Tone

Setting the Tone: (1 Corinthians 14:40)

1. Each church (corporate body of believers) has a certain tone... a specific purpose in God's Kingdom.

2. Scriptural guidance (general guidelines) along with the specific elements of this tone will define the way a church goes about fulfilling its purpose.

3. The tone is set by the Holy Spirit.

4. Each individual brings the resources of their spiritual experience to the corporate meeting of the church.

5. Wisdom and maturity in a body of believers exists, when each believer can harness their experience to complement the tone of the church.

6. Confusion can sometimes creep in, when believers unwisely overwhelm the tone of the church (set by the Holy Spirit), by exerting personal mannerisms that may be very appropriate in a different setting.

7. Adapting to the specific tone that has been set by the Holy Spirit for The Beacon Church will permit His ministry to flow freely.

Here is a clarification of what we believe is the Holy Spirit's tone for The Beacon:

God has Called Us to Be: (Matthew 9:36)

A. A people of love. The gifts He has bestowed are nothing to us, without a passionate love for others... particularly those that society has cast aside (1 Corinthians 13).

B. A people of healing. We are a safe haven. We are real and authentic. We are honest, passionate, and self-sacrificing. We believe that God can heal all brokenheartedness and all physical diseases. We stand on His promises (Psalm 103:2-5).

C. A people of constant learning. We love the Word of God. Everything we do, including our teaching, is defined by it (Colossians 3:16).

D. A people of authentic worship. Whether it is in our singing, fellowshipping, learning, or giving, we want to respond to God, rather than function out of hollow ritual and tradition (John 4:23).

E. A people of balance. We must flow in the balance between the prophetic and the pastoral. The freshness of the charismatic prophetic edge must be balanced by a pastoral love for His people. If we become obsessed with the mystical aspects of prophetic insight, we will forfeit our abilities to reach lost. If we become entrenched in the comfort of pastoral ministry and care, we will shut off the faucet to the wonderful thirst quenching revelational waters stemming from the heart of our Heavenly Father (1 Corinthians 13-14).

F. A people who are constantly maturing in wisdom. We desire to replicate the way that Jesus did ministry. We desire for ever-increasing discernment to recognize His flow, with a willingness to rest in that pace. Maturity and wisdom are all about embracing that we are not to go any faster or slower than the pace set by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).

Practical Applications

In order to best grasp how these apply, we need to understand the purposes behind the three different types of gatherings we have at The Beacon.

1. Real Church: Real Church is what takes place in small groups throughout the week. It's called Real Church, because this is really what "church" is. "Church" is simply where two or more are gathered together (Matthew 18:20).

In this environment consider the following:

-Pastoral ministry (administering the love and healing of Jesus) will be most efficient at the "speed" of the person you are ministering with. Spend lots of time listening, seeking the truths of God's Word, finding hope in the gift of Jesus in conversation and in prayer (1 Timothy 4:9-11).

-Prophetic ministry (sharing words of encouragement, strengthening, and comfort according to the Word of God) is a real plus. Should there be the possibility that the prophetic ministry might become directional, please record what you are saying as an accountability tool, and give the person that recording (1 Corinthians 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, emphasize 1 Thessalonians 5:21). The onus lies on the person receiving the prophetic word whether they confirm the word, shelve it for another day, or throw it out.

-Prayer ministry Praying Spirit-led prayers for each other is wonderful. If you are of like mind, praying corporately in your prayer language is helpful, providing the Spirit is leading in that direction.

Cautionary Advice for Real Church:

-Sharing stories about what God has been doing in our lives with those who do not have a grid for such things can oftentimes lead the person we are with to feel condemned (Why don’t I hear from God in that way? Why don’t I see angels? What’s wrong with me?) Share only that which God instructs. We might be excited by what God is doing, but we must take care that our excitement is not needlessly stumbling someone else.

2. Swimming Deeply: We “Swim Deeply” when we meet for Beacon Breakthrough Weekends, Teaching and Releasing Events, and our RAW (Ready And Willing) Services.

-Pastoral ministry occurs as the Spirit leads. If you have not been associated with the PPMA ministry of the church, you should only be ministering deeply into another’s life during this time with an elder, deacon, or pastor. Lay hands to pray with someone who is a stranger only after you have received their permission.

-Prophetic ministry will occur as the Spirit leads. If you have a directional word for the congregation, please pass it by the pastor first and receive confirmation. If you have a directional word for an individual, please be sure you record it and give the recording to the person you were ministering with. The use of tongues during this time that draws special attention to an individual will require an interpretation. If no interpretation is forthcoming, it will be advised that the disruption to the flow of the service is to be disregarded
(1 Corinthians 14:13-19).

-Prayer ministry should move with freedom. Share your prayer with the congregation from the mike at the front, or take it to God at the alter, or offer it up to him from where you are sitting. If you feel moved to use your prayer language, please do so in a way that is not a distraction to others who are nearby. If there is the need to become louder (pushing intercession) please use the intercessory prayer room to the left of the stage.

Cautionary Advise for Swimming Deeply:

-There is tremendous freedom during these times, but we each must check whether that which we are feeling led to do flows with how God is moving. Is a revelation meant for us personally? Or for the congregation? If for the congregation, we must allow God to check our motives.

-Many times a beneficial message or prayer for the congregation can be hindered by mannerisms that do not match the tone of the service. The revelation is needed... but we must get out of the way, so that it can be received (example... barking out a prayer during a time when the flow is moving in gentleness).

-Healing ministry is essential during these times. Yet, we must be ever cautionary that those we are not familiar with are not permitted to minister. If you see a stranger who is ministering, please pull them aside, and politely explain our policy concerning this. Please be ever discerning and protective during these events.

3. Walking In: We “Walk In” on Sunday mornings. This is also when many newcomers are walking in. As with anything we do as a church (but especially on Sundays) we must take great care that we promote an environment of unconditional love, safety, sanctuary, and peace (these are the hallmarks of a healing church).

-Pastoral ministry – although more structured on this day – is encouraged by everyone as they are led. When people come to the alter, if you feel led, come alongside and pray with them. If they are not familiar to you, and you are a regular attender at the church, ask their permission before you pray or lay on hands.

-Prophetic Ministry will require some setting up, as the flow on Sundays is more structured. If God has given you a word for the church, find a church leader and share with them the word. Upon confirmation, coordinate with the pastor to get the mike. Be sure the word is well grounded in Scripture.

-Prayer Ministry is encouraged by all before, during, and after the service. Be ever conscientious of those who are needing prayer. Come to church expecting to pour out on behalf of another. Please use the intercessory prayer room should you need to pray more loudly, or pray more loudly in your prayer language.

Cautionary Advise for Walking In

-As regulars, we can sometimes tend to come to church on Sunday for “what we are going to get?” But on this day in particular, we need to come with an attitude of “what can I give?” Ask God on the way to church. It may be a word of encouragement. It may be a prayer. It might be money for a struggling family.

-This is the entry point for newcomers. We need to foster an atmosphere of safety for these, as many will need healing, and we will blow that opportunity if we are inconsiderate of their skittishness due to the burdens they are carrying.

-Be friendly, casually conversant... but not all over them. Discern whether they want to chat, or to be left alone to check the service out.

-Always be a servant. Look for ways you can help others.