There is a very important key, absent in the lives of many Christians today: Action.
Multiplication Movement trainers (CPM/DMM alike) emphasize that, for too long, churches have emphasized content and knowledge over action and obedience. We have talked about “being present in church every time the doors are open,” as if membership in the club is equivalent to making disciples. It’s not. Making disciples requires action.
The Great Commission itself assumed that we would be “going.” Note that the word “go” in Matthew 28:19-20 is actually, in the original language, a present participle. Some translators would translate the verse, “as you are going,” perhaps alluding to the fact that Jesus just assumed they would be excited about sharing the Good News. The strong force of the verse rests in the phrase, “make disciples,” which is in the imperative or command mode. “As you are going, make disciples.” This shift in thinking (to an action orientation) requires, I believe, a fundamental paradigm shift for many (most?) local church members.
Voluntary Obedience to Christ
Robert M. Reach, in his book, Movements that Move, writes,
“In Western understanding, based on Greek worldview, we tend to think that if someone understands a concept then they own it. Comprehension is everything. If I can repeat the information, then it is mine.” He adds, “The Western model of learning focuses on information absorption, which is typically done in a classroom with an instructor and minimal participation by the learner. Of course there are exceptions to this practice, and my hope is that you’ve participated in one of those exceptions whether in an educational institution or a church. However, there is significant contrast with what happens in movements that move.” (page 73)
This is precisely the action we’re describing. Just as Patterson put it, it’s a “relaxed, voluntary obedience to Christ,” not a series of binding “works” that we must do to be saved. All of it arises from a gratitude for His mercy, then wells up as a result of being “compelled by His love” (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Ready to be an Ambassador?
We are therefore convinced that we simply HAVE to serve as His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20), not out of a heavy burden of obligation or guilt, but because He has already reconciled us to Himself (2 Cor. 5:18) and passed on the message of reconciliation to us (2 Cor. 5:19). We do all this and more because he has already made us into a new creation and all our “old things” have passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). May God be praised!
We need a major shift: from being mere hearers (of sermons on Sunday morning or of Christian music in our cars) to doers who implement the action steps of multiplying. It’s tempting to read about strategies, practices, and habits, say, “OK, I’ve got this.” Then, never do anything about it. At its core, implementing these life practices and strategies isn’t about knowing something; it’s about life. It’s living the Bible among those who don’t. It’s a set of principles and practices that, when implemented across the board (in a context being blessed by the Spirit of God) fosters the creation and sustaining of a reprisal of the book of Acts all over again in our own day-to-day lives.
I think that all of us who have accepted Christ should be content with no less.
Do you want to start multiplying, but don’t know where to start? We suggest Zume as a starting point (it’s online and totally free).
Do you think God is calling you to multiply disciples cross-culturally? We’d love to talk with you and help you get started in full-time mission work, an apprenticeship with an established team, or a summer missions internship. Contact us and let’s start a conversation!
