Purpose:

• Mentor one another
• Live on the prophetic edge
• Explore and develop new apostolic models
• Remain current with Holy Spirit and reformational shifts

Message:

Spirituality:

From Gift to Agape

We are making the transition from an excellent way to the more excellent way, from gift to agape (1 Cor 12:31). The more excellent way brings the gifts with us, but they now no longer serve the cult of charismatic celebrity but the agape nature of God.

Authority:

From Official to Spiritual

There is a fluid relational leadership configuration of mature apostolic, prophetic, and pastoral leaders who gather at least annually as a war-room to seek God and strategise for kingdom advancement.
This currently includes:

• Australia: David and Jenny Orton, Richard and Anna Holloway, Bruce Moore, John Arnott, Mark Setch, Mark and Colleen White, Vaughn Blackwood, David Newby, Brett Jacobsen, Tim Goh, Jamie Pryor.
• USA: Marc Dupont
• UK: Sue Rinaldi

Relationship & Authority:

Any authority these leaders have is through relational equity, gift, and calling, not position, office, or hierarchy. Authority flows horizontally not vertically and functions by virtue of the gift of Christ and healthy mutually respectful relationships.

This approach serves to emphasise first, the primacy of relationship with God, and secondly, with one another as the operating principles of the body of Christ.

We recognise that God "sets in the church first apostles, secondly prophets, and thirdly teachers" (see 1 Cor 12:28). Rather than a hierarchy of structure we see this as an order of spiritual sequence. The full restoration of apostles, prophets, and teachers is integral to spiritual breakthrough and the increase of the kingdom of God. Apostles and prophets break new ground in the Spirit and in the restoration of truth. They are the tip of the arrow head, followed by teachers, miracles, healings and then ministries of helps and administrations as the shaft.

Within the Leadershift relational grouping there are a number of apostolic/prophetic leaders, who, by virtue of the gift of Christ and proven character, serve the larger group through a collegial style of leadership, ably supported by those with support and administrative gifts.

Membership:

From Fences to Wells

The story goes that a visitor to the Australian outback commented on the fact that the cattle stations (ranches) had no fences. The grazier (rancher) responded,

"You don t need fences when you have wells!"

This vividly illustrates the 'law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus' in regard to our relationships.

This is a dynamic connexion. We have unity to the degree that we are moving together to the well, the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This contrasts with traditional church membership which is a static connexion, determined by formalized membership. Under this system, all that is required to be a member is to be on the right side of the fence "Sign on the dotted line!"

Unfortunately, this does not necessarily facilitate movement to the well. However, it does look good for the stats! This explains why traditional church structures might fill the denomination/movement with nominal members, in contrast to those who are moving in unity closer to Jesus.

Our approach then is to dig wells rather then build fences.

We therefore have no formalised membership or affiliation. Our relationships are the criteria of membership in the body of Christ. In this particular configuration they are maintained by our various electronic communications and regular Leadershift gatherings to drink from the well. Our gatherings have a strong Holy Spirit ethos, where we take large amounts of time to gaze upon Him , for prayer ministry, and impartation.

Leadershift is by no means exclusive. It is inclusive of various other relationships and movement affiliations. Many of us hold formal membership in other networks and organisations. Involvement in the Leadershift gatherings and configuration of relationships is by invitation and is open to those who have requested mentoring or a closer relationship with us.

Emerging leaders and influencers from church, prayer and mission movements, business, and the arts are currently involved.

Finance:

From Law to Liberality

There are no financial requirements for involvement. Even so, the Holy Spirit may lead you to sow materially into those from whom you have received spiritually. This is not only a kingdom principle but is integral to the emergence and support of apostolic/prophetic ministries.

Administration:

David Orton and the Lifemessenger team have been asked by the emerging apostolic team to provide facilitating leadership to these relationships.

Lifemessenger Inc provides the administrative and legal structures to undergird Leadershift.

It is incorporated in the State of Victoria (# A0039771T) as a not-for-profit and tax-exempt entity.

Leadershift
PO Box 777 Mount Eliza VIC 3930 Australia

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