How imortant is the customer? How important is the visitor?

How important is the visitor in your church? 
If you are in business, how important is your customer?


Look at what Mahatma Gandhi says: "A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependant on us, we are dependant on him. He is not an interuption in our work, he is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider to our business, He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him, he is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do".    


Healthy churches have at least 5-8 people for every 100 people in service attendance. 


So some questions are: 
How do you treat and how much value do you place on your visitors? 
How can you increase your visitor flow? 
How can you make your visitors FEEL welcome? 

The DREAM. Why? How? Who? DNA? HOW DO WE REACH EUROPE?

The DREAM:

Planting Churches that Plant Churches...like a virus, through Western Europe!

Why? Harvest. Matt 28 / Acts 1:8

Who? R.E.A.L. Our job is to find & Release European Apostolic Leaders.

DNA & Values? S.M.A.R.T. If we loose one of these we loose the heart of what we are doing. Supernatural, Multiplication, Apostolic leadership, Reaching the lost, Training & development.

Did you know 88,000 people per year leave the church in Holland. That's 1600 per week!! Two churches close their doors every week in the Netherlands. In 2009 52,000 people left protestant churches in Holland. The % of Christians by the way is higher than most other Western European Countries. (From the Dutch book "The Church is dead - long live the King". by Otto De Bruijne & En Stijn Postema).

In Western Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark), = 332 million people. If there is an average of 3% Evangelical Christian = 10 million Christians, (which I think is high). That leaves 322 million lost...a Christ-less eternity awaits - hell!! Something must be done! Some countries such as Belgium, France & Denmark have only .05 - 1% Evangelical Christians!!

David Womack, "There is only ONE way the Great Commission can be fulfilled, & that is by establishing Gospel preaching congregations in every community on the face of the earth".

C.P.Wagner, in his book "Spreading the Fire, pg 60", says, "The most concrete, lasting form of ministry in Acts is church planting..." In his book, "Blazing the way, pg 48", he says, "No missiological principle is more important than saturation church planting."

Dr Ralph Winter states, "The extensive activity of starting new congregations, the care & feeding of new congregations is thus the central activity to which ALL evangelistic methods must be bent."

Rick Warren, "The BEST way to fulfill the Great Commission that Jesus gave to us, is to plant new churches..."

Tim Keller, say's in (Viral Churches, by Stetzer & Bird, pg 72), "If we want to increase the % of Christians in a village, city or Nation, we must plant hundreds of churches". In fact he goes on to say, "New church planting is the ONLY way that we can be sure we are going to increase the number of believers in a city & it's one of the best ways to renew the whole Body of Christ."

Stetzer & Bird in their book, Viral Churches say, "The early church implemented the Great Commission mandate primarily by planting new churches."

C.P.Wagner, sums it all up with his famous quote, "The BEST (my insert - long term) evangelistic method under Heaven is church planting".

An African proverb says, "There is a crime in the desert worse than murder, that is to KNOW where the WATER IS and NOT tell anybody".

If not YOU...WHO?

If not NOW...WHEN?

If not HERE...WHERE?

If indeed the above statements are correct & true, I encourage you to partner in some way with a church planting ministry. Your missions dollar will not be wasted & it will bear fruit for many generations to come!

Europe, NZ & Multiplication.

We have made history...a small group has begun which meets every week. Its a beginning. I received a scripture on the 1st April 2010, a few days before we came to Europe, and was reminded of it on the first day we began our group: "DO NOT despise these small beginnings, for the Lord REJOICES to see the work begin". Zech 4:10. Yeah!! We also have been offered the weekly use of two buildings...one in central & one in North Amsterdam. We are aiming to begin something this year. Please pray for at least 2 couples to lead these churches.

I (Nick) go to NZ on the 14th Sept.

-I am speaking to leaders in Te Aroha Baptist on the 18th.

-Vision Church Tokoroa on the 19th;

-Westside Hamilton leaders on the 20th.

-A National Leaders Meeting on the 23rd.

-Then on 25th & 27th it's Vision Church Whangarei & Kaikohe.

-Our yearly Acts National Ministries Conference 27th - 30th.

-Then Te Awamutu Church on the 3rd October.

-It will be great to be with friends and family. I then leave for Holland on the 4th of October.

Karen goes to Belgium to be with the Burtons for a week, then is off to Edinburgh to be with Daniel & Zoe Moore.

Europe is a huge mission field. And to reach these great Nations of Western Europe, I am absolutely convinced & have a conviction deep within to see Churches Multiply...like rabbits!! EuroVision is all about Multiplication, churches that reproduce themselves...in fact let me go further, networks or movements that reproduce themselves! This idea was never talked about until recently.

I am just reading a challenging book, (by practitioners), with a forward by Rick Warren - "Viral Churches" By Ed Stetzer & Warren Bird. (A Leadership Network publication: Jossey-Bass). They explain this fairly new missional concept very well.

Here are some quotes & thoughts:

"The single most effective evangelistic methodology under Heaven is planting new churches...who in turn reproduce themselves".

"Most Bible teachers have referred to Paul's travels as his 'Missionary journeys'. We prefer to to call them Paul's 'Church Planting Journeys'".

"Paul planted new Churches that in turn planted new Churches".

Christianity Today concludes; "Today's church planting is the default for evangelism". This is a North American summary.

"The early church implemented the Great Commission mandate primarily by planting churches".

Research shows:

-In the USA at least 60.000 churches were planted in the last 20 years. page 31

-The healthiest churches are those that reproduce. page 31

"Todays energy & enthusiasm about church planting in North America is at an unprecedented high".

"Church planting is worthwhile only if it advances God's Kingdom".

"Our Viral Church idea is about falling in love with multiplication and abandoning what seems to be an addiction to addition".

"Disciples multiplying churches: In seminary we learnt the metric of churches multiplying disciples. This will never result in massive mulitiplication".

"It's time to stop counting converts & begin counting congregations".

"...being born pregnant. What a great goal for every church plant".

"To really change things we need to learn how to multiply churches".

This book has great resources & is a huge encouragement to Karen & Me.

Thank you once again for your support and prayer...

Eph 3:20-21...what a great scripture...

Until next time...Nick & Karen.

Hello from Amsterdam.

Hello from Holland!
We have actually been in Holland for only 20 days! After the first 10 we went to Brussels to speak at the Belgian Apostolic Covention. This went exceedingly well and we were blessed to have some Eastsiders present! Then we were off to the UK to connect with leaders from Next Level International, who are focussed on church planting in Europe. This was an encouraging time and we met some leaders who have had significant impact in a number of european countries. Then came Berlin - it was great to be with Jurgen & Miriam Eisen. Church was inspiring and their vision night at Dunkin Donuts was excellent! God is at work in Berlin!
Then we were back to Amsterdam...

We have been told it is summer - but alas it has not been very warm since we got here. BUT today was lovely! Sunshine does the heart & mind SO much good (especially if you are australian by birth). This has been an eventful week! We have moved into our house in Amsterdam north; we have bought a bike for Karen & a kind neighbour loaned one to Nick. So we are mobile, which is great. The bike paths are really fantastic. You can go all over Holland and not have to be on the main road.

We have been setting up house - which has taken quite some time. I never knew buying a bed could be so time consuming! We have been to the bank (a number of times); have successfully acquired a social security number, (which by the way took days) for Nick and have now been able to sort out his phone plan. Unfortunately until you have that number there are lots of "impossibles" in the way. Setting up house in a different country, with a different language is QUITE an experience... but it is all part of the journey. You can do anything (and put up with almost anything) if God gives you a dream!

We have had the pleasure of getting to know some of our neighbours a bit - all of whom live just a few meters away! They have helped us with washing, shopping, fixing bikes & blowing up airbeds!!! There is more than one way to get to know people...

We have had our first NZ visitor this week - Nic Rosser from Vision Church Eastside has been with us. It has been great to have her -she has helped us carry things to & fro and explored some more of Amsterdam with us.

There is a lot of colour around Holland at the moment - as you might be aware - the World Cup Football is on! Orange flags are everywhere. In fact in some shops EVERYTHING is ORANGE!

We have visited a couple of churches in the city; it has been great to meet up with their Pastors and hear their stories and their views on churches in Holland. We are still gaining a picture and are asking God for wisdom for the next step. Every day we are here, we walk down a new street, hear new words & meet new people.

Travel - Nick & Karen - Europe

We are staying with rellies in Driebergen, near Utrecht, till Wed. 19th May. During this time we have been connecting with people face to face who we have only previously met through email. Plus, we are trying to get our social security numbers! This has been quite a process. We can't open bank accounts or get a cell phone till we get this number. It's a big brother country with huge red tape!! We have an appointment with the appropriate authorities early next month, I will get that number at this meeting (I believe). Karen will have to wait...that's another story.

On wed 19th - 23rd May we go to Brussels where we speak at the Apostolic Churches Conference, for French speaking Churches. It is Pentecost weekend - Yeah...I have great expectations!!

23rd May - 28th May = Next Level International leaders meeting in Birmingham. This will be a fantastic time to connect with other leaders wanting to impact Europe.

29th May - 2nd June = Ministering in Jurgen's Church, Berlin. It will be great to be with him and see this City.

2nd June - 6th July = In our own house in Amsterdam, which will be great having our own space for a period of time. We think living out of suitcases is overrated!!!

News Flash: We are booked to fly from Philadelphia to Brussells on Wed 28 April; arriving 8am next morning. We will be staying with Andy & Karen Burton, Operation Mobilisation Leaders in Brussells. Nick is planning to attend SHOUT UK conference in London that weekend! How cool!! Karen will probably stay in Brussells.
We will put up photos when we get back to Phillie... Take care everyone. Love from Us. xxx

Schedule for Feb/March 2010

4-15 Feb N & K in Christchurch & Westport
15-20 Hamilton - Packing Up
21 Feb Owen & Raewyn Frethy's church Auckland
26 Feb-8Mar Nick in Dunedin & Christchurch
4 - 8 March K in Christchurch
6-7 March Family Wkend in Christchurch
12 March Move out of house & handover to tenants
14 March Eastside all services
15-17 March VCI Retreat in Taupo
21 March Northend Church TeAwamutu
22 March Nick's Bday!
25-27 ? Orama to visit Josh & Amberley
28th Vision church Tokoroa with Lionel & Becks
2nd April ? Shout Conference
3rd April Nick at Missions Conf in Auckland
4th April Prayed out Eastside 10am
6th April Leave Auckland 7pm to LA...
N & K in NZ 8th July – 5 August for Inspire Conf/Elijah is 2!
28 July-3rd Aug Christchurch
Nick in NZ 15 September – 4 October for National ACTS Conf.

2010, Europe, Church Planting, Why Journal!!!

Karen here:
Wow - can you believe it is 2010... how many times will we have to write that before it seems real! I have suddenly become aware that we are going to Holland THIS YEAR!
Oh my - it's not really future anymore! We are now officially on countdown of 13 weeks and 4 days.... (from today that is), 11 weeks left in our house! (actually only 7 as we are away for 4...) YO!!!

We are blessed to have a family to rent our house - so that is one box fully ticked. We also have the first tickets booked and paid for! ( 6 April - 8 July) We also have a home-away-from-home to call our base when we are back from overseas... isn't that cool.

I am reminded that Proverbs says "Do not worry about tomorrow .. today's troubles are enough for themselves!" - so we will take each day & week at a time. Packing for giving away, storing for 2 years and taking with us... Doesn't that sound like fun. Any packing tips are hugely appreciated!

We trust that 2010 will be a great year for you - and we both know that "great" has many many variances & outcomes - but one thing we are sure of, is that God is GREAT and with Him we are in a very good place.

Nick's turn...
Our priorities this year when we arrive in Europe, (Amsterdam), besides finding an apartment to rent, and all that is required in settling into a new country; are:
1. Find & disciple (mentor,coach) church planting leaders. Leaders if 1000's, 100's, 50's & 10's.
2. Create a beach-head by planting the first churches.

We are still waiting to see if Karen has a Dutch passport. (I have received mine).

We always appreciate your prayer regarding this huge venture. We are prayed for and sent out from our home church, Eastside Hamilton on the 4th April.

Yesterday I changed Journals & thought about this journalling thing...
-Disappointments are able to be de-cluttered.
-Untruths are brought out into the light.
-Truths are uncovered.
-Sadness is captured & held long enough to ask the appropriate questions.
-Gladness is celebrated.
-Difficulties are able to be spoken about freely & easily.
-It gives council.
-Dreams are nurtured.
-Questions are answered.
-Revelation is recorded.
-It brings self awareness.
-it uncovers heartache, & brings healing.
-perspectives are clarified.
-messages from God are saved.

Sooo why wouldn't you begin Journalling! Believe me if I can do it, anyone can...

This year, may you know HIS Favour, Grace & fruitfulness in 2ten...& may God keep you close to His heart & His purposes - we look forward to catching up in the near future - hopefully in person - if not, email and phone are wonderful too.

Nick & Karen...

travel nick & Karen; plus a leadership thought...and Europe!

It has been excellent & a privilege speaking & ministering in various NZ & Aussie churches over the past year. We are having a welcome break from not having to be away & travelling as much, but still busy preparing for Christmas & the first part of next year & of course Europe. We are leaving NZ on the 6th of April 2010. It will be all go till then. There are two priorities:
1. Find & disciple, (mentor, coach), church planting leaders;
2. Create a beach-head by planting the first churches.
Also there are many things that need to be done before we leave, language learning, packing & more packing, raising finance, renting our home; BUT the most important is please pray for God connections with people to work with us, (here & in Europe). Please pray for divine intervention & interruptions; supernatural connections, events & leadings. We are so expectant for this to happen & we need to see this happen! We are believing & praying for signs, wonders & miracles. We want people to see, feel, know & hear HIM speak to them!

A highlight was to be at the ATC (www.visioncollege.co.nz) staff Christmas lunch 4th Dec...It was very inspiring & exciting...WHY? For the training centre celebrated 25 years of operating!!! Peter Dobbs was able to speak about the passion for Kingdom work. Peter began the Training centre with Phil Underwood. Phil (a previous Pastor of Eastside) was able to speak to us on the phone from Philadelphia, where he Pastors a Church. It was powerful as they spoke about simply seeing a need and doing something about it, believing God to change lives! ATC Training began with one staff member 25 years ago, & now has approx 140 staff including contractors. Thousands of lives have been influenced & impacted. What a great testimony!

In my last blog I wrote about 2 things I have needed to say to my self over the last two & a half decades, here they are:
1. If you are the leader do everyone a favour & simply lead.
2. Grow up.
HERE are the other two:
3. Leadership can be cruel. Sometime no matter what a leader does it's going to upset somebody & the leader has to bear the brunt of it. Often Karen & I will say or think, "but it's unfair". But we need to remind ourselves - "Life is unfair...I have to get over it!" Tough ay...yip leadership isn't for the fainthearted. Give yourself time, a day or two really helps, & you will get over it. Journal in the good times so that in the difficult times the habit has been established...it will help. keep doing the basics of discipleship. Remember Christ is in us, we are called to live a supernatural life. It also helps to remember Jesus said to forgive 70x7 times...that's supernatural!! As a leader learn quickly to forgive & keep your heart light!
4. I cannot let my past determine my future. For stagnation, cynicism & discouragement will reign if I as a leader let the past determine my future. It will hinder you & worse it will hinder others from flourishing around you!

Anyway that's my thoughts...Have a great Christmas & may 2010 be an enlarging one & full of God's presence! Our love...Nick & Karen.

Travel. Europe. Leadership thought.

We are off to Vision Church Kaikohe with Mike & Raewyn Tohu this weekend. Then I go to NLT (National leadership Team meeting) in Christchurch. Karen comes back to Hamilton.
On the 5th Dec. Karen & I are involved in Naomi's Moores & Dricus wedding. Which will be a fantastic time.
The 6th & 7th Dec I am in Inglewood with Kevin & Penny Dixon then onto New Plymouth for an evening meeting On Monday evening is a leadership night.
On the 13th Dec we are in Auckland with Russell & Marie McGuiness.
Inbetween times we are praparing to rent our home, catch up with family & friends & prepare going to Europe around April the 6th, 2010. Plus I am about half way to finishing another book on devotions on healing...I am so enjoying writting.
We will spend Christmas around the Waikato, then we begin travelling again on the 10th of January 2010. Its a privaledge, alot of fun & exciting being involved in His purposes.

Here is the latest re Europe. I just recieved my Dutch passport in the post...a miracle!! We will aim at this stage to live in Amsterdam as I know the City & have relatives there. Also there is no Acts Churches (Apostolic) in Holland & lastly most people are fluent in English.
How will we do this: I want to work with people who don't know what they can't do! The 2 priorities are; 1. To plant churches and establish a beachhead. 2. We need to disciple, train, mentor & coach leaders. That's why we will plant churches most nights of the week. We are expecting the supernatural; signs, wonders & miracles...I am expecting to have words of knowledge - revelation of which streets to walk in, homes to go to, people to meet...also Miracles of healing etc. I do not want to plant A church, we want to plant churchES! So we need to have a reproducible system immediately! It will take faith, and the supernatural power of God! I absolutely believe after 20 years of prayer & the leading of God; I cannot see how it cannot happen!!!!! It is important to recognize that it is Western Europe that we have a vision for! Please pray for leadership connections & finances to be released for this dream.

It really is very exciting and momentum is gathering in our Spirit!

The other day I was musing on things I have had to say to myself as a Pastor / leader of a church: (actually I believe they are the same for bussiness). Please allow me to provoke you, Here are a few...
1. If your the leader do everyone a favour including yourself & please lead. I had to relize God has put me in the role, so back yourself, commit yourself to that role & go for it. Three time God said to Joshua (Josh 1) "Be strong & of good courage...be strong & couragous...be strong & of good courage!"
2. Grow up! I've had to say that to myself...It sounds a little harsh, it's certainly not meant to. I know the pain of this as I've had to grow up & be the big person! In other words I've had to think release, ask forgiveness often, restore, love as though I've never been hurt. Often I've simply had to get over myself, & stop making excuses!
Hummm, who says leadership is easy & without it's struggles!

Anyway there's a few thoughts...until next time...thanks for your prayers...

VCI South, Europe, & Travel

What a great few weeks it's been. First the Vision Churches meeting in Christchurch was a joy to be at. There were 20 of us there, from Invercargill to Hamilton. The three days were filled with excellent times of prayer, ministry, interaction, hearing from one-another and connecting over meal times. "Very encouraging, informative and relational," were some of the comments! It's great to have relational connection but for growth, I have a conviction leaders need to nurture connection which allow authority in their lives. Relationships that allow authority is a very healthy thing indeed.

On the 11th NOV. we had a fantastic meeting in our home talking about Europe & answering questions. Ps Sheridyn Rogers spoke of how Euro-Vision will be one of our main priority as a Church, (Eastside). Ps Trevor Wilson spoke of why he would support us as apostolic ministry.

It's still all go for us in April 2010. We are aiming to live in Amsterdam. There are two main focues that we aim to see take place before the end of 2010:
1. To establish a beachhead, a stake in the ground and plant 3-6 churches.
2. Recruit, train & coach leaders into their role.

We are not going to plant A church! We are aiming to plant churchES! The month we begin is when we begin churchES! Also it is important to note that we are NOT planting house churches, but because of hall avalibility and costs etc many of the churches will be in a large homes. At this point we are connecting with those in Europe & NZ who are willing to pray, support or come and be part of this dream.

On the 13th Nov. we are off to Fielding, with John & Jenny Sefton, then the following weekend (22nd Nov.) is Palmeston North with Dale & Rachael.

It's fun - and all go...I've just begun writting another book. I've found that I have another book in my heart!!! I can't wait to finish it. It's a daily devotional on healing! I'm aiming to find a publisher this time. Anyway that's the latest.

If you could Pray as you can imagine that there are alot of details yet to come together, things such as renting our home; Dutch passports & visas; connections with others who are aiming to work with us. Also - I nearly forgot - that financies would come in...Amen.

If you want a copy of the document that we have given many which includes alot of the dream & details, please email me. nick@apo.org.nz

Thanks for your prayer - until next time!

Europe, travel, leadership thoughts...

We are back from Brisbane Australia. It was a great time with a number of churches there and we were also able to catch up with various leaders and renew a few friendships...an excellent time.

This weekend we are in Pukekohe Church with Craig & Jean Clements. Then on Monday 2nd Nov we are off to Christchurch for our Vision Churches get together! (VCI South). There will be about 20 leaders there from the South but also a few from the North Island. It is going to be a blast! Both Karen & I are really looking forward to it, actually there is nothing quite like getting with friends doing ministry together!

Then we are in Rolleston Church with Scott & Giovana Tones.

We are home again on the 9th Nov.
Fielding Church on the 13th - 19th Nov.
Vision Church Palmerston North 20th - 23rd Nov.
Vision Church Kaikohe 27th - 30th Nov.

Again we do really value your prayer support. Thanks...

As many of you know Europe is a go now! We are aiming to leave after Easter 2010 which is early April. There is much to do. Please read previous blogs for details. Also for those in the Waikato area we have a meeting in our home on the 11th November at 7:30pm. We will answer questions and of course discuss in detail more about the dream of Euro-Vision! Please email me if your thinking of coming; nick@apo.org.nz

Here's a thought: "How come people who love Jesus lost Him!" Luke 2:41ff... Mary & Joseph lost Jesus for 3 days!!! How does this happen? I remember this happened to us, we lost our middle boy when he was 4 for about 5Min's in the middle of a strange city. When we realised, that he wasn't with us I rushed back to the last shop & there he was swinging around the lamp-post oblivious that we had gone without him! Phew!!! But Joe & Mary lost GOD for 3 days!!! How does one loose GOD? Easy I suppose in that family, friendly environment.

I believe in this day that it's easy to loose Jesus! Oh we love Him, serve Him and work for Him...but with all that we can still loose Jesus!! We can so easily loose the vitality of our relationship with Him. In Busyness we can loose Him; Not being focused we can loose Him; Being distracted we can loose Him! Joesph & Mary - us loosing our middle boy for 5Min's was a matter of distraction, not focused, simply busy! Busy with good things I might add. Do we love Jesus - Yes. Do we serve Him and are we committed to Him - absolutely. But we can still loose Him! Christianity is ALL about a daily vibrant relationship with Him, emotionally & spiritually!!

Keep undistracted towards HIM...even in the busy times...

Thanks for your prayer...

Special Announcement...(had a problem with posting blog earlier).

We have made a decision - it's taken 20 years!!! We are definitely GOing to Western Europe! It's all on... We will leave just after Easter, April 2010. This has been a dream for 20 years... we've prayed, discussed, researched, talked to our peers & others. It has been peculating & marinating over many years and now it's the season to GO. It was 20 years ago in a meeting I received Ps 2:8 "Ask of me & I will give the Nations as your inheritance..." I knew instantly where this was to take place and what to do: this was for Western Europe, & the task was to plant churches! It is important to note we are not planting a church, we are planting churches...from the beginning! I absolutely believe there is no missiological principle more important than the planting of new churches.

I do believe this is what we were created for, in fact I have a strong feeling that all the previous ministry experience is preparation for this to take place. So here we GO! We will aim at this stage to live in Amsterdam, Holland.

So the huge thing for us is if you could pray. As you can imagine there is a large amount to do in preparation; for instance, prayer & financial support, contacting people in NZ, Aussy & Europe who I know have been keen to join with us in some way. Supernatural leading to the right people & places in Europe.

Did you know that everyday 7000 people leave the church in Europe! The European population is less than 2% Christian. In fact many countries have less than 1% who claim to be evangelical Christians. Maybe you have heard of the 10/40 window. Now mission leaders are also talking about the 40/70 window. This includes Europe!! I believe Western Europe is the new mission field of the 21st century!!

Please feel free to email me nick@apo.org.nz or phone me +64 21 483 777

Thanks for your prayer...Eph. 3:20-21 is indeed my life scripture, It's going to be exciting to see what God will do. We are believing this next season will mean in a word; HARVEST...1000's of lives changed & discipled for Christ!!!
Until next time! Nick & Karen

Hi from Stradbroke Island!!! I am over here helping to run a seminar - just being the "go for this and go for that!!!" - as well as bike riding, walking, sunshine, swimming (havent been game enough yet!) wallabies and lots of birds!!! So relaxing & such interesting people...

It is great to do something VERY different once in a while. Hope you are all well & enjoying the freshness of NZ! Blessings, Karen.

travel nick & Karen; plus a leadership thought!!

Leadership always looks great from a distance and often we simply see the tip of the iceberg. But there is a huge amount of substance underneath. The underneath as I would call it has words like; endurance, perserverance, pain, exercising faith, praise, making tough decisions - some of them emotionally taxing, communicating & receiving from God daily, reading the Word daily, praying & fasting, exercising spiritual disciplines regularly!

We sometimes think there is a quick fix to this leadership journey, but there simply isn't!!

No wonder Jesus calls it labouring or work!! Matt 9:37-38. There are no short cuts. I've discovered many times we want leadership to be exercised under IDEAL conditions, whatever they are!!! In fact leadership comes to the fore when there are tough decisions to be made, resources are low or all one can see is darkness. Leadership needs to act and in faith begins to call the darkness night and light begins to dawn into the situation. Often there is not the ideal situation but there is the right time for leadership to act. That's the ART!! Many times I see people not act because they are waiting for the ideal conditions or they believe it will solve itself, or they are waiting for some conference, seminar or teaching, or they want it to be instantly solved by some magical act of?????

Leaders, it's always the right time to act,(whether it be prayer, fasting, talking with peers, waiting on God, etc etc) many times we don't have the ideal climate, welcome to the real world!!! Leaders create the right climate so that faith movement takes place...and light begins to dawn so that people see the way ahead! Amen!

Keep doing the stuff that people don't see, no matter what season you are in: Prayer, listening to God, imagining, dreaming, envisioning, prayer, fasting, prayer, imagining, listening, prayer, reading His Word, meditating, praising, giving thanks, thinking, praying, praising, worshipping, singing, confessing...

Anyway that's my thoughts for the week: Look below for where we are over the next few months!! Please pray for us...thanks.

• 13th September...we are with Mike & Sue Hayes at Mount Maunganui.
• The following week 19th - 26th Sept, we are in Queenstown with my brothers family from Christchurch. This is the first time we have ever been able to go away together. We are really looking forward to great times together in this fantastic part of the world.
• 27th Sept. we are at Eastside for a baby dedication, little Zara McConnell. A great family & very dear friends.
• 28th Sept - 1st Oct Acts ministries conference. This is always an excellent time of input, blessing & ministry to hundreds of people from around NZ & overseas. Actually we will have some friends here from Australia.
• Then we go to Whangarei & Kaikohe, 2nd - 7th. October with Paul & Sharon Buick & Mike & Raewyn Tohu - It's always a fantastic time in the north.
• It looks like Karen is going to Aussy on the 5th Oct. to help run a seminar with a friend & see family. I will join her in Brisbane on the 15th Oct thru till 27th. We will be with Nick & Lynn Watson's church.
• 10th - 12th Oct I am at Toko-vagus!!! Tokoroa! It's aways great to be with friends Lionel & Rebekah Smith.
• Then I'm off to Brisbane.
• 1st Novemeber we are in Pukekohe, with friends Craig & Jean Clements.
• 2nd - 4th November is VCI South, Vision Churches leaders are gathering in Christchurch. This will be a fantastic time...they always are. If you are in the South & want to come please email me & we will send you the details! Most should have them now, but if you haven't call me. 5th - 9th Oct we stay on to be with Scott & Giovana Tones, in Rolleston!!! Museums, food & Fun.
• 13th - 23rd it's Fielding with John & Jenny Sefton, then Palmerston North with Dale & Rachael Meecham. This will be an excellent time!!!
• Then the end of the month 27th - 30th Oct Whangarei & Kaikohe...

Thanks for praying...we do appreciate it. I'll be back soon for more updates. We have some very huge decisions to make in the next few weeks - I would appreciate your prayers...Thanks.

Update on our travel

On the 9th of August we were at Te Awamutu Church with Andrew & Judy Vossen and their team. It was an excellent time... Then the following weekend 14th - 17th August we were with Lawrance and Philippa Kirby at Paraparaumu Family Church. Great people great church! Karen spoke at a ladies retreat, Sunday in Paraparaumu and pm was in Waikane. This brought back many many wonderful memories. We met quite a number of people who we journeyed with over 20 years ago...it was a very encouraging time. Also being in the Pram Family Church that we planted 25 years ago was a blast. What a great history it has, but more than that what a fantastic future it has yet to realise!!

On the 19th August - We are off to Christchurch to be with Warren and Jeanette Hight for a week. Plus we will catch up with many other Pastors in the Christchurch area. It will be fun! Plus of course we'll catch up with my mum & brother and his family.

Then we are at Manifest Presence Conference for a few days at Harbourside Church. We have always wanted to attend but never been able to so we are looking forward to this.

On the 30th August we are in famous Raglan with Alex and Cher Davis. This will be fun as there are quite a number of people we know there really well.

In early September is an NLT - then a wedding in Ragas!! Then off to Te Aroha Mountain View Church on the 6th Sept. Then the Mount on the 13th Sept. with Mike Hayes.

On the 9th of Sept we have an upclose and personal with Weston Carryer at Eastside. Simply email me at nick@apo.org.nz if you want to attend. The details are on the blog site. I consider him to be one of NZ's for-most healing evangelists. He has amazing results.

Looking forward to catching up somewhere along the way...We are looking at being in Holland in April 2010. for an extended period to plant churches, actually a movement/s of churches. More on that later. I am looking forward to working with mostly young people in Europe who don't know what can't be done!!!

Keep daily contact with me (NickKlinkenberg) thru twitter...I do find this fun!!

Inspire Conference; August Travels.

Inspire Conference was a blast. Supernatural was the theme. Martin Steel from Harbourside Church Akd was the keynote speaker as well as Don Lake - Lifechangers Church North Shore. Wayne & Libby Huiria led worship on the Saturday night. Plus there were excellent electives covering parenting, supernatural from the Bible, Worship leading, Business, Leadership, health & Fitness...and more!!! Food, connection, prayer for one another, ministry, speakers, words, power, lights, sound, presence of God...it was all happening. Salvations, God doing His thing in peoples lives. Simply a great time. A conference big enough to Inspire and small enough to connect: with God & one another...we achieved it. There were many Vision Church leaders present and excellent times of connection & ministry. Special meals and meetings were put on for VCI guests.

Ray Pickett was ordained on the Friday evening of Inspire...it was a very special event both for Ray and Eastside. Fantastic to have so many Pastors, leaders & friends there!

Some thoughts that inspired me: Martin's message on the Kingdom of God was revelationary!! It's all about Lordship. The Kingdom of God is all about total submission & surrender to God's Lordship.

Some more Martin Steel quotes: "Whatever we focus on will grow." "What is the mandate of your Church, how much rhythm is in that area?" "The season between sowing & reaping is usually marked by less or lack."

His message on Relationships was outstanding. One of the best I've heard.

"We have been moulded & designed by God so we are able to express Him, that's Supernatural". Don Lake.

"An earthly King would take everything we have; God the King of Kings, doesn't only ask for the best, He gives the best!!!" Sheridyn Rodgers. "The death of Jesus meant curtains for the curtain".

2010 Inspire theme is "It's all about JESUS". 22nd-25th - July!!! Plan to be there!!!

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Twitter is a great tool: I'm on it; I've found it a quick & easy to use for communicating... www.twitter.com

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Karen & I are in Christchurch with Steve & Christine Graham at Westside Church 30th July - 4th August.

Sunday 9th August we are in Te Awamutu Church with Andrew & Judy Vossen.

14th - 17th August we are in Paraparaumu Church and Engage Service in Waikane (Sunday night), with Lawrence & Philippa Kirby.

19th - 26th of August we are in Christchurch again with Warren & Jeanette Height; plus we will catch up with many other Pastors & Leaders as well.

Then Raglan on the 30th August!!

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For 20 years I've had a dream & I feel a word to plant a movement/movements of Churches in Western Europe. Well we are aiming to go in (still under discussion & prayer) April 2010 and plant in Holland!!! We have contacts in Belguim. It will be initally 4-6 months creating a beach-head. We see this is a season & window for us to do this...there is still alot to do of course, but that's the idea so far.

Thanks for praying for us...please feel free to contact us...Catch you somewhere in NZ perhaps...

Taupo, Mangaweka, Inspire Conference, Leadership Tip.

It was exciting being at Inspire Church Taupo on Saturday 27th June for Neville Kings Ordination. Neville came to Christ as a young boy in the Presbyterian Church. Neville and Gail have been involved in the Taupo church for many years as an Elder and now as the Senior Pastor. It was an excellent milestone event for the Church as well as Neville and Gail. Well Done Taupo!!!

The next day (28th June) we spoke at Southcity Church Hamilton. Barry and Pam Sanders are doing a great job...I love it when God moves. Many people were touched and good stuff happened. On the Tuesday following it was excellent to meet with their elders and talk about Southcity future! Fun.

Vision Churches trustees met in Tirau as it was the halfway point for people to come to. It's exciting to see what God is doing through the network. There are 18 churches part of vision churches and over 30 ministry couples. It's great to see the connections and partnerships take place. I've been to about 60% of the churches in the network and by the end of the year I'll have covered every one...some twice. Where-ever I go I see Pastors and leaders doiing there utmost for God, sacrificing and aiming to further God's purposes where He's placed them..."you are champions and don't forget you are involved in the greatest cause and God's plan A for this world!!!"

One of the theme's that's on my heart and that I've been speaking often about is "Who Christ is...we have sooo much". Often we hear what we lack, "How to overcome sin; how to have peace; How to live victoriously." etc etc... These are all good and have there place, but what about focusing on what we do have...for we have sooo much in Christ. I think often we have focused maybe even to much, on what WE have in Christ. How about focusing on the CHRIST in us!! An amazing adventure of discovery realising how big and great He is!!

Twitter is a great communication tool...who thinks these things up, incredible!! I use it often and like to think it's not only information but trust people pray for us...

Inspire Conference 23-26th July is happening! View the DVD and register online www.eastside.apo.org.nz The theme = Supernatural!! I can't wait!!!

Leadership Tip: I have found that if you are going to step out and move forward in your faith personally or as a church beware of the first "border bully!" For moving out of familier territiory or comfort zone land you will encounter the border bully called, lack of resouce! It happened to Moses. Fear will whisper and sometimes call out and shout, sometimes even screem, "your crazy, what are you doing, go back to what's familier and comfortable!!" Fear begins to invade...but I say move in Faith and move through the fear. By the way many wait for fear to totally disappear before they step out in faith. Often fear is there, pulling, tugging, softly whispering, "go back to comfort, go back to what you know, it's better for you." NO!! Often fear is there, but step out in faith!! I've had to learn if I'm going to live the dream that God has given me, I have to Live-scared! We have to defeat the border bully of no resource. Let's be wise...but let's take the steps God want's us to take.

Until the next update; continue to give thanks: I've been a Christian now for 34 years and I've discovered it still a choice I must make...yet it's a little easier now that's all. But it's still a choice! Actually living for Christ is a daily choice! Live wisely choose HIM! The greatest power we have is the power to decide!!

Nick is on twitter / Multiplication.

It's great being on twitter...Day by day & week by week updates for your prayer support. Thanks for praying for us.

Also my new book, only book actually!!! 3-5 books a week are selling! Multiplication; inspiration and tools for church planting. Not the most popular title on the Christian market for books, but probably the most needed...The greatest long term evangelistic method under Heaven is the planting of new churches!!

Palmerston North / Taupo / Whangarei / Kaikohe

It was great catching up with the team at Vision Church Palmerston North. Dale & Rachael are doing a fantastic job. We were able to speak in the first evening service. A couple of people recommitted themselves to God. It is great to see the church steadily progressing & growing.

The following weekend (19th - 22nd June) we drove to Vision Church Whangarei & Kaikohe. We live in such a picture - postcard country...beautiful. It was the first time Karen & I have been with Paul & Sharon Buick. They began the church 2 years ago. They are an example of hard work + faith = a church planted. They have a very committed & top leadership team. We spoke at their evening service, again God moved & miracles happened.

The morning service was in Kaikohe with Michael & Raewyn Tohu. It was the rebanding of Vision Church Kaikohe! What a fantastic morning. The place was full, recommittments & healings. The whole congregation stayed for lunch and was fed a full meal...amazing!!! They spend weeks beforehand replacing the ceiling & other areas, replacing doors & painting the whole building!!! It's a great building with nearly 2 acres of land...well done Kaikohe!! Michael & Raewyn are legends...watch this space!!!

The buicks and the Tohus are strategizing to plant in many other areas! I felt a very strong conviction to that as they joined together a very powerful synergy would take place & the North would relize a ongoing & sustainable harvest. Very exciting. Again watch this space...

We go back to Taupo this weekend. It's Neville Kings ordination service at 4pm Saturday 27th June. Then Back to South City Church Hamilton with Barry & Pam Sanders.

Our aim is to partner with churches, Pastors & leadership teams to see their church shift & move forward. Also everytime we speak we are believing for salvations, recommittments & signs, wonders & miracles. Please pray for us... Walking in Eph. 3:20-21 is fun and challenging!! Moving in the Spirit is an exciting adventure with God.

INSPIRE Conference 23rd - 26th July is all happening!! Big enough to Inspire, small enough to connect with God & others. For DVD & details Click onto; www.eastside.apo.org.nz Inspire Conference.