The Portal

Fresh.  Exciting.  Right.

These are the words that express how we felt about starting a Discovery Group (DG) last fall.  The guided discussions in an accepting and listening atmosphere were thought-provoking for people who came. (more…)

A wise man once wrote that there is a season for every activity under heaven. He wrote that there is a time to be born … to heal, to tear down, to build, to mourn, to dance, to scatter, to gather … a time for war and a time for peace. The Hughes home church understands what that man was saying. Now is not the time for peace. Now is the season to go to war – to take it to the streets.

This summer brought many challenges and opportunities for growth. For one, the leaders Joel, Kat, and Dar, have temporarily joined the new Crossroads Bible Study at Kent State University. They are part of an college ministry initiative whose goal to break through the spiritual darkness that holds KSU in its cold grip.

Called to “active duty” in a new mission field, the tried and true leadership team decided to go and to offer their talents and leadership experience to this budding ministry. It was time for them to go – to uproot from their established ministry. It was time to ask for volunteers to manage the household while they were away. It was time that the Hughes Home Church put away childish things and clothed itself with mature love.

One Hughite commented following the workers’ meeting where this plan was announced, “We knew that they were going. We were very supportive and excited about Dar and Joel going to the field. Soon Kathryn will join them. That new ministry is growing rapidly. Change is so unsettling. That is a good thing. God is certainly a God of movement.”

During that workers’ meeting, Joel called for a  team of volunteers – a team that would willingly take on the responsibility and “the heat” of leading the Home Church while “the deacons take their eye off the ball.” Joel didn’t want anyone to feel conscripted. An awkward silence filled the normally chatty room. Slowly people stepped forward and offered to pinch hit for them. The Lagotte’s, Avdeyev’s, and the Beech’s make up this fledgling team. Now is the time to build.

Since August 18^th , the “Lagotteechdeyev Rock – n – Roll Machine” has been in motion, starting with new series from the book of Luke. The goal is to more fully know and understand the person and ministry of Jesus. It was time to embrace Christ to get behind Him.

“How can we tell others about just how awesome Jesus Christ is if we don’t have an intimate relationship with Him? We need to get to know Him better. We need to be excited about what He has accomplished. Luke should jump start this growth.” one volunteer reflected.

The old “talking head” teaching format is out the door. After receiving feedback from Joel on the multi-site conference in Chicago, the “acting” leaders agreed with him that home church teachings need to change. In Ephesus, Paul had daily discussions with his disciples, not daily sermons. Discussions call for group participation. That now is the goal for each home church meeting. Each member of the body is to contribute to the meeting by using the gifts that the Spirit has given to him or her. Now is the time to grow.

From 1Corinthians 14:26

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

This discussion format has been used twice. Already the meetings are more energized and dynamic. When everyone partakes and offers up their individual gifting, it is amazing how the power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed. The last two meetings demonstrate potential to become electric. It was time to tear down the show.

Getting people to meetings has been difficult. Outreach events and parties were nearly void of new people or even returning new. The body has been rather discouraged. For a while it seemed as if they had settled in and were content with their comfortable evenings of fellowship. It felt safe. It was pleasant. It was becoming a bore. This is time to mourn and to change.

After teaching Luke 2, Lisa commented,“I think that we became comfortable with how our meeting went. We all have very busy lives. It is so easy to say ‘yes’ to what the world has to offer and to believe that no one is interested in spiritual matters. Such lies. We now see that our love had grown cold. We knew we had to repent and get on board where God was moving. We need to go where the people are.”

A fresh fighting spirit has been building. There is a growing urgency to reach out to the lost – to scatter away from base. The Hughes Home Church has a new resolve to go out into the community and to connect with others. Each members is accountable for how the meeting goes down. Conversations are not only fun, but they are growing in purpose and in edification.

This church is full of ideas – some old, some new. The C & C’s have continued and personal follow-up is improving. This church hopes to turn the C & C’s into a bi-weekly Discovery Group. This of course will take some time and relationship building. Along those lines, the guys are talking about going out into the community and invading man territory with their “Man Clan Plan.”

Jake explained, “We need to get men away from their women. Something happens when guys hang out with their wives or girlfriends. It is as if they get stupid. Men don’t want to talk to just one guy – not really – they find that creepy. Men want to be part of a gang – something that is manly. That is our idea – to pull men into our gang – Our Man Clan.”

Amy has been busy looking for ways to connect with some of the women in the Falls. She and Andie were recently invited to be a part of a book club. “I am asking God for opportunities to meet people and then I get invited to this book club. How amazing is that? God basically says to me, okay go read some books with these women. Get to know them. Go love them. Who am I to argue?”

Mel and Alex have been taking it to the streets as they get to know their neighbors. They have extended invitations to several neighbors and some may attend our next home church meeting. “People are beginning to take notice of the activity at our place. They are curious about what is going down.”

Many are getting involved with their neighbors. The Schoofs’ have taken up rock climbing – a hobby of their neighbors. Others are meeting more people through clubs, classes and new jobs.

Lisa has started a small business – walking door to door trying to find a way to meet new neighbors. “I know this sounds ridiculous. I am selling AVON. I have met several women already. It is amazing how easy it is to get women talking when it comes to beauty products. I guess they are already looking for something to make them feel better about themselves. I hope to make a connection with them.”

Not only is this church building an outward focus, but it is also committed to spurring one another to love and good deeds. October is retreat month. The guys and gals both have retreats planned. The goal is to work on our personal relationships and walks with the Lord. This is the first retreat in years – so everyone is very excited and eager to get down to work.

It should be a lot of fun too. Steve’s mom has graciously offered her place in Pennsylvania for our home church to use as a retreat place. It is a rustic setting and has a nearby recreational lake. Steve commented on the accommodations, “Things will be a little crowded – but we can fish there and hangout by the campfire. It will be very relaxing.”

Summer has gone and fall is here. Summer was a season of pending transitions – now fall is a season of resolute activity and purpose. This Rock – n – Roll Machine has got its groove on and it’s taking it to the streets. This church is not content. It is not resigned to just “doing” church. This is a group of brothers and sisters who are committed to fighting the good fight – the fight against the powers that be.

We are taking advice from a sister… A TWISTED SISTER…

Everyone knew it was coming, but no one knew what to expect. Everyone held their breath: what would Word, the high school Bible study, be like without its posse of eight male high school graduates - and saddled with all-new leadership?

Everyone knew it was coming, but no one knew what to expect. Everyone held their breath: what would Word, the high school Bible study, be like without its posse of eight male high school graduates – saddled with all-new leadership? Many of those who left Word had developed a serious workforce of teachers, workers, cell group leaders, and they carried away a unique and exciting ethos…

fear factor night

Along with the college guys’ departure came another huge change. As Keith and Greg left their Word leadership post for other endeavors, seasoned Word leaders Joe Allie and Diana Michalek were joined by Mark Michalek and Neil and Kalie Brooks, all rookies to Word. On July 10, 2008 the home church was turned upside down when the freshman first attended, the college guys didn’t, and the new leadership team stepped in. The unspoken question simmered in everyone’s mind: “Would Word survive?”

Two months later the verdict is in and all signs show Word is not only surviving, but thriving. The meeting has maintained its average attendance, close to 21 people per meeting, and its outreach rate is a solid 11%. But these numbers include slow summer months. From August to September the group saw an explosive 50% growth in attendance!

The stats aren’t the only indication of success. Joe says “The leadership team change has been really cool. I am impressed by Neil in particular, who can be crazy and fun with the guys, but at the same time, makes sure to get to know them.” Neil, who performed cannonballs at the pool party while wearing a child’s lifejacket and ducky inner tube, says Word is “exciting and life-infusing to its workers.” Mark agrees that “this is the most fun I’ve had doing ministry in a long time.” And Diana is pleased to see her disciples Adi and Becky “really coming into their own as the new senior workforce in Word.”

But “this isn’t the same Word as last year,” Joe warned. Adi and Becky agree that “it feels more like Chill,” the misnomer for the high-energy junior high home church. The Bible study now warms up with ice-breakers involving blind-folds, Cranium clues, and animal sounds, settles down for a teaching, and then storms the Morschers’ pool or high school sports fields. After-CT activities include karaoke, Fear Factor and the infamous Scavenger Hunt. Just imagine Evan Beech licking uncooked hot dog slices out of Jordan Yoerger’s toes for a taste of the new Word’s fun.

The group is likely to outgrow the Morscher’s basement soon…But the changes aren’t contained to energy levels or activities. “Filling the gap left by the graduates has been the biggest challenge,” Joe admitted. “Gone are the days when the younger guys could just show up and enjoy a spiritual time. Now it’s up to them!” But B and Jordan in particular are delivering. “From when I first met B until now, God has done an amazing work with him,” Neil reflected. Meanwhile Asta’s friends threaten to overrun the meeting with girls.

The group is also invading secular space at the high school football games, where they strategically invite friends to hang out afterward. Evangelism is booming as kids catch a vision for reaching the lost. And with stellar activities, relevant teachings, and a committed adult workforce (also includes Carrie Hemphill, Amy Lagotte, Ryan Leon, Nicole Wondercheck, Michelle Tidwell, and Kate McCallum), the group is likely to outgrow the Morscher’s basement soon.

“I didn’t realize until recently how many non-Christian friends I have!” Chloe said.

Get ready: the new Word has arrived!

Read all about the new Love Ethics class sponsored by Columbus, Xenos, featuring ... guess who? Cleveland people can go without any class costs, of course...

The poster says it all…

Do You Know the Old Testament? On October 1st we launch an Old Testament survey course for the first time in nearly a decade...Students will be guided through the entire Old Testament by Darlene McCallum and Mark Michalek...

Do You Know the Old Testament?

On October 1st we launch an Old Testament survey course for the first time in nearly a decade, and it promises to deepen an understanding of God’s character, your relationship with God, your ability to defend your faith, and most important to understand

“It’s a big chunk of the Bible,” Mark Michalek said. “But what’s it doing there? Your understanding of the Bible is incomplete without the Old Testament.”

The class is a vital part of the Leadership Training Class series, so those enrolled in LTC should plan on attending the class.

Raised in a Post-Christian era, many Christians — especially those under 40 — are so unfamiliar with the Old Testament they become uncomfortable speaking about it and the concepts it teaches, Mark said.

Students will be guided through the entire Old Testament by Darlene McCallum and Mark Michalek. The Scarlet Thread will serve as a background textbook. The course will answer questions such as:

How does the Old Testament apply today? Should we digging through the laws and applying them? What’s the role of the Old Testament in your daily life?

Is God different in the Old and New Testaments? Critics such as Dawkins would say so. How would you defend accusations like this:

The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character of all fiction; jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control freak; a vindictive, blood-thirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously-malevolent bully. Richard Dawkins, God Delusion, p.31 [Haughton-Mifflin, 2006]

Old Testament Survey will meet every other week for five sessions, with a test. It will cost $35, but $10 for students and $50 for couples.

On September 26-28 about thirty NeoXenos leaders will gather for a retreat near scenic Marblehead Light House, a favorite attraction for campers at East Harbor State Park.

This is an intense year of new ministries and growth, increasing the need for more Deacon Ministry Teams (DMTs). Experienced leaders are stepping into new ministries and new leaders are needed to replace them.

The recent “Multi-Site” conference in Chicago raised several topics for this year’s DMT Retreat, such as changes in teaching format, “apprenticeships”, online education, and new ideas for home group multiplication.

God’s power unleashed in Northeast Ohio — new groups, new people, new leadership, and unusual results – Greg, Joel, Keith and Mark discuss the amazing new ministries underway this Fall in a “Roundtable Discussion”. Let us know what you think of the Podcast!

South Street

We were greeted by the hum of plastic wheels spinning on glazed wood accompanied by flashing multi-colored lights. We found ourselves serving the poor by roller skating, but we were having so much fun it didn’t feel like “service” at all!

Contact Kalie Brooks or Mark Michalek and attend the volunteer meeting this Tuesday September 16 at 5:30 PM.One of the high points of the after school program last year was “Fabulous Fridays,” a fun reward for kids who earned it. For the “Pizza and Skating” Friday, we met up with the kids and held an impromptu dance party where everyone strutted their stuff to beats like “Can’t Touch This” and “Hollywood Swingers.” Then we had a blast skating.

While Fabulous Fridays were a great time, there was also the daily contentment from building relationships with the kids. One day a kid who had trouble fitting in broke down in tears when he was teased. A volunteer seized the opportunity to encourage him to be more loving instead of a “know-it-all” and talk about his future with Christ.

It was awesome to see the volunteers winning the respect of the children through love. As this happened, the kids began to share more about themselves and ask real spiritual questions. Some of the kids even started showing interest in our lives and asking questions like “How YOU doing?” or “Are you guys really married!!??” (to Neil and Kalie Brooks).

At the same time, the after school program can be hard work. Volunteers strove to be in control by disciplining kids and planning the logistics a program like this entails. Sacrificial love is needed at South Street.

But it’s exciting to think about the long term impact this program can have on the kids. The Brooks and Michaleks got a glimpse of this while visiting Urban Concern during the Xenos Summer Institute. There they met several guys who grew up through Urban Concern’s after school program and are now in their twenties. They were extremely encouraging as they related their fond memories of Bible study, campouts, and PlayStations at the program. It was exciting to imagine having similar impact on some of the kids from South Street, seeing them grown up, in college, and ministering for the Lord!

This Year

It was a great answer to prayer in that Lisa Crabbs is going to coordinate the after school program at South Street this year. Lisa started the South Street after school program and offers plenty of experience and insight.

Another exciting development is that Jim Swearingen, the founder of the Urban Concern ministry at Columbus Xenos, is considering moving to Akron to do inner-city ministry. That’s certainly something to pray about.

Want to Get Involved?

They only asked us to remember the poor– the very thing I also was eager to do. Galatians 2:10

We’ll be partnering with South Street again this year to do the after school program. But we need volunteers!

Contact Kalie Brooks or Mark Michalek and attend the volunteer meeting this Tuesday September 16 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be at 130 W South St. (Attending doesn’t mean you’re committed!) I suspect we’ve got a lot of Xenos people interested in volunteering, but not many have come out of the woodwork yet. So let us know!

Praise God that He’s given us a partnership and open door to serving the poor in a very relational and evangelistic context! Hopefully the after school program will just be the start of our partnership with South Street and of Neo Xenos taking the gospel to the poor!

The Portal at Basecamp is finally ready, and it is the finishing touch to The Great Basecamp Migration of 2008. Everybody’s been amazingly kind while our communications were (at times) disrupted while moving from the old Basecamp. But it was worthwhile, because the activity and posts have more than doubled, and the feedback says Basecamp II is working.

Please Note: soon you can log into The Portal or Basecamp II, but for now please log into Basecamp II.

But Basecamp is a little noisy with all the new activity. So The Portal helps you get a better picture. Like the “NeoNews” at the old Basecamp, important news and announcements are placed up-front, and it’s easier to get a quick snapshot of all the activity.

Here’s what The Portal brings:

• Better access for mobile devices (use http://wap.neoxenos.net for the best results).
• News and announcements on the front page, in one place.
• A Site Map to find all your NeoXenos Web stuff.
• Activity summaries from the forums, blogs, NeoZine, podcasts, and other news.

Look for yourself — can you explain what they could possibly be doing?

View Neil Brook’s photo album about the Word High School ministry:

"Fear Factor 2008"

• Fear Factor 2008 Photo Album