Let's catch up! We trained a guy in this region of Nigeria whom I only refer to as 'J' for security reasons. He works in a challenging region where persecution, killing, and kidnapping of Christians is common. He is good at taking key concepts, like this graphic, and putting it in a format where it is easy to pass along.

Mike, I am still here and appreciate your concerns and questions. We have seen a great deal of fruit in children growing up in this environment from the standpoint of these young people discovering at a young age that they 'are the church' and have much to share when the church gathers together. Many develop a profound sense of ownership of their faith and their church experience. Regarding multiplication, this has been more difficult to attain in our comfortable western culture (though we continue to see this profoundly in other contexts). But multiplication does not have to mean 'leaving the nest.' In many cases, people and families remain rooted in their parent group while simultaneously planting daughter groups. Sometimes, they meet less often with the parent group but they still remain connected.

Planting seeds of the word of God, as God leads, is always good and never futile. He calls each of us to sow in different fields. I appreciate your faithfulness and also your encouragement that God is the one who makes things grow. Let's keep planting and watering without regard for recognition!

Tim, your evaluation seems sound. For myself, I feel the best way to challenge and correct the status quo in church and in mission is to live the commands of Christ myself and let the fruit of that lifestyle speak for itself. “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us (Phil 3:17).” I am sure you feel the same way. God help us to be faithful.

Gavin, look forward to connecting.

Sorry about that. I believe I got the link fixed. But the article is "Bait and Switch" by Wayne Jacobsen.