3. Movement over expansion

It’s a good thing that churches seek out ways to grow. After all, a local church is a living organism, and healthy organisms not only grow but reproduce themselves. But to think of growth in terms of a larger movement throughout a city or region instead of the result of a well planned expansion strategy for your church is not only to think less imperialistically, but to think larger rather than smaller.

I have found that churches that “think movement” envision the role they play alongside other churches as the kingdom of God goes forth in their region or city. They have switched from “How can we grow in influence in this city?” to “How can the Kingdom of God grow in influence in this city?” They refuse to be tribal, territorial, arrogant, and dependent on the strength of their “brand.” They realize that the power lies not in a specific brand but in a deep comprehension of the Gospel present in the church at large in a region. There is always a collaboration (with other local churches and parachurch ministries) influenced by an impetus to flesh out the implications of the Gospel for ministry among their neighbors. They see this vision as something to be shared and owned not just by one church, or a few sitting at the top of the clerical ladder, but by everyone.

These churches are not necessarily concerned with the short term success of their particular local church (like companies that are always squeezing the bottom line at the end of each quarter), but with the long term success of the Gospel in their city/ region.

4. Flat over hierarchical

This last shift is closely related to the previous one, because a movement by nature has to be free. Missiologist David J. Bosch said that: “The difference between an institution and a movement is that one crosses boundaries while the other guards them.” According to Bosch, movements thrive when power is distributed as fast as possible. It cannot afford not to give away power. On the other hand, institutions will logically withhold power for self preservation. The hierarchical structure, therefore, is the greatest invention to play the defense game at its best. The confidence of an institution is backed on policies and those who hold offices while the movement’s confidence is based on trust among all who share a common vision. They see each other not just as co-workers but as friends and peers. In “The Spider and the Starfish,” Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom write, “It’s easy to rebel against a boss, it’s much harder to dismiss your peers.” The environment that is forged becomes one where there’s a high level of freedom but also a high level of accountability.

I have personally found that this is not only a highly effective way to produce but a very healthy environment to be a part of. It is extremely freeing to distribute the pressure in a way that the load of the ministry becomes bearable and consequently sustainable. The flatter the structure, the more it relies on collective intelligence, the more it stimulates creativity and the more it restrains large egos. Moreover, it allows boldness and compassion, truth and love to shape the outcome of the mission.

All of this has led me to rethink the very way in which my church values and does things. I have been reevaluating practices through a theological and cultural filter fueled by a desire to see a more biblical and sustainable form of Christianity in our cities. What you’re about to read are raw ideas (in no way conclusive) in terms of paradigm shifts. There are four main shifts: 1) incarnation over innovation, 2) environments over processes, 3) movements over expansion, and 4) flat over hierarchical. I’ll write about the first two on this post and leave the last two for next week.

1. Incarnation over innovation
I feel that there is a large preoccupation nowadays with innovation. Awards have been given to innovative churches, and pastors are praised for being “innovative.” There’s nothing wrong with trying to think outside the box when it comes to contextualization, but no innovative method will ever trump incarnation. I mean, this is God’s own method of addressing our need! It’s what differentiates Christianity from all other religions. Coming down to the level of people has always been Christianity’s most innovative way to contextualize the gospel to the real needs of humanity. In fact, I would say that our level of innovation is always proportionate to the depth of our incarnation. In other words, aim at incarnation and you will always get innovation.

2. Environments over processes
In the last 10 years there has been a great emphasis on churches developing discipleship pathways and processes. Processes and pathways are not bad things per se. In fact, having something in place will help move people horizontally and mobilize them towards your vision, organize your institution, or generate growth — at least on a surface level.

The problem with this methodology is that it resembles the American industrial model of assembly lines far more than the New Testament church. The thing with having a “process” is that it tends to compartmentalize discipleship by rushing people through stages that are focused on one specific thing. To carry out the metaphor, there’s a stage where you’re bottled, another where you are labeled, another where you are packaged, and another where you are delivered.

Environments are more holistic. They are spaces where you’re exercising a variety of practices with different intensities depending on the environmental context. You can see what I’m talking about in Acts 2:42 where the first Christians were living out the four components (the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer) in the context of bigger gatherings, smaller gatherings, and while ministering to neighbors. Thinking in terms of environments for discipleship is acknowledging that people should not just be moved horizontally towards an end goal, but in every direction at once (up, down, sideways, in, out). Such spaces allow the dynamism of the Spirit to be at work while helping to preserve the organic nature of the body of Christ. This is the perfect recipe for robust discipleship, which in the end is the the type of sustainable growth we ought to be looking for. In the industrial model, once a product goes through all the necessary stages and is finally assembled, it’s sold, then consumed — a feeling common to those who have been through a “process.”

More on the next two paradigm shifts next week.

1. Gender matters. If it didn’t, God would have created us all genderless. He could have, but he didn’t. It’s an act of worship when one seeks to live out of God’s original intent. Masculinity (or femininity for this matter) should be sought after in Scripture just as godliness.

2. Objectivity is important. To me it feels that Christians that tend to blur the gender lines, do so most out of a genuine desire to reframe Christianity for those that have been hurt by it, and that’s understandable, but you cannot do this at the expense of Scriptural truth. On the other hand, those that tend to over emphasize it, are doing so as a genuine desire to reframe Christianity for Christians that have been infected by our culture’s broken gender expressions. Equally understandable though, it’s undeniable that they do come across as sexists.

3. Stop defining “masculinity” in terms of habits. There are plenty of masculine guys that don’t drink alcohol, don’t hunt, don’t watch fighting sports, don’t drive pick up trucks, that are not married and, that do not have sex. The Bible is filled with examples of what I’m talking about. Besides, that’s what religion does best, isn’t it? Here’s a warning: to be overly practical in this matter may lead to legalism, moralism and, the oppression of women and “dudes”  that do not necessarily conform to the current social-religious cultural norm.

4. Masculinity is best defined in terms of essence. In other words: It’s not what I do in order to be… but, what I am in relation to what I was created to be. “Servant-leadership” envelops the best concept of what lies at the essence of masculinity. These two words together are redemptive to each of the extremes in us, in history and, in cultures. Here’s why: Each of us has a natural bent towards either “servanthood” or “leadership”. This is due to sin and because this is true, we cannot keep a perfect balance so, servanthood turns into cowardliness and leadership turns into forms of dictatorships. I feel that both camps (currently arguing) are erring on one of the extremes and that’s why things sound a little off when each speak. I suggest we look more intently  to Jesus — who is a male-God to this day (sorry, can’t disprove this) and whom has restored the servant-leadership balance that God had established in Adam since the begging. At the core of masculinity, there lies the gospel in its perfect boldness and humility.

Does and can the Gospel speak into our natural inclination for competition?

I believe that when it’s done in line with the reality of the Gospel it brings forth the ultimate goal of the Gospel which is, the full flourishing of all things. When it’s done out of line with the Gospel, it reproduces the outcome of the fall — the deterioration of life, institutions and, society.

So, what would the Gospel have to say about it?

It’s not about being the best but doing your best.

The Gospel quenches your need to receive the approval of others. It shows you that in Jesus you have received the applause of God regardless of how you perform. Striving to do your best is honoring to God because, whether it’s a passion, a gift or, an ability you possess, it has all been given to you by God. To use them intelligently, responsibly and creatively is bottom line — good stewardship. And stewardship is worship. God is glorified by the beauty, creativity or strength your performance is able to display.

It’s not about constructing your own net worth but, working out of your true self worth.

The Gospel reveals to you that your true worth comes not from of an extraordinary gift or ability to stand out from the rest but, from the fact that you’re a child of Abba. In God’s opinion you stand out because when he sees Jesus when he looks at you and because that’s true, you have nothing to prove to anyone nor any need to justify your existence (as we often subconsciously do when we compete). That’s the most important raw material you have to work with and so, you work out of it. If you work out of this mentality you will feel less pressure when you perform, you will take more risks, you will have no need to cap on your competition’s weaknesses and, you will recover faster when and if you lose.

It’s not about eliminating the competition but building it instead.

The Gospel reminds you daily that you’re an unfinished work of grace. The Gospel always keeps you in touch with the fact that you are an imperfect sinner. If you’re honest, you will have to admit that there are numerous areas in your life that need improvement and competition often helps you to see it clearly. It’s a great master. Competition helps you to stay humble, to develop discipline therefore, help you to grow. This may sound weird but you want to encourage and push others to do better for the common good of all.

I guess you can say that in the end, good competition is about collaboration.

The ultimate hope of the Gospel lies in the fact that everything will be made new. This means that when there’s healthy competition in a particular industry (including the ecclesiastical -  even though I don’t know if you can call it an industry) life flourishes and society thrives because there are always new initiatives, new solutions, fresh approaches, excitement and, renewed hope for a better days to come.

Your perception of how much Jesus values you will determine how much you value him.

The reason why you are probably not living on mission for Jesus, why you do not worship passionately, why your devotional life sucks, why you do not give yourself to community, why you are stingy with your money, why you impact no one, why you are so unforgiving, why you are so protective of your time, why you are so concerned with your self image, why you never take risks, why you’re so anxious, why you look down on others, why you’re so uptight, why you’re never content, why you don’t do anything for anyone for free, why you are so insecure about yourself, why you think too much or too little of yourself, is either because you do not know or because you daily forget how much Jesus values you.

If only you knew or reminded yourself daily of how much he values you, you would value him so much, that everything…I mean everything… specially yourself, would grow dim in light of his love and grace.

You would spare nothing. You would cling to nothing.

Do you know how much he values you?

Well, you have got to find out.

Putnam points out in his study, that worship attending americans regardless of what they believe, have a greater tendency of becoming better neighbors and citizens. Consistent worship attenders (even if secular but attend with their religious spouse or friend) are more involved in their neighborhoods, donate more blood, care more for the physical needs of  others, give more of their time and money and, have less problem with people cutting in front of them at the grocery line.

Interestingly enough, the Miami New Times posted last week that in the latest Annual Volunteering in America Report, Miami ranked as last. I think we’ve been the reigning champs on this one for a while now. Maybe 3 years? Not surprising but ironically, Miami is also among the top 3 of most unchurched cities in America. Some even argue it’s the number 1.

From the standpoint of Putner’s survey, if Miami is to become a better city with better and must I highlight, nicer neighbors, it will need a lot more new churches.

Now, imagine what it would look like if the majority of these new churches where less consumeristic and less individualistic in their approaches? What if they were more about the good news instead of dispensing good advice? What if they talked more about the poor and less about how you can get healthier and wealthier? What if they lived more with the mentality of bringing heaven down than about evacuating to a heaven up somewhere? What if there was more emphasis on church on the other 6 days of the week instead of the pep rally sugar highs of the weekends? What if there were as many weekly exit door calls to redeem what’s broken in the city as there are altar calls?

We would have a bright future ahead of us.

1) Is the Sunday worship worth my time? Is it energetic, solid gathering, good teaching, good music?
2) Is there a good variety of programs?
3) How resourceful are you in case I need it for myself, my family, my friends?

I believe it’s fair to ask these questions but, they should not be the leading ones whether your looking for a church or whether you are a pastor trying to close your back door on people. Think of bigger and better questions instead.

I read this morning during my devotional Mark 11. Right at the place where it talks about Jesus’ second visit after his Triumphal entry to the Temple in Jerusalem. With just a little background research you’ll find that basically, the Temple in Jesus’ days had three things going for the people of Israel.

1) It generated a lot of foot traffic. A large influx of people from all over the world visited the Temple. On the surface there were massive gatherings (some say in the millions), energy and, tons of excitement. It was packed pretty regularly year around.
2) It generated a lot of financial resources. Historian Flavius Josephus reports that in one Yom Kippur alone 250 thousand animals were sold and slaughtered and that a huge percentage of the gross profit was brought in to the Temple’s treasury fund.
3) It was very very busy. From money exchangers to Temple workers there was a whole lot going on in terms of programs yet…

(as Jesus illustrates with with the Fig Tree incident) it was spiritually dead!

So much so that Jesus couldn’t help but to weep and whip, for it had departed from its original purpose.

Busyness, agglomeration and, a vast array of resources had replaced the true worship of God as well as Israel’s mission to the nations.

Israel was to be a light unto the nations and in the place where the gentiles should be praying and reflecting about the God of the Bible, there was total chaos. The Temple had become a circus. And, there’s no way one can be challenged spiritually in the middle of a freakin’ circus.

In the same way the church of Jesus represented locally cannot exist by emulating mega corporations and 21st century entertainment. It must exists by life in community and as Emil Bruner said it “by mission”. Both of course, fueled by the power of the Gospel within a rich understanding of what the Kingdom of God is.
Having said that, here are some good questions to ask when you step foot into a church.

1) How do these people love each other?
2) Do they exist for mission in their city?
3) Is the Gospel highly valued and is it fleshed out and lived out in the culture of this local body?

As you look to find a new church community or help to create a community where people can join, I pray that you will ask the bigger questions.

In this quote, Bonhoeffer is trying to get across the idea that following Jesus does not imply in simply learning from and about him but ultimately, in becoming like him in all areas of life. One of the areas of life that requires our full attention so that it’s brought under “the law of the cross”, is our wealth and finances. Money (like sex) has become a very sensitive topic in our culture because it is a major source of meaning and significance for all of us. It is a big identity shaper (even to Christians) and because this is true, churches tend to either pay too much attention to the topic of money or pay no attention at all.  I believe that neither approach is a healthy one. Both these camps indicate that money still has its claws deeply embedded into their flesh. We need balance on how often we talk about it and in the way we talk about it. Moreover, we need to approach it boldly and through the lens of the Gospel.

In the NT, money which Jesus calls “Mammon”, is something the Christian must bring under the lordship of Christ, because “Mammon” is a ruler, an authority, a power (Eph.6:12) that must be trampled over and placed under submission.

Below are some simple answers to questions that may help us understand the correct place of money and finances in the life of the Christian community so that, it is not controlled by it but able to harness it in such a way that it brings glory to Christ in making his Kingdom visible in the world.

From where does money and wealth come from?

The gospel teaches that it all comes from grace. Western civilization was taught to believe (since the Enlightenment) that everything you are and have is a byproduct of your own hard work. Non-western cultures instead of putting full emphasis on the individual, have placed a lot of emphasis on the family. For them, who you are is not associated with what you have as much as with your family name. Different cultures have different ways of explaining this, the gospel however, says that everything good whether it’s material or spiritual proceeds from God (James 1:17). It’s all a free gift of his grace.

There are people in the world with some of the same things you have and are not as wealthy as you are. Meaning it’s not because you’re smarter, healthier, work harder, have more faith, come from a better family, ethnicity or country. It’s not all luck, It’s all grace and if grace were to be removed, all these things would be taken away from you. Learn this: you live everyday with that possibility. So, grace is both the gift and the sustenance of the gift. As Jesus says, the bread is “daily”.

For what purpose is money and wealth given?

The gospel teaches that it proceeds from grace for the purpose of grace. In receiving there’s a great opportunity to model God. Riches do not exist for accumulation purposes (Luke 12:13-21), just look at God. God owns it all but he is generous and does not keep his wealth to himself. Instead, he is constantly giving it away. This happens both within the God-head (as all three persons of the Trinity generously give to each other) and between God and his creation. The ultimate example of God’s generosity to his creation is displayed on the cross where he gave what was most precious to himself — his Son whom is constantly giving Him all the glory (Note that “all things” in Col 1:15-20 means all of creation). Wealth is given to model God and to model him is to modestly enjoy his gifts (nothing wrong with driving a nice car, for example) but even more to use what you have been given to heal what’s broken, to put together what’s falling apart and, to bless what has been cursed.

One of the ways to do this is to be sensitive to the material needs that surround you and give directly to it. Another way is to give to the local church. The local church is the ultimate expression on earth of Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation. From the Spirit through the local church flows the power of the Gospel to a broken world first in word and then in deed. Early Christians understood this well and so they brought everything they had and placed it at the Apostle’s feet (Acts 4:32-35) for the purposes of supplying the needs of those who lived full time off of the preaching of the Gospel (1 Cor 9:7-14) and of those who did not have the means to support themselves such as the sick, widows and, orphans.

Give both ways.

With what motivation should I give?

The Gospel says that giving should proceed from the heart. Giving should not be the result of intellectual persuasion nor of emotional manipulation (2 Cor 9:7). If it ends up being a result of one of these two things, it will work temporarily but it won’t last. Why? Because the forces that have propelled you to give where external, not internal. Think about it: if there was no manipulation of feelings or coercion, you wouldn’t have given spontaneously to begin with. Which means that when and if these external forces are gone you will cease to give. A good example of how it should be done is in 2 Cor 8:9 where the Apostle Paul presents a need and an opportunity to meet that need to the church in Corinth. Instead of manipulating their emotions and intellectually bending their consciences ( which he could’ve done very well) Paul simply reminds them of the Gospel. He writes: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich”. Lasting generosity is deeply rooted in a heart that understands and is appreciative of the Gospel. Paul defines the Gospel in this text as Christ exchanging his spiritual wealth for our spiritual poverty. If the Gospel has saturated the heart, giving will flow joyfully, generously, sacrificially and above all, constantly instead of sporadic.

What amounts should I give?

The tithe or, the “tenth part” is a good parameter for giving from all your income established in the Old Testament that might still work for today but nevertheless, it poses a couple of risks.  #1) Many use their “tenth” as a device to relieve their consciences of the religious obligation, making them feel that they are in good standing with God because they have given what was required. #2) Many give their “tenth” with the merit/ reward concept in mind. They expect God’s blessings as a consequence of their giving. In God eyes, giving with this sort of mentality is as bad as spending all your money in pleasures. Simply because at the end of the day you are spending it all on yourself.

The standard for giving in the Bible shifted from the law (in the Old Testament) that demanded 10%, to the Cross that compels you to give 100%. In fact, “tithing” in the New Testament represents stinginess (Mark 12: 38-44). In the economy of the Gospel there’s no 10% only 100%. It’s either all or nothing! On the Cross, Jesus did not give of himself partially to us but fully. Giving for the Christian should always imply in sacrifice. If your giving doesn’t deprive you of some comforts and securities, you should reevaluate how much to give so that it reflects what Christ has done for you and your adherence to him as a disciple.

What should I expect after I give?

Because the basic default mode of the human heart is rooted in a merit/ reward system it’s natural that we expect a reward and feel the need to be recognized whenever we give. Reward and recognition are not bad things. It’s the job of church leaders to recognize so that it encourages generosity but, not your job to pursue it. The lack thereof shouldn’t determine if you give. Our reward has already been given undeservingly and in advance by Christ on the Cross and in the Grave. The knowledge of such a reward should be enough to produce everlasting joy and content because our recognition comes not from what we are able to accomplish for God but on what Christ has accomplished to God on our behalf. Bottom line is, in Christ I’m always a beloved child in which the Father is forever pleased, and that should be enough recognition and reward.

That is not to say however that you should not expect your local church to be held accountable for the way they steward the Gospel’s resources. After all, you are a member of the body and “God’s fellow workers, God’s field, God’s building” (1 Cor 3:9). Expect them to publish reports and that in it, it is clear that the resources are being used wisely for the glory of God (not the glory of men) in the world.

How should all this then influence my culture of generosity?

1. Repent daily for believing that the main source of all your “blessedness” is anything other than the Grace of God.
2. Find through much prayer (with your spouse if you have one) a good balance in your budget so that you’re able to meet the needs of your family, enjoy what God has materially given you and, ultimately that you’re able to give so that others are changed by the Gospel through word and deed. All of it, of course, without accumulating debt.
3. Christians are taught to examine themselves in worship whether it’s taking communion or offering (1 Cor 11:28, Matt 5:24). So before you give again examine your motivation for giving. Is it flowing from a heart that’s been struck by the awesomeness of the Gospel?
4. Ask: Is there any comfort or security that I can cut into so, that I give more for Grace’s purpose?
5. Treat your giving not just as an individual expression of the Gospel but as corporate expression of the Church of Jesus in mission. Trust that God has placed you in a specific local church to do his work through it for a particular region and that, he has placed capable leaders in that community to steward the resources for the good of the Gospel. Pray that your local church would exercise wise stewardship of the resources they are entrusted with.
6. Is there joy before and after you give? If not, go over the whole list again

The Spirit is wind (ruah) and it blows wherever and whenever it pleases, for it is unbound and uncontrolled.

I do know however that when and if  it’s hovering it’s creating,

when and if it’s breathing it’s giving new life,

when and if it’s whispering it’s speaking,

when and if it’s moving it’s guiding,

when and if it’s blowing it’s sending.

It always is.

I felt it today on this Pentencost Sunday and it woke me up. I pray you will feel it too. Wake up!

Here’s something they didn’t tell you at assessment: Urban church planting will tear you apart!

This year alone I had friends quit, sink into depression, addiction, and one that has completely ruined his marriage. Why? Because one of the hardest things you can do is start a church in a city. Here’s a twofold reason. (1) Cities are complex places and it takes a lot to figure them out. (2) Because cities are hard to figure out it makes it hard to figure yourself out as you live in the midst of the urban chaos.

I find that a lot of young guys that want to plant in cities are far more aware of the need to build a robust philosophy of ministry for their work in the city than of the toll that church planting and the city will take on their own personal lives.

So, what does church planting in the city demand of you as a planter? And, how can the gospel help speak into some of these faulty areas?

It demands:

1. Spiritual constancy - City people are fast paced. They adapt to change without giving too much thought to it and that’s why life becomes chaotic and out of control in the first place. When city people end up pausing to think about their overwhelming state, it’s usually too late. Ministry in the city requires a lot of reflection, prayer and, Scriptural meditation. It’s much easier to be in sync with the pace of the city than the pace of God’s heart for the city.

The Gospel says: You are a child of the King. That’s your main identity. The city cannot be your primary identity shaper. Your status of sonship is to compose the rhythm of how your life is lived out in the city. It’s not about being busy but, resting on what Christ has done for you.

2. Emotional stability – Cities demand quality and often, without compensation. Think of the talented 50 year old sax player in the subway. Get the point? Pastors in cities have to find a healthy way to deal with slow growth and even failure. Unless they do so, they will  likely hit the bottle, the spoon, their wives and kids or, the x-rated sites.

The Gospel says: Before God you have performed to perfection because Christ performed for you. You have nothing to prove to no one. Your ultimate source of affirmation and joy should not come as a result of how well you are able to perform according to the city’s standard of success. God says to you in the Son: “you are my son of whom I am well pleased”. God could care less if you are able to build a mega church. He cares about your faithfulness to him.

3. Intellectual integrity – The city demands that you give a good reason for what you do and say. At the same time it’s always bargaining with you ideologically. It’s very hard not to compromise biblical doctrine in exchange for the approval of its inhabitants and even harder to find an honest, respectful, clear and, contextual way to communicate truth.

The Gospel says: Because your identity comes from who you are in Christ you can afford to be bold with people and not act like a coward. Pleasing God is more important than pleasing people. Also, the Gospel is that important. It’s worth giving deep consideration and thought so that you learn and teach others how it relates to the totality of life.

4. Excellent time management – If you want to stay together you have to learn to give time to yourself, to your body, to your family, to your leaders, to your neighbors, to your study and, most of all to your God. Failure to do so in one of these areas will show in lack of personal evangelism, spiritual shallowness, bad preaching, overwhelming sense of responsibility, stress and, a variety of family crisis including divorce.

The Gospel says: Because Christ gave more than his time (his life) to you, you are to give time to the things Christ has entrusted you with. A heart that believes in the Gospel is always reordering its passions and setting straight its priorities.

5. Deep level friendships – Life in the city is extremely individualistic. If you, your kids and specially your wife do not find friends you can share your lives with, forget about it. You can have all of the above but you will just not make it. This should probably be the first thing on your check list when you move into the city.

The Gospel says: Because Christ went out of his way to seek friendship with you and was vulnerable with you, you are to go out of your way to make friends for you and for your family.

Conclusion: The Gospel is the only power you will have available to reconstruct you as the forces of urbanity and church planting tear you apart. So, dig in deep into its reality.