PGF Outbox

WHAT IS A MISSIONAL CHURCH?

Jason Zahariades belongs to a newly formed missional  community called "Off Ramp" in San Dimas, California.  He recently wrote an article addressing the question, "What is a missional church?"  It's worth a read at http://www.theofframp.org/missional_comm.html.  Zahariades and his missional co-laborers often blog on their experiences at www.offramp.org.

PGF LEADERSHIP TEAM WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS

We are thrilled to announce the addition of three new board members, Carol Kilman, Paul Parsons and Mike McClenahan.  Their gifts, resources and leadership will assist PGF in fulfilling its mission of transforming mainline congregations into missional communities following Jesus Christ!
 

Thinking Missionally

This video found on YouTube captures in beautiful language and imagery exactly what the "missional church" strives to be.  If you're looking for more of an introduction to what "missional" is all about, check it out here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg628SZ1tfw.

CAUSEdepot: A Resource for Global Christians

Looking to expand your global, Christian perspective?  Seeking new mission opportunities?  Then the new web site, "CAUSE depot," may be just the place for you. Pr. Jim Toole at San Clemente Presbyterian Church, in San Clemente, California, describes his new online initiative as "a website to create awareness around global poverty and entrepreneurial innovation."  Toole wrote PGF to say he is "trying to engage the Christian community around innovative organizations through two blogs, "Entrepreneurs Against Poverty" and "Faith and Globalization."  Let's give a hand of applause to Toole and his collaborators in mission!  Visit the site at www.causedepot.org and let us know what you think!

 

RESORT ISLAND YOUTH SHARE GOSPEL AND WATCH IT TRANSFORM CULTURE

In last month’s issue of the PGF e-newsletter, we asked readers to share feedback on their efforts to positively contribute to and shape culture.  Bill Walker, a businessman, had this to say about how one youth group at a small church on St. Simons Island, Georgia (St. Simons Presbyterian) began to reach un-churched peers for Jesus…and witnessed some incredible transformation!

ALAN HIRSCH TOUGH TALKS "DISCIPLESHIP"

Alan Hirsch will be keynote speaker at PGF’s 2008 conference.  He happens to be good buddies with 2007 keynote speaker Michael Frost, with whom he co-wrote the book, The Shaping of Things to Come and is often collaborating.  You can often find Hirsch musing about various things “missional” at his blog, “The Forgotten Ways” (www.theforgottenways.org)  Here he explores the Kierkegaardian concept of “existence communication” as a pathway to understanding what discipleship (a central feature of missional life) is all about…

CONFEREES SHARE LESSONS IN MISSIONAL TRANSFORMATION (PART 4)

As is often the case, the best “coaches” in missional living are those of you who find yourselves on the front lines of mission as members of local congregations.  Here, Reid Stairs and Ernie Thompson share their testimonies in a fourth installment of a series that highlights lessons in missional transformation…

Mere Mission

Another great blog for engaging the missional church discussion is "Mere Mission" (www.meremission.org) which touts itself as "an open dialogue in missional theology."  It's worth a look.

MISSIONAL IN ACTION: ONE CHURCH ADVENTURES IN SPIRIT'S LEADING

Just several months ago, an elder at Cornerstone Community Church in Ocean City, New Jersey, came across a video on YouTube of Michael Frost.  In the video, Frost was speaking to PGF’s 2007 conferees.  He was telling them that a missional lifestyle would change the way they view God, the way they view the church and the way they view the world.

(Kathy Tabasso with husband Tony)