Hey everyone. Well, it has been a couple weeks so I felt it necessary to post some thoughts. Also, considering that Freaked-Out Fellowship is in "labor pains" right about (getting ready to re-launch the ministry), I also felt compelled to give some insight into how that is going.
Well for starters something I have really wanted to vent about was the affect the Blue Man Group had on me. Gabriella and I had a weekend together (last weekend) and we went to he Holy Land Experience and The Blue Man Group @ Universal Studios. Now I personally was not a fan of the Holy Land Experience because it was very commercial. I am a fan of the concept that Jesus would hate commercial Christianity! Anyways, The Blue Man Group has the exact opposite effect.Basically the way that Blue Man Group touched all your senses with their message (which is no message at all but just relax and have a good time and be entertained), is the exact way that the people of God need to touch the world with the message of the Gospel.
I was both encouraged and discouraged the whole time. Encouraged because I have finally seen exactly what is going on in my head concerning "Freaked-Out" methods of reaching people, and discouraged because I can't believe that the Church hasnt put that much energy, creativity, and passion into the message. We must draw our inspiration from the 11 men who followed Christ, and thus draw our passion and imagination from the prophets of Israel. (Remember our 1st series for Freaked-Out Fellowship will be Prophets at the Beach, hopefully launching in September).
Lately, all my thoughts have been to the concept of Freaked-Out Fellowship (I would imagine it being because I am a freaked-out follower of Jesus and want others to journey this exciting road with me). Gabriella even confirmed this last night when she said "You get inspired by everything for ministry", awesome, isnt that they way it is suppose to be?
Ok, so where do we stand. Freaked-Out Fellowship is still is recruitment stage, looking for a minimum of 2 more local Jesus Freaks, Are you one? I am currently working on a membership concept which will explain what it means and the commitment I am looking for (or better said the commitment He is looking for). In a couple days I will be posting my letter to the Church which will explain some of the insight of a Jesus Freak.
Also, feel obligated to visit the webpage- http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Well, just wanted to share some thoughts and will be posting alot more in the coming days!
Love and Truth- The marks of Life,
Mike Miano
Showing posts with label Freaked-out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freaked-out. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
ReJesus - The Missional Church
I just finished reading ReJesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, and I have to say it might just be another huge factor in my growth. The book has come at a pivotal part of my growth in life (Isn’t it awesome how God orchestrates things?).
Well, let me start with a personal point. When I first came to Christ, I was sent out and equipped to be a radical. Besides the fact that I was in a prison yard where Muslims, atheists, and agnostics ran rampant, brother Paul also let me know from the 1st moment I chose to follow Christ Jesus, that I was called and sent out to be an ambassador.
As of the latest development in my Christian walk, I have learned how to read the Bible in a way that makes perfect sense, truly in context. This has led me to embrace the Preterist doctrine. To be a little critical of what I have seen within some Preterist circles, I see a need to re-connect to the missional Messiah. Therefore, this awesome book could have come at no better a time.
The book starts with a great analogy. When a computer needs to be re-booted, it requires a complete do-over, and must go back to the beginning basic functions. Basically, in order to re-Jesus, we must go back to the basics (do I hear a call for Matthew chapters 5-7 anywhere? (smiles)).
A great quote which is so true in all areas of life and I couldn’t have said it better was: “Jesus is the center of all, the object of all, whoever does not know Him, knows nothing aright, either of the world or of himself” (Blasé Pascal). I can testify to that because before I came to the saving knowledge of Christ, life just didn’t seem to make much sense, but know as a Christian, every day I try to figure out how can the world make sense to those who are stuck in it????
The book goes on to remind us of who Jesus Christ is in the gospels, without us fashioning Him into our images (they even showed pictures of different “Jesus’, and quotes from the movie Talladega Nights, ha ha “Jesus is not a baby anymore!!”.).
“There is no doubt that we face a SPIRITUAL, THEOLOGICAL, MISSIONAL, AND EXISTENTIAL CRISIS in the West”. Anyone disagree? Consider the million and one denominations, why??? Consider the loss of the radical rabbi/ messiah Jesus Christ.
Another astonishing fact about the book was that the authors mixed many of the different mentors/ authors and concepts that I have been admiring a lot lately. For example Shane Claiborne, Erwin McManus, Walter Bruggerman “prophetic imagination”, and some others. I do not consider it a coincidence that these are all linked minds; rather I believe we are onto something here my friends.
“The conspiracy of little Jesus’”- I have come to adore that term, because that’s exactly what Christianity should be called. That’s exactly what I had in mind when the vision for Freaked-Out Fellowship came into play. Just picture it, little Jesus’ all around, everywhere in our neighborhoods starting little revolutions in public and in private lives. The comparison to V for Vendetta was good as well.
I enjoyed the motto of the 3 Latin terms, imago Dei, participate Christo, and mission Dei. = could be said to be the essence of Christianity.
Quoting from Robert McAfree Brown, “Our task is to create foretastes of the Kingdom of God on this planet-living glimpse of what life is meant to be…” Great quote, although as a preterist, I believe we are living in the kingdom of God, which means to presents of the living God with us now, and a fulfilled Old Covenant. Our fulfilled hope is a reality that Christ is ever present with us, and we can live in His presence without priests or artifacts.
Imago Dei, was brought to a new vision for me, especially as an evangelist. Considering that we are all made in the image of God, and some have allowed that to fade by letting this world captivate them, our goal is to identify the image of the Creator in all people, and tease it out. Wow! Talk about being on mission! “I desire to be the man who restores these lost children to God”!
As I read through the book and considered the quote “God is the one who conquers…by capturing the imagination…” I thought about how God has gifted me with a vast imagination. Considering the New Monastic adventures, cross-carrying, sackcloth, denominational studies, etc- these have all been ReJesus moments in my life. That is what we need, constant renewal to the reality of Jesus Christ. Pretty much, a renewal of discipleship, and an enactment of 21st century apostles (Acting Out ACTS anyone?).
The book goes on to direct attention at the institutional church, and how scary it must be to go back to Jesus Christ. The founder of this entire revolution. A lot must change and it is much noticeable that many church leaders will not want to go back to the original because they fear “the whole edifice might crumble”. Well, I guess that battle is are you following Christ or not???
Well, I think that is enough. Honestly, these are only half of my notes from the book. Yes, they and I have that much to say. But maybe another blog soon or contact me and we can talk. My goal is not to write about it, but rather to begin the “conspiracy of little Jesus’, locally and abroad!
Love you all, thanks for reading this lengthy blog!
God bless, through the mighty blood of Christ Jesus,
Michael Miano
PS- please consider supporting my trip to Israel/ Palestine
http://www.riskybusinessforchrist.weebly.com
Well, let me start with a personal point. When I first came to Christ, I was sent out and equipped to be a radical. Besides the fact that I was in a prison yard where Muslims, atheists, and agnostics ran rampant, brother Paul also let me know from the 1st moment I chose to follow Christ Jesus, that I was called and sent out to be an ambassador.
As of the latest development in my Christian walk, I have learned how to read the Bible in a way that makes perfect sense, truly in context. This has led me to embrace the Preterist doctrine. To be a little critical of what I have seen within some Preterist circles, I see a need to re-connect to the missional Messiah. Therefore, this awesome book could have come at no better a time.
The book starts with a great analogy. When a computer needs to be re-booted, it requires a complete do-over, and must go back to the beginning basic functions. Basically, in order to re-Jesus, we must go back to the basics (do I hear a call for Matthew chapters 5-7 anywhere? (smiles)).
A great quote which is so true in all areas of life and I couldn’t have said it better was: “Jesus is the center of all, the object of all, whoever does not know Him, knows nothing aright, either of the world or of himself” (Blasé Pascal). I can testify to that because before I came to the saving knowledge of Christ, life just didn’t seem to make much sense, but know as a Christian, every day I try to figure out how can the world make sense to those who are stuck in it????
The book goes on to remind us of who Jesus Christ is in the gospels, without us fashioning Him into our images (they even showed pictures of different “Jesus’, and quotes from the movie Talladega Nights, ha ha “Jesus is not a baby anymore!!”.).
“There is no doubt that we face a SPIRITUAL, THEOLOGICAL, MISSIONAL, AND EXISTENTIAL CRISIS in the West”. Anyone disagree? Consider the million and one denominations, why??? Consider the loss of the radical rabbi/ messiah Jesus Christ.
Another astonishing fact about the book was that the authors mixed many of the different mentors/ authors and concepts that I have been admiring a lot lately. For example Shane Claiborne, Erwin McManus, Walter Bruggerman “prophetic imagination”, and some others. I do not consider it a coincidence that these are all linked minds; rather I believe we are onto something here my friends.
“The conspiracy of little Jesus’”- I have come to adore that term, because that’s exactly what Christianity should be called. That’s exactly what I had in mind when the vision for Freaked-Out Fellowship came into play. Just picture it, little Jesus’ all around, everywhere in our neighborhoods starting little revolutions in public and in private lives. The comparison to V for Vendetta was good as well.
I enjoyed the motto of the 3 Latin terms, imago Dei, participate Christo, and mission Dei. = could be said to be the essence of Christianity.
Quoting from Robert McAfree Brown, “Our task is to create foretastes of the Kingdom of God on this planet-living glimpse of what life is meant to be…” Great quote, although as a preterist, I believe we are living in the kingdom of God, which means to presents of the living God with us now, and a fulfilled Old Covenant. Our fulfilled hope is a reality that Christ is ever present with us, and we can live in His presence without priests or artifacts.
Imago Dei, was brought to a new vision for me, especially as an evangelist. Considering that we are all made in the image of God, and some have allowed that to fade by letting this world captivate them, our goal is to identify the image of the Creator in all people, and tease it out. Wow! Talk about being on mission! “I desire to be the man who restores these lost children to God”!
As I read through the book and considered the quote “God is the one who conquers…by capturing the imagination…” I thought about how God has gifted me with a vast imagination. Considering the New Monastic adventures, cross-carrying, sackcloth, denominational studies, etc- these have all been ReJesus moments in my life. That is what we need, constant renewal to the reality of Jesus Christ. Pretty much, a renewal of discipleship, and an enactment of 21st century apostles (Acting Out ACTS anyone?).
The book goes on to direct attention at the institutional church, and how scary it must be to go back to Jesus Christ. The founder of this entire revolution. A lot must change and it is much noticeable that many church leaders will not want to go back to the original because they fear “the whole edifice might crumble”. Well, I guess that battle is are you following Christ or not???
Well, I think that is enough. Honestly, these are only half of my notes from the book. Yes, they and I have that much to say. But maybe another blog soon or contact me and we can talk. My goal is not to write about it, but rather to begin the “conspiracy of little Jesus’, locally and abroad!
Love you all, thanks for reading this lengthy blog!
God bless, through the mighty blood of Christ Jesus,
Michael Miano
PS- please consider supporting my trip to Israel/ Palestine
http://www.riskybusinessforchrist.weebly.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Update Blog - Keep it Simple
First off, let me start with "I'm Sorry". I am such a horrible blogger for those who read and look forward to my blogs. Its been close to two months on this blog since I have made a post.
Well, today's message from pastor Matt at Next Level Church hit the mark. Struck me guilty of "OVERLOAD" and now I am repenting. The past 2 months I have thought about blogging, had some good messages I wanted to share, but always had a busy excuse NY, Gabriella was sick, busy, busy, busy...
So, I will be back on my blogging. I wanted to talk a bit about the message pastor Matt delivered and some things he said and how they impacted me.
Well, here is the link to the message, if you would like to hear it yourself. It's apart of NLC's new series "Overload- disconnect to reconnect".
http://www.nextlevelchurch.com/templates/_nextlevel/details.asp?id=37624&PID=659042
Anyways, the most profound thing pastor Matt said that resonated in my heart was that "the natural human heart/ mind always wanders to make things more complicated". So True, I have seen this in my ways, my life, and the ministry. I had a conversation yesterday where I had confessed to a brother in Christ, that the Lord is re-teaching me "simplicity". It's so true that "the simple things confound the wise".
We, the Tribe of Dan Ministry, have had a minor transition. I am leading up the work in a new ministry called "Freaked-Out Fellowship", in which yours truly in the lead pastor! We are taking it back to simplicity- Creating Jesus Freaks! This had a lot to do with my latest learnings in love for the simple things in every aspect of life. Relationships, evangelism, prayer, etc..
Oh yeah, check out the Freaked-Out Fellowship webpage, we are still doing work but we look to launch in June or July.
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Well, I'm going to follow my own advice and keep it simple with this blog. I hope you might look into the simplicity that is in Christ today, and you learn in your own walk, following Christ daily!
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Mike
Well, today's message from pastor Matt at Next Level Church hit the mark. Struck me guilty of "OVERLOAD" and now I am repenting. The past 2 months I have thought about blogging, had some good messages I wanted to share, but always had a busy excuse NY, Gabriella was sick, busy, busy, busy...
So, I will be back on my blogging. I wanted to talk a bit about the message pastor Matt delivered and some things he said and how they impacted me.
Well, here is the link to the message, if you would like to hear it yourself. It's apart of NLC's new series "Overload- disconnect to reconnect".
http://www.nextlevelchurch.com/templates/_nextlevel/details.asp?id=37624&PID=659042
Anyways, the most profound thing pastor Matt said that resonated in my heart was that "the natural human heart/ mind always wanders to make things more complicated". So True, I have seen this in my ways, my life, and the ministry. I had a conversation yesterday where I had confessed to a brother in Christ, that the Lord is re-teaching me "simplicity". It's so true that "the simple things confound the wise".
We, the Tribe of Dan Ministry, have had a minor transition. I am leading up the work in a new ministry called "Freaked-Out Fellowship", in which yours truly in the lead pastor! We are taking it back to simplicity- Creating Jesus Freaks! This had a lot to do with my latest learnings in love for the simple things in every aspect of life. Relationships, evangelism, prayer, etc..
Oh yeah, check out the Freaked-Out Fellowship webpage, we are still doing work but we look to launch in June or July.
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Well, I'm going to follow my own advice and keep it simple with this blog. I hope you might look into the simplicity that is in Christ today, and you learn in your own walk, following Christ daily!
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Mike
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