Mosaic Info

This is some cool stuff that Kevin and I have been learning about the organization we are a part of here in LA, Mosaic. Last Saturday we had a leadership conference thing- basically an event that gathers the leaders of Mosaic together to reinforce core values and discuss new changes, etc.

The core values of Mosaic (to some of you this will be review, but its still interesting, I promise)
1. Mission is why the church exists.
aka. People matter most.
2. Love is the context for all mission.
aka. Love permeates everything.
3. Structure must always submit to Spirit.
aka. Passion fuels action.
4. Revelance to culture is not an option.
aka. Revelance communicates truth.
5. The natural response to spirituality is creativity.
aka. Character causes change.

I think these are it. Basically they have a main statement and then another little slogan thing to help clarify. Kevin and I are really excited about the core values... it is understandable why Mosaic is a huge world movement not only in LA but around the world. They just planted Mosaic Germany this last fall and then next one is Mosaic Australia. Basically people read Erwin's books and if they agree w/ the core values, they can petition to become a Mosaic Wherever they are. It doesn't necessarily mean that Mosaic LA people went and planted somewhere. Kevin and I think that is a healthy sign that not only LA people are going out, but that these values are exciting people around the globe. Its much bigger than LA.

Secondly, Erwin gave a talk that he also gave at Orgins awhile ago about movements he believes must take place in the church for it really to be a life-transforming, Spirit movement, unity of those that are likehearted. They are listed below. (revised in my words from my notes)
The church must move from:
1. Standardization to Uniqueness.
Stop being consumed with discipline and holiness and conforming to be all exactly alike and focus more on the freedom of Christ, His unique giftings, and the beauty that is spread differently thru us all. Why? B/c misson is why the church exists- not a country club to help people become holy, but a place were broken people recieve freedom and transformation. People will not be drawn to standardization and a list of what to do and how to do it. People are drawn by power and love. This was hard for me and KV to accept at first, b/c we value discipleship so much. But lately, seeing as we will never reach the holiness we will strive to, it makes more sense to focus on others and letting the Spirit guide, than making sure I change myself.
2. Utility to Creativity.
Utility is all about the structure, plugging people in to the system, about a massive organization. Creativity is about empowering, encouraging people to dream big, being flexible to follow people's passions. Being okay with trying and messing up.
3. Homogidity to Diversity.
Strongly encouraging the church to reach outside of the "people like us". The real challenge is to love and value those quite unlike us, our peers. Homogidity communites that "we are everything" and that we value ourselves the most. Diversity communicates sincere love.
4. Pragmatism to Mysticism.
Pragmatism is mathmatical, dependant and limited by what we can define and fully know. Mysticism is unashamed to be connected to an unseen energy... to believe in things beyond the material world. It is intimacy based.
5. Conviction to Compassion.
People used to be dependent on bringing people to God thru this. I have heard this so many times, "but I must make sure they know what they are doing is wrong." It is not trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to convict His own people in His own time. Compassion brings life not condemnation, as John 3:17 says. People want to know if love really exists... not if sin really exists. Live out love and trust the Spirit.

Well this is what we spent a large part of our weekend studying. Kevin and I are very excited to be here and be part of this movement!