Grace is the bases of our gift! Until people have experienced the grace of God in their lives it is likely they will be unwilling to contribute to Godâs work and his workers. Paul knew this, and reminded the church at Corinth this. (v.1)

Giving should overflow from Joy! Paul said, âOut of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosityâ(v.2). The Macedonian churches were the example church. They were joyful to give regardless of their circumstances! Paul later writes that giving should be planned (v12), indicating that joyful giving is not spontaneous rather planned.

Faith is expressed in our giving! There is no amount in giving that God counts as generous according to Paul. The least can be the greatest. People who make little, and give what they are able or even beyond their ability, have a tremendous amount of faith, people that do this should be careful in not trying to gamble with God. Pastors as well should never promise that God is going to give, as if God was obligated to give a financial reward back, nonetheless, Paul, highlights that givers are people of faith (v.3) and faith is expressed in giving.

Giving should be a privilege: Paul describes the best givers are those that see their giving as a privilege not a price. The people were supporting the service of the saints (v.4). When we think about it, if the gift is going towards someone who is truly Godâs worker, you know this gift is going to Godâs work. Giving is privilege to co-operate in Godâs work here on earth.

Devotion to God, directs our giving! Paul has described to the Corinthian church other churches in Macedonia that were giving greatly, because they had experienced the grace of God and had first committed themselves to the Lord (v.5). This commitment to God would in turn guide and direct their giving. Itâs hard to know where God wants us to invest if we donât know God. Devotion to God will always direct our giving.

 In the imago dei (in the image of God) we see in Gen. 2 that man was created to rule and reign over all the created. Godâs community of people through out earth failed to live up to what God had called them too. This is why Jesus is referred to as the Second Adam, in a sense he is coming to properly rule and reign over creation where Adam failed.

B/c man is made in the image of God he is destined also to fulfill the image of God in which we see that Israel failed to fulfill (Cf. Is 66). We also see a failure of Babylonians, as they were dispersed due to their idolatry and arrogant hearts. We see that God disperses them as a means to spread his message for the sake of the world, and themselves at the tower of Babel.  

I also see that Israel was the vehicle in which God chose for a time to reveal to the nations his love and light. (Cf. Gen. 12, Is 66, Ezk. 36, Ps. 67). Yet, because of their disobedience God creates a new means, a New Covenant, for there to be salvation by writing the law on their hearts. (Cf. Ezk 37).  In essence Israel did partially fulfill the role of missio Dei, in that there has always been a faithful remnant but they did in fact fail as a nation.                                                                             

The implications are that, we are the sent people of God; we are those who believe and bear his image. We are image bearers, of the eternal God, that is the imago Dei. We are to rule and reflect his glory! We are to manage, to lead, to love, to help, to govern and minister to those in need across the world. We like Israel, are sharing in the command to fulfill the missio dei, that is to call believers to engage in worship, educate them and evangelize to the lost. (cf. Is 66, Mt 28). Believers are the sent people of God

Paul is the team leader at St Thomas' Philadelphia. Paul is a Baptist minister and has been involved at St Thomas' for 14 years. Paul studied at Northern College and he is married to Elly. They have two daughters. Before joining St Thomas' staff, Paul was a Chemistry teacher. -taken from website.

Contact: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/

St Thomas Crookes is a innovative church in the UK that is leading the way in emerging models and ministry. They take an innovative approach that is very much incarnational ministry. This church and it's partners are the flagships of church innovation in Europe. We Americans have much to learn from what God is doing there. 

Contact http://www.stthomascrookes.org/

Contact: You can email mike by visiting his website http://www.3dministries.com/

Contact: you can email Ryan at riceministry@gmail.com  for more details.Or you can email Bob at admin@acpi.org.uk

Contact: you can email Ryan at riceministry@gmail.com  for more details.Or you can email Anders at andersmichael@ecpn.org

Contact: For more information on how to get involved with churchpod email Ryan at riceministry@gmail.com

check out some feedback on the loction here.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/montserrat-spain.html

Along the way we met many and caught some unique insight including this one.

Organization: Decision

Decision is an organization of evangelical Christians committed to evangelism, which is at the service of the evangelical churches of Spain to help them in their tasks of evangelism and discipleship.

Contact: http://www.e-decision.org/English/index.htm

Mission organization: CAM international / Cristar

Contact info: tonylatinlink@yahoo.com 

Church Name: Comunidad Cristiana

Pastors: Jose Fajardo & Angel Gargoles

Contact Jose jfajardom@aol.com

Currently, I am in the process of recruiting other prospective church planters that are trying to educate themselves on their journey.  If you are interested, in being a churchpod field explorer please email me at ricemininstry@gmail.com

For now, I will conclude our research on Spain

Ryan Rice

 Here are eight of my key observations that I took particular note on:

1. It took on average 15 years to start a church in France
2. Get the church planted....Stay focused on church planting....they axed some programs!
3. Long-term relationships are vital for church planting!
4. Study the culture...be a learner...study hard!
5. Go for the cities!--- plant in big cities...* I like that...He says, 80% of the population is in the cities! Many plant in rural areas.
6. Heart Language of the churches....need to be national...
7. Evaluate what kind of time line you are going into....sowing seeds, or harvesting... some places are not ready for a mass revival.
8. Work with other churches!

I thought his points were accurate and practical...each major country within Europe will vary...but these were good general principles for European church planting.  

podcast description: Ed provides hope for the mission worker/ church planter. Some practical take homes that I gleaned from the interview were:

1.     Teaching and training in a theological context can be very sustaining

2.     Serving the local Spanish church should be your first step

3.     Your paradigm and expectations should and will be challenged

4.     Reading books to prepare is very helpful

5.     Spending time in the country is invaluable as well

email: esgudeman@worldventure.net 

web: http://www.worldventure.com

This was an awesome Christian Music Festival with a record-breaking attendance. There were to my knowledge 8,000 plus people there from all over Spain. It was an inspiring evening with brothers and sisters from all over the country. The goal was to build Christian Unity! They hit their goal. Great Music and Good News!

I must share that this was the moment, that I sensed God's clear call upon my life to consider missions as a way of life. 

1. GIFTED AND CALLED: Spain needs people that are fit for the mission 

2. TRAINING: Donât come with a lack of training!

3. REPUTATION: Missionary failure can send a negative message to missions!  

   4.  STEWARDSHIP: Money is often wasted with no vision and call 

Ministry Background: Juan Blake is a member of an interdenominational (Baptistic) church in Madrid.  He is retired from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and is their rep for Spain, at age 74, he is thankful to still be pretty much full time, volunteer in several different ministries. 

He currently works with Decision ministries/Spain.  Decision is an organization of evangelical Christians committed to evangelism, which is at the service of the evangelical churches of Spain to help them in their tasks of evangelism and discipleship. The purpose is to collaborate with local churches, denominations and missions to establish new evangelical churches in all of the towns in Spain.  As part of this basic purpose, we are working to see a church established in every municipality with more than 5,000 inhabitants by the year 2012 (see the municipalities without testimony).

In additional to his involvement with the BGEA as representative,  he has also served as the city coordinator for the Palau Festival here in Madrid a couple years ago and has co-labored with him on all of his visits to Spain, but have no official connection.

Contact info: http://www.edecision.org/English/index.htm 

juanblake@e-decision.org

1. Many Spanish churches don't have much for their youth
2. Video and Audio are a big need for the younger youth churches
3. Camps and summer programs are great resources for churches  

Jeff and his family are meeting a major need in Spain. The youth culture is hurting and in great need for guidance.  Jeff is also a part of another youth ministry called La Industria (www.la-industria.org).  It is a 9-month discipleship program which focuses on the arts and faith. As a church planter headed to Spain I am planning to keep a strong connection with this guy to better learn how to serve the young people of Spain.

contact info: jcanderson@contracorriente.orgI look forward to seeing Jeff and his family this summer-Ryan

I found this interview helpful to understand the cultural diversity of the city and the churches. For any church to reach inner city Madrid, Lavapies is the hotspot for the down and out hurting and helpless. If you are compelled by this interview to be involved with this kind of ministry, do it! Get involved and conisder the call.

Contact info: Josue Fajardo is a Methodist Church Planter in Madrid his church while in the suburbs. jfajardom@aol.com

Background of the Church:  Teaching Pastor, Jose Luis is a key leader to this  booming church in Madrid. The church has been around for 20 plus years and hit a turning point when it began to integrate the Purpose Driven Strategies from Saddleback Church. http://www.purposedriven.com 

The church today is in a new facility and is continuing to grow. The church service runs roughly around 1,000 plus people throughout the weekend.  

Background of Interview: Miguel was the one who invited Jose Luis to the Purpose Driven conference some years ago. They have continued their relationship still today. It was fun to do this interview because it was conducted in between services in a small room next to the sanctuary. You can hear the racket in the background and the charged worship team as well. It all adds to the experience.

This was an awesome Christian Music Festival with a record-breaking attendance. There were to my knowledge 8,000 plus people there from all over Spain. It was an inspiring evening with brothers and sisters from all over the country. The goal was to build Christian Unity! They hit their goal. Great Music and Good News!

I must share a humorous one particular moment. I glanced across the crowd, taking note of the flags representing different provinces throughout Spain. Then it caught me. In highflying colors was the Lone Star, Texas Flag! A proud cowgirl was waving it while running through the crowd, laughing and being applauded by her Texan friends!

I thought to myself, "Only a Texan would have the pride and audacity to wave their flag in this festival."  

Location: North Madrid

Interview Description: Steveâs work is unique to my research in that he is very calculated and clear in his ministry approach to Spain. His contribution to my studies has been his efforts towards reaching the National Spaniards. I would describe him as an American guy with a Spaniards heart. He offers a clear exhortation for guyâs like myself to understand the culture and church history. This interview helps. Steve will help anyone seeking church planting / mission work in Spain. He is known as an excellent Bible teacher, and Pastor he has a love and passion for the National Spaniard and the country itself.

Contact: email: esterodemann@gmail.com  

Intro: While I want to keep the content good, I cannot help but to share some of the more humorous and random discussions. Therefore, I will sprinkle the Spain Series with what I call âRough Cut Randomâ? For you supper achievers, and Type Personalities, relax these may waste some time. Donât worry I will continue to post theological and educational interviews in relation to Missiology in days and weeks to come!

Audio Recording: If you know Spanish, you will hear just how bad mine is! This conversation was caught on tape one evening @ a Catholic Monastery nestled away in the mountains of Barcelona. Miguel and I are sitting down after a day of prayer and contemplation about church planting. Miguel is known to be a fun person to be around, as you will see. Enjoy the short comic relief.    

National Director of Spain: Victor Miron has served as Director of several influential ministries such as Campus Crusade, Family Life and the Purpose Driven Church.

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Ministry Description and Background: Victor has 32 years in Spain. He received his training from Dallas Theological Seminary and started his ministry as the National Director of Campus Crusade for Christ. Victor later worked with Family Life as the National Director where he brought the ministry into 16 strategic countries through out Western Europe. Over the last three years, Victor has been able to help strengthen churches by using the purpose driven church model. Victor not only is a seasoned and proven ministry leader but a husband and a father as well!  Today Victor is celebrating 32 years of marriage. He is the proud father of three children; whom all are serving in ministry as well. 

Interview Insight: Victor offers a great challenge to the attraction model church. He emphasizes a stark difference in church methodology between the U.S. and Spain. What is unique about his view is that he is leading many US based ministries as their National Director.  Victor advises young church leaders to take people approach vs. programs for Spain.

Population: 1,673,075

Contact email: victormiron@agape-spain.org

Location: Madrid, Spain

Ministry Description: He has been there in Spain for 17 years 1990, started with Bible Christian Union, now Team. Over the last 13 years, David has worked with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist denomination for efforts in church planting. For the last 3 years, David has been working on a project where they are mobilizing Latin American missionaries.

Population: Madrid 5-6 million

Contact: loveeachstone@gmail.com  or www.loveeachstone.blogspot.com

Introduction and History: Churchpod was born out of a desire to learn about church planting. I (Ryan the founder) heard a podcast about a couple from Dallas Theological Seminary (dts) that were planting a church, immediately my mind started turning. I thought if I could only hear more stories of people that graduated from seminary and are out in the field, I would know more of what it takes to be ready. Within a few weeks, I received approval for the Independent Study from the Christian Education department at DTS and launched a series on the church plants of Fellowship Bible Church Bible Church. I interviewed all of them and not only made an A+ but learned a lot about what steps to take before planting a church.  Consequently, churchpod has encouraged many others around the counrty.

Churchpod is and will be a more so become a worldwide ministry to prospective church planters, mission workers and their partners. Churchpod will record and post audio / video interviews of seasoned specialist via podcast. Listeners can subscribe via itunes and or visit www.churchpod.org for interviews of specific works around the world.

Vision: Churchpod exists to educate and encourage prospective church planters and missionary workers worldwide.

Mission: churchpod selects proven student leaders whom are pursuing both mission work/church planting and media arts to run the research and development of churchpod by taking an independent studies and Internships through appropriate departments at DTS.

Current Series: This is the introduction podcast to a new series that I am calling, âThe Church and the Culture of Spain.â?  The first intro was done in my office here in Dallas. You will notice we are not in studios for  the following interviews as our last series was with  www.fellowshipassociates.com  From planes trains to automobiles Miguel and I traveled all through Madrid and Barcelona interviewing  in cafÃs, cottages and monasteryâs to eplore the heart of the church and culture of Spain. I think you will enjoy this rich experience as you listen to church planters, missionary workers, and theological educators some having given 50 years of ministry there. You could say that these interviews are very insightful for anyone interested  in the church or the culture of Europe.

 Get involved: churchpod is a emerging new ministry that is seeking to expand itâs opportunities. It was recently approved as an Internship program at the Seminary in Dallas and is being used in classes as well. Contact me ryan riceministry@gmail.com to get involved in some way. I am praying that God will raise up, donors, business leaders, mission workers, and church planters that have a heart to learn and help others in the experience. If you are interested in what Miguel is doing or have questions email him at migoche@yahoo.com 

 I pray that you would be encouraged and educated in this process. May the Lord grant you wisdom and insight as you seek his will and his ways.

RYAN

Location: Moving from Barcelona to Madrid Spain

Population: Barcelona 4 million, Madrid 5-6 million

Description of Ministry: Miguel has served with CAM international for the last 4 years and is graduate from Dallas Theological Seminary. After graduation, Miguel attended Fellowship Associates a church planting residency program in Little Rock, AR. www.fellowshipassociates.com . Miguel soon moved to Barcelona Spain to help develop Menâs Fraternity curriculum throughout Spain www.mensfraternity.com As well he has not only helped strengthen his local church in Barcelona but many others in the area as well. Being highly educated Miguel was persuaded to work for a few years at Bible Institute Seminary of Spain. to help prepare future church planters. http://www.lapepi.com/ibste/ibste.php . Miguel is in the process of pursuing to plant a church in Madrid Spain in the coming years.

Description of City for future church plant: Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain^[1]. Its economic, political, and cultural importance mark it as one of the major cities of the world. Residents are called MadrileÃos.The city is located on the river Manzanares in the center of the country, between the autonomous communities of Castile and LeÃn and Castile-La Mancha. Due to its economic output, standard of living, and market size, Madrid is considered the major financial center of the Iberian Peninsula; it hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the major Spanish companies, as well as the headquarters of three of the world's 100 largest companies.

Contact: Miguel at migoche@yahoo.com

Church Type: urban-multi cultural, and multi-site

Location: Long Beach, CA

Population: 463,956

Description of Church: Our dream is to impact the city of Long Beach by starting a compelling new church in the heart of downtown.  When you come to downtown Long Beach, we want you to think that you somehow stumbled into Jerusalem in 33 A.D. and were experiencing the church described in Acts 2 â the church that was known, characterized, and set-apart by their uncommon love for God, for each other, and for their city.

Description of City:  Long Beach is a city located in southern Los Angeles County, California, USA, on the Pacific coast. It borders Orange County on its southeast edge. It is about 20 miles (30 km) south of downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach is the 34th-largest city in the nation, 5th in California and 2nd in Los Angeles County (after Los Angeles). As of 2005, its estimated population was 463,956^[1]. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's largest shipping ports [2]. The city also has a large oil industry; oil is found both underground and offshore. Manufactures include aircraft, automobile parts, electronic and audiovisual equipment, and home furnishings. It is also home to headquarters for corporations such as Epson America, Molina Healthcare, Scan Health Care, and Polar Air Cargo. Long Beach grew with the development of high-technology and aerospace industries in the area. (info provided by Wikipedia).

Contact: ph. (562) 253-1792   email:thien@citylightschurch.org  web:http://www.citylightschurch.org

Church Type: Traditional, Suburban

Location: Raleigh, NC

Population: 356,231

Description of Church: South BridgeFellowship is a new church in the Brier Creek area of North Raleigh. Started on March 4th 2007 as a group of people who desire to be a worshipping community of outwardly focused Christians who have a positive impact on the Raleigh-Durham area by sharing the life-changing love of Jesus Christ with those God strategic places in our lives.

Description of City: Raleigh is the capital of the State of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees, though pine trees are the dominant species. It has a population of approximately 356,231 (2006 estimate), making it the second most populous city in North Carolina, after Charlotte. Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill make up the three cities of The Triangle. (Wikipedia).

Contact:  The church website, www.southbridgefellowship.com Scottâs email: lehrscott@gmail.com

Church Type: Tradditional

Location: Louisville, Kentucky 

Population: 256,000

Description of Church: Fellowship Louisville desires to be a community where people from all walks of life can come to see and experience authentic spiritual life, and then be equipped to give this life away. Fellowship Church Louisville exists to: Cultivate an authentic Christian community committed to making followers of Christ through the proclamation and demonstration of God's love.

Description of City: Kentucky's largest city. It is ranked as either the 17th or 27th largest city in the United States depending on how the population is calculated (see Nomenclature, population and ranking below). The settlement that became the City of Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark and is named after King Louis XVI of France. Louisville is famous as the home of "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports": the Kentucky Derby, the widely watched first race of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (Wikipedia).

Contact:  The church website, www.fellowshiplouisville.org 

Church Type: Suburban, Traditional Model    

Location: Memphis, TN   

Population: 642, 251

Description of Church: Fellowship Memphis began as a dream in the summer of 2003 in the hearts of 28 people God had gathered both from within Memphis and from all over the country. The dream included a church where people from all walks of life and all seasons of life could understand the gospel at a transformational level and a church where they could mature in their faith and be equipped to give their lives away.  They dreamed of a church that looked like Memphis with her beautiful and powerful racial, socio-economic and generational diversity. They dreamed of a church that would be a blessing to the city of Memphis and be a light to the nations. The story of Fellowship has begun to emerge and new chapters are being written each day.

Description of City: Memphis is a city in the southwest corner of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. Memphis rises above the Mississippi River on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff just below the mouth of the Wolf River. As of 2006, Memphis had an estimated population of 680,768, making it the largest city in the state of Tennessee, the second largest in the southeastern region (only to Jacksonville, Florida), and the 17th largest in the United States [1]. The greater Memphis metropolitan area (including the adjacent areas of Mississippi and Arkansas) has a population of 1,260,581. This makes Memphis the second largest metropolitan area in Tennessee, surpassed only by metropolitan Nashville. Memphis is the youngest of Tennessee's four major cities (traditionally including Knoxville and Chattanooga and Nashville). A resident of Memphis is referred to as a Memphian.- Provided by Wikipedia

Contact:  The church website:L www.fellowshipmemphis.org  

Pastor's email: loritts@fellowshipmemphis.org

Church Type: Urban Church   

Location: Denver, Colorado  

Population: 2.6 million in the metro-plex

Description of Church: Fellowship

Description of City: The Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated 2006 population of 2,408,750 and ranked as the 21st most populous U.S. metropolitan statistical area,^[3] and the larger Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area had an estimated 2006 population of 2,927,911 and ranked as the 17th most populous U.S. metropolitan area.^[4] The city claims to have the 10th largest central business district in the United States.^[5] (Wikipedia).

Contact:  The church website, www.fellowshipdenver.org Hunters email hunter@fellowshipdenver.org

Church Type: Fellowship Bible Church- venue campus  

Location: Conway, Arkansas

Population: 43,167, 65,000 in the greater area

Description of Church:

Fellowship is a Bible-believing church in a growing, young community with a significant opportunity to have a tremendous impact in Conway and throughout the world.

Description of City: Conway is the largest city and county seat of Faulkner County^GR6, Arkansas. A 2005 special census indicated the population had risen to 52,430. It is part of the Little Rock-North Little Rock-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area. Conway is the second fastest growing city in Arkansas and home to three postsecondary educational institutions, earning it the nickname "The City of Colleges" (Wikipedia).

Contact: ph. 501-450-7777  email.  rgifford@fbclr.org

1. Inviting people to BELIEVE
2. BELONG to His body
3. BE trained in truth
4. Be strong in a life of worship and ministry

Lead Pastor: Tim Wagner

Church Type: Inner-city, non-traditional model, multi-site

Population: estimate in L.A. 3,844,829 in Culver City 38,816

Location: Culver City is a city in western Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 38,816. The community is mostly surrounded by the city of Los Angeles but also has a border with unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The current mayor is Gary Silbiger.

Since the 1920s, Culver City has been a significant center for motion picture and later television production, in part because it was the home of MGM Studios. It also was the headquarters for the Hughes Aircraft Company from the 1930s to the 1980s. National Public Radio West and Sony Pictures Entertainment now have headquarters in the city.

- provided by wikipedia.com

Contact: Paradox Church at: http://www.kchurch.org

Westport Church: has several core values that define them. These are the concepts that they wish to be distinguished by: Treasuring Jesus, Theological Emphasis, Transformational Community, Team Leadership,Creative Ministry and Community Service.

Lead Pastor: Paul Fleming

Church Type: Suburban, traditional model

Population: estimate 529,121 in Portland, 70,186 in Hillsboro

Location:  Hillsboro, Oregon has old fashioned charm, yet is only 20 minutes away from the big city amenities of Portland. It offers a variety of parks, fairs, historical places and rural beauty that can appeal to any visitor's taste. Hillsboro is the government seat of Washington County, a fast growing area of Oregon. But, people there still share a smile and extend a friendly welcome to visitors.

Contact: Westport Church at web : www.westportchurch.org

or email: pfleming@westportchurch.org

Lead Pastor: Bobby Conway

Church Type: Suburban, traditional model

Population: estimate 601,598 in Charlotte, 37,245 in Huntersville

Location: This new thriving church is located in a suburb called Huntersville, with great neighborhoods, countless amenities and its friendly small town atmosphere, Huntersville also provides access to the haven of Lake Norman. This breathtaking 32,500-acre man-made lake with 520 miles of shoreline provides scenic vistas, recreation and wildlife for all to enjoy. Huntersville is also just 10 minutes from Charlotte and only hours from mountain and beach resorts.www.huntersville.org

Contact: Life Fellowship at: http://www.lifecharlotte.com

Church Type: House

Location:  Wroclaw is located on the Odra River in the south-western part of Poland, known as Lower Silesia, with rolling farmland in the north and rugged foothills of the Sudeten mountains in the south.

Population:  Wroclaw has a population of 700,000 and is the fourth largest city in Poland.

Lead Pastor, Zac Allen, recently moved with his family to central Austin from Little Rock, where he participated in the year-long Church Planting Leadership Residency (fellowshipassociates.com). It is not their goal to attract the masses. They are watching and praying that God would provide solid leadership in the church from its infancy. They have seen God already begin to answer those prayers.

2005 population estimate 1,256,509

Visit them at: http://www.austinbible.org

The church has a strong urban feel to it and is very much multicultural!Eric was on his cell phone driving out of downtown philly to get away for a personal retreat while I was conducting this interview from Dallas, TX.