154. The Soil of Movements

In this episode, Dave once again shares at our Launch 25 gathering, this time focusing on the ‘soil’ from which God births movements—the importance of movement values and our personal calling from God.

Vision – where movements always start

To begin, reflecting on movements seen in hard-to-reach areas, Dave invites an 81-year-old seasoned movement leader (unnamed for security reasons) to share his powerful experience of seeing over 40,000 churches planted across unreached regions of India. This unnamed movement leader highlights the first key characteristic of movement – a clear God-given vision. This vision begins with a personal encounter with God and the recognition that every aspect of life must be viewed from a kingdom perspective.

Other movement values

Dave then dives into the DNA of movements, such as rapid multiplication, leadership development, and the central role of prayer. Dave reflects on the example of David Watson in India, where movements started in historically unreached states, and how the Discovery Bible Study became a tool for leaders to explore God’s word together.

• Calling: Movements start with a personal call from God, as seen in the story of a leader in India who, after a deep personal encounter with God, saw over 100,000 churches planted through a group of men in a slum.

• Team: Movements thrive when they work in teams, emphasising collaboration over individual leadership.

• Multiplication: Rapid multiplication is key at all levels—churches, disciples, and leaders.

• Prayer: Passionate, abundant prayer is foundational. Movements in India didn’t break through until 100,000 people were praying for them.

• Obedience-Driven Discipleship: Movements emphasise obedience to God’s Word, which leads to personal and collective transformation.

• Gift-Based Leadership: Leadership is function-based, not positional, empowering everyone to contribute according to their gifts.

• Access Ministries: Creative approaches are used to access communities and meet needs in meaningful ways.

The Three Worlds of Mission

Dave breaks down the three primary worlds where mission takes place:

1. The Unreached World: Places like India, China, and Muslim regions where movements are taking root.

2. The Christian World: Countries like Uganda, PNG, and Russia, where resistance often comes from established church systems.

3. The Post-Christian World: Western nations (e.g. Europe, Australia), where mission work is harder due to secularism and cultural shifts.

Three fundamental core values of movements

1. The Spirit: Movements are works of the Holy Spirit. We can’t take credit for movements. It’s all the Spirit turning up and working in people’s lives.

2. The Word of God: The Word is number one. It isn’t a commodity and we can’t slice and dice it. Jesus himself is the Word and He spoke about it being planted in us (Parable of the Sower). We are transformed if we respond in obedience to God’s Word.

3. Mission: If you follow Jesus, you’re on mission. Jesus is God’s mission and we find ourselves following him to the lost and broken.

The DMM Wheel

Dave shares about Pray, Go, Disciple and Multiply – what he calls the ‘DMM Wheel’ which has been a helpful framework for walking out the essential values of movement.

Personal Challenge

Dave encourages us to examine our own hearts and consider the soil of our lives. How is God calling you, and what are the obstacles or distractions that may prevent you from following His call?

The episode ends with a challenge to persevere in the race God has set before us, emphasising the importance of mentorship and being shaped by God’s heart through prayer and obedience.

May this talk encourage you to reflect on the deeper aspects of your heart as God invites us to join Him in bringing movements to life!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:39 — 19.0MB)

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