Last week we had the privilege of being a part of the Australian and New Zealand NCMI Elders Week.
Hosted by Lighthouse Church in Sydney, Paul and Monika Zanardo and their incredible team did an amazing job of hosting us all.
The NCMI Team couples gathered on Monday afternoon just to gather thoughts and ideas for the week and to pray into the rest of the time with all the elders (pastors). On Tuesday morning we met again but with all the lead couples from the churches. This was an amazing time of openess and vulnerable ministry that I have no doubt, changed many lives.
On Tuesday afternoon we kicked into full swing with the addition of many of the elders from the various represented teams (it was especially amazing for me to have David and Joanne Williams there with us this year!).
I had the privilege of speaking in the first session on recognising, raising up and releasing leaders. It was a very practical session with some very real “hands on” moments and illustrations of things that have worked well for us at Extreme Life in Warrnambool.
Matt Doty took the next session and spoke into the tasks and roles of the priesthood of all believers and deacons and elders. A very refreshing look at how they all fit together and function as a part of a significant body.
Wednesday morning was a partnership between Paul and Monika Zanardo. Paul spoke on partnering with the Holy Spirit in ministry and Monika shared some of her revelations on being an elder’s wife from the Biblical accounts of the life of Sarah.
Rudy Furlong then brought a session on the importance of having (and keeping) a pioneering spirit. Some great illustrations from the life of Joshua, one of the ultimate pioneers.
We also had our faith stirred and were greatly encouraged by an amazing teaching and perspective from Leon Van Daele. There really is nothing much like Leon in full flight at the moment.
On Thursday morning we heard from Michael Nicholas on guarding our wellspring and we rounded out with some thoughts from Bruce Benge on dealing with disappointment followed by a time of hands on prophetic and practical ministry.
We had a number of musical worship times together too lead by Matt Doty, Tim Oliver and Joseph Fa’afiu. These were truly refreshing times and the intensity as all pushed in and participated willingly and passionately just helped make them such a great time of connection with our King.
All up, it was an extremely worthwhile week that I am so glad I got to be a part of. Partnership with all of these other amazing couples is both a huge privilege and a responsibility. It is way more than just emailing or sms-ing one another now and then to say what we are doing. It is an active participating together in adminstering our part of the Kingdom. I could not think of anything worse that trying to do this amazing task if isolated and alone, but doing it together with these amazing people adds a huge dash of awesome.
Thanks again to Paul and Monika and their amazing team and to all who made it a great week by paying the price to be there and actively participating and partnering with us…You are all awesome!