Freedom...
is the product of war
never its strategy
The Kingdom of Heaven is at war and her King has gone on record: soon the whole world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev 11:15).
Such victory will not likely come as long as soldiers are free to determine their own readiness, choose their own battlefields, select their own assault strategies, or go AWOL with impunity. Victory follows orders.
Like any other, the battle for the Kingdom requires Generals -- strong, fearless leaders who will lead their troops into the tougher battlefields of the world. God has already appointed such leaders in the local church.
As long individuals are free to choose and plan their own battles, the Kingdom of Heaven will not likely advance into the most difficult regions where casualties are likely to be high. There must be an Eisenhower to command a Normandy before there can be victory. The Kingdom of Heaven desperately needs strong church leaders to call out...
STEALTH Teams of...
- church planters and senders
- from the local church
- who are fully committed to
- going STEALTH:
- Strategic - "Going where the church is not"
Since the King will only return once His "Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached in the whole world as a witness to all the ethne" (Mt. 24:14), we will only go to the most unreached of the Unreached World ...so help us God!
Effective - "Church Planting Movements" (CPMs)
Since nothing shy of numerous movements (CPMs) will suffice to bring in that day when "all the earth will be filled . . . with an awareness of the glory of the Lord" (Hab. 2:14), we will adopt, develop and implement strategies believed to effectively launch CPMs. Conversely, we will not allow ourselves to be drawn into strategies or ministries unlikely to facilitate a CPM ...so help us God!
Active - "Church Based Teams"
Since the King desires that His children will "be one... so that the world may believe the Father sent the Son" (Jn. 17:21), and since a large percentage of teams dissolve adversarially before ever launching CPMs, we will send teams comprised of a "community" from the same church, who share common values, ethos and 'sympathy' to stay until a CPM is launched amongst their targeted people ...so help us God!
Long Term - "10 years to life"
Since today's "drive-by evangelism" finds it easy to "loose heart in doing good" and since the King promised that "in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal 6:9), both planters and senders will make commitments of 10 years to life to see a CPM launched ...so help us God!
Humble - under effective coaching, usually by an agency
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To receive a free copy of David Garrison's booklet, Church Planting Movements, contact the International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention:
1-800-866-3621
resource.center@imb.org
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Since "plans go wrong for lack of advice" & "many counselors bring success" (Prov. 15:22), churches will not attempt to launch CPMs on their own, but will partner with coaches who will keep us Going STEALTH ...so help us God!
The idea of a consortium for Churches Going STEALTH was birthed by the Spirit's impression upon the emissary committee of Faith Church of the Valley. Faith Church has been actively going STEALTH since 1988. She launched her first STEALTH Team to the Middle East over a decade ago and is in process of launching others.
