Ken Turner
About Ken PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 27 August 2009 10:24
Ken and Ann Turner began their journey as full-time equippers of the local church when Ken made the life-changing decision to leave his career as a Research and Development Chemist, dedicating his life and family to servicing the local church at Highland Hills United Church, Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal. With their family of five children, Ken and Ann moved to Cape Town in 1985, where they served as Senior Pastors of the Durbanville Presbyterian Church.

In obedience to God’s call, Ken and Ann left the Presbyterian Church to establish El Shaddai Christian Church in 1993 – a local church in Durbanville with a vision to function as a resource base serving the local community and beyond. Part of this vision included the establishment of El Shaddai Christian School.

Ken and Ann functioned as the senior pastors of El Shaddai Christian Church (ESCC) until 2004 where they were released to function in the calling of the Apostolic, leaving the pastoral responsibilities of the church to their spiritual son and daughter, Bruce and Judy McCullum.

ESCC is part of a family of churches known as Church of the Nations (COTN). Ken and Ann serve on the Apostolic Council of this body and devote most of their time functioning as the Apostolic covering for a number of COTN cluster churches in South Africa, Kenya, Southern Malawi, Botswana, USA, Cyprus and the Ukraine, strengthening and encouraging church leaders as they work out their God-given mandate.

Ken and Ann’s interests include woodwork, photography, sport, handcrafts and cooking. Spending time with their family is also important.
 
KEN'S BLOG - Toward The Development Of A Kingdom Wineskin PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 24 February 2010 09:01
Toward The Development of a Kingdom Wineskin

If you have been around the COTN Family for any length of time you will have gathered the centrality of the Kingdom Of GOD in our thinking and way of life. Those who were present at the founding of the family speak of how the Kingdom was in their spirits, hearts and living from the beginning, 30 years ago.

The years since have seen the maturing of Kingdom thought, theology and lifestyle and this process will continue into the future.

Recently my thoughts have been centred around the nature of a “Kingdom Wineskin” that will serve to contain the New Wine of the Kingdom that GOD continues to pour out. These thoughts have been filtered through my past experience and current challenges. Over the years I have personally lived and ministered in the context of three different wineskins. A Denominational wineskin – a Charismatic wineskin and currently in a developing Kingdom wineskin.

I experienced differing characteristics and emphases in each of these. They were each in turn, wineskins into which GOD poured new wine. Currently Ann and I work in a number of very different structural, cultural and geographic locations. From the big cities with their highly developed industry and commerce and the people who contribute to these and see them as their place of Kingdom ministry, to the rural area inhabited by subsistence farmers who also work out their salvation in that environment.

My challenge in all of this is to discern what GOD is doing and to hear what He wants of us, so that thought obedience to His leading, we may be Co-Workers with Him in the building of a wineskin of His design.

In this quest I have been guided by His revelation coming through the Bible and by listening to others who are asking similar questions. I have briefly recorded below some of the things that I have learnt and which have guided my quest.

From Matt 9 we learn that there are both old and new wineskins and that GOD values both of these. His concern from this parable is both that the new wine may not be spilt and that the old wineskin may not be destroyed. But it is also apparent that He only pours out His new wine into new wineskins.

This leaves us with the significant challenge, especially for leaders:- Firstly do I want to experience the new wine with all the associated fermentation that follows it. [From personal experience I know that this can be significant and require perseverance and fortitude to deal with.] Secondly, if I want to flow with the Lord as He pours out the new wine, I need to ask whether the wineskin within which I operate and am responsible under GOD for building, is suitable to receive the new wine?

Church history tells us that great effort is expended by leaders to retain the status quo. Also that we have blind spots when it comes to discerning when we have “settled down” to the point where GOD can no longer pour out His new wine into our midst. I find this an ever present personal challenge. Church history also tells us that there are very few examples, some believe there are none, where and old wineskin has been renewed, transformed from within to the point of being able to hold GOD’s new wine.

GOD has throughout history created new wineskins. From the wineskin of the Old Covenant to the wineskin of the New Covenant. From the wineskin of the State Church, to the Denominational Church, to the Charismatic Church, to a Kingdom wineskin.[To name just a few] However, the change from one new wineskin to the formation of the next is speeding up. The Denominational wineskin lasted 300 years before the Charismatic wineskin came into being, then 30 years before a Kingdom wineskin came into being. We need to be very attentive to the voice and guidance of GOD to ensure that we move with the Spirit in this matter.

In all of these changes there has been a move from democratic church government back to apostolic church government. The earlier is characterised by elected and appointed groups of people who govern the church to the current apostolic form of church government which stands or falls, not on position, but on personal relationships. Having worked in both of these forms of government, the Kingdom wineskin, built on relationships, is more demanding in one sense but completely liberating when relationships are strong. The Denominational wineskin is built on rules, sometimes anchored in mistrust, the apostolic wineskin is built on trust.

Tony Fitzgerald teaches that any kingdom is built on Government and Economics. The government in a Kingdom wineskin is built on fathers and sons and relationships. This Kingdom government needs to be established in both the church and workplace. People being helped to reach the fullness of their GOD given potential in both spheres. Apostles operate in both spheres. As in church life so in the workplace, if spiritual government is not in place to create the correct order, nothing of Kingdom value can emerge.

As apostles are more accepted in the Church today, there needs to be growth in both acceptance and number of apostles in the workplace in order to establish GOD’s government.

Those who serve in positions of leadership in both the workplace and the church can have a special role of bridging the differences in the value systems that are specific to each sphere. This will help facilitate the fivefold ministry to “equip the saints for work of ministry” in both spheres.

A “Victorious Kingdom Eschatology” is applicable to both workplace and church. This means that wherever Kingdom advances are made they establish His will on earth as it is in Heaven. These advances will remain until Christ comes again and completes His Kingdom on earth.

These are but a few comments on the establishment of a Kingdom wineskin. This Blog is written in the hope that others will add to it and the flow of Kingdom building will be facilitated.

One last comment. Ann and I live in Cape Town where there has been a huge surge in the building of a prayer platform among Christians. The same can be said for other parts of South Africa and the world. This provides a great platform which enables us to hear more clearly from the Lord and to make advances in the building of a Kingdom wineskin.
 
 
KEN'S BLOG - A CULTURE OF HONOUR PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 24 February 2010 09:01

On a recent visit to England, we attended a Remembrance Day service in a little country church in Surrey. The service included an Army Captain, who has served with the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, a recording of the famous speech by Sir Winston Churchill in honour of the heroes of the Battle of Britain, and a message from one who was drawn into the Second World War as a boy when his village was bombed and some relatives were killed. In all a fitting tribute of honour to Britain’s war heroes of the last 100 years. A tribute, lest we forget the sacrifice they made in order to preserve a future generation. 


That evening I switched on the television to watch the news and was immediately struck by the contrast. Just a few short hours before, I had been touched by the honour and reverence paid to our war heroes. Now watching the news headlines, I was confronted by a report of dishonour of the elderly, another of binge drinking episodes that had spilled over into the streets and the resultant dishonour shown to the Police as they dealt with the situation and finally a report of dishonour of a football referee by players during a game played that day.

I am a South African, and I hasten to add that I could have found similar evidence of dishonour in our daily newscasts – different circumstances, but with the common theme of dishonour in our culture. 

This led me to think of what life could be like if an entire community focused on cultivating a culture of honour and respect for every individual, whether in schools, shopping malls, family life, on the road or in government.

This thought was further reinforced on returning home when I had the opportunity to get a taste of what this could be like: Two ladies, members of a neighbouring church, decided to honour and serve the household refuse collectors in our community. They organised for the refuse collectors to be transported to an upmarket restaurant where they were welcomed in a specially decorated dining hall and treated to a first class meal along with entertainment. They left with a personal gift, a framed photograph of themselves taken that evening at the celebration. The event was about honouring them and letting these men know that the work they do had not gone unnoticed and was appreciated. 

What was interesting was the reaction of the refuse collectors. They were visibly shocked by this act of honour and kindness. They spoke openly of the abuse and dishonour they often experience while on the job. Being acknowledged and respected for the role they played in our community helped to dissolve their anger and frustration. Others were also touched by this show of honour. The bus company provided the transport free of charge and the restaurant provided the decorations and the meal at no cost. It was obvious that both those giving honour and those receiving it were changed by this experience. 

Taking a broader view, I realised that GOD has honoured all mankind, you and me included. ‘He made us a little lower than the angels and crowned us with glory and honour’. If you delve into this statement a little you will find that the culture of heaven is one of honour, and in that atmosphere of honour GOD has transferred from Himself to us both glory and honour. This transfer is a spiritual principle – that in the presence of a culture of honour He is able to transfer from Himself to us, forgiveness, while at the same time commissioning us with a divine purpose of being His representatives in the community in which we live.  

It is within this culture of honour that I am able to transfer my talents and gifts that contribute toward building a healthy, loving society. I am also in a position to receive the gifts and talents of others. I have heard a statement that communicates this powerfully: “in your presence I will overshadow you with that which overshadows me” – if dishonour overshadows me that is what I will transfer to you, but if honour has been established in me, that is what will be transferred to you when we interact. 

The question that I continue to grapple with is this: “In everything I do, how can I live in a way that makes a positive contribution to building a culture of honour?” I find this is easy with many people, but probably, like you, there are some who I really struggle to find a way to honour. I know the answer lies within me – it is my decision to choose to act and speak in an honouring way. I have a strong determination to grow in showing honour to ALL people. 

It is my hope that you will join me in consciously working towards building a culture of honour wherever life may take you.
 
Ken's Blog - The Kingdom of God PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 05 August 2009 10:11

When Jesus left the glory of heaven and came to earth as a man, His message can be summarised in His phrase, “Repent for the Kingdom of GOD is near.” By this He indicated that the “rule of GOD” was again being re-established on earth. This Kingdom is expressed when “His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.” This Kingdom rule can be experienced and expressed by all who repent and believe this Good News. 


Jesus explained in many parables what the Kingdom of GOD is like. On one occasion He used a mustard seed as an example. He explained that a mustard seed, despite being the smallest of seeds, grows to be the biggest plant in the garden, big enough for birds to make their nests in its branches. He taught that the Kingdom rule of GOD brings life that is surprising and amazing, from very small beginnings it grows into something so large that it is beyond what we can think or imagine. 

I was reminded of this on a recent visit to Malawi, one of the poorest nations in Africa. Eighty five percent of its people are rural dwellers who live off the land as subsistence farmers. Poverty is widespread and when the rains fail there is great suffering and even death from starvation. The number of orphans increases each year as death of parents from AIDS and natural causes grows. 
 
We had the privilege of visiting an orphanage in an impromptu visit. A husband and wife team founded and continue to run this ministry. The wife spoke of a time some years back when her husband was a school teacher. One evening at dusk they answered a knock at the door and found a small girl standing there, very frightened and weak. She was an orphan and had come to ask for food. They brought her in, fed her and gave her a place to sleep under their roof and decided to continue looking after her as a member of their family. By that act of obedience they planted a Kingdom “mustard seed”. 

That “knock on their door” was followed by another and another and another. Soon they were looking after a number of orphans. Her husband resigned his job as a teacher and now they faced a new challenge in looking after their ever growing family. Remember this was done in an area that is more characterised by poverty than for prosperity. 

Appeals to the church, the community and the government for aid for the orphans were completely unsuccessful, so their need to trust GOD for each day grew. GOD was faithful, and the number of orphans continued to grow. Her husband was able to start two successful businesses, one milling maize into “maize flour, the staple diet of there rural people, the other a taxi business, this being the most common form of transport after your own feet or a bicycle. 
 
At the time of our visit, they had built an orphanage consisting of a girls and boys dormitory, kitchen and gathering area. There were seventy two orphans living there, they were being clothed and fed and attended the local school. The atmosphere was one of peace and blessing. The mustard seed had grown into something far beyond what they could ever have imagined and which they freely attribute to the blessing of GOD flowing into a seemingly barren situation. The surrounding area is still characterised by a hand to mouth existence. 
 
This visit took place about eighteen months ago. We were passing the orphanage in a mini-bus while visiting a number of “Early Childhood Development” projects in the area. These visits were motivated by a request from the people of a village about 80 kilometres away from the orphanage. We had been asked to help them establish something in their village to help care for and stimulate the village children who were still too small to go to school. In the mini bus with us were ten people from that village. 
 
As we drove away from that orphanage, one of the villagers commented, “we want our children to be as happy and cared for and as well behaved as those children”. At that moment another Kingdom “mustard seed” was planted. 

None of us knew how this was going to take shape, but on the flight back to South Africa, we sat next to a man who “just happened” to be the National Chief for Early Childhood Development in Malawi. As we shared what we had been doing and what the villagers desired for their children, he invited us to meet with him next time we came to Malawi. We took up his invitation, and from our visit flowed a curriculum, work books, training opportunities for the village “Committee” who headed up the project, plus training for teachers and care givers. 

The result of all this is that today an Early Childhood Development School with a hundred pupils, a number of them orphans, operates every weekday and serves five villages in the area. A trained Committee and teaching staff work at the project every day. Parents help with the cooking of a mid-day meal and building facilities for the school. All of these work a volunteers without pay. 
We also received a gift of ten tons of Vitamin enriched maize meal to provide the mid-day meal. Also a maize mill, which will provide an income for the expansion of the work, is in the final stages of erection. 

The seed that was planted because of the testimony of our first visit to an orphanage has grown far beyond what we could think or imagine. The Kingdom parable that Jesus told two thousand years ago is still pregnant with power to grow and amaze even those who work on the project. 

I trust that this account will do for you what that visit to the orphanage did for us. That it will stir you to ask GOD what mustard seed He wants you to plant. As you listen to Him, don’t be put off by the seeming impossibility of what you hear, just remember that its not about you, its about the amazing power that is intrinsic in any Kingdom activity. This power comes from GOD, thro you, not from you. We found that out as we journeyed together with those villagers, what we didn’t have GOD provided, but that provision didn’t come until we planted the seed. It has amazed us what can flow from small beginnings.
 
NEW CHURCH PLANT

During late September a new Church was added to the COTN family in a new Nation. On the 27th September the Sri Lankan Christian. 

Fellowship Cyprus, Nicosia and its daughter Churches in and a number of villages, was welcomed to the family. The Church is led by Pastor George Hadjiyiannis , a Greek speaking Cypriot. All the members of all the churches are Sri Lankan expats, most of whom only speak their Sri Lankan dialect. They are temporary workers in Cyprus. [Max stay allowed is four years] - Pastor George is thus faced with the challenge of replacing every member, leader, musician, etc every four years. A great challenge that has seen the Lord bless in a special way as the church has grown and expand with every member having been evangelised in Cyprus and then join the church as a new Christian.