Movement Principles

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(adapted from Stan Parks)

Trust that only God starts movements (John 6:44-45, Matthew 23:8-10). Disciples follow biblical principles to pray, plant, and water the seeds that can lead to a multiplying movement akin to Acts (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Mark 4:26-29).

Focus on making every Christ-follower a reproducing disciple rather than a mere convert (2 Timothy 2:1-2). "Don’t convert to disciple; disciple to convert." Because the connotations are so different, 'disciple-making' is different from 'discipleship.'

Foster frequent, regular accountability for obeying the Lord's will for each person and sharing it with others lovingly (John 14:15, 1 Timothy 4:7-11, Ephesians 4:11-16). This favors an interactive small-group approach with a flag power dynamic.

Equip each disciple in interpreting and applying Scripture, a well-rounded prayer life, functioning as a part of Christ's body and responding well to persecution and suffering, as not mere objects (recipients) of mission but subjects (active agents) of Kingdom advance (Luke 6:46-48, Matthew 4:18-5:16).

Cast vision both for reaching one's relational network and for extending the Kingdom to the ends of the earth (with a "no place left" mentality), equipping for both settings (Acts 19:1-20, Luke 10:1-9, Matthew 24:12-14, 28:17-20, Acts 1:8). Church-planter Derek Murphy puts it well: in Paul's vision in 1 Corinthians 9:19-24, "people are the prize."

Form reproducing, maturing, networking churches. The Spirit’s power thus multiplies disciples, churches, leaders, mentors, movements, and movement families (Acts 2:38-27).

An initiative's specific approach matters less than respect for Kingdom movements' underlying biblical principles.