Fasting for Church
Transformation
By Terry Tieman
"Of fasting I say this: it is right to fast frequently in
order to subdue and control the body. For when the stomach is full, the body
does not serve for preaching, for praying, for studying, or for doing anything
else that is good. Under such circumstances God's Word cannot remain. But one
should not fast with a view to meriting something by it as by a good work." (What
Luther Says, p. 506)
When
was the last time you fasted...voluntarily? Fasting is not something that we are
usually eager to do. And yet, we know that many biblical characters were men of
fasting and prayer, including Jesus and St. Paul. In the book of Acts, it is
clear that the early church routinely fasted before starting any major endeavor
(Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23).
Not long ago, our church body kicked off a huge outreach
endeavor that we all recognize as Ablaze! A big part of that Ablaze!
initiative is the mission revitalization of 2000 LCMS congregations by
2017. Revitalized churches "regularly and consistently make new disciples and
renew its members in order that they make new disciples through the power of
the Holy Spirit."
Following the biblical example of the early church, many
of the leaders of the Transforming Congregations Network (TCN) have embarked on
a 40-day fast this summer. We are doing this, because we know that God's power
is often unleashed in amazing ways when His people get serious about
prayer.
Thus, we are humbly asking you, as a reader, to consider
joining us in fasting and prayer for church transformation. Specifically, we
are praying that God would:
- Change
the LCMS into a church body that is on fire for Christ, beginning with us
- Turn
congregations (be as specific as possible and pray for congregations by
name) from being inward focused to being outward focused, reaching the
lost where God has placed them
- Send
out workers into his harvest field and grant a plentiful harvest (Matthew
9:37-38).
If you decide to join us in fasting and prayer for church
transformation, here are a few tips that can assist you in putting together
your fasting plan.
Step 1: Determine when you will start and end your fast. Before considering
an extended fast (more than a day), be sure to consult your doctor, especially
if you are taking medication.
Step 2: Decide the type of fast you
will engage in, such as:
- A
24-hour fast. From sunset to sunset. Don't eat breakfast or lunch on your
fast day and then resume eating with the evening meal. This can be a
one-time event or once a week on a specific day.
- Partial
fast. Abstain from pleasant foods or partake only of clear soups, fruit
juices, cereals, or grains, or give up one meal a day for prayer and Bible
reading.
- Abstinence
from non-food items like a favorite TV show or activity and praying during
that time, or eliminating TV altogether during the fasting period.
If you would like to see how others are doing in their
Fast for Church Transformation and receive encouragement in the fasting
process, I want to invite you to visit our social networking site, http://transformingcongregations.ning.com.
Rev. Dr. Terry Tieman is the National Director for
Revitalization for The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
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Questions for Reflection
- How would you describe your congregation? How much of your congregation's ministry is inward focused and how much is outward focused?
- For what specific issues and ministries in your congregation could you pray during a fast?
- For what specific issues in your community could you pray during a fast?
- For what specific things for your pastor and leaders could you pray during a fast?
- Who do you know who does not have faith in Jesus? Consider praying for them by name during a fast.
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Links
Transforming Congregations Network [website] [social network]
The website link leads to the TCN/Mission Revitalization Process page. There you will learn more about the TCN and upcoming events. The social network is designed to allow for the exchange of ideas in the transforming congregation process.
Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer by Dr. Bill Bright
Dr. Bright discusses fasting and provides details about preparing for a fast and resources for fasting.
Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer L. Towns and Elmer Town [book]
This book is recommended by the articles author. There is also a study guide.
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News from the Center
Basic Mission Planter Training- July 21-25,
2008 -- Register -- Pay
Mission Coach Certification Training- July
21-22, 2008 -- Register -- Pay
New on Our Site!
DOWNTOWN - A
publication provided by The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches,
a strategic partner of the Center for U.S. Missions. It is designed to
share ideas and encouragement for congregations in or near downtown in
urban settings. Click here to subscribe to this newsletter.
Certified Mission Coaches - The Center for U.S. Missions
trains and certifies missional coaches. An explanation of what is required to be
a certified missional coach and contact information for coaches certified
through the C4USM training process.
Ablaze! Covenant Congregation Church Planting - The A!CCCP Introduction is a three hour presentation in
PowerPoint format for congregations that have attended the introduction hosted
by their district. It is a resource to be used in the local congregation. This
resource includes a case for church planting, an introduction to The One
Plan and a introduction to a church planting process.
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