Misfits and Movement Makers

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History has often revealed today’s misfits are tomorrow’s movement makers. This is not an absolute, as if renegades by definition accomplish great things in the Kingdom. Some misfits are beyond the pale and deviate from biblical truth (e.g. Joseph Smith). History is filled with these, too.

I am not thinking about them today. I am considering those whose faithfulness to biblical orthodoxy is unquestioned but their methodology is held suspect by the guardians of the status quo.

I’m thinking of the Patricks, Protestant Reformers, Speners, early Moravians, Whitefields, Wesleys, Asburys, Edwardses, Brainerds, Careys, Moodys, Allens, Grahams, McGavrans, Heiberts, etc., etc., etc. (I know, I omitted a great deal).

Funny thing about these innovators and provocateurs, their misfit-ness got them into trouble. They did not always receive accolades. However, some engaging in Kingdom mischief eventually found respect, became followed by many, and even changed paradigms. Now, many of us view their methods as status quo, irrelevant, and out-of-date. We still learn from them, but what was strange and questionable yesteryear is now unquestioned.

This is not a call to unrestricted methodology and strategy. History is also filled with misfits who could pass Bible and theology exams, but advocated unwise and unethical practices. For example, we do not have to look too far into the wells of colonialism and pragmatism to find endeavors governed more by the counsel of capitalism than Kingdom stewardship.

Over the years, I have researched misfits and have been able to walk this pilgrimage with some of them. They cannot be managed, so do not try. Lead them. Mentor them. Provide them with wisdom. Show them how to walk with the Spirit, hide God’s Word in their hearts, pray without ceasing, share the gospel with intentionality, and teach others to obey all that Jesus commanded.

If Jesus is building His Church, then we should expect change to the status quo. Construction and building sites are always changing. If we are filled with the dynamic Spirit, then we should expect change to the status quo. Consider Luke’s pneumatology in Acts as an example.

The next time we are provoked by a Kingdom misfit ask:

“Am I offended because biblical truth is being discarded or because my cultural comforts are compromised?”

“Am I offended because wise methods are being scrapped or because someone is working toward a more excellent, albeit peculiar, way?”

“Am I offended because godly discernment is being neglected or because they are doing something different (better?) than me?

Many of us are where we are today because Kingdom misfits engaged in Kingdom mischief that resulted in mission advancement.

Today’s misfits are tomorrow’s movement makers.

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These concepts and ideas often are related to innovation. If you are interested, check out my video “Thoughts on Kingdom Innovation.”