CCK Life blog

At the recently concluded newfrontiers’ conference, Together On A Mission 2009, Brighton, Terry Virgo recommended the following books. All books can be purchased online here or at The CCK Bookstore on Sunday after the morning and evening services.

	Terry Virgo – God Knows You’re Human Looking at the lives of Elijah, Jonah and David, Terry helpfully shows us the potent message that our weaknesses opens the door to God’s strength.
	Wendy Virgo – Influential Women Women can be powerful in a church and can be influential in changing it from a sick community to a healthy one. They can be a tremendous asset or a huge liability. They can influence the whole ambiance of a church. The pages of the New Testament contain a surprising number of references to women to whom we can relate as we seek to build good healthy churches in the twenty first century.
	David Stroud – Planting Churches, Changing Communities A practical hands-on resource with loads of advice and examples for church planters, drawing on more than 25 years of church planting experience.
	Wendy Virgo – Life Issues A practical Bible study for women based on Titus 2:2-5, the studies being especially suited to teaching Biblical principles to young wives and mothers.
	Bruce Ware – God’s Greater Glory How can human freedom fit into the “purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will?” Bruce Ware explore this question.
	Bruce Ware – father, Son and Holy Spirit The doctrine of the Trinity is essential to our understanding of him and of our faith. The focus of this study is to examine the ways in which the three Persons of the Trinity relate to one another, how they relate to us, and what difference this makes to our lives. To understand just how God is both One and Three is to delve into some of Scripture’s most glorious truths and to experience the joy of beholding the wonder of our triune God.
	John Piper – Finally Alive The term  ‘born again’ is very precious and crucial in the Bible. It is of enormous consequence that we know what being born again really means.
	John Piper – This Momentary Marriage Marriage is a momentary but glorious gift. It is more than the love of a husband or wife for their spouse – rather a display of the covenant – keeping love between Jesus and his people – a magnificent book for married, single, divorced and remarried alike.

Tweet This

Annie Waller heads the Administration department at Church of Christ the King. Along with her highly efficient organizing skills, her cooking prowess has blessed many over the years! Over the years, Annie has been an outstanding role model to many young women at CCK. One of them recently described her as ‘an inspirational woman of God who has such a big heart and much wisdom to share.’ Yohaan Philip, recently interviewed her, and writes..

YP: Tell me a bit about yourself, Annie.

AW: I’m married to Nigel and we have two children, Adam (22) & Frankie (17). I grew up in a non Christian home in Hertfordshire where my parents(and one brother) would call themselves atheists and now, humanists! I trained in hotel reception and worked in the hotel world for a number of years. I worked hard and played hard. I met Nigel here in Brighton whilst working at The Metropole. We married and two years later along came Adam.

My first encounter of Church of Christ the King was about 20 years ago when a friend from the hotel days invited us to her baptism. I remember laughing hysterically as it all looked and felt so weird. I filled in a contact card, and subsequently began having bible studies with a neighbor. Nothing dramatically happened, and I didn’t really change my lifestyle until years later.

I spent the next few years in a troubled and unhappy marriage. Nigel and I were both seeking legal advice regarding a pending divorce. One Sunday evening, Nigel was invited to go along to church and God broke in on his life! To cut a very long and complicated story, we began an amazing journey to restore our marriage. This year we celebrate 25 years together.. woohoo!

YP: What has been the effect of God “breaking into your lives” ?

AW: I no longer feel insecure as I have learnt to trust Jesus wholeheartedly, respect my husband, and let him take the lead in all areas of our life together. So releasing!

YP: Tell me a bit about your work. And your role in Church.

AW: I am foremost Joel Virgo’s PA. I also lead the Office Administration team at CCK and jointly oversee the personnel department. Along with my responsibilities at CCK, I play a key role in the 2 annual newfrontiers‘ conferences, Together On A Mission and Newday.

As a part of CCK, Nigel and I oversee four small groups in the North Brighton Zone. We are also involved in preparing young couples for marriage and get along side those who are either in the first few years of marriage or are just needing some input. We thoroughly enjoy doing this together.

YP: What are some of your dreams/ aspirations?

Oh to be mum who gets it right all the time!! But wouldn’t that be boring?

Being a mum of two is a huge privilege. I just love having family time – the four of us together. It’s incredibly special particularly as they get older. I know I don’t always get it right but by trusting Jesus and keeping the lines of communication open, we get through the tough times and have fun in the process.

I like spending time with young women not only in my home but also outside of work and family life. I just be myself, keep it real and give wise encouragement as we go along.

YP: What’s a dream day for Annie Waller?

AW: Wow wouldn’t that be amazing well my dream day would be.. a day to myself, walking, talking (whatever is going on in my head at the time) and listening to God.

I often walk along Brighton seafront taking in all the different cultures, ages groups etc., its such a great spring-board for prayer.

I love musicals so a trip to London to see a musical would round my day off nicely

Tweet This

Main Seminar 9: PJ Smyth – Keep it RAW

PJ leads the newfrontiers church in Johannesburg, South Africa. PJ began his preach with a video of elephants rushing through the jungle making new paths which put into graphic context John Groves’ landmark prophecy for our family of churches.

1. Risks

Elephants charge into the jungle taking many risks – falling into holes and breaking a leg, crocodiles eating the young.
Charge to young men : Glorify God, stand firm and act like men, be brotherly to your sisters, love your wife, raise children
Don’t sink your manliness in church.

2. Authority
Elephants know they’re elephants! In Acts 17, Paul addresses the men of Athens. Athens was a big city, but we have a bigger God! The city is an excuse to preach the gospel. The Earth was created so that man would reach God. Don’t get caught up with the various facilities in a city inappropriately, but use them to glorify God!

3. Wild
Elephants are wild.
A. Let mission motivate
B. Let mission create structure
C.  Be wild about transition

Mobilise Main Seminar 3: Dave Stroud – The Cross sets us Free

Dave preached from Ex 12:1-13,29,30 on the power of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We have been freed to worship God.

1. Freedom from sin
Sin is worshiping any other god than Yahweh.
3 trios of idols we need to watch out for:
1. Sex, power and money
2. Narcissism, hedonism, relativism
3. Our service to God, family and friends, our search for a partner

2. Freedom from punishment
God’s wrath demonstrates His goodness
God’s wrath demonstrates His righteousness
God’s wrath demonstrates the wonder of God’s salvation

3. Freedom from evil
There are spiritual and demonic forces behind evil. Satan’s greatest trick has been to convince the world that he doesn’t exist. He also seeks to undermine moral values and accuse.
Jesus didn’t come to negotiate, He destroyed the devil.(1 Jhn 3:8)

Tweet This

Main Seminar 8: Terry Virgo – Newfrontiers part 3 – Future

The epic conclusion to Terry’s 3 part series at TOAM on newfrontiers- the past, the preset and the future. If you have the privilege of belonging to our international family, you don’t want to miss this (the video and audio files will be made available online soon)! There was such a sense of wonder  of all God has blessed us with as once again, Terry glorified and honoured the Lord Jesus as he spoke about what the future had in store for newfrontiers. This is the end of the beginning! Last year at TOAM, we were served brilliantly by Mark Driscoll and he urged us to honour the future and prepare for it. Terry responded to this and laid out the plan for us..

Terry began by showing us what the Bible spoke about apostles and apostolic spheres. Briefly, an apostle is someone sent with authority. Jesus was an apostle, so were the Twelve along with others like Paul, Barnabas and James.

1. The apostles provided the foundation of the Church

Ephesians  2 talks about the new Temple being built on the foundation of apostles. These men gave identity to the Church. The early church gave themselves to their teachings. They were not simply scripture writers. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul writes to the church that he is the master builder who laid the foundation of their church. They were proof of his apostolic gift.

2. The relationship

There was an ongoing affectionate relationship between Paul and the churches he laid foundations for. he developed a father-son relationship with them. It was not a static relationship, but a dynamic one. And it was by their dynamic involvement that his apostolic sphere saw expansion. The effective functioning of the church will impact global apostolic thrust.

3. The future

There are men who have gone out from us, who are not representing Terry, but who are now growing in their own apostolic gifting. We have been commissioned to fill the earth with sons who become fathers who in turn have sons who become fathers. Jesus did not hand over to a successor. Pentecost was Peter’s moment, not his movement. When Paul became an apostle
- he didn’t come from the Jerusalem stable
- he had revelation of the gospel
- he did not want to run alone
- he wanted recognition and affirmation from those before him
- he challenged Peter but did not walk away. He wanted unity

We must believe for the emergence of apostles. Jesus is the head of the Church and He gives apostles, teachers, evangelists, pastors. We will pray that He gives us laborers for the harvest. Newfrontiers may go but it is more important that apostolic spheres grow and that churches are in dynamic relationship with apostles.

What could hold the spheres together
- fellowship a lot ( you can accomplish more together than apart)
- unity of doctrine and values
- promises that God’s given us to change the expression of Christianity across the world

God has done an amazing thing with one apostolic sphere, imagine when a dozen kick in!

Leadership Main Seminar 7: Joel Virgo – The Armor Bearer

It was a proud moment for Terry as he introduced his son to the preacher’s pulpit. It was also a proud moment for all the Church of Christ the King delegates to see our beloved leader take the stage and do what he does best! And boy did he deliver!

Joel preached from 1 Sam 14:1-15, 20-25 to highlight the role of team players who are not team leaders. He did this through the story of Jonathon and his armor bearer as, together, they won an unlikely victory over the Philistines.

Introduction: There is strength in plurality. There is God given power when you’re joined. God reveals Himself to us as a team with distinct  roles. The Son is constantly demonstrating clear submission to the Father. In eternity past and future, the Father has a glorious position of supremacy. It’s just as God like to submit than to lead. In today’s world authority and submission is seen as evil. But it was good before the fall. We must never see submission as imposed. At CCK we have moved away from one man ministry to plurality in leadership. But that doesn’t make it some sort of an egalitarian system with no clear cut roles and distinction. There also needs to be a balance between humility and headship. We need team players who will give themselves to a God given vision.

3 key points
1. Catch his heart (:7)
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” There was freedom for Jonathon. But be careful of who you say that too. You need to know that they have grasped God’s heart. One way of catch his heart is by praying with your leader. Allow him to grow in faith.

2. Watch his back (:13)
The leader can see God, can see the vision, but sometimes can’t see what it looks like! Let him set the trajectory, you go about getting it done. You bring skills to the table and without you it won’t happen! Covers his back during his absence. If he’s not there don’t try to do it your way. Aaron dropped the vision when Moses was on Mount Sinai. Cover his weaknesses. When a leader is feeling vulnerable, that’s not a time to swoop down like a vulture. Press in to cover him. Work as a team. Sometimes it means confronting but we have to.Leaders should be able to trust their armor bearers. Paul writes of Timothy, “He’s of proven worth.”

3. Share the victory
The rest of the army joined in. Jonathon and his armor bearer did not seek personal glory.

Conclusion: In 3 John, John writes, “but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us.” There’s a sense of laying down which often may be painful for the armor bearer. But he has One he can follow. Jesus’ humility and submission is evident right through His life on this earth. Right from Him being born in the most humble of circumstances to His humiliating death.

Thank God for the privilege of knowing Him rather than the privilege to lead.

Mobilise Main Seminar 2: Tom Shaw – Exposing Idols

Tom leads the newfrontiers church in Canterbury. He also leads the team that runs Mobilise. Tom preached from the story of God delivering His people from the oppressive slavery of the Egyptians to parallel the freedom that Jesus has won for us today. His preach aimed to answer the question posed by many young people, ‘how do we therefore enter into the reality and experience of the total freedom Christ has won for us?‘

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Gal 5:1)

1. The Truth about our Freedom
In Exodus 15, we read Moses’ glorious song of worship unto Yahweh who has delivered His people from the Egyptians. Jesus paid a massive price for us to have our freedom – He died. We have been taken from a place of captivity to incredible freedom. The contrast between slavery and our freedom is incomprehensible.

2. The Lie about Idols
- it’s silly
- but it’s subtle

Some key questions in helping us figure out what idols we have in our lives: what do you  worry about? What do you rely on to cope with suffering? What are some of your release valves? What do you day dream about? What are you proudest of achieving? What do you want people to know about you?
Anything that occupies the place that should belong to God is an idol in your life.

4 key idols
1. Comfort – crave: lack of stress, responsibility and suffering; fear – responsibility
2. Control – crave: self discipline, certainty, standards; fear – uncertainity; emotion -worry
3. Power – crave: sucess, influence, winning; fear – humiliation; emotion – anger
4. Approval – crave: affirmation, love, relationship; fear – rejection; emotion- cowardice

3. Solution for the future
Through the power of the Spirit, we have one to immitate – Jesus. He did not give into sin, but obeyed His Father. He deserved all power but did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but gave it up for us all and humbled Himself to being a servant. He was drenched in the Father’s approval so He did not seek approval from man.

Tweet This

Main Seminar 6: Terry Virgo – Newfrontiers part 2- Present

What a preach!! Make sure you download the video, this is something you don’t want to miss out on! There was such a sense of wonder as Terry glorified Jesus and His Bride, the Church in the final session of Day 2 in a way that only he can. It really is such a privilege to be a part of a family that has such a biblical understanding of the Church as God meant it to be.

1. We must treasure the Church
It must have been an incredible revelation for Paul when he heard a voice say ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’ Great is the mystery of the unity between Christ and His Body, the Church. In Phil 4:1 Paul’s overwhelming exuberance is sensed as he refers to the church as “my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, dear friends.” Great grace was on them all. They were a people overwhelmed by God’s grace.For freedom Christ has set us free. We have to preach grace.
2. The church is where we loose our individualism and personal agenda
If you want to find your life you have to loose it. How? In the stuff of relationships. In stuff of Church building. The fruits of the Spirit grow in the ‘one another’ context. The most magnificent things about Jesus are not meant for theological books, but to transform you. The cross transforms. God wants to build leaders He can trust. Sanctification is impossible alone. We are called to make disciples. We are called to serve. Don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another (become a slave).
3. Joyful obedience
God is worthy of obedience. It is the best thing to do, otherwise it becomes rules and legalism. Satan lies that God is holding back. The church not only consists of individual obedience, but corporate obedience as well.
4. Utterly committed to building biblically
We’re on a mission around the world to build biblical churches. Churches that are transformed by the guidance of the Spirit. Democracy may be the way to run countries, but it is not the way to run churches.
5. Restoration
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls and the city. We need distinctives back.Restoration also means the return of the presence of God.
David wanted the Ark back. He could not run the nation without God’s presence. The Church is the dwelling place of God’s Spirit where He is neither quenched or grieved, but revered and glorified. Peter was with Jesus all the time – that’s what being a Christian was to him. Being with Jesus is breath taking; being with the Holy Spirit is magnificent. Jesus went back to His Father and sent His Spirit in His place. We’re to be with Him. His presence makes us distinct.

The Church is a community of love worked out in relationships where the presence of God loves to dwell.

Main Seminar 5:Stephen Van Rhyn – Grace

Stephen leads the newfrontiers church in Cape Town, South Africa, supports Manchester United and delights in poking fun at Brighton in comparison to Cape Town! He is also an outstanding preacher and a very gifted communicator.

Stephen began his preach with a story – the gripping tale of Abraham and his son, Issac. He started off with the promise and miraculous birth of Issac and then lead us to Mount Moriah where God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Issac. He then compared this to Calvary – A similar story where a Father had to sacrifice His one and only Son, only this time, His hand was not stayed.

What are the implications of this grand story for us as a family of churches together on a mission?
From Phil 1:1-11, Stephen brought out the following 3 key learnings.

1. Grace to you
God’s grace must touch us personally before we seek to touch anyone else. Grace is the centerpiece of Paul’s gospel. Salvation begins with God and God finished what He starts. The day of completion is when Jesus returns in all His glory. Does your confidence lie in this great truth? Or do you place your trust in numerical growth or manifested Holy Spirit power?
2. Grace on display
Even though salvation is an intensely personal affair, Christianity is not private. Without the gospel we have no church. God is after communities of people who will demonstrate His glory and power.
3. Grace to the nations
Churches impact cities. In Gen 20, God promises Abraham that through his offspring, the nations will be blessed. The gospel is communicated through relationships. Churches should be connected to apostolic ministry in mutual love and respect and humility. The question is not “who will succeed Terry?”, but “who are you connected to?”

Mobilise Main Seminar 1: Andrew Wilson – The Cross and The Cosmos

One of the brightest minds in newfrontiers kicked off Mobilise today morning. Mobilise is the training track for students and twenties with aim of raising up leaders  to plant churches and affect campuses and workplaces for the glory of God.

Andrew used 5 story lines that run through the Bible and showed us how they found their fulfillment in Jesus Christ on the cross. Colossians 1:1-15 was the text for Andrew’s preach.

Story 1: The creation story. God made man in His image. Man rebelled and chose to usurp the authority of his Creator. The problem of evil arose. A new man made in the image of God was needed.

Jesus: A Man who is the image of God. (Col 1:15)

Story 2: God calls Abraham and sets a part a people for Himself. But the hope for the world (Israel) turn to sin and become the problem not the solution. A new covenant was needed.
Jesus: In Him, we have been qualified into the Kingdom of God. (Col 1:12)

Story 3:The exodus. Yahweh ransomed the Israelites from slavery and crushed their oppressors.A new redemption was needed from a more powerful enemy.

Jesus: On the cross,  He rescued and delivered us from sin and death. (Col 1:13-14)

Story 4: The exile. The Temple was destroyed and Israel wept because Yahweh had judged them. But there was hope – they believed Yahweh would forgive them their  sins and raise them from the dead.

Jesus: One the cross, death was undone. (Col 2:13-14)

Story 5: The Roman oppression. Israel was ruled by the oppressive might of Rome. Under the cry, ‘Roma Victor’ the Romans would steal people’s countries and impose their government on them. The cross a symbol of Roman authority. It made a bold statement - If you rebel against our authority we will kill you.

Jesus: And having disarmed the powers and authorities, Jesus made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Col 2:15)

To read an interview with Andrew Wilson which I had the privilege of conducting, please click here.

Leadership Main Seminar 4: David Stroud – Daniel: affecting society

David Stroud leads the newfrontiers church in the West End of London. David used the life of Daniel (from Daniel 1) to show us how we need to engage with society in way that glorifies God’s name. He used 5 questions followed by 6 key learnings to communicate his message.

Q1. What does God value? (Dan 1:1-2)
God cares about everything that happened in Babylon. God created everything and loves everything.

Q2. How should we get involved? (Jer 29:4-7; Gen 12:1-3)
Look similar but differ in your heart. Take confidence that God has promised that you will be a blessing to the nations.

Q3. what should we be thinking? (Dan 1:6-8)
Be wise and sensitive.
- what should we accept from culture?
- what should we redeem from culture?
- what should we change in culture?

Q4. what should our vision be?
Influence but not ultimate transformation.

Q5 How will things end? (Dan 1:21)
Isaiah prophesied that Cyrus would set the Israelites free. Be faithful until the end.

6 Key learnings from Daniel
1. Daniel said yes and gave himself whole heartedly
2. Daniel was part of a team (dan 1:7)
3. Dan did not allow the cost to deter him (dan 1:13-14; 5:17)
4. Daniel and his team were outstanding candidates (1:20)
- encourage people to work hard
- value education and secular learning
- look for the favour of God
5. Dan continued as a man of prayer and the Spirit (1:17)
6. Daniel became someone who was listened to (2:24)

Tweet This

Together On A Mission is an annual gathering of over 5,000 men and women from over 35 different countries to worship Jesus Christ and hear the Bible preached. The conference is hosted by newfrontiers, an international family of Churches, in Brighton from the 7th to the 10th of July. Over the duration of the conference, Yohaan Philip, chief editor of the ccklife blog, will review the various main sessions as well as some of the seminars. Complete audio and video files will be made available on the website as soon as they are ready.

Main Seminar 1: Mbonisi Malaba – God’s Global Heart

Mbonisi (or Bones as he’s affectionately called) leads the newfrontiers church in Bulaway, Zimbabwe. What a dynamic preacher this guy is! Bones preached from the book of Jonah. Jonah was a prophet in Israel who God used to speak to the people of the surrounding nations. Bones paralleled this to God’s command to the first man, Adam, of filling the earth, and God’s promise to Abraham that the nations would be blessed through him. God has a concern for people and He wants to share His global concern with us.

• Go to where people are
• Have a global strategy
• Target cities

In conclusion, Bones looked at Acts 19 and drew out 3 key learning’s from Paul’s time in Corinth

• Tent Making – have a practical skill to find employment. This will help you advance with integrity (demonstrates that you are not peddling the gospel for profit)
• Paul stayed a bit longer. Press through for break through. Know when to go and when to stay.
• Paul won a victory for Christianity in Rome

Main Seminar 2: Stef Liston – Go back to Gallilee Mr. Big and a bruised reed He won’t break

Stef leads the newfrontiers church in North Central London. Stef regularly preaches at the annual conference for teenagers, Newday. Stef began by sharing the aim of his preach, to captivate our hearts with awe and wonder towards who God is and in doing that pull down the proud and lift up the humble. The text for the preach was Ezekiel 34 in which God reveals His anger towards the leaders of His people because they had misused their God-given authority. From Matthew 18:1-6 (being child-like to enter the Kingdom of God), Stef brought out the following points to help leaders wisely steward the responsibility given to them of looking after God’s people.

• God is child – like
• a child likes to please his father
• a child likes to follow his father
• children aren’t after the complex, but are satisfied and delight in the simple
• There’s something medicinal about children. Be a pleasure to be around.
• Kids copy. Imitate!
• Kids ask for lots Pray pray pray!
• Kids sing. Worship God
• Kids trust

Main Seminar 3: Terry Virgo – Newfrontiers Part 1 – Past

Terry Virgo is the founder of newfrontiers and is based at Church of Christ the King, Brighton. Terry began his highly anticipated 3 part series on the past, present and future of newfrontiers today. I have had the privilege of praying with Terry over many a lunch break in the build up to the conference and have witnessed his deep desire to see the Trinitarian God glorified through this series. And boy did that happen!

Terry used Eph 2:1-10 as the text for his sermon.

1. Word and Spirit movement
Our start: we were dead in our trespasses and sins. Dead people don’t bring anything to the table. But God loved us, rescued us and made us alive with Christ. We are a new creation in Christ: His workmanship. He works on you because you’re His work of art. He has ambition for you.

Ephesians 2:10 talks about the works God has prepared in advance for us to do.  Terry reminded us of 2 key prophesies that had been spoken over newfrontiers:

1. A herd of elephants crashing through a jungle making new paths. What are some of those new paths?

• Spirit filled churches
• International family of over 600 churches across 50 countries
• Newday – 6,000 young people gather annually to worship and be taught about Jesus
• Finance has been raised to plant churches as well as to aid countries in need (Kenya famine, Zimbabwe)

2. We would change the expression of Christianity across the world. How have we done that?

• legalism to grace filled freedom churches
• independent to interdependent churches
• secessionist  to charismatic  churches

2. Life in the Spirit

Eph 1:13 says that we were marked in Jesus with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. At newfrontiers, we aim to be theologically biblical and to experience the explosive power of the Spirit. The seal of the Spirit is to authenticate and as evidence of our new relationship with God. It is experential. Not experiencing the Spirit robs the Church of it’s joy of knowing the presence of God. When we cry “Abba, Father” by the Spirit (Rom 8:15), it is an intense and experienced cry.

In conclusion, Terry briefly spoke about praying in tongues from 1 Cor 14. Praying in tongues is a vehicle of worship you don’t understand. We use our physical apparatus to move in a different realm, like when Peter walked on water (Matthew 14).

Fittingly, we ended the meeting praying for those who had never been filled with the Spirit to experience this indescribable joy. And God made His presence felt.

Tweet This