with this team as they see the Gospel move in people's lives.