EXODUS

2010 World Missions Jubilee

Hilton Hotel – Universal City, California

August 5 – 8, 2010

REGISTER FOR THE JUBILEE HERE

EXODUS is the inspirational theme for our 2010 World Missions Jubilee, for it was out of Egypt – out of slavery – that our God brought His people to the Promised Land! It was also out of Egypt that God brought His son to save the nations! (Matthew 2:15) All of the titles of our speeches and classes will be taken from the Pentateuch. These first five books of the Bible record Moses and the Israelites seeing the very glory of God through historically unique events such as the ten plagues of Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the fire on Mount Sinai, as well as daily, when they collected the manna and viewed the cloud above the Tabernacle through which the Lord would tell the Israelites to remain at that camp or continue their journey to the Promised Land. Today God’s glory is returning to His people! Amazingly in less than four years, the Spirit has grown the Sold-Out Discipling Movement to almost 40 congregations in 19 nations! Our family of churches’ motivating vision is the evangelization of the nations in this generation. Lord willing, in continuing The Crown Of Thorns Project, we will witness the sending out of the London Mission Team! Paul wrote to the disciples, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) So come and join our worship as your faith will surely be strengthened by “the mighty power of the Lord” and the “awesome deeds” of His people, as we revisit the principles of the EXODUS and go to all nations! (Deuteronomy 34:10-12)

The fifth biannual World Missions Jubilee will be held at the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Universal City – Los Angeles! There will be a Global Leadership Conference on Wednesday August 4th; registration will be $20. Thursday evening, August 5th will be the opening session of the Jubilee. The seminar will conclude at 1PM on Sunday August 8th. The registration cost for both students and adults is $90 ($95 at the door). Registration will begin on March 1st. You may register through the mail (2010 WMJ, 536 Sheldon Street, El Segundo, CA. 90245) or online here.   The rooms at the Hilton Hotel are only $129/night for the first 100 rooms. After the first 100, the price will be $169/night. Conveniently, once at the hotel, no transportation is necessary as all Jubilee events are at the Hilton. This incredible facility is located adjacent to both “City Walk,” with about 40 restaurants, as well as the Universal Studios Theme Park. Saturday, the Jubilee schedule will conclude at noon to allow all participates to enjoy a time of fun and fellowship at Universal Studios Theme Park. If you have any questions contact the Jubilee Directors: Andrew Smellie at 315-415-3213 or Rob Onekea at 213-300-3190. Come and bring your whole family to this historic occasion! And to God be the glory!
Kip McKean

Setting up to Serve

The Eckels family serving at the Coalition

REGISTER FOR THE JUBILEE HERE
REGISTER FOR THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE HERE
REGISTER YOUR ROOM AT THE HILTON

2010 World Missions Jubilee
Theme Speeches & Speakers
Let My People Go – DJ Comisford (New York City)
Nehushtan – Matt Sullivan (Santiago)
The Golden Calf – Andrew Smellie (Los Angeles)
The Jethro Principle – Chloupeks (Phoenix) and Williamsons (London)
The Cloud Over The Tabernacle – Chris Broom (Chicago)
The Promised Land On The Second Try – Kip McKean (Los Angeles)

Workshop Classes
Motherhood: Pharoah’s Daughter Changes History – J. McGee / L. Mejia
Quiet Times: Manna In The Morning – Vic Gonzalez Jr. / O. Sirotkin
Full-Time Ministry: The Burning Bush – DJ & Kacie Comisford
Deepening Your Bible Study: The Voice Of God – K. Bartholomew / A. Smellie
Teaching Bible Talks: His Face Was Radiant – C. Broom / M. Patterson
Women’s Leadership: Miriam The Prophetess – E. McKean / P. Smellie
Finding God’s Will: Balaam’s Donkey – T. Kernan / C. Mejia
Prayer: Moses Held Up His Hands – A. Lips / J. Shelbrack
Fruits Of Righteousness: Zeal For God’s Honor – J. Clark / R. Moreno
Family Devo’s: Impress On Your Children – Adams / Parlours

Spanish-Speaking Program
During the Jubilee, there will be a Spanish-Speaking Program on Friday during the day and on Sunday morning. The speakers for these sessions are: Victor & Sonia Gonzalez, Raul & Lynda Moreno, Matt & Helen Sullivan, Sal & Patricia Velasco, and Theresa Broom.
Global Leadership Conference
The Global Leadership Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday August 4th. This meeting will begin with an informal breakfast at 7:30AM and will conclude at 12:30PM. This event is open to all who are in leadership, as well as those who aspire to be God’s servants in planting and building churches. The charge is $20.
Speakers Dinner
The Speakers Dinner will be held on Wednesday at 6:30PM. This is a separate event from the Global Leadership Conference and is by invitation only.
Administrators Breakfast Meeting
The Administrators Breakfast Meeting will be held Thursday from 9:00AM to Noon. Michael Kirchner, who is the Administrator for all the SoldOut Movement Churches, will oversee this event. Every lead evangelist and their administrator are invited to this meeting.
Shepherds Lunch
Thursday at 12:30PM, Nick & Denise Bordieri and Tony & Therese Untalan will be hosting a luncheon meeting for all the Shepherding Couples in the SoldOut Movement Churches.
Specialized Ministry Lunches a Fellowships
On Friday August 6th, there will be specialized ministry lunches. Nick & Denise Bordieri will be hosting a luncheon honoring the disciples who are in leadership with MERCYworldwide. Ron Harding, our Lead CyberEvangelist for the Movement, will direct the Web Deacons Lunch & Meeting. Mike Patterson and Shay Vloet will host a Teen Lunch & Fellowship. Also, there will be a Chemical Recovery (CR) Ministry Lunch & Meeting overseen by Russ Preston. On Friday evening at 6PM, Michael & Michele Williamson will be in charge of a Singles & Campus Social, where finger foods will be served.
“The Kingdom’s Got Talent” Show
For this year’s Jubilee, instead of our usual concert on Friday night, Jeremy Ciaramella will be our host on “The Kingdom’s Got Talent” Show! This will not be a competition, but a time for disciples from all over the world to glorify God by showcasing their God-given talents. In order to perform, you must audition in person or on video by July 15th.

John Goss and Marie Graeff serving those in need

OICC Campus Ministry Celebrating New Life in the Kingdom!

Acts 19:8-10: “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.”

Corey Jones and Paula Harpole leading Bible Talk at UCF!

OICC Brothers celebrating with Marcus Jackson (right of center) at his Baptism

In Mark 3:14, Jesus chose twelve young men who were most likely in their teens and twenties (college age), to “be with Him so that He might send them out to preach.” Some like James and John were still working with their father. (Mark 1:19-20) Peter was married, but probably not yet with children. (Mark 1:30) After walking with these 12, whom He called apostles – Greek for messengers – Jesus gave them the charge to make disciples in all nations, thus evangelizing the world in a generation. (Matthew 28:19-20) According to Paul, this is exactly what they did. In Colossians 1, written just 30 years after Jesus’ dream is revealed to His apostles, Paul records “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing…This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven.” Amazingly the world was evangelized without mass–communications, such as telephones, television or the internet or without mass–transportation, such as cars, trains or airplanes! Certainly with these advantages today, though the world has a much larger population, the nations can be evangelized in our generation.

Recently the OICC has been steadily working on campus – reaching hundreds of students who are open and ready to hear the Good News! Corey Jones and Paula Harpole have been having daily Bible discussions throughout the week with students. In addition, the Campus Ministry has also been holding weekly social events on campus including movie nights, volleyball, socials, and game nights. We believe in reaching the students at the University of Central Florida as well as Valencia Community College, Full Sail, and Rollins College as these young men and women are open and eager to find the Truth.

Recently Baptized Malomo Brown and Roberta Saintil with Elizabeth Eckels and Paula Harpole

Recently Baptized Quintt McDunogh (center) with (from left) Steve Coyle, Anthony Eckels, Corey Jones and John Goss

Why were young people so attracted to Jesus’ message and movement? In Mark 1, Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew was, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark adds, “At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Since they were so quick to follow, something must have excited these young men. Interestingly, Jesus did not say come follow me and you will receive eternal life. Nor did he say come follow me and you will have so many blessings. The need for most young people is a sense of purpose.  This was the exhilarating call of Jesus. For Peter and Andrew, no longer would their lives be a monotonous daily routine of fish–eat–sleep, but now they were going to impact their families, their acquaintances and everyone they met!  Occasionally,  I walk into the UCF Student Union and see multiple Bible studies going on with the OICC Campus disciples.  It has been exciting to see so many young campus students searching for truth as well as witnessing our young disciples striving to reach each student with the Good News!   Campus students, let’s continue to change the world by following Jesus and His example.  Church, let’s continue to be praying and supporting our Campus Ministry as we keep the mission in mind and remember what Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20.  To God be the Glory!

Anthony Eckels

Anthony and Elizabeth Eckels, Leaders of the OICC

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:32-33)

The Winter Workshop of the Orlando International Christian Church was wind beneath our wings as we dive into 2010 with faithful expectations. During the workshop we were reminded of the Biblical mission of all of the sold-out discipling churches in our movement: to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the world!  We reflected on the incredible victories of 2009:

*The Orlando ICC tripled in number during 2009 through baptisms and restorations!

*We collected over $19,000 in our Special Missions Contribution to support local missions: Orlando!

*We spearheaded our UCF Campus Ministry and raised up Corey Jones to lead Campus Bible Talks!

*We prayed for God to set up the West for a Bible Talk and John Goss was baptized in May and June Fisher moved here from Georgia in the summer to be restored!  Now they are our West Side Bible Talk Leaders!

*Seeing the need to strengthen the parenting in the church, we began having monthly Children’s Devotionals!

*God raised up John Goss and Paula Harpole to lead our first Single Professionals Ministry!

*We prayed for talented musicians to lead our Arts, Entertainment and Sports Ministry:  Steve and Melanie Coyle were baptized over the summer!  They are now our Worship leaders!

West Side Bible Talk Leaders, June Fisher and John Goss

After recapping these great victories, Anthony raised our expectations and vision as he preached about the ‘Biblical Strategies for World Evangelism’ that was written by Kip McKean. Anthony preached about reaching our piece of the world, Orlando, Florida. Orlando is a melting pot of international natives who have connections all over the world. The University Of Central Florida is the sixth largest University in the United States! By reaching Orlando we will reach people all over Florida and the world. He encouraged us to be in daily prayer, studying the word daily, and continuing to be unified in heart and mind (Acts 4:32-33), sharing our lives and giving everything we can to reach the world! Specifically, we were challenged to “spread the Word of the Lord throughout the whole region” (Acts 13:49). To honor this calling, we are pleased to announce that John Goss and June Fisher are leading our first West Side Bible Talk in the Orlando International Christian Church! West Orlando is especially dear to the Eckels since they led the west region in our former fellowship. We welcome all to visit our West Side Bible Talk as we embark on spreading the Good News all over Orlando

Recently Restored Daphne Graeff (center) with her mother Marie Graeff (right) and Paula Harpole

Additionally, we were challenged to follow the example in Acts 19:9-12 where the disciples had daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, targeting opinion leaders that would take the message back to their home towns and home nations. We were reminded that the youth are our future leadership to spread the gospel throughout Florida and the world. To help achieve our goal to reach opinion leaders at UCF, we are pleased to announce that Paula Harpole will be the first intern for the Orlando International Christian Church! Paula will be assisting Corey with our campus ministry at UCF, having almost daily Bible discussions in the halls of UCF. We are excited to have Paula on staff as she has been an excellent example of a sold-out disciple, continually sacrificing for the mission.  Paula and Corey are cranking it out at UCF, averaging a dozen visitors at each of their 3 Bible Talks!  Joining the campus ministry is Daphne Graeff, Marie Graeff’s daughter who was recently restored to the Lord. Daphne, who was baptized in our former fellowship, had wandered from her first love due to a lack of discipling and weak relationships. As the sisters encouraged and strengthened Daphne, her desire to seek God first was rekindled. We are excited about Daphne’s restoration to God and the Kingdom.

OICC Kingdom Kids Workshop, led by Betty Mesarina!

UCF Bible Talk Leader Corey Jones (center left) at OICC Campus Ministry Movie Night!

The following day, we continued our workshop with inspiring training on our new Kingdom Kids curriculum and ministry. Betty Mesarina, an incredible mom of three Kingdom Kids and our new Kingdom Kids Coordinator, shared with us the importance of our children’s ministry!  She shared that these kids are our future disciples and leaders!  It  was refreshing to see the excitement of the disciples about serving in our Kingdom Kids ministry.  We truly had a blast learning new Kingdom Kids songs, and the adults had so much fun they didn’t want it to end!

As we embark on 2010, Anthony stated, “This is the year of the Lord for Orlando!”.   Please pray for the Orlando International Christian Church to be able to hire a male campus intern for the summer of 2010, as well as for Elizabeth Eckels to go on staff.   Pray that we can spread the message through Orlando, multiply, divide, and glorify God!  To God be the Glory!

1 Corinthians 4:15-17: Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

The Apostle Paul was saying that even if they had countless teachers and caretakers, he would always be their one only spiritual Father.  Paul obviously had a deep conviction about everyone in the church being in agreement of the teachings of Christ.  He had the conviction that the agreement should be everywhere – in every church.There was an expectation of complete unity,  not autonomous churches.  This subject is also referenced in Ephesians 4:3 and John 17:21-23.

Timothy Snead (center) at his baptism with Anthony Eckels, Joseph Kaile and Corey Jones

Marie Graeff, June Fisher and Elizabeth Eckels

God continues to work powerfully through the disciples in Orlando.  Recently God richly blessed our Missions Contribution.  With a goal of $10,000, God has bless us with $19,000!  June Fisher was restored to Christ at our Sunday Service a few weeks ago.  Many tears were shed seeing her restored after 19 years away from the Kingdom.   After being discipled by Lisa Robillard for a year over the phone, June took a leap of faith to move here from Georgia and has radically repented of her sins. The fruit of her repentance is obvious to all as she has already bore fruit at UCF.  Not only was Joseph Kaile baptized, but she also has a half a dozen friends studying the Bible to become Christians.

Another great victory at UCF was the baptism of Timothy Snead.   Anthony met Timothy, a Bio Technology major at UCF, who studied the Bible in a week and was baptized.  He is already assisting our UCF campus leader, Corey Jones, in leading Bible Talks on Campus.

One of the most moving events in the church was the recent restoration of Betty Mesarina.  After hearing about OICC, it excited Betty to hear that the Kingdom was alive and growing here in Orlando and around the world.   She came out to church to see for herself and repented of losing her first love.  Betty renewed her purpose in life: to love God first and to make disciples of all nations!   She shared with overflowing joy as she was restored to Christ.   God has great plans for Betty and her family.

Elizabeth Eckels, Betty Mesarina and Rosana Chacon

Recently the Orlando ICC had a leadership retreat at the beach where we prayed, had several inspiring lessons and made plans for 2010.   As David gave Solomon the charge to build God’s temple, we committed to serving God with a wholehearted devotion and a willing mind: 1 Chronicles 28:9. As David gave Solomon the charge to be strong and do the work, we also made a plan and talked about how to work the plan to divide and conquer Orlando for God!  We are super excited to begin our Latin Ministry and expand our campus ministry as we plan to add a campus intern in 2010!   God continues to expand our campus ministry at UCF, now having two Bible Talks there and Valencia will be next!!! We are also excited to announce our first West Orlando Bible Talk, as well as the beginning of our Single Professionals Ministry!  We are also excited about our Arts/Entertainment/Sports Ministry, which is especially close to the Eckels’ hearts since they were a part of the original Arts Ministry in New York City.  We have also recognized the need to help the disciples with parenting and inspiring our children, so we have started a monthly Children’s Devotional and Parenting Ministry.  John Goss and Paula Harpole’s first Single Professional’s Event was a huge success, as well as the church’s first Children’s Devotional!!!   We already have friends studying the Bible as a result of these events!  The West Side Bible Talk will begin in January, being co-led by John Goss and the Chacon’s!   The Chacon’s will also oversee our Latin Ministry!  The talented Steve and Melanie Coyle, our Arts/Entertainment/Sports Ministry Leaders, have begun rehearsals for our new music ministry!
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

To God be the Glory!

The Eckels

Celebrating teamwork at OICC!

Mark 1:16-20: As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

On the first anniversary of the Orlando International Christian Church, we were blessed to have Chris and Theresa Broom visit us from the Chicago church. Chris and Theresa were also present for our inaugural service on June 29, 2008 and were encouraged this past month to share the message God laid on their hearts for OICC.

Joseph Kaile's Baptism

Chris shared with us that in order to be a good team mate, you must do three things. You must know your goal, know your role, and know your soul.

Know your goal.

Will, Joseph, John & Anthony after Joseph's Baptism

In Mark 1:16, Jesus called his disciples out, giving them purpose as fishers of men and then at once they followed Him. Jesus picked out his dream team among the fishermen and knew that they would be powerful. The disciples then went out two by two as indicated in Mark 6:6. Once they had been to people’s houses and spent time with them as indicated in Mark 6:10, the apostles then returned to Jesus to report what they had seen and taught (Mark 6:30).

Know your role.

As disciples, we can’t just do one small thing and expect that to be good enough for kingdom work. God calls us to strive for the 3-point shots when we are open and ready! Romans 12:4 indicates that we are all members of a body that do not have the same function and, therefore, we need to accept our positions on the team and work them the best we can! As in Romans 12:6, we all have different gifts and need to use them in proportion to our faith. These gifts might include: be a giver, be a bringer, be a converter, be a nurturer, and be a great leader.

Know your soul.

Steve Coyle's Baptism

We must be truthful with God – even in the inmost parts. The enemy wants to come in and dull our sharp skills and we must shut him out by remaining open with the Lord. We need to ask God to show us our sin as indicated in Psalm 139:23-24. We must also be cautious not to become flattered at ourselves and not able to detect our own sin (Psalm 36:1-2). Quiet times are essential in knowing your soul. They are vital as sin can easily entangle.

Chris also encouraged us all to be alert and protect each other as the scriptures indicate in 1 Peter 5:8.

We in the Orlando International Christian Church were encouraged and thankful for the time that Chris, Theresa, Joel, Brittany, Maria and Austin spent with us. We were inspired by God’s message through Chris as he discussed making the Dream Work, and we are diligently working towards that goal.

Sister In Christ June Fisher

In striving to make the Dream work, this summer our sister in Christ June Fisher moved to Orlando from Valdosta, GA to be restored into the Body of Christ. June’s second week at Campus Life Talk she met Joseph Kaile who was baptized on Sunday, July 26, 2009. Joseph is a UCF student and Physics Major who also plays guitar and piano and will be a great addition to our upcoming Arts/Entertainment/Sports Ministry. June reached out to Joseph during one of our Campus Life Talks and within one week Joseph studied and was baptized!

United in Christ - Steve and Melanie Coyle

In addition, Steve Coyle, husband of sister in Christ Melanie Coyle, was baptized Thursday, July 30, 2009. His baptism was very moving as Melanie and Steve are now united in Christ and now working towards fully restoring their marriage and family. Steve is the store manager of Domino’s Pizza and was invited by his co-worker and fellow disciple Lisa Robillard. He has inspired some of his employees to begin studying the Bible and provided jobs for some of our disciples too! Steve is also a talented musician who plays the sax and will be a great asset to the Music Ministry here at OICC. We know our Campus Students are excited to have the Pizza Man as a disciple now!

We, the leaders at OICC, are encouraged by the way God is moving powerfully here in Orlando. Since Chris and Theresa’s visit, the disciples here are doing a great job of putting God’s lessons into practice to make the Dream work. We are truly grateful for everyone’s sacrifice and hard work and are excited to see what God has in store for our mission team in the months to come!

A Team Of Overcomers at OICC!

But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2

We all love seeing the underdog rise to victory. The Orlando Magic has not been in the finals for 14 years and has surprised the nation as the underdogs who have risen to the top. NBA Sports Reporter Josh Cohen stated, “Let’s not forget, this is a team that has overcome many adversities throughout the 2009 playoffs.”

John Goss's Baptism

There is another team of overcomers who has risen above many adversities over the last year. As the Orlando International Christian Church approaches it’s first anniversary, we can rejoice that the church is stronger than ever! God has added five to our number in just in the last seven weeks. We have learned to individually rely on God, as we work together as a unified movement of totally souled out, committed disciples. Through perseverance, a dauntless spirit of resolution, and holding up an uncompromising standard, we have learned that God will move powerfully, and against odds, even if you have a small mission team.

In Judges 7:2-3, God tells Gideon that they have too many men for Him to deliver Midian. God wanted people to know that His strength would save them, not their own. God widdled his army down, only keeping those in the army that lapped like dogs and were not concerned about their worldly reputation. These God-fearing underdogs were used by God to defeat the Medianites bringing great glory to God.

Another example of God’s glory in adversity is when King David was fleeing from Saul for his life in 1 Samuel. King David wrote Psalm 57 after fleeing from Saul into the cave. He cried out to the Most High for God to fulfill his purpose for him. Do you cry out to God during adversity so he can reveal His purpose for your life? David found his purpose for the existing circumstances as many joined him in the cave. With David as their leader God built his “dream team” in the cave of Adullam as 400 men gathered to humbly fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. David’s team appeared to be a team of underdogs as well; 1 Samuel 22 says his men were in distress, in debt and discontented. Most were probably men embittered against the system and opposed to the current leadership at that time. Does this sound like your “dream team”? What made them God’s “dream team” was their humble hearts and their willingness to be led by David. They became known as David’s mighty men.

Recently baptized Melanie Coyle (center) with Lisa Robillard, Paula Harpole, Stephen Coyle and Elizabeth Eckels

Similarly, God is gathering those in Orlando with restless spirits whose souls can only be satisfied by fulfilling His purpose for their lives: seeking and saving the lost (Matthew 28:18-20). Melanie Coyle, a UCF student and talented musician, shared at her baptism that this is what she was searching for and now her soul can be satifsfied. Now her husband, who is also a talented musician, is studying the Bible.

Recently baptized UCF students Will Sherman and Corey Jones

Another encouraging victory is seeing Will Sherman, a football player at UCF, baptised into Christ. He is very excited about training to lead a Bible talk on Campus. Corey Jones, another very talented UCF student majoring in computer science, was baptised last month and will be training to lead in the UCF campus ministry. God is obviously building his Campus dream team of true disciples.

Recently baptized John Goss and his brother in Christ Anthony Eckels

Most recently, John Goss, a Prudential realtor who works with Paula Harpole, came out to church. Although mature in age and life experience, he was very humble in wanting to learn from the disciples. He immediately started studying and was baptised this past Sunday. He is fired up to do great things for God as are all of our newly baptised disciples.

The Lord is also moving powerfully by adding another remnant disciple to his church. June Fisher, who was baptised in the ICOC many years ago, is moving to Orlando next week to be a part of the Orlando International Christian Church. She has been discipled by Lisa Robillard over the phone for over a year and has faithfully listened to our services and Bible talks over speaker phone. She has been striving to be a sold-out disciple by leading her own women’s Bible talk in Georgia. She alone had 13 women visitors at her Bible talk this past week! God has opened a door for her to move to Orlando next week by providing her with a job.

Marie Graeff and her daughter Daphne

The church is also rejoicing for Marie Graeff, a disciple who was baptised this past August. She has been driving 60 miles several times a week to be with the body. She and her teen daughter moved this week to be closer to the ICC fellowship where she can receive further training in the ministry and her daughter can be a part of the Campus Life Talk at UCF.

The joy and unity in the church here in Orlando is so encouraging. We are also grateful for the encouragement we receive from our fellow churches in God’s new movement. We were so honored to have the Untalans- the LA shepherds, come and share at our service a couple of weeks ago. We have had brothers and sisters encourage us by visiting from Chicago, Syracuse and London. We are also very excited about Chris and Theresa Broom’s visit along with their campus interns at the end of June. Chris Broom will be our guest speaker on June 28th. We encourage all to invite their friends to hear his powerful preaching. The training and support we have in the new movement is awesome.

Anthony & Elizabeth Eckels with Tony & Therese Untalan

Brothers and sisters in the Orlando International Christian Church: we want to express how proud we are of you for persevering and never giving up despite adversity. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 states, “but thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” As we dive into the summer and make incredible plans for the fall, let us remember that everything we do is for God’s glory and all victories come through God’s strength, not ours. To God be the glory!

By Anthony and Elizabeth Eckels

“Go into all the world” was Jesus’ last challenge to the faithful eleven. Before most of them would die for the cause, the Spirit – through Paul – confirms their obedience, “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing… This gospel has been proclaimed to every creature under Heaven.” (Colossians 1:6, 23) The great commission was not only the motivating vision for the first century church, but also it is our dream for the twenty-first century church! Biannually, the SoldOut Movement Churches celebrate a Jubilee where all the disciples in God’s new movement from all over the world strive to come together in Los Angeles. In the alternating years, a Global Leadership Conference convenes in different cities. (Lord willing, in 2011, we will meet in London, England!) This year, we are focusing on campus ministry and have called a special Campus Congress. Prayerfully, our college students worldwide will draw closer to God and to each other, thus forging relationships that will last a lifetime, and knit God’s movement with the bonds of love. For Sunday Worship on August 2, 2009, the Global Leadership Conference and the Campus Congress will meet with the City of Angels Church. In the evening, there will be a delicious banquet for all the participants of the Conference and the Congress. Monday, we will meet in separate seminars. Tuesday morning, we will all be back together for the Men’s and Women’s Programs and the concluding inspirational charge to “go into all the world!”
Registration for both the Global Leadership Conference and the Campus Congress is $95. Registration for most participants will be administrated by the church leadership in each of our congregations. However, if you are not a member of one of our congregations and would enjoy attending, please email Michele Williamson for more information at michele.williamson@gmail.com or call 503-320-7760. Accommodations for these days, is the responsibility of each participant. The Sheraton is offering an incredible deal of $129 per night for the nights during the conference, as well as three days prior and three days after this event. To receive this discount you may register online at: this hotel site or call 1-800-325-3535 and ask for the Global Leadership Conference rate. Let us pray that this historic gathering will greatly accelerate the evangelization of the nations in this generation! And to God be the glory! – Kip McKean

We remember the miraculous church plantings: Russia, Africa, the Middle East, Japan, China, and the list goes on and on!!!  We remind ourselves often that we were the fruit of the dream to evangelize New York City!  How grateful we are that a mission team of 18 people moved to New York City with a dream on their heart!  We remember our fellow disciples moving across the world with one suitcase and a dream.  Every disciple has memories of the many sacrifices they have made over the years.

Is your heart rekindled? Is there a spark of excitement and hope or dull embers of resentment and bitterness? Do you regret and resent the sacrifices you made in the past? Five years ago, I questioned whether my sacrifices were worth it. After wrestling in prayer, I realized two important points. Firstly, the Kingdom is made up of sinful men, including myself, and we must practice forgiveness to remain a healthy, functioning, purified body. Secondly, I realized that God and only God is perfect, and it is by His grace that He allows us to be the body of Christ, the church. God has purified our hearts and his church through his discipline over the last five years. Shouldn’t we show our gratitude by keeping his church purified by loving and forgiving one another? When we hold grudges, bitterness and resentment against one another, aren’t we bringing judgment on ourselves? Matthew 6:14 states, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” We will also cease to bear fruit if our hearts are not purified. Are you protecting your heart, your life, your time, or your bank account? Haggai 1:8-9 reads, “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty? “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.“ As in the days of Haggai, I have witnessed many of God’s chosen people compromise their relationship with God and drift back into selfishness, materialism, lukewarmness and begin to focus on their own homes.  As this has happened, Gods church has been neglected. In this Scripture, God allowed blessings to be withheld so God’s people would turn back to Him, sacrificing to build His house again. Brothers and sisters, when you get to heaven and see the faces of those you converted or influenced by your sacrifice, you will know it was worth it!

Our work in the new movement has just begun!  What is your dream?  Is your dream to convert a city, your hometown, your neighborhood, your coworker, your children or your family?  Or maybe your dream is to help restore to God those who have fallen away or wandered away from Him. Every disciple needs a dream, young and old!  Ray Kroc started the first McDonalds when he was in his 50s.  He dreamed of having 1,000 McDonalds around the U.S. and he saw his dream fulfilled when he was 66 years young!  Colonel Sanders was living off his $105 a month social security check when he started building his Kentucky Fried Chicken enterprise.  Moses was 80 years old when he led 3.5 million people out of Egypt into the Promised Land.  With a fixedness of purpose, coupled with a steadiness of faith, we can do anything that God has set our hearts to do! “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Do you believe that? Many disciples have stopped believing that the whole world can be evangelized. Matthew 28:18-20 reads, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Let’s not stop sharing our faith, reading the Bible, seeking advice, allowing our brothers and sisters to help us spiritually! Let’s not give Satan the victory by giving in to lukewarmness!  (Revelation 3:14-16) “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.“ (Hebrews 10:39)

St. Augustine once said, “Faith is to believe what we do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.”   Let us rekindle our urgency for the lost world, remembering the dreamer’s spirit and faith we had at first.

Anthony Eckels

Chris Broom preaching the Word!

“Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, ‘You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’” Joshua 14:6-8

Here we see an incredible chapter in an epic story. Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. They found the land to be exceedingly good and yet 10 of the 12 most prominent leaders of the tribes of Israel, the vast majority, gave a faithless report. They did not believe that God would bring them victory and therefore led the Israelite community into grumbling against their leader Moses, and thus God Himself. (Numbers 14:2, 27, 36)

Though in the minority, I write this article for the honor of God and for the defense of my friend and brother, Kip McKean and the Sold-out Discipling Movement. A few weeks ago, an article by Douglas Arthur featured on International Church of Christ (ICOC)”Hot News” brought up charges about Kip’s supposed slander, unwholesome talk and lack of repentance, which have led to a weakened church condition in Portland, Oregon. I have watched the Portland situation develop during the past 12 months, and would like to offer a different perspective “according to my convictions.” After all, “The first to present his case SEEMS right until another comes forward and questions him.” (Proverbs 18:17) The following questions must be answered in order to present an accurate and balanced account of the events that have taken place in Portland.

1. What is unwholesome talk and slander?
2. Why did so many people leave the Portland Church after the mission team to Los Angeles was sent out in Spring of 2007? (And why are they still leaving?)

Kip preaching at this years Jubilee in LA!

Douglas states, “I personally traveled to Portland in May of 2006 to admonish… Kip and the Elders (Bob Bertalot and Tony Untalan) in Portland about letting no unwholesome talk come out of their mouths.” (Ephesians 4:29)

1. What is unwholesome talk and slander?

1. Unwholesome: harmful to physical, mental or moral health. 2. Slander: false statements or misrepresentations which defame and injure the reputation of another. As far as Douglas’ charges of unwholesome talk and slander, consider the following two quotes made by present ICOC leaders, who now oppose the Sold-out Discipling Movement:

The Lord continues to work powerfully with 4 baptisms and 1 restoration!

Tom Jones, In Search of a City, pages 92-95:

Amanda Galvan rejoices with her family at her baptism!

These two men wrote according to their convictions. Should we write off their testimonies about the Mainline Church as “unwholesome talk and slander” or heed their testimonies as “speaking the truth in love?” (Ephesians 4:15) I not only agree with what these men have written, but must state clearly that the new discipling movement, the International Christian Churches (ICC), was started for exactly the same reasons these two men left the Mainline Church of Christ to join the Boston Movement (ICOC). In the Sold-out Discipling Movement, so many of us have felt disappointment at the lingering lukewarmness in most, though not all, ICOC congregations. We missed a central leader and leadership whose vision directed us in a clear plan for world evangelism. We tried to be a part of reforming the ICOC from the inside for four long years. As Gordon experienced in the Mainline, many converts in time reverted to become like the lethargic congregations they were baptized into. Frustrated yet hopeful, God answered our prayers as we felt the Spirit compelling us to join Kip in his call to “start again.”

Here are some hard questions for most ICOC and Mainline congregations, which need Biblical answers today:

• What should we do when a great number of the members of a church don’t attend midweek services?
• What should we do when a church is divided; when campus and youth baptize their friends into Christ, but married people who are too consumed with careers are pursuing the “American Dream” to the point of being choked, unfruitful and therefore “third soil” disciples?
• What should we do when a church leadership announces an engagement to a non-Christian and it is greeted with a applause in one church and a standing ovation in another?
• What should we do when we see many couples divorcing as divorce used to be so rare in the ICOC?
• What should we do in the worship service of a congregation where one can hear a pin drop because the loss of zeal is so painfully obvious?
• What should we do when a church abandons or makes discipling (teaching and training) optional and thus disregards the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:20 which is to “teach them to obey everything” after baptism?
• What should we do with those who believe all the above situations are wrong, yet “tolerate” these sins in their church? (Revelation 2:20-21)

The Latin Ministry had another glorious baptism with Mario!

This is what happens when leaders of a church lead out of sentimentality or fear of men rather than the fear of God! Some think that we should say nothing, for in their minds to address these issues would be unwholesome (harmful). I say that the unwholesome thing is to date or marry non-Christians in the first place, and to say nothing about it is unwholesome! If calling out sin is unwholesome talk, then Jeremiah and the other prophets would not be able to speak, and most of all, Jesus himself would be labeled as unwholesome and slanderous because the things He said were offensive to many and made many furious. “When Jesus left there, the Pharisees… began to oppose Him fiercely… waiting to catch Him in something He might say.” (Luke 11:53-54)

In Revelation 3:14-20, out of love, Jesus rebukes the church in Laodicea for their lukewarmness. If someone believes that I’m lukewarm, I hope they love me enough to tell me. If they think I’m lukewarm and I’m not, what’s the worst that could happen? My feelings could get hurt, or I could be offended. But if I am lukewarm and they say nothing, what’s the worst? I could go to hell! I have been deeply saddened during some of the conversations I have had with current key ICOC leaders. In these very frank discussions, they have said things about the condition of ICOC churches that Kip has bravely written about publicly, such as calling most ICOC churches “lukewarm”, and yet they flatter one another publicly. They falsely call Kip’s words “unwholesome talk,” but I think Jesus would call their words hypocritical!

2. Why did so many people leave the Portland Church after the mission team to Los Angeles was sent out in Spring of 2007? (And why are they still leaving?)

Douglas writes that after the LA Mission Team left Portland forming the City of Angels International Christian Church, 40 more people moved to LA over the next 15 months. First of all, only 17 moved to Los Angeles over that time period, but another 25 moved to other churches in the new movement. When Steve announced that he was no longer “partners in the gospel with Kip” another 30 immediately left the Portland Church forming the Portland International Christian Church. The question is why?

The DC Mission Team

Last year in October 2007, Theresa and I flew to Portland out of love for the Johnsons and the Portland Church. We had been hearing concerning reports from some of our friends who were members of the Portland congregation, and we wanted to talk to Steve and Lisa as friends and hear their side of things. I begged Steve to engage with the great guys that Kip raised up and left in Portland. I told Steve that if he didn’t, he was going to lose them. Steve told me that he was a couple of years away from his “A game” and if he was going to lose them, he was going to lose them. Doug implies that all those people left Portland because they were recruited. But why would people leave, if they were in an awesome situation? Could it be that Steve’s leadership and the overall direction of the church had something to do with why these people left? Here are some of the incredible disciples that remained in Portland after the City of Angels Church was planted, and yet later left to join the growing number of congregations in the new movement:

• Tony and Therese Untalan are one of the two original Portland Elder couples. They served in that role until June of 2008, when the Untalans moved to Los Angeles to be with the City of Angels Church. All in Portland hold Tony and Therese in the highest regard. Shortly after the McKeans went to Los Angeles, they had growing concerns about the Portland Church’s zeal, love and direction. Since January 2008, the Untalans repeatedly warned the Johnsons and the remaining elders that if they continued down the road to a return to the Mainline theology of autonomy, the Portland Church would split. Exasperated, they left Portland in tears witnessing the fastest growing church in the ICOC under the McKeans’ leadership, reduced to but a shadow of the congregation that inspired a new discipling movement.
• Juan Carlos and Betty Garcia helped build the Latin Ministry in Portland, were dismayed by Portland’s decreasing zeal and left to come to Chicago. They have led our Latino Ministry from 3 to 17 since January 2008.
• Anthony and Elizabeth Eckels were Region Leaders in Portland. They left in February 2008 to start our sister church in Orlando, Florida which has grown from 2 to 17. Despite their great love for Steve and Lisa, the Eckels asked Theresa and me to disciple them, not the Johnsons. Anthony simply felt that “Steve’s faith wasn’t there.”
• Michael and Michele Williamson were Regional Leaders. They moved to LA in June 2008 to train for the ministry. They also did not agree with Steve’s stance on “autonomy”. In fact, Steve took them out of leadership in March 2008, the day after Michael called the Portland Church “lukewarm”.
• Mike Patterson left Portland in December 2007 after confronting Steve on autonomy. Now full-time in our sister church in Phoenix, Mike is leading an incredibly fruitful campus ministry at Arizona State, which in nine months God has grown from 6 to 25!
• Jason and Susan Bond were an Elder-in-training and Deacon couple. Jason was also the lead songleader for the Portland Church. At the leadership meeting when Steve renounced the new movement, Jason confronted Steve, “Brother, you say that Portland will remain a discipling church, yet since February you and your wife were supposed to be discipling my wife and me, but we never even met for one discipling time… Steve, with autonomy we are now just another church on the corner… There’ll be no participation in an organized plan for world evangelism.” In less than a month after this meeting, Jason and Susan moved to the Phoenix International Christian Church. The Bonds’ daughter Rachel is one of the leaders in our new sister church in New York City, the Empire City International Christian Church.

Different from Doug Arthur’s claims, none of the above people were “recruited”. They left out of their own convictions.

As most would imagine, Kip and Elena were deeply hurt by a sense of betrayal and the sad events in Portland, yet Kip graciously wrote about Steve’s and the Portland Church’s departure from the new movement, over the issues of autonomy and central leadership, simply stating, “We wish them well.” In contrast to this, many ICOC leaders want people to just write Kip and the rest of us off as “disgruntled, slanderous troublemakers.” This was said of Paul in Acts 24:5, “This man is a trouble maker, stirring up riots… all over the world.” I say that these people are awesome and they have deep convictions that matter. Roger Lamb would have everyone believe, as he wrote in one of his articles, that all those in the new movement have in common is their desire to be “controlled by Kip”. Is that really all we have going for us? Are we really all that stupid? Consider all those who formerly served in the full-time ministry that are now in the Sold-out Discipling Movement: in LA – Lu Jack and Cathi Martinez, Carlos and Lucy Mejia, Steve and Jeanne Bolin, Javier Ochoa, Victor and Sonia Gonzalez, Marty and Cathy Wooten, Sal and Patricia Velasco, Raul and Lynda Moreno, Nate Reid, Rob and Burgundie Onekea, Mike Purdy, Mike Underhill, Ken and Liliana Zindler, Jay and Angie Hernandez, and Rick and Heather Romney; in Hawaii – Kyle Batholomew, Jody Tyrell, Chris Teves, Albert Wagers and Joe and Mary Santos; in Las Vegas – Dan and Deenie Triana; in Eugene – Jeremy and Amy Ciaramella; in New York City – George Grima and DJ and Kacie Comisford; in Orlando – Anthony and Elizabeth Eckels; in Phoenix – Chris and Sonja Chloupek; in the Democratic Republic of Congo – Lola Lof; in Ecuador – Fabian and Susana Ruiz; in Suriname – Brandon and Peggy Ferrell; in Estonia – Argo and Anu Lips; in India – Raja and Debby Rajan and Vellaidurai Palanisami; and in Chicago – Roger and Kama Parlour, Jay and Barb Shelbrack, and Theresa and me. I ask you to consider why so many former full-time leaders left the ICOC and joined the new movement?

The fact is that in the Fall of 2005, many ICOC leaders signed letters against Kip primarily to build a hedge around their fellowships so that their people would not leave and join Kip’s efforts as clearly a new movement was emerging. Yet, didn’t hundreds of people feel similarly and therefore leave Mainline Churches to form the base of the Boston Movement during the 1980s? As church leaders we have no control over people who are unhappy with our leadership and choose to go elsewhere. I believe that Southwest Airlines said it best, “You are free to move about the country.”

Again I ask, why would so many people leave Portland, if they were in an awesome situation? In fact, if you are in a situation like that then stay there. Otherwise, pray and weigh all sides. Come and see! Then pick a team and get busy! We are confident that as we “fix our eyes on Jesus” and continue with the work of the Lord (there’s more than enough to do in every city) God will bless the work of our hands

There is one more thing that we need to clear up.

Doug states that … “In September 2006 Kip made a decision to break all ties with his former fellowship, the International Churches of Christ, and start his new ‘Sold-out Disciples Movement’.”

The Hollywood Ministry rejoices at Stephanie's baptism!

It is clearly documented that Kip was disfellowshipped for refusing to “repent”, or as we see it, “change” and compromise his convictions about central leadership, his 30 year stand against autonomy and the dream of evangelizing the world in our generation. When I moved to Chicago, I called Steve Staten to see if we could meet. Steve checked with the other Chicago Church of Christ leaders and then told me that there would be no meeting. As long as I was in fellowship with Brother McKean (whom Steve Staten and others had disfellowshipped), they would not be willing to meet with me. Doug, can you honestly say that we broke all ties? You state that Portland in May 2007 sent its “best and brightest” to LA on the mission team and yet Peter Garcia of the LA ICOC called them a “movement of Satan” when they landed there. Which is it? Is it “best and brightest” or Satanic threat? Are they the “best and brightest” if in the ICOC and a Satanic threat if in the ICC? And is “Brother McKean” a brother or not? Kip still continues to baptize hundreds, and raise up evangelists to plant churches. Could it be, like the Pharisees who called Jesus, “Beelzebub,” the ICOC is similarly accusing Kip? (Luke 11:15)

In Doug’s article, not only did it say Kip took all of the “best and brightest,” but it inferred that he left town with all the money, too! Steve Johnson wrote an article to the Portland Church on March 16, 2008 that stated, “Last year this congregation did an incredible thing and raised over $150,000 to send Kip, Elena and 40 other brothers and sisters to begin a new work in Los Angeles… We can all be thankful to have been allowed to share in this good work by supporting it with our money and our prayers.” In September 2007, just four months after the City of Angels Church was planted in LA, Kip sensed that Steve was feeling burdened about the financial picture in Portland. Therefore, he told Steve to keep $20,000 of the $150,000 and to no longer pay for the McKean’s health insurance or retirement plan (of which they still have none to this day). Kip did this so that Steve could afford to hire Buzz and Anita Banadyga, believing that Buzz would provide an evangelistic lift to Portland and Anita, Lisa’s mom, would strengthen Lisa by being at her side. Now that’s the kind of teamwork it’s going to take if we are going to meet each other’s needs as well as the needs of billions of lost people all over the world.

As for any implied sense that Kip and Elena abandoned those in Portland who desire to be active in the new movement, the 17 month old, 225 member City of Angels Church is sending their very heart, Ron and Tracy Harding, to lead the new Portland International Christian Church! This sacrifice comes after sending out two mission teams of 30 disciples – New York City and Honolulu – just three months ago! With all these sacrifices for others in their brief 17 month history, God has honored the City of Angels Church with almost 150 baptisms and 70 restorations! Now that’s movement!

Finally, I’m not in the new movement for relationships, but convictions! Joshua and Caleb didn’t become partners because they were buddies and liked each other, but because of their faith and deep convictions. They didn’t condemn the other 10 leaders because they didn’t like them, but because of their lack of faith and lack of godly conviction. When Steve spoke at the leadership conference in Seattle in 2005, He said “I won’t go to any party my friend Kip isn’t invited to.” What a friend!!! Talk about going out on a limb for someone. What Steve did was both bold and loyal and yet I don’t believe that Steve was EVER in the new movement because of shared convictions, but rather because of his friendship with Kip. Similarly, I believe many remain in the ICOC not because of common convictions, but simply because of friendship. Let me reiterate, I am not in the new movement because of relationships. My closest friends were in the ICOC and I cherish those relationships to this day, but I am in the new movement because of “my convictions”. I believe that what we are doing is of God and that a movement is necessary. The ICOC has lost thousands in the past five years. There is no longer geographic expansion or incredible numbers being baptized. One has to question whether it is a movement or merely a fellowship. The ICOC’s own numbers dictate a growth rate similar to the Mainline Church of Christ in 1979 (when the Spirit through Kip initiated the Boston Movement). At that time, everyone, like Tom Jones, agreed that the Mainline Church was disappointingly lukewarm. The average Mainline Church in 1979 was 150 members with only eight baptisms a year, six of them were children of the members. Since 1979, Kip has kept his Biblical convictions. I hold to these same convictions, which is why we are “partners in the gospel”.

DJ preaching at the Empire City Innaugural Service!

Now, let us consider the recent church planting in New York City sent out by the City of Angels Church. There are 20 million people in that city. Even if there are a million that are already saved (and I’m not saying there are even that many) that would leave 19 million lost people! Is there no room for more workers in the vineyard? On September 14, the mission team of 20 had 78 at their inaugural service! Theresa and I were able to attend the Washington DC inaugural on that same day. The DC Mission Team, sent primarily from the Central New York Church, also of the Sold-out Movement, had 134 in attendance and saw four added to their number that day (one baptism, one restoration and two placing membership)! Our churches need to be shaken up rather than to drift into lukewarmness and stagnation. Amazingly, in less than two years, the Spirit has propelled the now 32 churches of the Sold-out Discipling Movement into 13 nations! We wholeheartedly believe that through God’s power we will evangelize the world in this generation.

Kacie and the band perform the song "Change" at the Empire City Innaugural Service!

As Paul rebuked Peter, let this letter be a rebuke to every ICOC leader who has sinfully grumbled against Kip and unbiblically disfellowshipped him and the hundreds of us who share his courageous vision and Biblical convictions. I am especially disappointed in those leaders who didn’t even know Kip personally and yet signed letters against him simply because they were told to by those who were in authority over them. I would be ashamed to have done such a thing! Finally, it must be noted that as Jesus called for us “to turn the other cheek” neither Kip nor any in our family of churches has disfellowshipped anyone in the ICOC leadership for their differing views, as we consider them brothers.

Whether our convictions resonate with many or few – whether we are in the majority or the minority doesn’t matter. What matters is whether we are faithful and able to elicit God’s favor by showing our love for Him as we obey His commands. So, if you desire to be in a movement of God where every member is called to be in a discipling relationship and the vision to evangelize the world in a generation is held high, then come visit and if you see the church of the Bible coming alive, join us!

Chris Broom
Evangelist Chicago International Christian Church