Conference leadership notes

Hi incredable leaders,
As you know we attended the Apostolic conference in Melbourne last week, It was a great time of focus and gathering as leaders to encourage each other in the work God has given us to do. I was deeply challenged and renewed by the 'Chief Shepherd' in term of maintaining a 'shepherding' focus to my leadership - Dave Gibbons reafirmed that its 'all about people' and not a structure or the managment of a 'corporate' entity. I have summarised some of my personal notes below:

Its important that we define our mission as an 'Apostolic' fellowship - i.e. look into our history and remind ourselves of our roots. Dave spoke about 'running' towards the purpose of God and David the Shepherd/King ran towards Goliath. (Sometimes our mission seems GIANT!)
Isa 58:1-5 was his text. Are we in the worship 'business'? distracted by  corporate branding, Styles, forms & fads over essence, nature and the impact of our faith on the community around us? (Measure of success is not numbers its impact, influence & transformation)
He spoke of the 'Glory' or beauty of God as our rear guard and that which 'attracts' people to our minisrty. He cautioned us not to become so consumed with building a movement or monument to ourselves that we forget about individuals & their needs.

What is the Sabbath for? it is a soul searching rest to re focus us on whats in our hearts - a spiritual audit time to remind us of whats important ( I thought that was a great understanding!)

We trend towards vertical structures over horizontal relationships (Akin to Babel! Owch!) Dave gave three factors that effect each local church or movment of churches in their ability to impact a community

• Calling - What are we uniquely called / gifted by God to do?
• Context - It what 'setting' are we ministering? i.e. City, rural, third world etc.
• Capacity - what are the limits of our capacity

Dave finished this session with the thought of 'Blessing' in the Hebrew context:

• Blessing can be 'tactile' imparted by touch, laying on of hands
• Blessing can be visual, demonstated by practical prosperity
• Blessing can be verbal, spoken over our lives, into the lives of others.

Parable of the lost son demonstrated all aspects of blessing in the actions of the Father toward his lost son. Dave closed this with a video of returning soldiers & the joy of family reunions.

More notes to come...