Great Commission Initiative continues to gain traction around the country.  In the second half of 2010 we are  scheduled to provide training in Dallas, Oklahoma, New England and Georgia. In 2011, we will continue in New England, Seattle and Georgia.  We will also begin anew cycle of training in South Texas.  

There are several reasons why interest is growing.  First, the need is growing.  The pace of change in America is accelerating, and the number of traditional Christians rapidly declining, while the number of unreached people groups is growing.  For example for the first time in history, according to research done by the GlenMary Research Organization, the majority of residents in Dallas, TX are not claimed by any religion of any kind.  According to Census statistics, 44% of Dallasites speak a language other than English in the home.  The number of Evangelicals living in Dallas has declined by 7% over the last decade, at a time when the population has grown by 29%.  And Dallas is typical of most American urban centers.

Second, we are starting to see evidence that Church Planting Movements are beginning to happen in North America.    Many of those churches and networks are employing or experimenting  with contextualized versions of what we teach.  Others are critiquing what we teach.  Still others are teaching us.  Some have learned effective Great Commission strategies from us; we have certainly learned from what others are doing.  The point is, we are learning from one another.  Here are some examples of groups that are putting what we teach to work:

• Union Baptist Association has reorganized their mission to focus on people groups.
• Forest Meadow Church of Dallas's planting four generations of churches in six years, now averaging over 6500 in attendance
• Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma is using GCI principles to reach the 29 unreached Native American tribes living in Oklahoma
• Wendell Skinner is using Bible storying to reach the unreached peoples of Mongolia
• Paul Gonzales and Olber Roblero's Hispanic House Church Network in San Antonio
• Saul Hernandez is starting churches among HIspanic people groups who work as migrant workers in Virginia
• David Valentine works among the inmate and prison guard populations in Huntsville
• Kika Jamir is starting churches among the Nepalese speaking peoples living in the DFW area
• Dallas Baptist Association has just begun a pilot project involving 25 churches, each of which will be implementing a Training for Trainers strategy among one or more people groups.

Because of the increase in the "buzz," we have started a sister website that is a missional network.  Similar to Facebook, it is set up to enable members to dialogue with one another, keep each other apprised of what is happening around the world with respect to reaching the unreached peoples, and keep you aware of training opportunities.  You may join us by going to www.pantataethne-dot-org.ning.com.  

Third, what we do, we do well.  We refuse to give you just the bullet points, but give you time and opportunity to process the bullet points and figure out how to apply them in your setting.   That's why it takes up to a year to complete all that we have to offer.  We bring only the best, active practitioners to train you-- people who have been on the front lines, involved in real, verified CPMs.  If you want to learn how to make a difference, click on the GCI logo below.  If you would like to schedule a training, or if you have questions, write me at tim@pantataethne.org, or call me at 214-403-8283.

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