CMA LogoTools & Trainings E-Newsletter
Issue 32                                            September 25, 2009
Connecting a Movement
As a movement, only in the early days were we really able to track what churches, disciples and leaders were part of the movement.  Mostly, that's the "sociology" of a movement--they move more like a cloud than like a box.  As it expands, it gets beyond the basic relational connections and is too big for anyone to know everyone.  The relational connections are vital in our movement--not only in the LTGs and organic churches and networks, but in the movement as well! (remember the DNA!)

We do know that there is value in connecting with other disciples, churches, networks, leaders and movements.  We get dozens of phone calls, emails and questions every week about if we know someone in xyz place.  We can't keep track or keep up.  If you are coming new to the "cloud," then you are longing for others to connect with.  If you are praying and seeking God to see your city or county or region reached with the Gospel, you are longing to know what is going on in your area. 

With this in mind, we have launched a page on our website to attempt to help people make some connections.  You can check it out here.  If you'd like to add your church or network to the map, click the link and then on the bottom right hit "Add a new organic church/network."

We hope you'll let others know where you are at and don't be surprised if someone connects with you via the website! 

_________________________

Also we just posted a little audio ditty that is an explanation about Church Multiplication Associates and the movement.  It's a short and concise piece by Neil Cole that gives some framework.  Check it out here
Upcoming Trainings- Organic Greenhouse

Greenhouse Story 1Atlanta, GA // Story 1
October 9-11
@ Dunwoody Baptist Church
Details and registration here
Online registration ends Oct 4 

Detroit, MI // Story 1

October 23-25
@ Holiday Inn Express
Details and registration here
Early Bird registration ends Oct 2
Greenhouse Story 2


>>More details and to register HERE



Trainings in the planning stages for 2009/10:
 
Long Beach, CA // Story 1
San Luis Obispo, CA // Story 1
Twin Cities, Minnesota // Story 1
Chicago, IL // Story 1 & 2
Westwood, CA (UCLA) // Story 1


Other Organic Church Learning Opportunities
 
London, England
Sept 30, 2009  3-6pm
Neil Cole will be having an organic church conversation with folks there
If you would like more details, please contact Tom Barlow

Featured Resources

Starfish & Spider PaperbackThe Starfish and the Spider: The unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations--Paperback Edition
By Ori Brafman and Rod Beckstrom

This new cheaper paperback edition mentions Neil Cole and Church Multiplication Associates in the Epilogue!  If you've been waiting to get it because the hardback was more than $20...it's time to get it!   It has some keen insights for the organic church movement!


Organic LeadershipOrganic Leadership: Leading Naturally Right Where You Are
By Neil Cole

"It is my belief that the kingdom of God is relational, spiritual, and natural-without all the artificial stuff we tend to use to prop up our ministries today. It is not necessary for people to work as professionals in the church to make it happen. When church and her leadership are natural and organic, they reproduce spontaneously and movements will result."  --Neil Cole

                                      >> For more Info or to Order- Click HERE
 
Special SALE Items
 
Search & Rescue Search & Rescue: Becoming a Disciple that Makes A Difference
by Neil Cole

Full of heroic and even humorous stories, it captures readers' imaginations and hearts and doesn't let go until they want to make a difference and know how to go about doing it...    BLOW OUT SALE!  Half off cover-price - $8.99 >>  Order Now
$10 off cover price for case quantities of 30 >> Order a Case Now


Shaping of Things to ComeThe Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century
by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch

A very thoughful piece to re-frame your framework...

Now only $14.95 (Save $5)  >>  Order Now
 

For the whole list of resources on Sale >> click HERE


OCM-08med Check out the Organic Church Movements Facebook Group


Twitter
 On Twitter     @CMAResources
Featured Article


The Journey of Discovery: the blind adventure of organic church life  
by Katie Driver

I have a lot of conversations with people who are struggling with the blind adventure of the simple, organic and missional church life.

I hear things like: "I don't really know what to do!"; "I wish someone could show me how this works!"; "I tried that/that, and it didn't work so what's wrong?"; "What is this supposed to look like?"; "Is there a manual or something I can follow?"; "Can you give me a blueprint to work from so I know what I'm supposed to do?"

I empathize with these questions. These are real struggles from hearts that want to "do it right" and have been trained to follow models, leaders, organizations, and manuals so that what they do is "successful" and "correct". I resist the tendency, which is so easy for me, to tell them what to do. Instead, we start talking about what they are learning in the process, what their goals are for living this organic simple life in Christ, what the Scriptures say we should esteem, and that it is okay to try different things and even fail a few times in the process.

God is certainly capable to get us where we need to be, when we need to be there, with all that we need in the process. The bottom line is...