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.