This is Discipling

New books by Alan Hirsch, Michael Frost and Dave Ferguson

 

I am so excited to announce two new books from three of my heros. Alan Hirsch has co-authored with two of my favorite people. (Alan is also one of my favorite people). Firstly Dave Ferguson the lead pastor at the church we serve at and belong too has written a book with Alan called "On The Verge." This will be a significant book for churches trying to transition to a missional mindset. Both these men are Apostolic leaders with a heart for the local church. 

The second book is written by one of the best gospel communicators in the world, the co founder and one of the most influential leaders of Forge, Michael Frost. This is Alan's and Michael's third book together and I know it will be a fantastic read. 

New Hubs across America

I want to update you with some exciting news!  After an amazing Hub retreat, several new hubs will be starting in the fall of 2011 or in early 2012.   Our current network of Hub Leaders includes: JR Woodwood - LA/Hollywood, Jeff Jennings/Jeremiah Aja - Sacramento Eric Lerew/Hannah Seppanen - Chicago Don Woolley - Alabama, Geoff & Sherry Maddock - Kentucky, Brad Brisco/Lance Ford-Kansas City I am asking that each of these leaders join me in praying for and in extending grace and help toward the following new leaders who are joining the Forge Mission Training Network family: Greg Hunt - El Paso Nate Bush - Albuquerque Ryan Hairston - Dallas Aaron Monts - San Fransicso Mark Michael- Scotland Mike Kuder - New Jersey Robb Overholt - Washington, DC Kevin Davis - Ann Arbor Karl Halverson - Louisville           We are still finalizing Portland and Atlanta and possibly some new hubs in Chicago/Indiana.  Other news: We have a deal with IVP for a Forge book and study line. Deb Hirsch's new book on sexuality will be our first book!! We are working hard to finalize the arrangements with Wheaton and Asbury for a Masters and Doctor of Ministry. Daily Digital is having a complete multimillion dollar face lift effective June 1st.  We will be adding new content then. Maria and I have committed to another 18 - 24 months in this role in America. We are heading back to Australia in May to renew our VISAs.

New Hub starting in Scotland

Friends, I am so excited to announce our newest hub launching later this year in Scotland, led by Hub Leader Mark Michael. Mark is 43 years old, a husband of 21 years and a father of two.  Hi is a learner, collaborator, traveler and follower of Christ.  Mark has served as a youth minister, pastor of spiritual formation and for the past seven years, Mark has been leading Crossbridge, a church he helped start in Tallahassee, FL.    Almost two years ago, God began calling Mark and his family to Scotland, a calling that combines many of his passions; the missional church, church planting, and all things British.   Mark is moving to Scotland as a learner.  He’ll learn the culture from the country’s wonderful people and from local leaders.  He’ll also learn what God is doing in this incredible country.  It is his desire to work with local leaders and churches to help them think missionally and to facilitate in the birth and nurture of missional / incarnational communities throughout Scotland.   Mark’s sending agency is Greater Europe Mission and his Visa sponsorship is through the Fellowship of Churches of Christ of Great Britain & Ireland.  He is also partnering with NewThing Network and The Upstream Collective.   Mark’s main connections in the UK & Europe thus far have been with: Phil Kingsley - Greater Europe Mission (Ireland) Wes White - Christian Associates (Scotland) Dan Yarnell - Fellowship of CC of GB & Ireland (England) James Petticrew - Mosaic: Edinburgh  (Scotland) Larry McCrary - Upstream Collective/Skybridge (Germany)   Mark Michael is a good friend, great leader and humble missionary who empowers and equips others.  He has raised his entire support and is moving his whole family to Scotland not to plant, but to help birth and nurture the missional church there.  What a great fit for Forge International. Please cheer him on and support him as he pioneers his work there. We laid hands on him at the international gathering in February and are sending him out from Forge America along with the Canadian team’s prayers and support.

The founders of The Forge Mission Training Network

In April 9th 2010, we had our official launch for Forge America at the Lighthouse in Aurora and Wheaton College. We were able to get the founders of The Forge Mission Training Network in one room. I love these people and am honored to be leading Forge America with an incredible team.