Genesis of a Vision

In teaching his college class how to succeed in the mission field, a professor was emphasizing the importance of getting to know the culture there. He decided a field test was in order. He assigned his students to take the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) Light Rail into downtown Portland, OR. While walking about they were to ask people, “If you were to start a church, what would it look like?” or “If you were looking for a church what are some things you hope you would find?”

The responses surprised the students as well as the professor and they noticed the answers fit into a rather short list of areas. People stated that the right church for them would be accepting of differing cultures and world views, that they would feel comfortable exploring their faith without pressure and that these churches would be engaged in improving the world. The students and instructor were also dismayed when the class came to the realization that the folks they questioned would not feel comfortable in the churches they attended. It would be highly unlikely these city denizens would come to faith in the student’s home congregation.

With that epiphany, the professor asked, “What needs to happen to remedy this problem?” The conclusion eventually came: new churches must be started in those kinds of neighborhoods. Thus was the birth of a dream, the genesis of a vision that eventually started a church planting movement. That professor was Dr. Stanley Granberg. The movement? Kairos Church Planting http://kairoschurchplanting.org. Several of those students in Dr. Granberg’s class became church planters in the Portland area. God always uses visionary leaders to get His things going.

We are about to be blessed this weekend at Gateway Church. Stan and Gena Granberg are coming to share the vision God has called them to follow. They are going to tell us the amazing things God has done to birth this movement of new churches of Christ. Stan will be revealing how God gives special favor to Christians and churches as they partner with the Lord in His mission to redeem His lost children. The Granbergs missionary experience in Kenya coupled with the wisdom from helping new churches launch and impact their communities is a dynamic mixture to be around. So I invite you to be around for the following events this weekend:

Saturday, Nov. 4 @ 9:00 AM to Noon in the “Caf” (Chaparral Elementary cafeteria)
A seminar where Stan will show us ways God is causing His kingdom to grow today and how He transforms the lives of Christians helping Him. Secrets to sustained growth beyond 200 will be revealed. There will be a number of interactive exercises and discussions. A light continental breakfast will be provided.

For directions: http://www.gatewaycofc.org/638608.ihtml

Sunday, Nov. 5
9:30 AM - Combined adult and teen classes in “The Caf” where Dr. Granberg will share the Kairos vision and how young churches can impact their neighborhoods and cities.
10:30AM - Stan will be preaching a sermon out of 2 Kings 5 called, “Living in the Land of Unbelief”

Stanley E. Granberg holds a Ph.D. from Oxford's Centre for Mission Studies.  He served as a missionary in Meru, Kenya from 1983-1993 witnessing exponential growth. He taught as missionary-in-residence at Lubbock Christian University and was an Associate Professor of Bible and Missions at Cascade College, Portland, Oregon. He and his wife, Gena, are dedicated full-time to church planting around the world. The Granbergs live in Vancouver, Washington.

The name “Kairos” comes from a Greek word meaning God’s appointed time and it would seem for such a time as this Gateway and friends will be powered-up through His servants Stan and Gena Granberg.

Blessings,

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