Seminars on Missional Practices
The Forgotten Ways
Join Forge co-founder Alan Hirsch’s journey to recover the Forgotten Ways of the church’s call to embody the life of Jesus both in its gatherings and in the specific context God has sent it to. Should the church take its role in the community as seriously as it does the care of its members? This seminar explores the biblical, theological, and practical basis for the purpose of the church in the world.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Sentness
Join Forge International Director Kim Hammond as he details six postures the church can take to reflect its Sentness in the world. This seminar helps shape the demeanor and attitude Christians can take to faithfully and relevantly engage not-yet Christians in our time and place. Could more followers of Jesus grow beyond spiritual consumers of what the church provides to become active participants? What would it look like for more Christians to begin asking how they can join what their church is already doing to make a difference in the community?
John 20:21 “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Surprise the World
Join Forge co-founder Michael Frost’s efforts to Surprise the World by a unique and tangible love that goes beyond understanding.
Christians want to be the church and not merely go to church, but they are searching for practical ways they can live as missionaries where they live, work, and play without feeling unnecessarily awkward or unwelcome. Many want to share their faith, but how? How can we in the current cultural climate?
This seminar provides practical tools for cultivating a rhythm of life that reflects the way of Jesus in day to day life. This discussion will go beyond theological promise and engage the practical realities of the life of a missionary.
John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Next Door As It Is in Heaven
Lance Ford and Brad Brisco are church strategists and denominational consults who partner with Forge to inspire and equip followers of Jesus as they faithfully interact with their friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
What if Jesus literally meant we were supposed to love our neighbors, our literal neighbors? That we are to ask, who is my neighbor?, and then find ways to love those who live and work in proximity to us.
This seminar presses our imaginations to consider the identity and life of our neighbors, and asks challenging questions about how we can move toward real friendship and love for those Jesus notoriously had a reputation of loving.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
Happy Hour
Join former Forge America Director, author, and missional practitioner Hugh Halter as he gives Christians permission to enjoy and host Happy Hour. All good missionaries know the power of social engagement.
Whether you are called overseas or across the street, we now live in a pure mission field, and people won’t move spiritually until they are connected socially. In other words, the gospel will not be heard until our front doors open, our tables are set, and we practice the art of hospitality, celebration, and party. Why has the ancient art of party been lost?
This seminar expands our understanding of holiness to include outward expressions of friendship with those Jesus befriended, alongside our pursuit of inward piety.
Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.
Living Outside the Box
Jim Mustain is a community pastor, neighborhood advocate, founding director of Loving Community, and the director of Forge Dallas.
What’s your box? We all have them, areas of life we don’t unpack, stored safely away. A box can be anything that limits our full potential to live out the Kingdom of God.
A box can be anything, a belief, a prejudice or fear. It can be a physical disability, a past mistake or addiction. Even the structures in our lives can become a box — the walls of our house or church buildings, our calendars and schedules can wall us off from Kingdom potential.
Boxes limit us. And yet Jesus said he came that we might have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) And that’s living outside the box. I believe it’s possible!
What would it look like if we unpacked the boxes of our lives, utilized who we are, and what we are, and became the change we want to see in the world?
Join Jim as he unveils the theological precedent for followers of Jesus to be good neighbors and provides a practical framework for faithful engagement in multiple spheres of community life.