This is a post I wrote in my pesonal blog (bulldoze2build.wordpress.com) over a year ago. I often find myself meeting people who are 'stuck' or sensing they are to be making a change, but often do not know how to make that SHIFT or change.

So for those of you who find yourself in that place, here are some questions to consider.

Where is your alignment? Who do you align yourself with? What is your assignment?  Alignment often refers to our bone structure being properly aligned. When our bodies are out of alignment, we often walk off balance or experience pain somewhere. << MORE >>

Last year I went to a gathering of HOP leaders where Sean Malone from Crises Response INternational (CRI) came to speak. I was quite fascinated and encouraged to hear his story of how the Lord led him to start CRI. (He assisted in 9/11 clean up and Hurrican Katrina).  I had really never thought of the idea of those who help in disaster reponse as mercy missionaries. I also love the idea of seeing intercessors as part of the teams. << MORE >>

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As I sit here outdoors enjoying the wonderful sunshine and gentle breeze taking time to REST, I can't help but think of and be thankful for all that has happened since January 2nd, 2012. << MORE >>

Today I'm thinking of those who've gone before me, the many intercessors in the valley who've prayed for a House of Prayer in the Fresno area. I remember 12 years ago when I heard of IHOP in Kansas City, how I wished we had one in Fresno. I remember conversatoins of years past of those who thought of starting one in Fresno, yet it wasn't time. << MORE >>

 First wrote in 2010. I will be making this a series of blogs on the topic of 'Transformation'.                                               

TRANSFORMATION- seems to be a buzz word in the church lately.  While attending a class in 2004 at WLI, C. Peter Wagner talked about transformation in the church sphere. I thought back then, we (the church) were a little behind, since I had already been reading and hearing about ‘transformation’ in the education sphere since 2000. None the less, I’ve been now hearing a lot of leaders talk about‘transformation or ‘reformation’ of the church and cities the last few years. 

So what does transformation look like? and How do we get there?  Some have said, transformation in cities is eliminating systematic poverty, others say it is reformation in schools, or seeing corruption gone, or the homeless off the streets, human trafficking eliminated,  and justice established. I believe it is all of these and more.  What I do know not 'one' church/congregation is going to bring it all or do it all, but the Body of Christ doing their 'part' in the city will help. I was on a phone conference call a few years back addressing the 12 components of what is needed for transformation and we knew it would take many doing their part.   

The Leadership Agents of Transformation - these are people of influence  (sometimes called gatekeepers) in various spheres of influence. Although I’ve heard some say the pastors are the city gatekeepers, I’d like to say I’ve only seen a few who carry authority as city gatekeepers. Pastors may be spiritual leaders of their flocks, but many are not the ones making the decisions of influence in the city. 

    Ephesians 4:12 list the leadership gifts for equipping and training the saints for the work of the ministry are-the apostle, prophet and evangelist, pastor/teacher.  Often in American Christianity we have only found the pastor/teacher as the leader, and unfortunately the congregants have expected them to do it all. All five are needed. 

Each of these offices have a different function, and they must be recognized  and released. A new wine is being poured out and wineskins will have to change to contain it. I believe the Lord is leading us from a ‘church culture (pastoral/teacher led government) into Kingdom government, which includes all five leadership gifts functioning well together with Jesus as the Head. 

I have noticed that man apostles and prophets who have not been understood or allowed to function in their church have often gone to the marketplace to lead. I believe many of these 'marketplace apostles' are the ones who will lead the way of Agents of Transformation in our cities. (you can read more about apostlic funcion/office in another blog). 

P.S. Transformational stories can be heard and watched on www.harvestevan.orgwebsite. 

 Although it is often a time to reflect on the past year and all God has done we are excited about the NEW year of 2012. We are believing for breakthrough for many and moving into new territories. Occupying the land (mountains) of influence with HIS Holy Presence, loving HIM and loving others. << MORE >>

Notice our new logo, the fire of worship and prayer is burning in the House of Prayer. The other buildings represent the other 6 mountains of influence. Thanks to a few young artist who drew the first drawing and then Belinda McDanel who made it on the computer.

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FRESNO H.O.P.E.(www.fresnohope.net)

 The first ‘New’ thing we are celebrating this Jewish New Year (5772) is the new location for our gatherings;  Thanks to First Covenant church, we are now across from CSU Fresno using their facility.  We’ve changed from monthly citywide prayer to weekly Harp and Bowl on Friday nights. We hope to:

Ø Restart focused intercession sets in the day. (See schedule on website). As leaders or groups step in to lead these we will start.

Ø Continue to build Missional community with the Leadership team and others called to be a part of this House of Prayer. Continue small groups for times of fellowship and encouragement.

Ø Continue prayer on campuses and help Christian clubs with establishing 24/7 prayer and united worship/prayer assemblies. CSU Fresno Christian clubs  just had their first worship/prayer assembly on  Oct. 14^th.

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