That's a big word: incarnational. It simply means that living in a way that people can tangibly see God in our lives. It literally means "in the flesh." Since God is an invisible spirit, He has decreed that people see Him through those that follow Jesus. Just as Jesus left His world and became incarnate on earth as a man, we must leave our "world" and become like those seeking God by entering their worlds.

That is going to require that we get close to sojourners, being present with them. It means we need to be humble and gentle around them, not judgmental and self-righteous. It means also that we have to live out and speak the message of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ: that as we turn away from our sin, put our hope and trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are given new life here on earth and eternal life in heaven forever.

How do we make this tangible to sojourners that we know? By being real with them, showing them that you are human AND that you are redeemed for a greater purpose. Then the Kingdom of God will become tangible for them.

(see www.tangiblekingdom.com)

What does it mean to be missional? This word might be new to some. To one it conjures us missionaries sent to far-away exotic places. To others, it sounds like some new church program. But it is very simple really...it means sent. Sent , not to a far-away place, but sent to your neighborhood and workplace. Some of us are embarking on a sent life, a life where we have been challenged by the book Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay. It is a journey to a life that takes us out to the edge of where God wants us to live. As the authors put it, "The foundation of a missional life is the decision to offer to God our plans in exchange for His plans."

If you find yourself sensing something is missing in your walk with Jesus, then perhaps you need to look into the Tanglible Kingdom. Call Pastor Paul to learn more or check out www.tangiblekingdom.com

Having experienced the Church Multiplication Overview, CMO for short, I realized how important this CMO is for us at HEFC. It is more than just another seminar or conference. It is who we are - it is our vision. We have a burning desire to multiply ourselves by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and multiplying churches in new areas, like Glencoe and New Ulm.

The CMO describes the principles and process of multiplication, bringing people to trusting Jesus as their Lord and making them disciples. Our vision all along has been to draw all people to the light and likeness of Jesus Christ. To do this we wanted to relationally meet people where they are: at our work places, out neighbors, in our kid's activities. The Gospel is the life-changing message that God, in His grace and mercy, sent His Son Jesus to rescue those lost in their sin and facing a future judgment for that sin. Jesus took our sin on the cross, absorbing the wrath of His Father, that condemnation, which should have been ours.

What is our response? We need to bow our knee before our Lord, admit we have sinned against Him, repent and turn away from our rebellious attitude and turn to Jesus - receiving His love and forgiveness, which we do not deserve.

As we look back on the Church Multiplication Overview, our hearts are broken as we watch our friends, family, and neighbors live without God. Join us as we look to reach Hutchinson, Glencoe and beyond with God's great news.

Is there a difference between a church with small groups and a church of small groups? At HEFC we think there is. From the very beginning as a new church plant, we knew that small groups were foundational. If this is true then what we value as a people of God, we value in our small groups. (I am greatly indebted to Antioch Community Church in Minneapolis, MN.)