Allen Kleine Deters
I am the church planter for the Niagara Falls, ON church plant yet to be named. I am married to an amazing woman full of compassion for the marginalized hence she is a special ed teacher of severe needs children. We have three boys (men) and one daughter-in-law. I am committed to Kingdom Theology and deeply believe in a biblical community that develops disciples for Christ. I am a small group geek and believe they are the best avenue in this endeavor. When managed with vision and mission small groups can cover most areas needed in developing as disciples of Jesus Christ and guiding people to live in missional communities.
Oh yeah, I'm also "The Reverend" formerly of the blues band, Reverend and the Blues Pushers, but now playing solo in my new parish community.
"Agape love alive and breathing, the Word and the power of Holy Spirit = reached people and changed lives"
Posted in: Check Out the Music
Very interesting and excellent comments. We have a worship leadership team that reviews new songs we'd like to sing. Regardless of how catchy and easy to sing the song may be, if the lyrics are questionable as to our reformed theology, we may choose not to sing it. But others we may choose to sing even if they don't speak about God. But we agree to always include a caviat before the song that puts it into biblical perspective. For example, the song Breathe, we usually read a psalm or other passage or say something that reflects our need to fully depend on God and his Word.
Posted in: Great Expectations: Synod—through a Rookie’s Eyes
Here here Chris. Nicely put. I'll see you at synod.
Posted in: Belhar—Up, Down or Sideways?
I just want to say that I think John Cooper nails this whole arguement on the head in his paper "Affirm the Belhar? Yes, But Not as a Doctrinal Standard." His points as to why it does not fit a doctrinal standard are excellent. The Belhar is certainly more a declaration than a confession which is a totally different genre. It is missing key components to be a confession and is so ambiguous that other faith communities have used it to support their agendas in ways we would not appreciate.
And I'm with Mark that just because we may not adopt it as a confession does not thereby suggest that we are in support of racism and such injustice. I think the issue will be whether or not it holds the same clout as a confession. It's ambiguity would suggest otherwise since it can only be understood in the light of the Gospel teachings of the confessions. It is not strong enough to stand on its own as a confession.
Posted in: Belhar—Up, Down or Sideways?
I have discovered that in my discussions over the Belhar with people across North America, but mostly in the US there is a strong group with a Liberation theology stand. Very dangerous for sure.
I'm not saying you are Harry W. but as John points out some of your points of arguement ride that line.
Posted in: Growing a Garden of Jesus Followers
Thanks Sam,
I look forward to reading more and hope to hear more about how other churches are making disciples.
Allen
Posted in: Dick Clark's Very Public Disability
Thanks Mark, what an insightful piece.
I give Kudos to Dick Clark for bringing the reality of life to the screen. It's good to see a public figure unafraid to show his disabilities. Make that a triple kudos.
Posted in: Is Conversion to Jesus Enough?
I've been writing about the importance of discipleship in the church for the past year or so in the small groups network and I would say this is spot on.
I really wonder how we might be able to rekindle true discipleship in the church where people truely commit to deeper communnal conversion allowing the body to hold them accountable and walk them in their growth. While the Bible does say some folks will make it in by the skin of their teeth, Jesus said he came to give us a life that is full. That doesn't happen outside of community or without it.
Mission is both an extension of transformation and a learning, discipling process where people learn to use their gifts to be Christ to those outside the community, so-to-speak. I'm a firm believer that discipleship begins before conversion.
Posted in: It's Your Page
Good one. I know there are a lot of churches out there with such groups or churches that started many groups under the formerly supported small group model of Principle Based Small Groups. In that model anything could be a small group as long as there were a few people involved.
Posted in: Are Small Groups Just Another Program?
Mark, it seems that we are kindred spirits especially in regard to so many areas of ministry. I should get you to write a guest article for this section of the Network.
I certainly agree with you about the traditional mindset and the fear factor. And you are right about needing programs for certain demographic groups like the children, youth etc., but even some of those groups can have elements of what it's like to be in a small group as well so that by the time they reach adulthood, learning and developing in discipleship via the small group is natural for them.
We are also working toward making small groups the main avenue in connecting and growing as a disciple.
Well said Mark.
Posted in: Are Small Groups Just Another Program?
Wow Bernetta, it sounds like you are in a great small group; one that is willing to expose themselves. That is so valuable and vital to our spiritual growth. And I know that when a group gets missional and starts serving others, it gets contagious and you grow even more. Great stuff. Praise God for your group -- a group that gets it.
My wife and I were very involved with a Friendship Ministry years ago in Grand Junction, CO. We had so many students that the only way they could work was divding into small groups. There was no possiblility of one on one. I think most of the students enjoyed it. Their was a lot of peer learning going on there. And prayer time was awesome.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted in: Adult Content in Youth Ministry?
I remember the same issues when I was in your ministry way back when through my whole 14 year youth career. It's always tough to deal with. I always focused on what it means to be discerning and then let them engage discussion on the wiles of their social culture influence. While it didn't always stop them from engaging in it many of them considered other options.
Posted in: Reforming Worship
I wish there was some way to have a "like" button and/or "post" to Twitter and Facebook for this post.