Recommitting to the Harvest

Becoming a Transformational and Multiplying Church

Stewardship is for both disciple and church -

individual and corporate.

Matthew 25:29 “To those who use well what they are

given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But, from those

who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” (NLT).

Sardis and Philadelphia had little (life and

energy). Their stewardship determined

their reward. Laodicea had much. Their stewardship

reflected their reward as well. (Revelation

3).

Transformational and multiplying churches are

maximizing stewards of what God has

given.

They see transformation taking place on at least four levels :

• from animosity or indifference to openness and interest

• from death to life (conversion)

• from observer to participant

• from passionate disciple to passionate disciple maker

The result is multiplication.

Transformational and multiplying churches get more people in the game, rely more on the Holy Spirit and take seriously their call to reach the world for Jesus.

Some visible differences between transformational and multiplying churches; and those that are not transformational or multiplying …

Transformational Multiplying Church

Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church

Unity Disunity or casual commonality

Engaging and compelling love Fondness or appreciation

“Cannot-help-it”; sharing, loving, giving (Acts 4:20; 1 Thes. 3:12; Luke 6:38)

“Hard-to-do-it”; sharing, loving, giving

Transformational Multiplying Church

Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church

Practice all “one anothers” Practice some “one anothers”

Enthusiastic and excited A contagious buzz

Civil and friendly A polite community

Outside ministry celebrated and promoted most

Inside ministry celebrated and promoted most

Pray with Pray for

Most prayer is spontaneous Most prayer is planned

Little time with prayer request Much time in prayer

Much time with prayer request Little time in prayer

Transformational Multiplying Church

Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church

Leaders engaged in community Leaders focused on church

Teams and interdependence Individuals and independence

Pre-Christian groups using facilities

Only Christian groups using facilities

Bible application stressed Bible study stressed

Passion highest for Jesus and people

Passion highest for vision or program

Transformational Multiplying Church

Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church

Most people can answer, “Who are you reaching?”

Faith activity is prevalent

Ministry based training, “how to live and do”

Obedience is an end Obedience is a means to an end

Few people can answer, “Who are you reaching?”

Faith activity is rare

Include many in significant ministry

Include few in significant ministry

Academic/intellectual based training, “how to think and know”

Transformational Multiplying Church

Non-transformational Non-multiplying Church

Preaching and teaching is true, relevant, interesting, clear and applicable

Preaching and teaching is correct, cliché, manipulative, disingenuous or uninspired