recommitting to the harvest becoming a transformational and multiplying church
TRANSCRIPT
Recommitting to the Harvest
Becoming a Transformational and Multiplying Church
Stewardship is for both disciple and church -
individual and corporate.
Matthew 25:29 “To those who use well what they are
given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But, from those
who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” (NLT).
Sardis and Philadelphia had little (life and
energy). Their stewardship determined
their reward. Laodicea had much. Their stewardship
reflected their reward as well. (Revelation
3).
Transformational and multiplying churches are
maximizing stewards of what God has
given.
They see transformation taking place on at least four levels :
• from animosity or indifference to openness and interest
• from death to life (conversion)
• from observer to participant
• from passionate disciple to passionate disciple maker
The result is multiplication.
Transformational and multiplying churches get more people in the game, rely more on the Holy Spirit and take seriously their call to reach the world for Jesus.
Some visible differences between transformational and multiplying churches; and those that are not transformational or multiplying …
Transformational Multiplying Church
Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church
Unity Disunity or casual commonality
Engaging and compelling love Fondness or appreciation
“Cannot-help-it”; sharing, loving, giving (Acts 4:20; 1 Thes. 3:12; Luke 6:38)
“Hard-to-do-it”; sharing, loving, giving
Transformational Multiplying Church
Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church
Practice all “one anothers” Practice some “one anothers”
Enthusiastic and excited A contagious buzz
Civil and friendly A polite community
Outside ministry celebrated and promoted most
Inside ministry celebrated and promoted most
Pray with Pray for
Most prayer is spontaneous Most prayer is planned
Little time with prayer request Much time in prayer
Much time with prayer request Little time in prayer
Transformational Multiplying Church
Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church
Leaders engaged in community Leaders focused on church
Teams and interdependence Individuals and independence
Pre-Christian groups using facilities
Only Christian groups using facilities
Bible application stressed Bible study stressed
Passion highest for Jesus and people
Passion highest for vision or program
Transformational Multiplying Church
Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church
Most people can answer, “Who are you reaching?”
Faith activity is prevalent
Ministry based training, “how to live and do”
Obedience is an end Obedience is a means to an end
Few people can answer, “Who are you reaching?”
Faith activity is rare
Include many in significant ministry
Include few in significant ministry
Academic/intellectual based training, “how to think and know”
Transformational Multiplying Church
Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church
Preaching and teaching is true, relevant, interesting, clear and applicable
Preaching and teaching is correct, cliché, manipulative, disingenuous or uninspired