The Visible and Invisible Church: How Movements Actually Grow

Key takeaways

Church leaders feeling an ache for more may be led by the Holy Spirit to seek multiplication and growth.
The current church landscape is not failing in faithfulness, but it lacks an effective formation system for developing disciple-makers.
A dual operating system is crucial for churches: a visible aspect of Sunday gatherings and an invisible aspect of disciple-making.
Leaders can initiate multiplication without needing to dismantle existing structures by focusing on small group training.
Healthy movements can arise when the church honors both its gathered and sent purposes.

Summary

The Unmet Longing for Multiplication in the Church

In this episode, Josh Howard speaks directly to church leaders feeling a deep, unexplainable ache for more in their ministry. He emphasizes that this feeling isn't discontent or rebellion but a longing for a church experience akin to that described in the Book of Acts. Many leaders express gratitude for their communities, yet they sense something essential is missing. Instead of dismissing these feelings, Howard suggests that they represent a divine reminder of the church's intended design for multiplication and growth.

The Challenge of Modern Church Structures

Howard highlights the tension between the faithful service observed in present-day churches and the powerful, multiplying movements detailed in the New Testament. He discusses the distinction between traditional ministry, characterized by a few individuals doing the majority of the work, versus movements where many contribute to the mission simultaneously. He stresses that current issues do not stem from a lack of faithfulness but from a lack of effective systems for cultivating disciple-makers.

Recognizing the Need for a Dual Operating System

Drawing on historical figures like John Wesley and the Moravians, Howard introduces the concept of a 'dual operating system' for churches. He argues that churches need both a visible aspect, consisting of Sunday gatherings, and an invisible aspect that nurtures disciple-making relationships, prayer, and mission work. Both systems must coexist, allowing the church to flourish as it gathers and scatters.

Starting Movements Without Destruction

Howard encourages pastors and church leaders to not feel pressured to abandon their work but instead to integrate disciple-making initiatives into their existing church frameworks. He advocates for starting small, by identifying a handful of people to learn how to make disciples. He underscores the importance of relationships and organic growth, highlighting how movements can start without grand announcements or structural changes.

Embracing a Vision for Growth that Honors the Church

Finally, Howard calls on listeners to embrace the call to build healthy movements that honor the church's existing structure and community. He reiterates the vital role of leaders who actively create space for faithful reproduction of discipleship within their ministries, citing the incredible potential for growth when both systems, visible and invisible, are integrated.

Show notes

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In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard addresses church leaders who feel a deep, unexplainable ache for more within the church. He explores the tension between the current church structure and the dynamic, multiplying church described in the Book of Acts. Howard argues for a 'dual operating system' church that integrates both visible Sunday gatherings and an invisible system of disciple-making relationships, prayer, and missionary work. Drawing on historical examples like John Wesley and the Moravian Church, he emphasizes the need for dual engines to fuel both gathering and scattering, formation and multiplication. Howard calls on leaders to start small, embrace disciple-making, and reinvigorate the church by embedding New Testament principles into its structure, all while maintaining unity and honoring existing church frameworks.