Multiplication and Movement: A Vision for Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
The heart of the message is about the importance of multiplication over addition and movement over stagnation in the church. The vision is to see the Washington DC area saturated with gospel-centered churches through a disciple-making movement. The journey began in 2012 with the planting of Impact Church in Fairfax County, Virginia, with the goal of making disciples who would, in turn, plant churches. The focus was not on growing the church through transfer growth but on making new disciples, even if it meant slower growth. This approach led to a healthy, multi-ethnic church with many new believers.
The move to Fredericksburg during the pandemic was driven by the same vision. Despite initial doubts about the diversity in Fredericksburg, it was confirmed that the nations were indeed there, leading to the establishment of another Impact Church. The emphasis remained on raising leaders from within, focusing on character and real discipleship. The process involved training leaders, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring that every member wrestled with their calling, including the possibility of planting a church.
The message also highlighted the need to rethink the traditional Sunday morning service. While it has its place, the real emphasis should be on community groups where discipleship happens. The church should not be about maintaining a Sunday morning experience but about making disciples who make disciples. The ultimate goal is to saturate the area with the gospel, not to build a name for the church or its leaders.
### Key Takeaways
1. Multiplication Over Addition: The focus should be on making disciples who make disciples, rather than merely adding members to the church. This approach may lead to slower growth initially, but it results in a healthier, more sustainable church. The goal is to create a movement, not just a large congregation. [02:39]
2. Raising Leaders from Within: Effective leadership development starts with character and real discipleship. By investing in the spiritual growth and leadership skills of current members, the church can raise leaders who are well-equipped to take on various roles and responsibilities. This approach ensures that the church is not dependent on external hires but grows organically. [10:06]
3. Community Groups as the Heart of Discipleship: The real discipleship happens in community groups, not just on Sunday mornings. These groups should be multi-generational and multi-ethnic, focusing on the teachings of the apostles, prayer, fellowship, and breaking of bread. This model creates a more authentic and effective church community. [30:09]
4. Unleashing Potential for the Gospel: Every member should wrestle with their calling, including the possibility of planting a church. The church should see the potential in its members and unleash them for the advancement of the gospel, rather than just maintaining the Sunday morning experience. This approach empowers members to take ownership of the mission. [31:13]
5. Rethinking the Sunday Morning Service: While Sunday services have their place, they should not be the primary focus. The church's mission should drive the service, not the other way around. Emphasis should be on making disciples and engaging in mission, with the Sunday service serving as a support to these activities. [48:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction and Background
[01:55] - The Vision for Church Planting
[02:39] - Focus on Making Disciples
[03:37] - Preparing for Persecution
[04:45] - Multi-Ethnic Church Growth
[05:38] - Moving to Fredericksburg
[06:22] - Discovering Diversity in Fredericksburg
[07:11] - Challenges and Confirmation
[08:37] - Starting with a Team
[10:06] - Raising Leaders from Within
[12:14] - Delegating Responsibilities
[14:06] - Giving Away Leadership
[15:21] - Multiplication Over Addition
[17:36] - The Problem of Obese Christianity
[18:21] - The Need for Young Pastors
[19:58] - Flipping the Church Planting Model
[22:38] - Authentic Growth vs. Marketing
[25:24] - Overcoming Obstacles
[28:29] - Redefining Church
[30:09] - Community Groups as Little Churches
[31:13] - Unleashing Potential for the Gospel
[33:15] - Wrestling with the Call to Plant
[36:16] - Pastors Needing to Feel Needed
[40:08] - The Role of Sunday Mornings
[42:45] - Measuring the Right Metrics
[44:28] - Normalizing Discipleship
[46:57] - Acts 2 Model for Community Groups
[48:40] - Rethinking Sunday Morning Services
[51:20] - Contextualizing Church Models
[54:14] - The Missed Opportunity in Church Planting
[56:56] - Simplifying Discipleship
[59:45] - The Great Commission and Obedience
[01:02:19] - The Role of Pastors in Disciple-Making
[01:05:13] - Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
> "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
2. Acts 2:42-47
> "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the primary mission given to the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20?
2. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the key activities of the early church community?
3. In the sermon, what was the main reason given for the slow growth of Impact Church in Fairfax County? [02:39]
4. How did the move to Fredericksburg during the pandemic align with the church's vision? [05:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 relate to the concept of multiplication over addition in the church? [02:39]
2. What does Acts 2:42-47 suggest about the importance of community groups in the early church, and how does this compare to the sermon’s emphasis on community groups? [30:09]
3. Why is raising leaders from within the church considered crucial for the church's mission, according to the sermon? [10:06]
4. How does the sermon suggest rethinking the traditional Sunday morning service to better align with the mission of making disciples? [48:40]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making disciples who make disciples. How can you personally contribute to this mission in your daily life? [02:39]
2. Reflect on your involvement in your church community. Are you more focused on attending Sunday services or engaging in deeper discipleship through community groups? How can you shift your focus if needed? [30:09]
3. The sermon talks about unleashing the potential for the gospel in every member. Have you wrestled with your calling, including the possibility of planting a church or leading a group? What steps can you take to explore this further? [31:13]
4. Consider the idea of raising leaders from within. How can you invest in the spiritual growth and leadership skills of those around you? [10:06]
5. The sermon suggests that the Sunday morning service should not be the primary focus. How can you and your community group ensure that your main emphasis is on making disciples and engaging in mission? [48:40]
6. Acts 2:42-47 describes a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. How can your community group embody these practices more fully?
7. Think about the concept of multiplication over addition. What practical steps can your community group take to multiply and start new groups or even new churches? [02:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Multiplication Over Addition
The focus should be on making disciples who make disciples, rather than merely adding members to the church. This approach may lead to slower growth initially, but it results in a healthier, more sustainable church. The goal is to create a movement, not just a large congregation. This method emphasizes depth over breadth, ensuring that each new believer is equipped to share their faith and disciple others. By prioritizing multiplication, the church can have a more significant and lasting impact on the community and beyond. [02:39]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who you can intentionally disciple. How can you begin to invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Day 2: Raising Leaders from Within
Effective leadership development starts with character and real discipleship. By investing in the spiritual growth and leadership skills of current members, the church can raise leaders who are well-equipped to take on various roles and responsibilities. This approach ensures that the church is not dependent on external hires but grows organically. Leaders who are raised from within the congregation are more likely to understand and embody the church's vision and values, leading to a more cohesive and unified community. [10:06]
1 Timothy 3:1-2 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."
Reflection: Identify a potential leader within your community group. How can you encourage and support their development in the coming month?
Day 3: Community Groups as the Heart of Discipleship
The real discipleship happens in community groups, not just on Sunday mornings. These groups should be multi-generational and multi-ethnic, focusing on the teachings of the apostles, prayer, fellowship, and breaking of bread. This model creates a more authentic and effective church community. By prioritizing community groups, the church can foster deeper relationships and more meaningful spiritual growth among its members. [30:09]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your community group a place of genuine discipleship and fellowship this week?
Day 4: Unleashing Potential for the Gospel
Every member should wrestle with their calling, including the possibility of planting a church. The church should see the potential in its members and unleash them for the advancement of the gospel, rather than just maintaining the Sunday morning experience. This approach empowers members to take ownership of the mission and actively participate in spreading the gospel. By encouraging members to explore their callings, the church can mobilize a diverse and dynamic force for God's kingdom. [31:13]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your own calling and gifts. How can you use them to advance the gospel in your community?
Day 5: Rethinking the Sunday Morning Service
While Sunday services have their place, they should not be the primary focus. The church's mission should drive the service, not the other way around. Emphasis should be on making disciples and engaging in mission, with the Sunday service serving as a support to these activities. By rethinking the role of Sunday services, the church can ensure that its primary focus remains on fulfilling the Great Commission and fostering genuine discipleship. [48:40]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from merely attending Sunday services to actively participating in the church's mission throughout the week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If the Pentagon sees something that they're going to unleash for the mission of the American government, then why isn't the church seeing things in people to go, man, I'm going to unleash you for the advancement of the gospel." [00:00] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The goal wasn't church planting. Yeah. The goal was to make disciples, but the disciples, when they heard the great commission, they clearly heard church planting because that's what happened, whether they meant for that to happen or not." [01:55] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We felt like God say was plan a church that would survive if it ever became unpopular to be a Christian. Sure. So if we can no longer meet in big buildings and we can no longer do church the way we currently do it because of persecution. Um, then what would church need to look like?" [03:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our goal is literally to saturate DC with the gospel, uh, of Jesus Christ. And we think we can do that best through making disciples that start churches." [17:36] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Anytime the gospel is advancing, it's met with resistance. And so so you take that as what it is. A lot of spiritual warfare. Also, just a lot of dumb stuff." [25:24] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are not going to grow the church with a bunch of transfer growth. So we closed our doors a lot. Um, the question was, are you called to be a part of this vision and this movement? Um, if not, don't come just cause you like our Sunday morning service or, cause you like me or whatever." [02:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We had this guy. Well, serving as an elder at our church. And I think it's important to know we weren't a big church. Like people think you gotta be a big church to start another. No, it, it just, everything intensifies, so we're always praying for more people because we think that'll lighten the load and in some ways it does. And then you just get other problems." [15:21] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I don't think Fredericksburg needs another new church. I think it needs about 50 new churches. OK. And so. I'm not even opposed to our church planting another church somewhere else in the Fredericksburg area." [26:14] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think church is the group. OK. I don't think church is church on Sunday morning. No, no, we do church on Sunday mornings. Yeah and we now we did house church during covid for four months in Fairfax County. Um, and we doubled in size our church and with those who were being baptized and it allowed us to multiply the church in the middle of a pandemic." [40:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I try to just say if I only have you for two or three years I want to teach you to do three things I want to teach you to pray yeah I want to teach you to read your bible and I want to teach you how to make another disciple yeah and if I can teach you those three things I believe you can grow in your spiritual in your spiritual formation." [56:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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