To the Nations – Visit to Ghana and Nigeria – Part 2

Cross-culture, Ghana, International, News, Nigeria, Poor
Recently Danny McBride, a friend from my church (CCK, Brighton) and I visited Ghana and Nigeria. In part 1 of this report (see February 8th) I showed an interview with John Kpikpi of his vision and apostolic ministry in West Africa. While in Ghana I was also able to speak to John about his attitude to the Poor. The Kingdom Mandate of Is 61:1-3 demonstrates God’s heart for the Poor and the fruit of the gospel in their lives. I thought it would be interesting to gain John’s perspective on this from the context of a nation and church which has many poor people in their midst. Theology of the Poor in Ghana - John Kpikpi from Newfrontiers on Vimeo.   [caption id="attachment_944" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Gate of No Return"][/caption]…
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To the Nations – Visit to Ghana and Nigeria – Part 1

Christian ministry, Cross-culture, Ghana, International, News, To the Nations
I am breaking into my Time Management series to include a report on my recent visit to West Africa. It was a joy to be with John Kpikpi in Ghana and Sam Amara in Nigeria. John leads City of God Church in Accra and brings apostolic oversight to Newfrontiers churches in 7 West African nations. Sam leads the Riches of Grace Church in Lagos and is church planting in both Lagos and beyond. This report will come in 2 parts. The first is primarily an interview with John about his ministry and the West African scene. I encourage you not only to watch this but then to link to his teaching videos which have arisen out of his very successful television ministry. In the second part (with the next Time…
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Biblical Administration pt 7 – Qualifications of an Administrator – Spiritual Wisdom and Faith

Administration in the Church, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Equipping, General, Good Practice, Leadership
Full of the Spirit and wisdom Returning to our examination of qualities that make a good Administrator we shall now look at Acts 6:3. Here we see that the apostles specify that the candidates must be ‘full of the Spirit and wisdom’. In times of tension, which undoubtedly was the case with the particular dispute that gave rise to the need for these appointments, there is no room for what many would call human or natural reactions to dominate; these can rapidly become ungodly. It would be easy, out of frustration, for those charged with solving the problem to resort to heavy handedness and try to impose a solution. Recently I have been involved in a sad situation in which a key leader, with significant administrative responsibility in a Christian…
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Biblical Administration part 5 – Knowing the Leader’s heart

Administration in the Church, Administrative Skills, Christian ministry, Conference Administration, Equipping, Planning
The right context Knowing the Leader’s heart is a vital key to effective administration. When we looked at the spiritual gift of administration in 1 Cor 12:28 we saw how the Greek word kubernesis, the root of ‘administrating’, equated to the pilot of a ship in New Testament times. He was responsible for the ship’s welfare and a successful voyage but was also physically close to the merchant who had hired him as he was travelling on board. Just picture how, during the voyage, much discussion would have taken place, the vessel being small, and the ‘pilot’ would have learnt much about the Merchant’s business and expectations. Maybe he was even able to suggest helpful ways of increasing the Merchant's trade from the knowledge he had gained during his sea-faring…
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Biblical Administration part 4 – The fruit of good Administration

Administration in the Church, Biblical Administration, Christian ministry, Equipping, General, Leadership
Act 6:1-7  (1) Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (2) And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (4 ) But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  (5) And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and…
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