Impacting the Nation for Christ through the marketplace Marketplace Leaders Houseparty Lake Burnbrae, 1-2 May

Our Mandate God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:18-20). 2

Question 1. Should you be a great ambassador for Christ in your daily occupation? 2. Are you good at it? 3. Have you been trained for it?

Australia’s Christian Heritage 14 May is the 400th celebration of Pedro Ferdandez de Quiros prophetic declaration of: “The Great Southlands of the Holy Spirit” 14 May is the 400th celebration of Pedro Ferdandez de Quiros prophetic declaration of: “The Great Southlands of the Holy Spirit” On 18 Jan 1788 the first fleet landed with an evangelical pilgrimage from the Clapham sect (Spirit of a Nation, Stuart Piggin, p6) On 18 Jan 1788 the first fleet landed with an evangelical pilgrimage from the Clapham sect (Spirit of a Nation, Stuart Piggin, p6) Richard Johnson’s first sermon Feb was from Psalm 116:12 ~ “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me” Richard Johnson’s first sermon Feb was from Psalm 116:12 ~ “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me” 4

How are we going 218 Years later? 2001 Census indicated 68% of the population identified with a Christian denomination Census indicated 68% of the population identified with a Christian denomination NCLS research indicated around 7% of population attend church on a weekly basis NCLS research indicated around 7% of population attend church on a weekly basis 1 If we allow 50% of these to be born again, then… If we allow 50% of these to be born again, then… around 3% of population are disciples of Christ around 3% of population are disciples of Christ + ? number of home church Christians + ? number of home church Christians

Australia’s Spiritual Culture Anti-clerical - Johnson & Marsden were clerical magistrates - perceived responsible for convict wretchedness 1 - shocking recent church history - paedophilia etc. Anti-clerical - Johnson & Marsden were clerical magistrates - perceived responsible for convict wretchedness 1 - shocking recent church history - paedophilia etc. Anti-establishment - 150,000 convicts shipped to Aust up to avarice and apathy came with petty thief origins - today people disregard a fragmented and centripetal church that pours 95% of its energy into 5% of peoples time, in buildings most people don’t want to go to. Anti-establishment - 150,000 convicts shipped to Aust up to avarice and apathy came with petty thief origins - today people disregard a fragmented and centripetal church that pours 95% of its energy into 5% of peoples time, in buildings most people don’t want to go to. 1. Piggin p

Marketplace Disassociation A common church attitude has been that if you are a “real” Christian you should leave the workforce for “full time” ministry A common church attitude has been that if you are a “real” Christian you should leave the workforce for “full time” ministry In 37 years in the airlines never once did the church encourage train or equip me for ministry in my profession In 37 years in the airlines never once did the church encourage train or equip me for ministry in my profession The church vacated the media to pagans, and then complains about what they produce! The church vacated the media to pagans, and then complains about what they produce! 7

from the village to the market place Paradigm Shift around 90% of the population disconnected from church there is a surge in search for alternative spirituality church leaders mostly disconnected from the business world business life consigned to a place of low spiritual worth low credibility of the church in the eyes of the community Where do Christians most often meet not-yet-Christians? 8

Wynyard Station June 2004 ‘Lord, How are we going to reach all these people?’ 9

‘I want every Australian to have at least one opportunity in their life time to work alongside someone who is a living letter of Jesus Christ to them’ 2 Cor 3:3 10

We have to Impact the 10 Streams Business Business Charity Charity Church Church Creative Arts Creative Arts Education Education Government Government Health Health Justice Justice Media Media Sport Sport This is where the culture is determined This is where we have to release the KoG 11

Impediments to Effectiveness SegmentationSunday/Monday - Sacred/Secular - Spiritual/Material FragmentationDenominationalism and parochialism impeding Christian cohesion in the world (John 17:18). Church dysfunctional at the critical point of unity John 17: IsolationLack of Christian networking in the marketplace. IntimidationThe world subduing a lukewarm church (Rev 3:14-22) rather than the church subduing the world (Gen 1:28). DeceptionLack of Kingdom of God world view (Dan 2:44). CompromiseLack of discipleship in the marketplace (Matt 22:37-40) and lack of application of the fruit and gifts of the spirit Monday to Friday. Training GapLack of training on how to be an ambassador for Christ in a corporation, shoe store, shopping centre, construction site or factory (2 Cor 5:17-20). 12

The Challenge To develop a networked missional culture that equips and trains people to be effective for Christ in their daily occupations To develop a networked missional culture that equips and trains people to be effective for Christ in their daily occupations In other words to raise up great ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace In other words to raise up great ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace 2 Cor 5:20 13

Collaboration Model Mentoring and Training Marketplace groups Discipleship worked out in the marketplace with prayer Transformation personal immediate area wider area Affects the Nation power of one, cumulative Local Churches Evangelism relational, courses, teaching, street, events Discipleship 14

AMC Contribution ILG CEO ILG CEO ILG SME ILG SME MCForum MCForum Web site resources Web site resources eBulletins eBulletins Bootcamp Bootcamp Marketplace Leaders Houseparty Marketplace Leaders Houseparty Strategic Alliances: MPB MPB Business Alpha Business Alpha TM and TA TM and TA LightFM LightFM Breakthrough Events Breakthrough Events Willow Creek GLS Willow Creek GLS 15

Objective at Lake Burnbrae Scattered Church 70% of time Marketplace groups emerging Gathered Church 5% of time Connect Collaborate Catalyse 16