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he dynamics described in this book can be applied by any church, independent of denomination, theological position, and philosophy of ministry. They can be applied independent of culture and financial possibilities. However, they do demand a certain minimum of openness to engage with that which goes beyond the familiar.
None of us has to wait to get involved with these processes just because our church as a whole isn’t ready for it. Each of us can start the process on our own, subsequently inspiring other believers to get involved as well. Though both Level A and Level B growth are easier when they have local church support, they do work even without it.
The ultimate goal: Expanding the kingdom
Scripture only minimally speaks about church growth, but it has a lot to say about the coming of the kingdom of God. In Jesus‘ own teaching this topic emerges in many variations. The kingdom of God is where his authority is acknowledged, where his will is accepted, where his reign takes visible effect. Jesus could probably have spoken simply of God, instead of God’s “kingdom.” The kingdom of God describes the way God works in us; the way God works in the world; the way God will reveal himself at the end of all time. What makes heaven heaven? God. What brings heaven to earth? God‘s presence. How do we experience more of God‘s presence? That is the contents of this book.
Take a look at the graphic below. It distinguishes three different dimensions of God‘s kingdom. As you reflect on this image, you must never forget that, in the end, Jesus himself is the kingdom of God. The kingdom is not a “something,” it is a person. If Jesus is seen in our lives, the kingdom has come into our heart; if society bears his mark, it is a foretaste of the kingdom to come; if we receive access to God through Christ, heaven has already become a reality for us. Our present life is a foretaste—albeit weak—of the heavenly glory awaiting us.
Time and again, Jesus himself pointed to the apparent meagerness of the kingdom. It is like a mustard seed, the smallest among all seeds. It is like leaven, a tiny speck compared to the quantity of the whole dough. It is repeatedly compared to the seed that is scattered on the soil of this world. That which appears insignificant, bears the power of the kingdom.
According to the Bible, spiritual growth is not an end in itself. The goal is that the kingdom of God takes shape. Different strains of Christianity stress different aspects of God‘s kingdom. Red spirituality identifies the kingdom primarily with heaven; blue spirituality stresses the growth of the kingdom in ourselves; green spirituality is focused on a changed society. All of these are, indeed, different aspects of God‘s kingdom that are inextricably linked.
It can be done
Some things described in this book may seem far away from what you are presently experiencing. The question of all questions is: Do you really believe that people can change? Many don‘t believe it is possible. They base all of their plans on the assumption that people never change; that in the future each of us will continue to strive for the same material possessions; that each of us will continue to use the same destructive energy to destroy the environment; that each of us would prefer to be spiritually entertained rather than spiritually transformed. Brothers and sisters, there is evidence that people can change!
Some people teach that history determines our future. But this assumption is wrong. History explains your present; it makes where you are today understandable. But it doesn‘t determine the future—where you will be tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. That is determined by our present. By you and me. By what we decide to do right now. And each person who is willing to make changes becomes the maker of the map for others to follow.
Back to the basics
In this book we discussed the Trinitarian Compass, native styles and opposite poles, neighbor styles and style families, Level A and Level B growth. If I were to reduce the net message to three simple points, I would say the following: Love God. Love others. Make disciples.
- Love God: Love him with all your heart, with all your will, with all your mind. Be radical in that love (“with all your strength”). Don‘t leave out any one of these areas.
- Love others: Much is implied in this command, and it is not all treated in this book. However, Level B learning is one of the best ways to train yourself in love, since love demands the ability to see the world through other people‘s eyes.
- Make disciples: This implies that you give away what you have received. Share your discoveries with others. Share it with both believers and non-believers. Even among those who call themselves Christians there are many “undiscipled disciples.” Plant Jesus’ love in their lives.
Unrealistic?
Does this sound unrealistic? Absolutely not. You can start right away. You don‘t have to ask others for their approval. You don‘t have to win majorities. The kingdom of God can take effect in your heart immediately.
Again and again I am puzzled to hear Christian leaders say that the concept described in this book is “desirable,” but “unrealistic.” Leadership, they tell me, is the “art of the possible.” Therefore, it is misleading from the outset to strive to achieve things that “overburden ordinary believers.” I disagree. Leadership is by no means the “art of the possible.” Leadership is the art of making possible what appears to be impossible today. Ordinary believers are by no means overburdened by the concepts described in this book. I am constantly working with ordinary believers, and with none other than ordinary believers. They can do it. Of course, we may have to explain things a bit. That may take an hour, a whole weekend, or even a bit longer. Most believers are extremely responsive to explore radically (“with all their strength”) what it means to love God with all their heart, with all their will, and with all their mind.
This is an invitation for everyone who hasn‘t given up the goal of radical Christianity, who doesn‘t shy away from self-criticism, who trusts that a healed Christianity will be able to lead seeking people into a more hopeful future.
How important do you deem the concerns behind the book you have just read?
To what extent are you willing to adjust priorities in your life in order to experience a fuller relationship with God?
With whom will you share the message of this book and when will you do so?
Further topics in the above chapter of the full version of the book
Constant multiplication - The chance of a crisis - Two hours to change your church