45 Degrees Part 2

Key takeaways

Churches need to implement 45-degree shifts from addition to multiplication for greater kingdom impact.
Transitioning from consumers to missionaries is crucial for true discipleship.
All believers must recognize their calling to be active participants in ministry, moving away from the professional clergy model.
Focus on controllable metrics rather than uncontrollable aspects for more effective growth.
Church growth should shift toward a mindset of expanding the kingdom.

Summary

Introduction to 45 Degree Shifts

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard revisits the concept of 45 degree shifts that churches need to implement to transition from addition to multiplication. He emphasizes that seemingly small adjustments can lead to exponentially larger impacts, utilizing the analogy that a 45-degree orientation change can transform addition into multiplication. Howard encourages listeners to grasp these principles for significant kingdom advancement.

Shift 5: From Consumers to Missionaries

The fifth shift discussed is moving from creating church consumers to cultivating missionaries. Howard highlights how traditional discipleship often breeds consumerism, where people attend church seeking personal gain rather than embracing their role in the mission of the church. He shares transformative stories, including a poignant moment with new believers in India who live out their faith with a focus on spreading the gospel, highlighting the importance of identity in mission—where every believer is called to be an ambassador and missionary.

Shift 6: From Professionals to the Priesthood of All Believers

In the sixth shift, Howard discusses the need to transition from a model of professional clergy performing all ministry work to empowering a priesthood of all believers. He critiques the conventional structure where church leaders are seen as the only ministers, advocating instead for a model where church leaders mentor and equip every member to take an active role in ministry, likening their role to player-coaches who inspire and mobilize the congregation.

Shift 7: From Tracking Uncontrollables to Controllables

Howard mentions that the seventh shift involves reassessing what metrics churches focus on. Instead of getting caught up in uncontrollable factors, churches should concentrate on what they can influence directly to promote growth and multiplication.

Shift 8: From Church Growth to Kingdom Expansion

The episode wraps up with the eighth shift, stressing the importance of shifting from a mere 'church growth' mindset to one of 'kingdom expansion.' This reflects the broader mission that extends beyond the walls of the church, encouraging churches to impact communities and cultures significantly.

Show notes

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/

Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/

45 Degree Shifts: From Addition to Multiplication in Church Growth - Part 2

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard delves into four additional key shifts that churches need to make to move from addition to multiplication. Josh explores the transition from creating consumers to forming missionaries, empowering the priesthood of all believers, focusing on controllables over uncontrollables in metrics, and shifting from a church growth mindset to kingdom expansion. Using principles, stories, and practical examples, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to make a lasting impact for the Kingdom. Tune in to learn how small 45 degree shifts can lead to exponential growth and transformation.

00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:49 Shift 5: From Consumers to Missionaries 06:56 Shift 6: From Professionals to the Priesthood of All Believers 12:27 Shift 7: From Tracking Uncontrollables to Controllables 19:09 Shift 8: From Church Growth to Kingdom Expansion 22:29 Conclusion and Call to Action