September 2007 Newsletter

A Letter from Frank

Dear Friends,

I just returned from the 2007 National House Church Conference in Dallas, Texas. This is the largest house church conference in the United States. It was a delight to meet so many of my friends and readers in person. The conference was fabulous. I've only attended once before, but I was told by several people that this year's conference was the most powerful one they have had. I believe that much of what was shared has tremendous implications for the future of the house church movement.

*** Trips for 2008 ***

It's been a very busy year so far. Since January, I've made 11 trips with 8 more to go before the year ends. I've never traveled so much in one year. However, every trip has been a blessing and more.

That said, 2008 should be less busy. I've decided to restrict my traveling to only 6 - 8 trips. That means that I won't be able to accept all the invitations that are given. For this reason, we've put together a team that will help me discern which invitations to take for 2008.

The good news is that if I cannot accept an invitation, I have a number of friends in ministry who will be able to travel and minister on my behalf.

I'm already receiving invitations for 2008. Therefore, if you wish to have me plant a new church in your city, speak to an already existing church, or speak at a conference, please send your invitation to Jeanette at PTMIN@aol.com It would be best if you could send it between now and December. She'll ask you some questions and things will move from there.

Regarding 2008, some very exciting plans are in the works to help foment the Revolution. So stay tuned.

*** Update on the Revolution***

More and more Christians are leaving the institutional church and seeking fresh ways to gather around Christ.

USA Today recently ran a story that said that 1 in 4 young people (ages 18 - 30) have left the institutional church (mainline Protestant and evangelical churches). Another recent Gallup poll concluded that each year 4,000 new churches start and 7,000 close. In addition, 1 million people leave the traditional church each year, most of them young people.

Without question, we are on the brink of a revolution in the way of church practice. George Barna's predictions are beginning to come to pass. (See his best-selling book Revolution.)

*** Are You Between 21 - 35? ***

In my travels, I have made a noteworthy observation. The average age of those who gather in house churches seems to be kicking around 48 and 65. My friend Tony Dale and I recently compared notes, and his travels confirm my observation.

That said, we at PTM are interested to know how many of our readers are between the ages of 21 and 35. We have some special plans in the works for this age-group. We believe that you are the future revolutionaries of our time.

Consequently, if you are between the age of 21 and 35, please take the time to do the following. Write Jeanette at PTMIN@aol.com and give her the following information:

Your first and last name:

Your age:

Your sex:

Your city and state: (if you live outside the USA, please state the country).

If you meet in a house church, please share a little bit about it:

Note: We will be sending out a special mail-out to this age group in the future.

*** An Invitation to a Very Special Conference ***

I'll be in Nassau, the Bahamas October 25-27 with N.T. Wright, Brennan Manning, Spencer Burke, and many others. I'll be speaking in two sessions.

I can't think of a better way to spend a vacation: Sharing Jesus Christ, fellowshipping with Christians, meeting new people, and enjoying the beach! I want to personally invite you to attend. You can register at: http://www.theooze.com/store/details.cfm?item=10006

If you plan to attend, please send me an email and let me know - Violabooks@aol.com

I look forward to meeting you there.

Yours in His unfailing grace,

Frank

 

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All rights reserved.

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If you wish to contact us with comments or questions, you may do so by writing us at PTMIN@aol.com

You may contact Frank direct at Violabooks@aol.com