Change the Atmosphere, Change the Culture
Yesterday, in Alpharetta, Georgia, Dr. Ed Stetzer spoke to the leadership of the North American Mission Board. While I was in Louisville and unable to be present, I caught a tweet that @NAMB_SBC attributed to Stetzer: "Creating a culture of multiplication is one of the hardest things we have to do as a denomination." I agree with Ed. Unfortunately, I was not able to hear his presentation, but I am sure it was great.
His is an excellent statement, and one which I want to use as a springboard for today's post.
In order for most denominations, networks, and churches in the the West to create a culture of multiplication, they need to experience an atmospheric shift.
What is an atmospheric shift? It is a change in the ethos of the group. It is a change in the things that are prized, rewarded, expected, encouraged, and emphasized.
For the past ten years, I have spoken and written extensively about at least three necessary changes in order to experience the desired atmospheric shift. Since this has been published in my articles, books, and several places on this blog (just search the blog using the keyword "shift"), I will not describe these again here, other than to say the shifts required are at least ecclesiological, methodological, and strategic.
We must remember that as goes our theology, so goes our missiology, and as go our church planting methods in the field. So, yes, your church, district, network, and denominational leaders need to be outstanding missiologists but also outstanding theologians. One without the other is a detriment to the task at hand.
So, lets work it in reverse: Our missionary methods applied to the field come from our missiology. Our missiology comes from our theology. Recognizing that no multiplication of disciples, leaders, and churches happens apart from the sovereign work of the Spirit, let's ask ourselves some questions based on working in reverse:
If we desire multiplication, will our present evangelistic, discipleship, and church planting methods get us there? If not, why not? Is something wrong with our missiology (e.g., understanding of missions)?
If there is something problematic with our understanding of missions, is this related to our theology? If so, what area or areas? Is it a Christological issue? An ecclesiological issue? Some other issue? Remember, being theologically conservative and biblically correct are not always the same thing.
As a leaders in your district, denomination, network, and/or church, I would ask you to consider prayerfully thinking through these issues.
If leaders do not take responsibility and lead--especially when it comes to changing the culture--then it is not likely to happen. If the change does not take place in your heart, mind, speech, and actions, then is it not likely to occur among those you lead.
Change the atmosphere, change the culture.
What are your thoughts on these matters? Do you think an atmospheric shift is needed to begin the cultural shift? Do you think problems are related to theological, missiological, and/or methodological issues? Maybe I am not asking the right questions? If not, what questions should we be asking?