EPIC | AGC & Discipleship Training (20th May)

Training and Preparation for Clergy

Overview of Training Schedule

• The training has been extended, with plans to continue along the same lines but with more breaks due to travel commitments this year.

• Trainees are encouraged to review all material covered, especially those in training for clergy roles, as practical applications will be assessed soon.

Importance of Practical Application

• Emphasis on being prepared for practical tasks such as conducting marriage ceremonies or funerals; trainees should not be unprepared.

• Trainees must visualize themselves performing these duties and understand both the mystical and practical aspects involved.

Focus Areas in Upcoming Sessions

• Next week's session will cover tithing, its significance within church structure, and how it serves the community.

• There is a need to complete discussions on ordinations and maladictions that were previously started.

Commitment to Vows

• Discussion about the five vows; trainees are encouraged to commit to at least one vow during this period of reflection.

• Personal anecdotes shared about exercising patience by abstaining from personal delicacies, likening it to saving in a bank account.

Bible Reading Engagement

• Encouragement for participants to engage in daily Bible readings and devotions; emphasis on following updated reading plans.

Engagement with Wow Life Church

Importance of Following Wow Life Pages

• The speaker emphasizes the enjoyment and obligation of engaging with church activities, highlighting that it aids in understanding current teachings.

• Attendees are encouraged to follow multiple Wow Life pages on Facebook, including the main church page and regional pages for broader engagement.

• The speaker mentions various social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube) where followers can stay updated on church activities and messages.

Sharing Content and Community Engagement

• There is a call to action for attendees to share the latest video titled "The Quickening," indicating its importance for outreach.

• Participants are urged to actively spread content from Wow Life Church as part of their commitment to community engagement and evangelism.

Online Presence and Resources

• The speaker outlines the different types of content available across platforms, such as Bible readings on specific pages and edited messages on YouTube.

• Emphasis is placed on utilizing YouTube shorts as quick resources for sharing spiritual insights with others.

Training and Development within the Church

Ongoing Training Initiatives

• The session continues with training efforts aimed at deepening understanding among participants about new theological concepts being introduced.

• Acknowledgment that these teachings may feel foreign initially but will become integrated into participants' lives through practice.

Launching Online Church Initiative

• Announcement of an upcoming online church launch, which aims to connect ordained clergy globally, enhancing community support beyond physical locations.

• Discussion about potential platforms for online services indicates flexibility in approach while aiming for rapid growth compared to traditional churches.

Engaging Wider Audiences

Online Church Community and Its Impact

Introduction to Online Church

• The speaker encourages individuals to invite friends and family to join the online church, emphasizing that it is intended for an international audience rather than locals due to safety concerns.

• A commitment is made by the speaker and others to engage with participants weekly, specifically focusing on the online church experience.

Structure of Online Church

• The online church will feature community setups where members can receive ministry after messages, including private sessions for personal support.

• Plans for global online ordinations are discussed, allowing individuals to get trained and ordained within various online churches worldwide.

Community Focus

• The speaker highlights that the purpose of WOW (the organization behind the church) is not merely event-based but centered around building a global community.

• Emphasizing relational connections, the speaker notes their introverted nature contrasted with Fiona's extroversion while stressing the importance of approachable leadership within the community.

Diverse Aspects of Lifestyle Church

• Various initiatives such as sports programs and biohacking are introduced as part of a holistic approach to lifestyle improvement within the church framework.

• The concept of a "lifestyle church" is reinforced, indicating that it addresses multiple life aspects beyond traditional worship events.

Mentorship and Personal Development

• Mentoring opportunities in finance, health, and psychology are highlighted as essential components aimed at fostering personal growth among members.

• Successful coaches are available globally for mentorship in financial matters, promoting individual success through structured guidance.

Integration of Theology and Science

• The importance of being both biblically sound and open to scientific reasoning in supporting spiritual practices is emphasized by the speaker.

Introduction to Conscious IQ Theory

Overview of Key Individuals

• The speaker introduces Lashana, a neuroscientist from California, and Dr. Lehini, a psychiatrist on the board, highlighting their professional backgrounds.

• Emphasis is placed on the expertise of these individuals as part of a broader discussion about human flourishing.

Conscious IQ Theory and AI

• The speaker presents "Conscious IQ theory" as a new framework for understanding human flourishing in relation to artificial intelligence (AI).

• Acknowledges the growing importance of AI and questions whether AI can achieve consciousness or sentience.

Engagement with AI Technologies

Importance of Understanding AI

• The speaker encourages audience members to engage with AI technologies like Grock and ChatGPT for better preparedness in facing future challenges.

• Stresses that without knowledge of AI models, individuals risk being left behind as technology evolves rapidly.

Church's Role in Ethical Discussions

• Highlights the church's unique position to contribute to discussions about ethical implications surrounding conscious AI.

• Warns that significant changes are imminent within five years, urging preparation and proactive engagement with emerging technologies.

The Church's Perspective on Technology

Creativity and Innovation

• The church is described as innovative and creative, suggesting that divine inspiration fuels its approach to complex issues.

Addressing Concerns About AI

• References concerns raised by religious leaders regarding AI being perceived as a threat but argues for an active role instead of retreating from technological advancements.

Religious Spirit vs. Transformation

Understanding Religious Spirits

• Discusses the concept of "religious spirit," which opposes innovation and transformation within society.

Challenges Faced by Jesus' Ministry

• Points out that Jesus faced opposition not from science but from religious spirits that resisted change.

Epic: A New Model Against Religious Spirits

Defining Epic

• Introduces "epic" as a model designed to counteract the negative influence of religious spirits on society.

Call for Transformation

Understanding the Role of Religious and Political Spirits in Transformation

The Nature of Transformation

• Transformation requires continual renewal; a religious spirit opposes this change.

• It's crucial to recognize a religious spirit's presence in various environments, as it aims to bring death and stagnation.

Jesus' Stance on Religious Spirits

• Jesus shows no tolerance for religious spirits, particularly those resembling Pharisees, emphasizing their detrimental impact.

• Miracles are significant as they defy logic; understanding their importance is essential to grasping God's nature.

Suffering as a Foundation for Creation

• Everything created stems from suffering; even joy and creativity arise from attempts to escape pain.

• The world is fundamentally flawed, with all creations linked back to human suffering rather than abundance or joy.

Logic vs. Divine Action

• Logic is born out of suffering; God operates outside this framework, performing miracles that seem illogical.

• God's actions do not need logical reasoning because He creates from abundance, contrasting with human experiences rooted in suffering.

The Impact of Religious and Political Spirits

• A religious spirit blocks divine movement in life; awareness of its influence is vital for spiritual growth.

• Jesus warns against the leaven of Pharisees and Herod—representing both religious and political spirits that can destroy lives.

Embracing Illogical Blessings

• Recognizing the illogical nature of blessings can lead to transformative experiences beyond conventional understanding.

Understanding Structural Logic and Health

The Concept of Structural Logic

• The speaker introduces "structural logic," emphasizing that the way one structures their life influences outcomes, suggesting that achieving desired results can feel miraculous when one short circuits conventional processes.

• A warning is given about becoming trapped in one's own logical structure, which can lead to negative health consequences, as illustrated by the speaker's personal experience with liver issues.

Personal Health Experience

• The speaker discusses their diagnosis of stage two fatty liver disease, attributing it to poor lifestyle choices, particularly excessive alcohol consumption during holidays.

• They mention taking numerous supplements and peptides daily (approximately 30 to 40), indicating a commitment to biohacking for health improvement.

Biohacking and Experimentation

• The speaker describes their routine of experimenting with various supplements and peptides over several years before recommending them to others, highlighting a methodical approach to health management.

• They reflect on past experiences with liver fibrosis, noting this is not the first occurrence and hinting at a pattern in their health journey.

Structured Logic for Recovery

• Emphasizing structured logic again, the speaker outlines how they analyze their condition and identify factors contributing to both illness and recovery.

• They express confidence in reversing their condition through disciplined changes in diet and lifestyle choices while acknowledging the potential for miracles within this framework.

Miracles vs. Structured Logic

• The speaker contrasts traditional timelines for healing (six months) with an extraordinary personal experience where they felt healed much quicker due to mental commitment.

Understanding Miracles and Financial Abundance

The Role of Faith and Action in Financial Miracles

• The speaker emphasizes that simply praying for financial miracles is insufficient; action must accompany faith. They highlight the biblical principle that "faith without works is dead."

• To facilitate financial breakthroughs, it’s essential to support those in need financially while also educating them on how to manage their resources effectively.

• A miracle can only arise from a place of abundance. If foundational needs are not met, any miraculous provision will lack sustainability.

Identifying and Overcoming Religious Spirits

• The speaker defines a religious spirit as one that clings to established norms and practices, which can hinder the reception of miracles by fostering idolatry around these traditions.

• Religious spirits often manifest through adherence to what has always worked, preventing growth and progress within individuals or communities.

• The danger lies in institutionalizing successful methods, which can become idols that God may challenge to promote new growth and prevent stagnation.

Embracing Change for Spiritual Growth

• Stagnation occurs when individuals refuse to adapt or listen to divine guidance, leading them into idolatry rather than spiritual evolution.

• The speaker warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees," which represents rigid structures that resist change and new leadership within organizations or churches.

Understanding Trauma Responses

• Introducing polyvagal theory, the speaker explains how trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze) affect people's ability to embrace change. Most people are currently in a state of 'freeze.'

• This inability to move forward stems from past traumas causing resistance towards new experiences or ideas.

Dynamics Between Spirituality and Inertia

• The world operates on inertia—stability but also stagnation—while the spiritual realm is dynamic and allows for transformation if one chooses to engage with it actively.

Understanding Stability and Change in Our Lives

The Role of Trauma in Creating a Static World

• The speaker emphasizes that the stability of one's created world is rooted in trauma, suggesting that suffering leads to a desire for control and agency over life.

• Acknowledging this static nature can lead to discomfort; what feels like solid foundations may actually signify a decline, referred to as "fading glory."

Patterns of Perception and Stagnation

• The concept of accusation is introduced, where individuals become stuck in their perceptions, leading to boredom with repetitive experiences such as songs or movies.

• This stagnation is linked to an inability to see things from different perspectives; the remedy proposed is forgiveness—not just towards others but towards one’s own perceptions.

Breaking Free from Patterns

• Recognizing repeated patterns in life can be mistaken for experience; however, it often indicates being trapped within those patterns.

• To change one’s perspective requires a new mindset—referred to as the "mind of Christ"—and involves redeeming situations through forgiveness without expecting payment.

The Challenge of Idolatry and Change

• People often come seeking change due to suffering but carry ingrained patterns that hinder transformation. These patterns can manifest across various aspects of life (financial issues, relationships).

• Idol worship is discussed as limiting God by confining Him into specific forms or expectations about how life should unfold.

Creating an Atmosphere for Transformation

• Newcomers bring their religious spirits and established patterns into environments seeking change; thus, creating an atmosphere conducive to transformation is crucial.

• Emphasizing the importance of adaptability, the speaker highlights that older individuals should not be set in their ways but rather embrace change for vitality.

Freedom Through Spirit

The Importance of Energy in Spiritual Meetings

The Role of Freedom and Energy

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of liberty in their gatherings, stating that they are not merely for entertainment but a serious fight against the religious spirit.

• New leaders will be joining soon, and it is crucial to win them over with energy, as willpower fluctuates based on one's energy levels.

Willpower vs. Energy

• The speaker discusses how willpower alone is ineffective without energy; individuals may resolve to change behaviors (e.g., overcoming addiction or improving work ethics), but lack of energy renders these intentions futile.

• Power originates from both the mind and body; if the body lacks vitality, the will fails. This analogy is likened to running a distance where physical exhaustion diminishes one’s determination.

Energizing the Church Community

• A lively church environment is essential; activities that energize congregants are vital for spiritual engagement.

• The speaker encourages expressive participation during services—dancing, shouting, and moving—stating that such actions contribute to an energetic atmosphere.

Breaking Through Barriers

• The speaker identifies a "religious spirit" that can hinder personal expression and engagement during worship. Overcoming this block is necessary for spiritual growth.

• Reference to Joshua 6 illustrates breaking down barriers (like financial or relational issues); silence was commanded until instructed to shout, symbolizing faith in action.

Practical Application of Faith

• Joshua's command not to speak until given permission highlights strategic faith practices; congregants should express themselves freely during worship after periods of restraint.

Understanding the Role of Gifts in Community

The Importance of Using Your Gifts

• The speaker emphasizes that individuals should not be hypocritical and must fully commit to their gifts, especially within the church community.

• A specific example is given about Ryan, who uses his accounting skills to contribute positively to the church's financial management.

• The speaker encourages everyone to bring their unique talents and strategic thinking into the church environment for growth.

Transformative Energy in Church

• The speaker insists on avoiding a religious spirit and instead fostering an atmosphere where individuals can express themselves authentically.

• He highlights that God provides transformative people who can make significant differences within the community.

Positive Emotions vs. Energy

• There is a distinction made between positive emotions and energy; both are essential for a vibrant church experience.

• Reference is made to Nehemiah, emphasizing that joy from God serves as strength, which should not be lost even during difficult times.

Maintaining Positive Atmosphere

• Attendees are encouraged to maintain positive emotions when entering the church, regardless of personal challenges faced outside.

• The importance of collective energy is stressed; members should actively engage with one another to uplift spirits and create an inviting atmosphere.

Immersion and Community Engagement

• Complete immersion in activities during service is vital for optimal engagement; distractions like phone use are discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

Insights on the Impact of Church Attendance on Longevity

Introduction to Studies on Church Attendance

• The speaker expresses excitement about sharing a paper and studies related to church attendance and its effects on health.

• Reference is made to the 2017 Emory University Health and Retirement Study, highlighting its focus on the relationship between religious service attendance and mortality rates.

Key Findings from Research

• A significant finding indicates that individuals attending religious services at least twice a month have a 52% lower mortality risk compared to non-attendees.

• Another study from Harvard University reveals that women who attend church more than once a week have a 30% lower risk of dying during the study period compared to those who never attend.

Understanding Significance in Research

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of significance in scientific studies, noting that results with a significance ratio less than 0.05 are generally not considered noteworthy.

• It is highlighted that despite controlling for various factors (diet, race, living conditions), studies consistently show that churchgoers tend to live longer.

Personal Experience with Positive Psychology

• The speaker shares their experience with Martin Seligman at Uupen, receiving high marks for their paper focused on positive psychology in Sunday services.

• The concept of integrating positive psychology into church services aims to enhance well-being through creativity and connection among congregants.

Implementation of Engagement Models

• Discussion includes the "RAISE" model used during services: Reflection, Acquisition, Immersion, Socialization, and Expression.

• The "EPIC" model derived from PERMA (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) is introduced as an engaging framework for enhancing congregation experiences.

Community Care Initiatives

• Community care teams play a vital role in welcoming attendees and fostering a sense of belonging within the church community.

Community-Based Interventions and Worship Experience

Promoting Wellbeing through Socialization

• Many studies recognize community-based interventions as effective means of promoting wellbeing.

Praise and Worship Dynamics

• The service begins at 10:00 a.m., emphasizing the importance of warmly welcoming the congregation. This sets a positive tone for worship.

• The band features popular celebrities who volunteer their time, providing an exceptional musical experience that typically comes with a hefty fee. This highlights the generosity of artists in supporting communal worship.

Cultural Inclusivity and Artistic Engagement

• By facilitating interactions with high-profile artists, the church promotes cultural inclusivity and equal opportunities for artistic engagement, addressing inadequacies in publicly funded art programs for disadvantaged groups.

• Engaging with professional artists enhances participants' experiences, boosting confidence, self-esteem, and appreciation for creativity while also enhancing spiritual experiences.

Intentional Engagement Strategies

• A playlist is communicated ahead of time to familiarize the congregation with lyrics, allowing for deeper immersion during worship services. This intentionality aims to optimize engagement among attendees.

Interactive Sermon Format

• The sermon starts at 11:00 a.m., utilizing an interactive format where congregants choose words like "amen" or "hallelujah" to affirm messages collectively, creating an electric atmosphere akin to sports events. This fosters community engagement and positive emotions.

• The participatory nature of sermons encourages active involvement from congregants rather than passive listening, transforming worship into a communal experience that emphasizes emotional investment in shared teachings.

Purposeful Leadership Engagement

Engaging in Revelation and Flow States

The Importance of Interaction

• The speaker discusses the challenge of being an introvert while engaging interactively, emphasizing that this interaction positively affects their nervous system and openness to sharing.

• Feedback is crucial for achieving a state called "flow," which enhances the ability to receive revelations. Active participation leads to deeper engagement.

Collective Flow and Community Dynamics

• The concept of "collective flow states" is introduced, where shared responses among individuals create a powerful communal experience, contrasting with isolation.

• The speaker highlights the significance of audience feedback during services, noting that lack of response can hinder communication and connection.

Cultural Shifts Through New Participants

• A small number of new attendees can significantly alter the atmosphere within a community or service, demonstrating how cultural shifts occur without needing large numbers.

• The introduction of new people may lead to feelings of discomfort or reluctance in existing members due to ingrained patterns from previous experiences.

Addressing Religious Spirits

• The speaker warns against allowing a "religious spirit" into gatherings, which can manifest as legalism or accusation. This spirit disrupts genuine engagement and growth.

• Identifying signs of a religious spirit is essential; accusations often indicate its presence. It’s vital to combat this influence for healthy community dynamics.

Breaking Free from Structure Constraints

• Emphasizing personal freedom over rigid structures, the speaker encourages individuals not to let external forms dictate their spiritual expression.

• Acknowledging that traditional roles (like wearing collars) can trigger religious responses in others, the speaker asserts their own non-religious stance despite appearances.

Overcoming Tension in Worship Settings

• A participant raises concerns about tension felt during worship services, prompting discussion on how past patterns affect current experiences.

• The need for authenticity over structure is reiterated; participants are encouraged to embrace their true selves rather than conforming to expectations.

Conclusion: Heart Transformation Over External Forms

Facilitating an Epic Atmosphere in Service Teams

Importance of Structure and Freedom

• The service team must facilitate a welcoming environment while maintaining structure. It's crucial to guide individuals without being overly authoritative or rigid.

• A balance is needed between protecting the structure and allowing freedom for worshippers. Being mindful of how instructions are given can prevent feelings of offense.

• While it's important to maintain order, teams should also be open to accommodating people's preferences for seating and interaction, fostering a sense of community.

Avoiding Legalism in Leadership

• Formality should not lead to legalism; leaders must avoid becoming accusative or self-righteous. Encouragement should replace accusations when directing others.

• Leaders need to be vigilant against the "religious spirit" that can arise with authority, which often manifests as self-importance or control over others.

Humility and Security in Leadership

• Humble leadership is essential; security measures should not create barriers but rather ensure safety without ostentation.

• The presence of security should be discreet yet effective, ensuring that honored guests feel safe while maintaining an atmosphere of openness.

Protecting Honored Guests

• Special care must be taken around honored guests, such as high-ranking officials, to ensure their safety and dignity during events.

• The church's responsibility includes safeguarding its members from potential threats while promoting a welcoming environment for all attendees.

Cultivating Love and Kindness in Service Roles