HUBS ALLIANCE
Origins and Intent
A small group of 5 fold ministers were invited by Eric Burton for a meeting which was followed up by a zoom meeting. The intent of the meeting was to discuss what is being called a Hubs Alliance. For the last sixteen plus years, moves of God have been evident at some level, in places that began to be called Revival Hubs.
These Revival Hubs and the conferences or services connected with them have also connected a number of other ministers hungry for God to move. Conversations between various ministers have indicated a need and a desire for a safe place to discuss issues related to the moves of God we have been associated with.
From these conversations, Eric felt prompted to call for a smaller group of leaders to discuss the potential need for a group or place where 5 fold leaders could find safe relationships and where issues relating to moves of God could be discussed.
This paper is an attempt to flesh out some of the notes taken by Eric at the Zoom meeting and to clarify the desires expressed by those preachers. This paper will also describe some “nuts & bolts” that Eric has been working on to fulfill the above. Hopefully, it will express the views, intents, concerns, and discussion of those meetings accurately.
By definition, we now call these places where God is moving, “Hubs of Habitation”. These are places in which there is a freedom for the Holy Spirit to move and a continual contending for a move of God. They are places where the 5 fold ministry is recognized and functions, and where there is a desire for God’s presence to continually dwell.
This paper will follow the outline of the notes taken by Eric on the zoom.
What Is a Hubs Alliance?
Definition is important. What is a Hubs Alliance? Perhaps it is best to begin by indicating what it is not. It is not a denomination. All of those participating in the above two meetings indicated very strong feelings that they had no interest in forming another denomination. The Hubs Alliance does not see itself as a governance agency for associated churches or ministries.
Rather it sees itself as a group of Spirit-filled, 5 fold ministers who are seeking for the Presence of God for themselves, their regions, and the world. While remaining connected to the denominations or groups they are already a part of, they sense a need for relationship or connection with other revivalists that not only build Biblical fellowship, but also provide a safe place for discussion. A need was expressed for a place or format where questions could be asked, concerns expressed, habitation issues explored, etc.
The Hubs Alliance will create a web site/app to serve as an avenue for the above to take place. The website will have a place for the general public to learn about revival and for the sharing of information. There will be a second level where only the ministers who are “associated ministers” can access for deeper discussion. Finally there will be a third level for the “core” (see below) to be able to communicate on even more sensitive issues.
Who This Group Is For
This Hubs Alliance group is not for everyone. It is not for all preachers. It is not for those who are opposed to freedom of the Holy Spirit, habitation, or 5 fold ministry. It is not a place to debate the validity or reality of revivals and moves of God. It will be a place or group of pro-Holy Ghost preachers who need to build fellowship and desire a safe place to ask questions and carry on further discussion. It will not be for those who are not interested in furthering relationships with the rest of the group, nor for those who do not want to track along with others.
Guidelines for Involvement
The group saw four guidelines being important for involvement. First, the willingness to live and minister with moral, ethical, and Biblical boundaries. Second, the desire to be in relationship with other five fold ministries. The complete “Lone Ranger” will probably not be comfortable here. Third, they desire the tangible Presence of God. They are hungry for a sustained move of God that carries that expression. Finally, they do have something to bring to the table.
Benefits of the Group
Before joining any group people will ask what are the benefits of such a group. First, there will be a list of associated ministers created. You will meet and come to know others who share the same passion and desire you have. They will probably become your revival tribe. Second, this will provide a group you may find beneficial to identify with. Third, it will give access to others of like mind and spirit that you can talk to, ask questions of, and mutually you can navigate the white waters of contending for a move of God. We hope it will provide accountability to keep the river of God’s presence as free as possible from contamination of sinful, unethical, and unBiblical components. We sincerely desire to create a place where people know we are approachable, accessible, and accountable to each other.
The Core and Decision-Making
A smaller core, probably made up of those in the initial discussion, will be charged with making decisions when necessary. This would include the possibility of public meetings or expressing commonly held opinions regarding controversial issues.
Accountability and Conduct
The question was raised as to how would we deal with participants who practice immoral, unethical, or unBiblical conduct or beliefs? The first step would be for members of the core, when they are made aware, of those conducts or beliefs to approach the person to address those concerns with doctrine, behavior, etc. The desired goal would be to clarify if a problem does exist and hopefully bring restoration. The core would then determine if such a problem does exist and if there are remedial or protective steps that need to be taken. We do not want to control the ministries of others, but we are already aware of some conduct by some of the larger tribe that has created concern for some. Some will need to learn to let others work out their own salvation while some situations may require more than that. We will agree to be mutually accountable. The following was expressed toward those who would become associated ministers. We will let them know we will “vet them out”, and as they come in let them know that we will call them and hold them accountable. We will let them know as they come into this that we will speak into their life if need be. They will be held accountable.
Becoming an Associated Minister
Discussion also followed on how five fold preachers would become associated ministers. The following was suggested:
1) Practically: bring them into a couple of bigger conferences to see how they respond, minister, act, etc.
2) How do they handle the other peers, etc?
3) Are they actually coming to the meetings? Are they willing to connect?
4) The Core will make itself available at some of the conferences for people who want to be connected. Possibly the core will take them for lunch, meet with them before or after a service, etc.
5) Trust from others is significant. Bringing people into the group is based on trust and relationship.
Those who are simply looking for a group or a place to release their ministry or to establish their control will not find the Hubs Alliance to be a good fit. This will not be about exalting a ministry nor creating a platform for someone to shine. This will be a mutual fellowship and building up of each other and the presence portion of the Kingdom of God.
Summary
Eric Burton summarized the feelings expressed in both meetings in the following paragraph. “We trust one another as ministers and out of that trust is how we deal with issues. We honor the presence of God, value the 5 fold ministry, and genuinely want to see others succeed. We are not quick to cut off, but rather move to restore first. The Alliance is divided into three parts: The Core, The Associate Ministers, and the Public. The core are the few guys who are the decision makers for the group. The Associate ministers are the ministers who have been brought into the Hubs Alliance through relationship and with dialogue and approval from the Core. The public is open to anyone for the sake of downloading the app and being informed."