As we discuss the seven things the Spirit is saying to the Church we see a major area of shift that is taking place is a shift in emphasis from “the church” to “The Kingdom.” This shift includes the concept of social transformation. Jesus spoke more about the Kingdom of God than any other single topic. He came to give us entrance into the Kingdom, to know the power of the Kingdom, and to be citizens of the Kingdom. He spoke so much about it that Herod wanted to know where this kingdom was located. God is redirecting our attention to this message of the Kingdom once again. I define the Kingdom of God as the rule or reign of Christ in the life of a person, community, nation or world. As ambassadors of the Kingdom we are sent to share the principles of the Kingdom with others and to bring its transforming influence into the nations of the world. This is a major change in focus from simply inviting people to come to “the church.” Are you a citizen of The Kingdom? Is Jesus the ruler of the decisions you make in life? Are you committed to bringing this Kingdom to others? Today I am going to share more about this topic with you.

I am going to be working in a mentor relationship with Che Ahn this year in his School of the Apostles. Peter Wagner felt I should contact Che in regards to learning how to develop an International Apostolic Network. (Currently we have Jacob and Jayakumar in our network and they have about 500 pastors and over 26000 believers under them.) When I contacted him, Che told me that the Lord had led him to create this new school for the emerging apostles in his network. He was very gracious to open the door to me to join him. This school will be very intense; I will travel to Pasadena nine times, go on at least one international trip, one national trip and participate in an apostolic roundtable. The key is the impartation of ministry from one who is already established and seeing God work in the HIM Network. The people that I will be working with through Che include Heidi Baker, Bill Johnson, John Arnott, and Randy Clark. God has opened a significant door in 2008 for us to press through. Che has invited Pastor Dawn to join me in all my travel with him. I feel this is a very important opportunity for training in my life as I lead Skyway into our next season. I will have a very busy schedule when this is added to our WLI local and national meetings and all the local work we will do as a congregation in our own community in 2008. I am convinced that the staff is ready to lead here locally and I will not miss many Sundays. Last year I was only out of the pulpit four times, and I don’t plan on missing more than this in 2008. This is where I can effectively lead the entire congregation through the series I preach each week. I say this to let everyone know my commitment as leader of Skyway is my first commitment.