It is difficult ~ impossible ~ to put into mere words what happened at the Dialogue in Matthews, North Carolina.  Forty men and women attended what was originally planned as a dialogue for fivefold ministries. 

We soon became aware that we were in for much more than a typical discussion of the ministry gifts to the body of Christ. 

1.  We didn’t focus upon our anointing, but celebrated our identity as brothers.  (We all need friends.  Family comes before function.)  Relationships were forged and strengthened. 

2.  A significant level of humility subordinated various understandings.  We listened to and cared for one another. 

3.  The various grace gifts enjoyed fellowship on a level playing field.

4.  We concluded with communion, celebrating Jesus Christ in our midst.

For me, this was a high water mark compared to all previous dialogues that I have attended.  It was on a different level, much more inspirational and envisioning than the intellectual positioning of the past.  No “boxes” made it through the first day.

Following are thirteen propositions that helped to launch our dialogue.  While we did not strive for consensus, and I cannot say that everyone totally agrees with every one of these, they served us well as our Father took us deeper than the propositions themselves.

Don Atkin

PROPOSITIONS FOR DIALOGUE

Proposition   1.  Contemporary examples of creation’s cry for the revealing of the sons of God include (but are not limited to) the Myanmar Cyclone, China Earthquake, USA Credit Crisis, and Global Food Crisis.

Proposition   2.  Discipleship, as modeled and commissioned by Jesus, is His pattern for bringing many sons to maturity and glory, into obedience to the Great Commandment.

Proposition   3.  The church is out of Egypt, but Egypt is not yet out of the church.  Refinement is the primary purpose of God’s fire, intended to bring forth such values as love, humility, honor, and servitude.

Proposition   4.  Reformation of the church is necessary to return the focus to fellowship, discipleship and body ministry, and move the church toward local, regional and global dominion.

Proposition   5.  We are all baptized into one body just as He pleased, and we have need of one another.  Every body part has its function.

Proposition   6.  Heaven’s Wine is the Spirit of Christ in us (the hope of glory), and we together comprise the wineskin, His body in the earth.

Proposition   7.  All authority is given to Jesus.  The authority that He delegates is not of this world.  Said another way, spiritual authority comes forth out of the new creation.

Proposition   8.  Christ is to be submitted to wherever He is seen.  Each member carries the authority necessary for providing his/her supply to the body and work in the world.

Proposition   9.  Headship needs to be returned to Jesus in practical ways.  Elders are to shepherd and oversee, and fivefold gifts are to serve and equip among the saints, not from above them.

Proposition 10.  Biblical identities of the church include homes, cities/regions, and global communion.  Meeting places included a variety of venues.

Proposition 11.  Ingredients within any paradigm should include (1) the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples,  (2) reasoning with and persuading them daily concerning the things of the kingdom of God ~ to the end that (3) all who dwell in your region hear the word of the Lord Jesus.

Proposition 12.  The mission of the church is to (1) preach the gospel of the kingdom, (2) disciple converts, (3) transform cultures, (4) fill the earth with God’s government and glory.

Proposition 13.  We are to live in such an intimate relationship with Jesus that His life is continually being birthed through us.  New life will always draw the lost, lead to their salvation, and nurture them toward maturity and fruitfulness.