Paul and Christie Johnson

Missionaries in Rochester, MN

Thursday Update – BILD Class

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I’ve been continuing my education with a series of Church based theological training classes called BILD.

The specific class that we’re doing this semester is the Pauline Epistles class – studying through the Apostle Paul’s “Strategies for Establishing Churches”.

We just finished our second class last night discussing what from Paul’s letters we can apply as normative in the church today and what strategies he used to establish churches. It was a good time to talk it over with the 16 or so that are part of the class. Obviously there were different opinions but I the discussion was good for everyone to work through and clarify their own thoughts and learn from one another.

This next week our assignment is to read through Paul’s first set of letters:Ā Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians and Romans (I think that’s all of them).

It should be a fun week to read a lot of the word! I’m looking forward to the discussion! šŸ™‚

See you next week!

 

Thursday Update – More than just events

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We have been having a lot of “events” as the Rock in the past couple of weeks. It’s the fall kickoff and that seems to be what we do.

We’ve had a freshmen picnic for all the new freshmen that we’ve been meeting. About 70+ people showed up, some of them were Rockers bringing people but many of them were first year students.

We had a broomballĀ tournament and about 80 people showed up to smack a ball around on the ice for 3 hours. It was a lot of fun and people had great conversations off the ice around the nacho cheese stand. šŸ™‚

We also integrated with the community part of the church for a picnic after the church service on Sunday that brought 120 people. Many new students came along for that as well and built relationships with the whole church.

Now tomorrow we’re having a karaoke night at Zeke’s (our building close to campus). Should be a painfully fun time as students try out their vocal “skilz”.

Lots of events.

But it’s not about the events. It’s about the people and who God is to these people. We love because he first loved us and through these events we’re loving people. Lots of people. That’s what makes it an exciting time of year!

Until next week then. šŸ™‚

Open Letter to the Rock for Fall 2012

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Rockers,

Fall semester is almost upon us and therefore so is theĀ perennialĀ call to meet people, develop new relationships, share the gospel and make disciples.
What would make us want to do such a thing?
Isn’t it more comfortable to maintain our friendships, prepare for new classes, relax, watch movies and check facebook?
In a way it is.
In another way it is not.
We are made to do something more.
In other words we are compelled or controlled to do something more.
2 Cor 5
14Ā For the love of ChristĀ controls us, because we have concluded this: thatĀ one has died for all, therefore all have died;Ā 15Ā and he died for all,Ā that those who live might no longer live for themselves butĀ for him who for their sake died and was raised.Ā 

When we are living life in the Spirit I believe that we will be more comfortableĀ meeting people, developing new relationships, sharing the gospel and making disciples.
Does that mean that you shouldn’t do laundry for the next three weeks? Nah, it’d be good for you to have clean underwear.
But what about keeping your entertainment to a minimum, saving some of your catch up with old friends for off times and pushing a little harder, digging a little deeper to love and serve someone new for these first three weeks or so.
We can’t live life in high gear all the time. There are seasons to push into new territory and others to strengthen ties.
Please join me in praying that God would use us this season to be his ambassadors in the new territories that are the dorms, classes and neighborhoods of the 2012-13 school year.
These first few weeks areĀ precious. Let us make the most of every opportunity!
With you in his labor,Ā 
-Paul