Who are your closest friends? Are they the secularists, who go for ethics without the Spirit, or form without power? Are they the materialists, who put things before people? Or are they counter-cultural pioneers, who dare to create a distinctive society?

One such distinctive is that of economy, and as friends old and new gathered at Cornhill Manor for the May Multiply Leaders Conference, they were met with a cutting challenge to look afresh at scriptural economics. Financial obligations, principles and practice in the Old and New Testament were considered.

"It wasn't doctrinal error or sexual sin that was the threat to the early church," said Ian Callard, member of the Jesus Fellowship apostolic team. "It was money-lust, as shown by the tales of Ananias and Sapphira, and Simon the Magician. We need to break free of the grip of the 21st Century media moguls and marketeers, and the incessant messages that awaken desires for goods and services we do not need."

Such a step takes courage and the support of friends. But it will create a solid foundation for the church, wherever you are. Accountability and submission are crucial. It is not an age of one-man leadership. It is teams together that God is blessing.

So make some real friends, who do and dare. Come and join the expanding Jesus family of Multiply, now 46 members in 12 countries, and share in a raw and radical day of power, praise and passion for the lost.

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