Tag: church multiplication movement
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When Instant Success Takes a Few Decades
I reflect on how movements can take years to develop, sharing some of my journey in Asia with my friend Steve Addison. We talked about perseverance, faith, and how the Great Commission isn’t always fast—but it’s always worth it. The heart of the message? It’s still all about Jesus and obedience, with a heavy dose…
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Christmas in The Shadows
During Christmas, we remember believers in “creative access nations” where faith can lead to persecution. Ordinary believers share their faith through personal connections, transforming whispers into a powerful Gospel movement.
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Reimagining Church: From Consumer Christians to Catalytic Called-Ones
The Asian Roughrider reflects on his 15 years abroad before reconnecting with U.S. churches, questioning their need for transformation. He highlights the critiques from Soong-Chan Rah on consumer Christianity and JR Woodward’s focus on active discipleship. Ultimately, he encourages a return to Scripture and genuine community engagement to fulfill God’s mission.
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Deeply Rooted Churches
The New Testament church, or “ekklesia,” embodies God’s people called to reflect His image. The church’s purpose is to gather worshippers of all nations, living out the Kingdom of God. To fulfill this, churches must prioritize loving people, making disciples, and participating in the mission of God. Deep roots are needed for churches to flourish…
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Movement Leaders: Next Gen Catalysts (Spoken Word)
Someone once asked me this question,“What is a leader of the next generation?” Are they forged through the fires of social experimentation?Or are they found in the institutions of formal education? Neither… Movement leaders are formed by the Spirit of God First and foremost, God is the hostSalvation’s by grace through faith so that no…
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Catfish & Rice: Finishing the Task by Reproducing Disciples
In the west we equate time with money. In the Kingdom of God we equate time with souls. Every second someone somewhere in the world dies without ever hearing about the hope offered in Jesus. Every second God is being robbed the glory and fame that is due his name. As the population of the…
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Persecution Story
I was trying hard not to shed tears as I was listening to Chanthi’s story. I had asked him a very simple question, “So tell me about your time in prison for Jesus.” Chanthi was from a remote tribe of spirit worshippers in Southeast Asia. He lived in a simple village high up the mountains…
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The Kingdom of Who?…Model, Assist, Watch & Leave
I walked into an immaculate church building recently and was blown away. It was brand spankin new. You could still smell the sky blue colored paint. It was equipped with everything you would need to do traditional church stuff; sound system, keyboard, projector, laptop, new kitchen, open cafeteria, all-you-can-drink powdered coffee and guestrooms with air…
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What Next? The 4 Stages of Launching Church Movements
As church planters, “What next?” is probably one of the questions we ask the most. What do we do after reaching the lost? How do we make disciples and train them to train others? How do we form groups and catalyze a movement of reproducing churches? There are so many methods and answers out there…
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Training Trainers: A New Paradigm for Discipleship
No one likes to be told they are doing something wrong, especially leaders, pastors and church planters. We’ve devoted our lives to growing the Church but have we been doing it all wrong? I hate it when I’m wrong. My pride always says that I am right. But my pride can’t argue with results. The…
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Osama Bin Laden and Church Multiplication Movements
One day we Americans turn on the television to find out that Osama Bin Laden is dead. The U.S. President announces that the most wanted terrorist in the world has been double-tapped by a team of highly skilled Navy Seals during a secret raid. That’s so freakin awesome but how did this happen? For more…
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Suffering – The Key to Church Movements
Every week I pray that our friends do not get arrested for telling others about Jesus. Whenever I travel I ask God for wisdom each time I am questioned by the police. When I sit down with local leaders and church planters the types of problems we face are: -Who is being followed? -How do…
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Don’t Plant A Church
We like to say things like; “I’m a church planter,” “This is our church plant,” or “We planted a church.” As if the Church, a spiritual institution established by the Creator of heaven and earth, actually belongs to us. God’s not in the business of establishing communities of mindless sheep so we can have our…
The Asian Rough Rider 