Alvin Toffler once said “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
Thinking about this observation in the context of the church and the current state of the advance of the gospel globally, I cannot help but to agree that there are things we still have to learn, unlearn and relearn if the church is going to fulfil the Great Commission.
One of the more recent phenomena that has become increasing publicised (see website for a few useful links) is the rise of disciple making movements (DMM) or more simply the church as a movement. The majority of these movements are located in the 10:40 window and witnessing great harvests. What are they doing that we can learn? Unlearn? Relearn?
Jerry Trousdale & Glenn Sunshine recently released a book – “The Kingdom Unleashed” – highlighting, amongst others, 5 categories of spiritual malpractice that prevent the “organised” church from experiencing movement. Robert Reach published a work on “Movements that Move” in which he identifies 7 root principles common to DMM’s. Alan Hirsch, coming from a different angle, identifies the core DNA of the church that will ultimately result in church as a movement (see The Forgotten Ways).
I am hoping that the issue of church as a movement will once again find its place at the top of the agenda! The 2017 WENSA / MANI regional conference delivered the following call to the church:
- Call for RENEWAL in the church’s role in mission
- Call to DISCIPLESHIP – recognising that followers of Jesus are both disciples and disciple makers
We are privileged to have in South Africa practitioners and trainers from various churches / organisations who have embarked on a learning journey with regard to DMM. For example in Oct-18 “How to win a city” consultation was hosted in Cape Town for the purpose of exposure and equipping.
Let’s continue this conversation…
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