Here are more thoughts from the Exponential09 church planting conference. The theme is “The Art Of Movement” and the talk of the day was about the need for collaboration to create Christ-centered, transformational movements.
Dave Ferguson shared that geese can fly 71% further when flying together in formation. So must we work together to build movements. In addition, something powerful happens when we sacrifice together for a vital cause…think mission trips. The journey itself changes our thinking so we must be willing to:
Act our way into a new way of thinking because we will struggle to think our way into a new way of acting…get moving!
Korean pastor Marc Choi then shared some powerful insight from “movement creating” experiences on the other side of the globe. Who would have thought that 29% of all Koreans are Christian and 100,000 person giga-churches are not uncommon there! Here are Marc’s lessons:
- A movement will never be safe, predictable, or clean. We must learn to live dangerously again for the cause of Christ.
- A movement cannot be about your ministry but must be about His Kingdom.
- You will not lead a movement based on the old metrics of growth, budget, or buildings. It must be driven by a compelling cause outside the church.
And most importantly, at the core of a movement must be a broken spirit and a contrite heart.
I’ve got to run to a dinner but will try to answer your comments later tonight!
Dad… are you already in ORL as in coming here between ORL & JAX?
We could meet you Fri. afternoon if you are not busy.. Luke has off. Love, J
Ed, you definitely keep me on my toes with all the info you relate on this blog. What I was wondering was I am aware of the church you are currently a part of and it’s beliefs seem to be different from many of the ideas presented on the blog (ie: evolving culture, movements, reaching out to the lost, etc). Is your denomination going to continue to step on the hose like you said in a previous post or start to implement some of these transformational new ideas? It is truly unbelievable the response these mega churches are getting to the Purpose Driven Life ideas.
As much as I don’t agree with Barack Obama’s decisions, do you think we could utilize his strategies to start a movement such as the one he started? I am having a hard time imaging churches as big as the one Mark Choi spoke about. I didn’t even realize they existed. Any comments would be appreciated as I am rambling on. These were just some thoughts that came to mind while reading your latest entry. Look forward to hearing more from the Exponential09 conference (that is if there is a day #3)
Jenny,
I’m in Orlando but fly home tomorrow and back down to JAX next Wed.
Most likely we’ll be with you in Gainesville Saturday and Sunday night.
Love,
Dad
Matt R,
Thanks for your interest in my church. Every church has a DNA that’s been formed by the founder and other influences. That DNA has strengths and weaknesses. My church has a remarkable sense of community, virtue in its youth, and a focus on a broken spirit and contrite heart.
I’m grateful for those fruits and what I’m finding fascinating the past two days is there is a strong emphasis on all three of them here. They are all critical for a sustainable movement! How interesting huh?
There is also a challenge throughout the messages here to get out of your safe zone, your comfort zone, and take risks for the cause of Christ. As mentioned above, creating new movements is unsafe, unpredictable, and messy. It is really hard work.
Many denominations, in fact most today in the US, have become too inward and cloistered. It is typical group behavior. We long for safety for ourselves and our kids. When we reach too far for safety we insulate ourselves from the pressure which propels us to recreate a future. As a result many older denominations are dying.
My hope is our leadership is prayerfully discerning God’s fresh and compelling vision for our future. And of course, while ensuring we maintain the Biblical fruit we value as well. But, I have little influence over such things.
And yes, we must utilize the technology of the Digital Age to reach a Digital generation. Obama understood the power of a simple, compelling message of HOPE communicated through the power of one on one relationships via the web. It was a remarkable strategy we must learn from.