C. Anderson
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Thousands of new churches rapidly starting…a Jesus movement sweeping through…bringing transformation! Our hearts are stirred. We want to be a part. “It would be so amazing if that could happen in my area,” we think.
After a few months (or years) of effort, things may not be happening quite as you expected. You’ve prayed, fasted, shared the gospel often, but not yet seen breakthrough.
Maybe a few have believed, some groups started (and maybe not lasted). Where is that rapid, incredible experience you thought was coming? In these times, we must examine our motivation for pursuing a DMM in the first place.
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Excitement, strategy, or a personal desire to do something significant for God will not get you to movement. These can lead to disillusionment. Discouraged, you will be tempted to give in to the enemy’s lies and quit.
Our motivation must be firmly rooted in a biblical understanding of God’s purpose for His people and the world. If you can do anything else besides pursuing DMM, knowing what you know of scripture, perhaps you should.
If, however, you’ve become convinced that this is God’s call on your life..that’s different. Based on what you see in scripture about who God is and what He wants to do, you will be able to persevere. The barren times, the spiritual warfare, and the stops and starts that often go with launching a movement will be overcome.
“This isn’t fair!” I thought to myself. “It sounded so easy in the seminar. The stories they told about rapid multiplication made it seem like I simply needed to follow some basic principles.” I was frustrated. “Maybe CPMs (Church Planting Movements) don’t work here,” I thought to myself.
I was full of questions and confusion. It seemed like I was doing everything right. Well, mostly.
I’d worked hard to apply what I’d been taught in my context. “Why am I not finding persons of peace? Why am I not able to start more groups and see this movement take off? Is something wrong with me? Is something wrong with this method?” The questions filled my mind. I was having trouble sleeping and was feeling depressed.
Speaking to my leader, I told him I thought DMMs and CPMs were like winning the World Series (America’s version of the World Cup in soccer, but for baseball.) We were trying to win the World Series with a Little League team! Could ordinary people like me and those I was training really experience that big of a win?
I didn’t want to set people up for disappointment. It would be like telling my eight-year-old son that he was going to become a professional baseball player. The reality was he could barely hit the ball out of the infield. (My apologies for the American baseball metaphor!)
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What followed was a season of deep soul searching. Was I really convinced that this was what I was called to pursue? Why was I doing what I was doing?
Obviously, since I now write a weekly blog on Disciple Making Movements, I pushed through to the other side of this inner dialogue. I came to a place where I knew that I could not do anything but this.
Scripture convinced me that this was God’s desire in the world. He wanted to see disciples multiplying. Jesus longed for His body to function as the priesthood of all believers. His heart burned to see the least, last and lost reached.
Both my mind and my heart were convinced. If I failed to start a DMM, so be it. But, I could not quit. I would not quit.
By God’s grace, I persevered. In His goodness, I’ve seen not only one movement, but quite a number of them started through my efforts and through those I’ve trained and coached. God is so faithful. I’m so glad I pressed through that season!
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
Prov. 16:2 NIV.
In another blog, I’ll address the wrong motivations for pursuing a DMM perhaps. If you are motivated by a desire to be famous, do something big for God, or self-promotion, you won’t last long. My assumption though is that most of us have good motives.
Some motivations will get you started. Other, more foundational motivations, are needed to get you to a sustained and growing movement.
Anyone in ministry naturally desires fruitfulness. We want our efforts to bear fruit, to produce results. I’ve never yet met a pastor who didn’t want his church to grow. I’ve never met a missionary who didn’t want to be used by God to see more people coming to Christ than they currently are.
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It is natural to want fruit. The path toward DMMs, however, requires much personal pruning. On this journey, God will strip away many paradigms and traditions we have held dear. He will work on our character through adversity and trials.
He does want to make us fruitful. It’s His purpose for His people to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28). It’s not a wrong motivation, but it won’t get you to a movement.
Many people are attracted to doing something different. We see ourselves as radicals, those who go against the status quo. Something about DMM and CPM strategy interests you because its different from the norm. You are tired of “church as usual.” Again, this hunger and willingness to do things in new ways are not bad. But it won’t get you to a movement.
You may have attended training. You heard about movements around the world. Evidence was placed before you of the effectiveness of these principles and methods. You are convinced that this strategy is working better than other approaches. All good…but it won’t get you there.
Population growth versus the church’s addition growth statistics concerns you. You’ve seen the power of multiplication and know that to see the church advance, we must do something different. We are gaining ground in some ways. But without multiplication we won’t make a dent in that 29% of the world that doesn’t yet have the gospel. All true, but not enough to get you through the hardest times you will face.
I’ll be spending the next three weeks developing the points below. Let me briefly mention them here. Be sure to sign up for the blog to come in your inbox if you want to be sure to get the fuller version!
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It ultimately comes down to this. A passion to see Him glorified, to see Him worshiped because He is worthy of the praise of all peoples…this is a motivation that will get you there. It’s all about Him. The Lamb is worthy to receive the reward of His suffering. God deserves the glory and praise due to His name.
Deep, heartfelt compassion for the lost, placed there by God, will keep you motivated until you see radical multiplication. His love has filled you. It compels you to do whatever it takes to reach more people.
What the church, in much of the world, calls discipleship is nothing like what Jesus had in mind when He told us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” God’s plan for His body and how it was to function in the world is clearly articulated in scripture. The New Testament is clear about how every member has a function that goes far beyond sitting in a pew every Sunday.
Ultimately it comes down to this question- Has God called you to this? Have you heard His voice speaking to your heart? If God called, and you said yes, you can not turn back. You know you must obey.
Ask yourself…what is motivating me today?
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Motivations matter. Your why comes before your what. Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why is a best-selling business book. His premise is true in more than business. It’s true in life. Motivations affect us as we pursue Disciple Making Movements. If your reason for wanting to launch a movement is not clear, you may not experience what you are hoping for. Our first important motivation must be a passion for God’s glory.
How deeply do you long for His glory? What does that mean?
In the last chapter, I described the many different motivations we have for wanting to multiply disciples. Some of those motivations are inappropriate. Some are healthy and good. Not all motivations will sustain you in the long road of launching a movement.
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A passion for God’s glory will.
This article is not an attempt to develop a theological treatise on the glory of God. Space is way too limited. So is your time to read this. I do want to describe a time God helped me understand more about this important topic.
I’d been traveling back and forth from Nepal to India to meet church planters and friends. On one trip, I took along a young woman who had been helping us with homeschooling. She had never visited Nepal before.
We’d told her of the incredible beauty of the Himalayas, of how glorious the mountains were. Nepal is home to seven of the world’s ten highest peaks. We weren’t going to Nepal as tourists, but we did hope to get a few nice views and take some pictures.
Unfortunately, the clouds weren’t cooperating. I’d lived in Kathmandu for many years. I knew that the mountains were there.
My friend had to take my word for it because they certainly weren’t visible.
You needed faith to believe. Behind those clouds were the incredibly beautiful, snow-covered, Himalayan peaks.
One day, there were heavy rains. The downpour drove the clouds away. That morning I awoke and went up to the roof. As the sun peaked out, it was crystal clear. There they were, in all their glory and splendor. We could see them for what they truly were…beautiful, majestic mountains…the highest in the world.
I began to think about how God’s glory was like that. He was there, but veiled. He was unseen by the Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists around us…and often by Christians too. His glory, who He is, was hard for them to see.
We would speak about God and tell His stories, but it took faith to believe these things were true. As they stepped out in faith, the veil was lifted. They encountered Jesus for themselves. Who He is, became known. They saw His glory and were forever changed.
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“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
2 Cor 4:3-4 NIV
The driving passion for me in missions is my deep, burning desire to see Him glorified. I want the world to see who Jesus is. I know that if they can catch a glimpse of Him, if His glory is manifested, they will never be the same again. They will fall at His feet, worship and acknowledge that there is no one like Him in Heaven or on Earth. Oh that the nations would see His glory!
Does your heart burn with a passion for Jesus to be glorified…manifested…known? By every single person on this planet?
So, so many have never heard of Him, have never encountered Him! How will the millions that still are veiled get that opportunity? This is my why for starting DMMs.
God’s glory shines when He uses the weak, the broken, the ordinary, to do His incredible work. This is part of why I am so passionately committed to the priesthood of all believers.
When I see a big name pastor lay hands on a sick person and they are healed, I rejoice. But when I see a brand new believer, in the hills of North India, it’s different. A villager who is not very rich, educated, or talented, pray in the name of Jesus…and a demon is cast out…wow! God is glorified. Who would have expected that from them?
God delights in using us. It reveals Him. He gets the glory. We point to Him because it’s so obviously not us. We are not changing and transforming lives. His power is setting people free, ministering hope, and salvation. We have issues. This must be God!
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I love this aspect of Disciple-Making Movements (DMMs). They are led by ordinary people. Normal, everyday folks meet together. God reveals His truth as they discuss and ponder His word together. As they obey, He manifests Himself through them.
Every movement, from the time of the New Testament, has been characterized by God showing up and doing the miraculous. It brings Him glory. It reveals His character, power, and goodness when we see healing and deliverance take place.
Expect the miraculous as you pursue movements. Anticipate God revealing His glory through you as you lay hands on the sick. Train new disciples to also pray this way.
God intends His body to reflect His glory to the world. As we train disciples who love God and love one another deeply, the world sees who He is.
When I think of the church in this way, I consider the pollution that sometimes sat in the Kathmandu valley. Not only did clouds veil the mountain’s glory. The trucks and auto-rickshaws with their black smoke kept us from seeing their glory too.
When the Body of Christ is polluted (not operating as it was designed to) it’s hard to see Jesus through the black smoke.
In Disciple Making Movements, as house churches, or discovery groups form, He is seen. God is glorified in the way we listen to one another, honor one another’s ideas and thoughts. We make space for each person to share. In DMMs, every disciple needs to recognize and develop their gifts. We value their ability to hear from God…even if they are still a new believer or a seeker. This loving atmosphere nurtures growth. It also reflects God’s glory.
Would you join me in this prayer?
God, we want to see Your glory fill the earth. We want to see the nations and peoples worship You. Reveal Yourself to us in new ways today. Show us who You are. Use us to make Yourself known to others.
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Manifest Your glory through your disciples Lord. As we speak of Your character, Your ways…as we tell Your story, confirm our words by doing signs and wonders. Through us, and through those we train and lead.
Only You can start a movement that sweeps through an area bringing transformation and new life. When You do this through us ordinary, broken, weak people, may You get all the glory.
You are worthy Lord. You are so very worthy to be praised, so deserving of worship.
Amen.
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The mountain was high, the trail steep. I’d started out enthusiastic. Now each step felt hard. Up, up, up, I went. What would keep me going until I reached the top? Starting a Disciple Making Movement can be a bit like that hike. We start well, our passion high. A few months (or years) later, it’s an uphill climb. We need solid motivations clear in our hearts. They will carry us upward toward the release of a DMM.
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As mentioned in previous chapters, some motivations will sustain you on the DMM journey. Others will not. In my last article, we talked about the number one reason for wanting to start DMMs all over the world. A passion for God’s glory will keep you through the messy, dry or painful seasons of launching DMMs.
The second most important motivation is a deep God-given love for lost people.
This deep, heartfelt compassion for the lost, is placed there by God. It comes into our hearts as we spend time with Him. It rubs off on us. The more we draw close, the more His love fills us. This sacrificial love will keep you motivated. It will compel you to pursue a DMM and keep you going until you see the radical multiplication you dream of.
When we first moved across the border, I admit it. I struggled. The place we moved to was hot and humid. I experienced culture shock. We’d been working with an indirect, gentle people group. Now we were in the midst of a more aggressive culture. Shouting seemed to be their normal way of communicating. Arguments were loud and common.
I’d often wake up to the sound of my neighbors outside on the road shouting. I confess. I didn’t like these people. I wanted to go back to where we’d lived before…the culture I was comfortable in.
One day I was preparing to speak about missions in a YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS) in the area. I’d been asked to teach on evangelism and God’s heart for the lost. This was not a new subject for me, but I was in a new context.
“Lord, do I really love the lost around me?” I prayed.
Studying the scripture I would share, the parables found in Luke 15, I was troubled. Jesus loved the lost. He told three stories about God’s heart for those away from Him; the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. In each instance, there was someone willing to love the lost. The shepherd, the woman, and the Father…these characters went through my mind.
“Am I like them?” I wondered.
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“No. I am more like the elder brother in the story,” I concluded. I judge, condemn and reject this new culture. Picking and choosing who around me is worthy of my love and efforts, I wasn’t like God at all.
Repentance was needed. I bowed in prayer. “Jesus, please fill me with Your love for all peoples…for all cultures and nations. Help me to love them as You do. Make me willing to seek after them, to know them, to befriend them, and to show them who You are through my life. I want to seek to save the lost as You do.”
In the coming days and weeks, my heart began to change. A deep, God-given love filled my heart for the people around me. Tears would flow as I interceded for them. The grace of loving lost people had been renewed in me again.
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
2 Cor 5:14-15 NIV
There is nothing gained by pretending to love, when you don’t. Take a few moments to think about the people around you. Are there certain groups or kinds of people you naturally love? Others you judge or reject?
Maybe some ethnic groups seem dangerous to you. Do those with a particular sexual orientation, or who struggle with gender confusion, make you feel uncomfortable? Other times we struggle with a personality type. If we are honest, we would say, “I really don’t like ______ kind of people.”
Turn away from your hatred and judgments. Ask God’s forgiveness. As the Holy Spirit highlights this, respond to Him. You may need to release forgiveness to certain people as well. Bitterness blocks God’s love from filling our hearts.
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Invite the God who loved the world so much that He was willing to die for us, to give you His heart. Pray a simple prayer saying, “I want Your heart for lost people, Lord. Fill me with Your love.”
It is good to ask God to give us His perspective on those around us. As you walk through the market, invite the Holy Spirit to show you how He sees the people you are interacting with. What does He see that you haven’t been noticing?
His love will rub off on you. The single best way to develop a love for the lost is to spend time with Jesus. As we worship Him, enjoy Him and receive His love for us, our love for others will grow.
Who around you has a deep burden for lost people? When they pray, your heart is stirred. This love and value for lost people is contagious. Spend time with them. Do prayer walks with them. Go out and do evangelism together. Your own passion will be rekindled.
Years ago, when I was teaching on this topic, I heard myself say, “You can’t truly know God unless you long to reach the lost.” As the words came off my lips, I realized the powerful truth I’d just spoken. As we grow in our relationship with God, what moves Him begins to move us. Our love for people comes from God’s heart for the lost.
Has that love grown cold? Ask Him to renew it today.
This motivation (along with #1) will carry you to the DMM finish line. It will get you through the messy parts of starting a Disciple Making Movement. His love compels us.
What do you do to keep your love for lost people burning bright? I’d love to know in the comments below or in the DMMs Facebook group.
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“What is the primary reason the Great Commission task is not yet finished?” I asked this question to a group of students this week. Many different answers surfaced. None of them matched my own. I believe the main reason we haven’t yet made disciples of all nations is related to the priesthood of all believers. In elevating professional pastors, we have somehow overshadowed a powerful truth. Jesus died to make everyone a priest of God. There are no more high and low castes. Everyone who follows Jesus is fully empowered to do the work of the Kingdom. Disciple-making Movements embrace this.
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I am motivated by a deep commitment to a New Testament understanding of the priesthood of all Jesus-followers. While I honor and respect spiritual leadership, in DMMs, every believer is empowered. Without this being taught, and also practiced, we will not complete the Great Commission. I am passionate about seeing a shift in the mindset of the Church worldwide regarding this concept. DMMs make room for this.
I’m not against traditional churches. I have attended many and been blessed. Some of our supporting churches are large bodies of believers. I remember a time though when I sat in one of these churches. My eyes glanced around.
On my right side, I saw one of my Bible college professors, a wonderful teacher of God’s Word. I looked in front of me and saw other highly gifted men and women. Sitting in pews…under-utilized. Only paid professionals did the work of the ministry there.
The church encouraged service. But what did that mean? It meant changing diapers in the nursery (nothing wrong with that!). It meant showing up to help with a construction project. It didn’t mean leading people to Christ and then being responsible to pastor, train and disciple them until they could disciple others. That was the job of the paid professionals.
Looking around a bit more, I saw a few new believers. Not many, but some. How long it will take them to grow to maturity? If they were leading friends to Christ, and discipling them, how much faster they would grow! Instead of just seeing a handful come forward or raise hands, we could see thousands come to Christ. If the people in this church were trained to make disciples, the impact could be huge!
Somehow though, they’d gotten stuck in a performance mentality about ministry. It was for the highly trained, skilled and professional. The priesthood of all, was a concept they believed but didn’t practice.
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Pet. 2:5 NIV
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When our beliefs don’t match our practices, we have to re-examine our beliefs.
Jesus died on the cross and the curtain was torn. A pathway into the Presence of God was made for us through His death. No longer is that place of access to His love, power, glory, anointing, and presence only for priests.
When the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus’ disciples in Jerusalem, they went out as He said they would. They started in Jerusalem, then went to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Until they didn’t.
Constantine instituted the clerical system. It brought government into the church instead of organic growth. It brought order, structure, and systems. Unfortunately, it also led to halted growth. It stopped the organic missional spread of ordinary disciples making disciples.
Buildings were built. Pulpits erected.
Was this ever God’s plan for His body? I somehow doubt it.
I’m not saying these things are evil. I just believe that DMMs represent a more authentic expression of the church as God intended. Disciples making disciples. Every believer empowered and active in doing the work of the ministry, in using their spiritual gifts.
While wanting to see greater fruit and good results may get you started in pursuing a Disciple-Making Movement, this motivation won’t last. It won’t carry you through the tough times, the spiritual warfare, the stops and starts of launching a movement.
When our motivation is based on our understanding of the Word of God, we stand on solid rock.
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Does your heart long to see every believer equipped and empowered? Do you read the New Testament and wonder why in most churches so few use their spiritual gifts? Why the ministry is apparently only for professionals when the Book of Acts seems so different from that?
Being convinced that DMMs fulfill part of what Jesus died to make possible will keep you going. It will help you push through the persecution and misunderstandings with humility and faith.
If this e-book has renewed your motivation to start movements, I'd love to hear about it. Send me an email to [email protected] or message me via the DMMs Frontier Missions Facebook page.
With your why now clearer, you can get started with the what part of launching a multiplying movement of Jesus followers.
Many blessings as you continue,
C. Anderson
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