Name(s): Please note that married or engaged couples should work through the form together

Transcription

1 The Third Rule Listening Guide Austin House of Prayer There is one and only one purpose of the discernment process for the Third Rule: For the candidates and AHOP leaders to listen to the Holy Spirit This form is a guide intended to assist the candidate and leaders in hearing the Holy Spirit. It is important to realize that this is not an application form, and that there are no right or wrong answers. Some answers are required, others are more open-ended, all are designed to allow the Holy Spirit to speak. Section 1 Please answer the following questions. Write your answer in the space provided. If you need more room, use the back of the page or attach a separate sheet (or create a blog :-) Name(s): Please note that married or engaged couples should work through the form together I believe in the essentials of the Christian faith, as expressed in the Apostle s Creed (text in Appendix One). Yes No I am an active member of a local church. Yes No Name of church: One of the commitments (#7) of the Third Rule is openness and accountability to your pastor. Part of the discernment process will be to talk to your pastor, so that he or she is aware of your commitment and can fully support you. Please identify the pastor of your church note that this is not necessarily the senior pastor, it could be a home church pastor who knows you well, or some other recognized authority in the church who knows you. Name of pastor: Phone number: Are there any medical or psychological conditions that could hinder your ability to adopt the Third Rule for the next year? No Yes (please describe) Do you have any extensive travel plans for the next year, or are you anticipating a move out of Austin? No Yes (please describe) The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 1 of 7

2 Section 2 Please read The Third Rule, Expanded (Appendix Two, at the end of this document). You should pray through each point, look up the scriptures, highlight areas that excite you or puzzle you, and bring it with you when you meet with leaders. Section 3 There are two statements of Calling in the Third Rule one that you know you are called to prayer, a second that you know are called to reconciliation. Sometimes these callings are dramatic or sudden, sometimes they are a gradual drawing, most often a combination. Write in the space below about your understanding of your calling to prayer, and the confidence or lack thereof that you currently experience when you approach God. If you feel intimidated by or inferior in prayer to other AHOP Community members, it is important to mention that. What are some of your experiences (positive and negative) in the prayer room when you are in Community prayer? What are some of your experiences (positive and negative) in the prayer room when you have been in prayer there alone? Reconciliation can be defined as re-uniting what has been wrongly separated. It is often important to remember that while AHOP states an emphasis on three areas of reconciliation (people to God, denominational, and cultures & races to each other), there are many other areas of reconciliation that AHOP Community members are dedicated to (including Jew to Gentile, artists to the church, and marketplace leaders to the church, to list three examples). Write about your understanding of your calling to reconciliation, and identify any particular wrongful divisions that grieve your heart. Section 4 One of the commitments (#4) of the Third Rule is to actively participate in reconciliation in the city of Austin. Third Rule, Expanded has the following description of this commitment: I will choose one church, ministry, or community group that causes me to cross racial, cultural, or denominational boundaries. I will meet with a leader of that group, explaining that I have no other agenda than to be present blessing, serving, and building relationships. I will participate in their meetings at least once a month. I will pray for them during my weekly prayer time(s). Please spend some time praying & thinking about some possible groups for this commitments, and write down your thoughts in the space below. The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 2 of 7

3 Section 5 Please consider the following questions. You are not required to write down your thoughts, but you certainly can. You may want to circle the questions that jump out at you as important, or draw, or journal over several days in response. What will I be giving up if I adopt the Third Rule? Am I ready to be opposed? Do I have any theological concerns with any part of the Third Rule? What training, guidance, or support do I think I need from AHOP leadership? How has God led me to this moment? How will I be a servant? How a leader? What possibilities do I see for my life with God if I am to adopt the Third Rule? Is there a pattern in my life of making commitments, then not fulfilling them? What excites me about the Third Rule? Are there any areas of persistent sin in my life, particularly in the areas of sexuality, speech, money, unforgiveness, and alcohol or drug addictions? Do I feel unqualified to adopt the Third Rule? What fears arise in my heart regarding the Third Rule? How do my relationships with other people affect my decision of whether or not to adopt the Third Rule? If I adopt the Third Rule, how might my relationships with other people change? The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 3 of 7

4 Appendix One: The Apostle s Creed The basic creed of the Christian church, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed. It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament. Austin House of Prayer intentionally chooses the Apostle s Creed rather than the Nicene Creed so as not to exclude Orthodox believers from adopting the Third Rule. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic * church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. * The word "catholic" in lower-case is defined as pertaining to the whole Christian body or church. Thus in the creed this word is not limited to the Roman Catholic Church, but referes to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Source: The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 4 of 7

5 Appendix Two: The Third Rule, Expanded I make before God, my pastor and AHOP leadership the following statements of my intentions, understanding that walking them out, even imperfectly, depends on the grace of God, the goodwill of my church & pastor, and the patience of other members of the AHOP Community. IDENTITY I am ultimately defined not by what I do but by who God says I am. 1. I am God s beloved. His words regarding me are true: I am His treasured possession, His servant, His friend, His son or daughter, His priest & king, His beloved. Like the thief on the cross next to Jesus, my value is measured not by my history but by my God s desire to be with me. Even in dark and discouraging times, when my own heart condemns me, He is still greater than my heart, and I will trust that my life is hidden in Him untouchable, inalterable, unmovable. Deut. 32:4, Eph 1:14, Matt. 24:45, Col. 3:23-24, John 15:15, John 1:12-13, Romans 8:15-17, Rev 1:6, Song of Songs 6:3, John 17:23, John 17:24, Luke 23:42-43, I John 3:19-20, Col. 3: I am a member of the Body of Christ. He has chosen me to be a stone in the house not built by hands. The architect of a building determines the position and importance of each member. In the same way, God arranges His body as He sees fit. Accordingly, I will neither judge myself nor my brothers and sisters by measures that the world employs. I may be a hidden member that provides strength, or I may be a visible member that provides beauty, but in either situation I am a valuable member. I also believe that this age of building will end, the body will be complete and mature, and the wedding supper of the Lamb will begin and I will pray towards that Day! 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Cor. 4:3, Matt. 7:1, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Cor. 12:27, Eph. 4:13, 5:27, Rev 19:6-9 CALLING I have been called by God to work hard and make an impact in the world. 1. I know I am called to prayer. I can say with David, Anna, Jesus, Paul, Epaphras and many other saints that I am a person of prayer. I base this statement not upon any number of hours logged, but upon an inexorable drawing of my heart into the King s chambers. My first reward in prayer is simply enjoying God s presence, gazing on His beauty, listening to His heart, and partnering with Him in intercession. My patterns & partners in prayer include the four living creatures who do not rest day and night, Old Testament & New Testament saints, monks and nuns from the millenniums of church history, and the new generation of 24/7 worshipping warriors throughout the world. Psalm 109:4, Luke 2:36-37, Luke 5:16, Col. 1:9, Col. 4:12, Song of Songs 1:4, Psalm 27:4, Luke 10:39, Rev 4:8 2. I know I am called to reconciliation. My eyes have been opened to at least one specific area of wrongful division that needs healing and reconciliation (some examples include Protestant/Catholic division, spiritual division between God and unbelievers, racial division, division between Jew & Gentile). God has allowed me to feel a little of the grief in His heart about this division; I hold fast to hope that I feel this pain because God intends to end this division; and I will stand in prayer with Jesus and Paul, asking God to reforge unity. 2 Cor. 5:18-19, Lam. 3:18-19, Eph. 1:10, John 17:20-26, Romans 15:5-7 COMMITMENTS God has given me the power and privilege of freely & cheerfully choosing to commit.. 1. I commit to be a follower of Jesus. I am not ashamed to be known as a follower of Christ, and I affirm the historical & theological foundations of the Church as expressed in the Apostle s Creed. I will strive for the purity described in the New Testament, especially guarding my heart The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 5 of 7

6 in the areas of sexuality, money, speech, and inner contempt for my brother or sister. I Cor. 6:18-20, Matthew 7:24, Philippians 2:14-15, 1 Tim. 2:8, Philippians 2:2-3, 1 Peter 3:7 2. I commit to be an active member of a local church. AHOP is committed to fostering a flow of life to and from local churches and ministries. I understand AHOP will never be my church, and that I need to be grounded in a local body of believers. At the same time, following the Third Rule will take time and resources, which could otherwise be given to my church thus I will obtain from my pastor his or her blessing. Acts 2:42, Acts 13: I commit to lead at least one weekly prayer session in the AHOP prayer room. My name will be on the prayer board! I understand the importance of time in the prayer room and commit to be present at my designated time(s), or arrange for someone else to lead in my place. I will also follow the three prayer leader guidelines: show up on time, pray at least one biblical prayer, and pray for the next person or group. As an AHOP community member, I accept the weight of leadership in 24/7 prayer, knowing that my faithfulness encourages visitors and local church leaders to do the same. If I show up, I win! Matt. 6:37, 1 Cor. 1:11 4. I commit to involve myself actively in reconciliation in the city of Austin. Reconciliation is always specific, intentional, realistic, and persistent. I will choose one church, ministry, or community group that causes me to cross racial, cultural, or denominational boundaries. I will meet with a leader of that group, explaining that I have no other agenda than to be present blessing, serving, and building relationships. I will participate in their meetings at least once a month. I will pray for them during my weekly prayer time(s). John 1:14, Mark 2:17, Eph. 2:15-16, Col. 1:21-22, 1 Tim. 2:16, 2 Pet. 3:9 5. I commit to attend monthly AHOP community meetings. Once a month, currently on First Fridays, there is an AHOP Community meeting to discuss matters of community business. I will attend and participate, except in unusual circumstances. 6. I commit to volunteer at AHOP. Work goes hand-in-hand with prayer and without some hard work the calling of AHOP to prayer will not happen. I will regularly respond to calls to volunteer, and I will own one area such as cleaning, communication, administration, etc. 7. I commit to openness and accountability to my pastor, AHOP leaders, and fellow community members. Authority has a bad name in our culture, because the abuses are much more publicized than the successes. But authority structures have been built into the Church from day one, and also into every successful monastic community. I desire to submit to loving authority without being controlled or manipulated, so I will keep my heart responsive to the direction of my pastor, of AHOP leaders, and of fellow community members. I will also keep short accounts privately expressing doubts, fears, concerns, and offenses to the appropriate party as soon as I become aware of them in my heart, seeking quick resolution but willing to raise issues privately to leaders if necessary. Eph. 4:26, Matt. 5:23-24, Matt. 18:15-20 EXPECTATIONS God never asks for sacrifices without promising rewards. 1. I expect rewards directly from God. Jesus promises that God will reward the hidden prayer. Matt. 6:6, Heb. 11:6 2. [I expect to have my commitment known only to God, myself, my pastor, my close friends, and AHOP leadership.] or [I expect to have my commitment known to the AHOP Community.] We are currently debating in the community whether it would be better for a Third Rule commitment to be public or private. See the FAQ for pros and cons of both. 3. I expect to receive a symbol of my commitment. I expect to receive a symbol of that commitment that I can carry with me. We are currently still deciding as a community what this The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 6 of 7

7 symbol will be it is tied into the discussion of public vs. private. This will serve to remind me of who I am and the promises I have made. It is not a sign of a secret society or any special privilege rather, it is a sign of a more difficult life of deeper service. 4. I expect to earn the trust of other community members. Authority is a reward earned by faithful service. I will likely be called on to make decisions that affect the life of the community, and I expect to be confident in the decisions I have to make, but often humbled in the outcome of those decisions! Mark 9:35 5. I expect to participate in the annual AHOP retreat. There will be a two- or three-day AHOP Retreat, probably in the summertime better swimming weather! I will be invited to participate and expect to be able to, unless I have an unavoidable prior commitment. 6. I expect intimacy in prayer. Others may communicate expectations of me for my prayer times, but my first expectation is to meet with God. I am free to spend an entire prayer session just adoring Him. He wants to be with Me, and I want to be with Him, and that is enough. John 17:24, Psalm 63:1, Rev. 22:17 7. I expect to see impact in the city of Austin. I was made not only to be a priest, but a king effecting visible change in the world around me. Prayer changes things, and as I pray I expect to see changes. Jesus measure for His authenticity was the deaf hearing, the blind seeing, the lame walking, the dead rising, and prisoners being set free I desire the same today. Luke 4:17-19, Luke 7:22, John 14:12-14, Acts 4: I expect joy. God promises that joy in the house of prayer will come simply from knowing that my offerings to Him are accepted. There is also joy in reconciliation as John describes, the friend of the bridegroom rejoices in the union of the bride and groom. So as I pray for the body of Christ in Austin, I expect to rejoice at seeing followers of Jesus fall more in love with Him, grow in confidence, walk in power, and extend the kingdom of God. And as they increase, I will be quite happy to decrease. Isaiah 56:7, John 3: I expect suffering & transformation. I am a sinful person who will make mistakes; I live in a broken world; God grants trials in His love; and I have a spiritual enemy who will resist me taking it up a notch. So I expect that the coming year will contain times of suffering. I will endure in the hope of being transformed, and also in anticipation of dancing on the other side. Song of Songs 1:5-6, Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:7, Psalm 30:11-12, Psalm 126:6, Phil. 3: I expect the gift of a focused life. My eyes the direction of my attention and affections are the lamp of my body, and I expect my body to be filled with light in the coming year! Our society always offers more options and possibilities, and most people live their lives in suspense, not daring to turn anything down for fear of missing out. But I welcome the opportunity to reject all other possible good ways to live out the next year, choosing instead to focus my time, energy, and resources to living out the Third Rule in Austin, Texas. Matt. 6:22-23, Isaiah 50:7, Eph. 1:18, Hebrews 12:2 The Third Rule Listening Guide Page 7 of 7