Copyright © 2021 by the Great Commandment Network
www.greatcommandment.net
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written
permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
The events and conversations in this book have been set down to the best of the author’s ability,
although some names and details may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
First paperback edition 06/2021
Content by David Ferguson
Book design by Jon Morris
Edited by Terri Snead, Kay Horner, and Kellie Loehr
Illustrations copyright © 2021 by the Great Commandment Network
Cover design by Jon Morris
Published by Relationship Press Publishing
www.relationshippress.com
Introduction
If you are concerned about DISCIPLESHIP IS GOD’S ULTIMATE UPSTREAM STRATEGY
present “symptoms” of love
“growing cold” in our world, “And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised,
then imagine a different saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the
world as followers of Jesus heaven.’ This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing
make disciples, who make of those things which can be shaken, as of created things,
disciples, who make disciples! so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain”
(Hebrews 12:26–27).
God is shaking both our MESSAGE and our METHODS as He
reshapes how we present Christ in a twenty-first century world.
From this shaking, what will remain will be followers of Jesus:
n Returning to the simple message of your call to love (Call2Love)
through Great Commission living empowered by Great
Commandment love (Matthew 28:19–20; 22:37–40) AND…
n Restoring the life-transforming Acts 2 methods of fellowship,
discipleship, worship, ministry, and evangelism (Acts 2:42–47).
THE WHY BEHIND THE 12-SESSION IMAGINE
EXPERIENTIAL SMALL GROUP RESOURCES
“Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the
wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are
ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are
preserved” (Matthew 9:17).
The fresh message (wine) of the gospel could not be
constrained by the old methods (wineskins) of Judaism.
In a similar way, returning to the fresh message of Great
Commandment/Great Commission living will reshape how
we live out the gospel in our churches, in the marketplace, in
our communities, and beyond.
n Simply stated, the unbelieving world is not primarily attracted or
repelled by the validity or truthfulness of our message but by the
way in which our message is being lived out and expressed.
n Particularly, in our twenty-first century, post-modern world,
unbelievers do not seem to be asking, “Is the Bible true?” but
rather, “If the Bible is true, so what?”
n A relevant gospel for the future provides the answers to these
“so what?” questions.
n Unbelievers may attend our events or benefit from our services,
but their ultimate response to us and to the gospel will largely be
shaped by the Jesus followers and faith culture they encounter.
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“Jesus said to them, ‘For a In short, the big WHY behind this Imagine series is to return
little while longer the Light to the first-century message and methods which turned the
is among you. Walk while world upside down! (Acts 17:6)
you have the Light, so that
darkness will not overtake WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THE IMAGINE
you; he who walks in the EXPERIENTIAL SMALL GROUP RESOURCES
darkness does not know
where he goes’” (John 12:35). n Each of the 12 volumes has a focus on one transformational Great
Commandment/Great Commission principle, such as Imagine Loving
the Real God or Imagine Real People Being Real.
n Six, video-assisted sessions in each volume guide
participants through discussions, experiences, and
actionable strategies designed to reshape how we
express Christ and the gospel to those around us.
The Imagine resources are designed to foster a Spirit-
empowered faith.
This framework for spiritual growth has been drawn from a
cluster analysis of several Greek and Hebrew words, which
declare that Christ’s followers are to be equipped for works
of ministry or service (Ephesians 4:12). Therefore, within the
Imagine resources you’ll find specific exercises that are
designed and organized around four themes.
A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED DISCIPLE LIVING OUT THEIR CALL TO
LOVE WILL FULFILL A LIFE PURPOSE CHARACTERIZED BY:
n A CALL 2 LOVE the LORD (Acts 13:2)—Exercises designed to
strengthen this area of spiritual growth are marked L1–L10 in
the resources.
n A CALL 2 LIVE the WORD (Acts 6:4)—Exercises for building this
aspect of spiritual growth are marked W1–W10 in the resources.
n A CALL 2 LOVE PEOPLE (Galatians 5:13)—Exercises intended to
equip this area of growth are marked P1–P10 in the resources.
n A CALL 2 LIVE His MISSION (2 Corinthians 5:18)—Exercises
provided to strengthen this area of growth are marked M1–M10
in the resources.
(See Appendix for a more detailed explanation.)
For God to do His necessary work in our lives, we must
experience the Holy Spirit’s transforming work through God’s
Word, His Son, and His people. In each of our sessions together,
we will pause to reflect on our own experiences with each of
these three sources of God’s light.
n Encounter Jesus: Instead of just learning about Jesus, we will
come to more deeply know Him and love Him. (John 8:12)
n Experience Scripture: Rather than merely learning about what
the Bible says, we actually “do it.” (Psalm 119:105)
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n Engage Fellowship: We will not simply gather together with
God’s people but will interact and respond to one another in
meaningful ways. (Matthew 5:14)
HOW TO USE THE IMAGINE EXPERIENTIAL SMALL
GROUP RESOURCES
n Watch the course videos and follow along in the accompanied
interactive PDF manual. There will be experientials to process
and opportunities to take notes about what you are learning.
You will also find supplemental videos throughout the manual.
These can be accessed by clicking on the video links if viewing
the manual digitally or scanning the QR codes if you have a
printed manual. This ensures each participant is equipped to
lead others through these same principles and experiences—
thus helping make disciples who make disciples.
For example, a lead pastor can lead a ministry team through
each of the six sessions, and then each team member is
equipped to facilitate or lead their teams through the content.
n Each of the six sessions can be effectively covered in 45–60
minutes, plus any discussion time afterwards.
Several formats have proven effective to engage the six
sessions, including:
n Weekly, monthly, or bimonthly sessions—for maximum impact,
consider leading a team through each session. These team
members will then lead their teams through this same content
before returning for the next session. Participants tend to be
much more engaged when they plan to pass it along to others!
n A retreat format of six hours can provide a more immersed experience.
Flexible engagement of the video content:
n Each Imagine session is made available to the facilitator in a
digital format with embedded video content.
n The facilitator can print copies of the material for each of the
sessions for each participant, including a QR code (for both
iPhone® and Android®) so that each participant has
access to the video content.
n Watch the video content together and experience the
principles as a team, OR …
n Have each participant watch the video “on their own,” note
their reflections, and then come together for discussion and
experiencing the principle.
n Participants who miss a session can easily “catch up” since they
have access to each session’s video content and exercises.
n The Imagine resource collection is also being used in support of
a church mentoring initiative, entitled Called 2 Love Through
the Acts 2 Journey,® whose goal is to take any church to the
next level and plant churches that last.
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The Goal of the Imagine Courses
The goal of this cutting-edge resource design is to facilitate
disciples making disciples so that each participant is both
personally experiencing these Great Commandment/Great
Commission principles but also becoming adequate, motivated,
and empowered to reproduce them as others to do the same.
THE Called 2 Love / Acts 2 Journey
n An 18–24-month-long process of discovery, discernment, and
development that builds on the strengths of a congregation to learn
from the past and envision the future
n Includes in-depth training, coaching, leadership development,
relational connecting, and peer learning
n Empowers congregations to rediscover their purpose and
continue to engage in a transformative process that allows them
to reach their maximum potential
Most church health experts derive five functions, practiced
by the first-century church, from Acts 2:42–47: fellowship,
discipleship, worship, ministry, and evangelism.
The following graphic shows a model for taking any church to
the next level.
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IMagine
The Journey from
Institutional to Missional Church
Life and Ministry
Empowered by Gratitude
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IMagine
Disrupting Church as “Usual”
“This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things
which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which
cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:27).
Disruption is hard because disruption is inconvenient. It’s far easier to keep doing what you’re doing,
hoping for better results, or going back to normal as quickly as possible to regain what you’ve lost.
Disruption reveals leaders who are frozen in the past, leaders who are reluctant to change any more than
they have to, and the agile, creative leaders who gratefully embrace change.
The good news is that leaders who embrace change, who find energy, passion, and time to keep
pivoting, will likely result in advancing their mission in the future.
DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM
Signs of institutional church:
1. Aging churches and denominations
2. Unreached next generations
3. Irrelevant to our neighbors
4. Entertainment seeking members becoming spectators and
consumers rather than ministers and servants
5. Church identity perceived as negative
Institutional religion Missional ministry
Whose “ministry” is it? “…for the equipping of
the saints for the work of
Your church might be service, to the building
institutional if… up of the body of Christ”
n Life and ministry are (Ephesians 4:12).
Great Commission living
motivated by tradition, empowered by Great
duty, obligation, and Commandment love
not gratitude. Leads to THRIVING
n Members are serving churches transforming
the church’s vision. communities
“Its just the way we
have always done it; it’s
what’s expected.”
n It has become inward
focused—and not
outward focused.
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GOD IS SHAKING BOTH OUR MESSAGE AND OUR
METHODS AS HE RESHAPES HOW WE PRESENT CHRIST IN
A TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WORLD.
From this shaking, what will remain will be followers of Jesus:
n Returning to the simple message of your call to love (Call2Love)
through Great Commission living empowered by Great
Commandment love (Matt. 28:19–20, 22:37–40) AND…
n Restoring the life-transforming Acts 2 methods of fellowship,
discipleship, worship, ministry, and evangelism (Acts 2:42–47).
To watch an extended cut of Notes and Reflections from the Video
this portion of the content n Being intentional to cultivate gratitude
scan this QR code _________________________________________________________
or CLICK HERE. _________________________________________________________
“Eighty percent of _________________________________________________________
evangelicals think the primary _________________________________________________________
purpose of church is for their n Gratitude vs. Entitlement
personal comfort and care.” – _________________________________________________________
Alton Garrison (Kent Hunter) _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
RELATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP _________________________________________________________
Click here to order or go to: n Who we are in Christ? Ephesians 1:3–4
greatcommandment.net/resources _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
n Gratitude in the early church: Acts 2:45; Luke 24:49; Matthew 10:8
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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ENCOUNTER JESUS: [ [PAUSE NOW AND
DISCUSS
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all Cultivate gratitude in your relationship with God, being mindful to
the earth. Serve the Lord with meditate and prayerfully respond:
gladness; Come before Him n Express gratitude for who He is.
with joyful singing. Know that
the Lord Himself is God; It is He “Know that the Lord Himself is God” (Psalm 100: 3a).
who has made us, and not we n Express gratitude for who you are.
ourselves; We are His people and
the sheep of His pasture. Enter “We are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100: 3b).
His gates with thanksgiving n Express gratitude for His lovingkindness.
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His “For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalm 100: 5a).
name. For the Lord is good; His n Express gratitude for His faithfulness.
lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all “And His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100: 5b). Consider
generations” (Psalm 100:1–5). what deepened work of gratitude the Spirit might want for your
“The Father has an intense life. Has your heart lost the grateful wonder of being a child of
love for me because I freely God? Quietly listen for His voice as He speaks into your life: “You
give my own life—to raise it are My beloved! I can’t wait to share the day with you!”
up again” (John 10:17 TPT).
Consider Christ’s cry to His Father from the cross: “My God, my
God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Why did Christ
become sin? Even more personally, for whom did He do it? Who will
benefit from His resurrection?
If He did not need to die for Quietly listen to His Spirit whisper the words to your soul: “He did it for
any other person in the whole you!” The One who knew no sin became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). If He did
world, He would have died for not need to die for any other person in the whole world, He would have
you—and He did die for you died for you, and He did die for you so that you might embrace and live
so that you might embrace out your identity as “the disciple Jesus loves.”
and live out your identity as Allow yourself to respond to this glorious truth. He was raised for you!
“the disciple Jesus loves.”
L4. Rejoicing regularly in my Meditate on the thought, or even whisper the words, “He did it for me.”
Is your heart moved with wonder, humility, and joy? Does gratitude
identity as “His beloved” and praise fill your soul? Does calling and yieldedness grip you?
Now share your heart with Jesus. Give thanks for His initiative in
manifesting His glory and presence to you. He laid down His life—
and took it up again—for you!
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that ____________________________.
Revive me and send me with a new identity empowered by gratitude.
Imagine, not only your life empowered by gratitude but also your
ministry! Take a minute to reflect on all that the Lord has already
done—allow your faith to be prompted for the future.
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IMagine
Building a Journal of Remembrance
“…these stones shall become a “Joshua said to them, ‘Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God
memorial to the sons of Israel into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his
forever” (Joshua 4:7). shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel.
Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later,
Stones of Remembrance saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to
M6. Bearing witness of a them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of
the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the
confident peace and Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the
expectant hope in God’s sons of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:5–7).
Lordship in all things
Reflecting often on how God has led you in the past provides
insight, faith, and grateful empowerment for your future.
Imagine building a collection of key remembrances from your life
that you might write in a journal or, in some other way, provide
focused attention on some of your life’s high points.
As you reflect on your life celebrations, what things would you write to
start a journal of remembrance? Sharing these
remembrances can stir our hearts with gratitude, prompting a more
grateful attitude, and empowering ministry with added care for others.
A celebration or high point in your life which was life-shaping:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
A person who was especially involved in shaping/guiding your life:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
A challenging, painful time that turned into a blessing:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
An opportunity or open door which was life-changing:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Something you once resisted or avoided that has now become a
blessing: ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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IMagine
When Obedience Is Not Enough
Do we hope for just “As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met
compliant believers or Him; and they raised their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on
grateful, faithful followers? us!’ When He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the
priests.’ And as they were going, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:12–14).
Ten men—their flesh rotting, extremities gone—outcasts of society,
they were forced to identify their own contagious condition by
crying, “Unclean, unclean.” Isolated from loved ones, they were
united by a common plague—leprosy.
Word had spread, even to the leper colony, about a young Jewish
man, named Jesus. With tenderness and compassion, He was
healing those who would call upon His name. So, in their
desperation, they cried out. But instead of crying “Unclean, unclean,”
they cried, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” and He did.
His instructions: “Go show yourself to the priest.” And as they went,
they were healed. They obeyed—not only the direct command of
Jesus but also the laws of purification as stated in the Mosaic law.
“Be glad in the Lord and As their skin became pure, multiple emotions flooded their
rejoice, you righteous ones; hearts: bewilderment, ecstasy, hope. But in one man’s heart, the
And shout for joy, all you who overwhelming sentiment was gratefulness.
are upright in heart” He reversed his direction, ran back to Jesus, fell at His feet, and
(Psalm 32:11). with a loud voice, praised and thanked the One who had made
Joy is found in the him whole. The priests were always on call at the synagogue, and
disciplines of well-being— there would be ample time later to be declared pure. But at this
beginning with gratitude. particular moment, his heart was fixed on one thing—saying thanks,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is expressing gratitude to Jesus.
love, joy, peace, patience, Did Jesus reprimand him for not completing His instructions? No. He
kindness, goodness, received the man’s praise and even voiced disappointment that the
faithfulness, gentleness, self- other nine did not follow suit.
control; against such things Clearly, it seems that overwhelming gratitude prompted this one leper,
there is no law” and he could not take one more step away from Jesus. He had to return!
(Galatians 5:22–23). Consider the words of Jesus—”Were there not ten cleansed? But the
“I have no greater joy than nine—where are they?” (Luke 17:17).
this, to hear of my children
walking in the truth”
(3 John 1:4).
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EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE: [ [PAUSE NOW AND
DISCUSS
W1. Frequently being led by Consider the words of Jesus—“Were there not ten cleansed? But the
the Spirit into deeper love nine—where are they?” (Luke 17:17).
for the One who wrote The sorrow of His heart is asking “Why are the other nine not here
the Word giving thanks?”
Allow your heart to “fellowship with His suffering” (Philippians 3:10).
The Savior, who will suffer at the cross, the Great High Priest, is now
saddened and disappointed.
Now this One, who is acquainted with sorrow and grief (Isaiah 53), is
sorrowed even more deeply. “Was no one found who returned to give
glory to God except this foreigner [Samaritan]” (Luke 17:18).
Even the remaining, nine, Jewish lepers don’t really get it! It’s yet
another time that He has “come to His own, and they received Him not“
(John 1:11).
Take a moment to pray.
Respond to the heart of Jesus, “who can sympathize” (Hebrews 4:15),
by expressing your compassion and gratitude.
Lord Jesus, as I reflect on Your sorrow, my heart is moved with _______.
Jesus, when You look around for those who are giving thanks, I never
want You to have to ask, where is ______________________________
because I am grateful for ____________________________________.
Now share your experience of being mindful of Jesus in meditation
and prayer with your team.
My time with Jesus was ____________________________________.
I was reminded of special gratitude for ________________________.
Gratitude practice can be a
catalyzing and relationally
healing force, often untapped
in clinical practice.
Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., &
Emmons, R. A. (2008).
“Counting blessings in early
adolescents: An experimental
study of gratitude and
subjective well-being.”
Journal of School Psychology,
46(2), 213-233. doi:10.1016/j.
jsp.2007.03.005
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IMagine
The Journey from
Institutional to Missional Church
Introduction to
Whole-life Discipleship
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IMagine
Disrupting Church as “Usual”
“This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created
things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:27).
Institutional religion Missional ministry
Whose “ministry” is it? “…for the equipping of
the saints for the work of
Your church might be service, to the building
institutional if… up of the body of Christ”
n The Bible is preached (Ephesians 4:12).
Great Commission living
and taught but not empowered by Great
actually experienced. Commandment love
n Prioritizing space to Leads to THRIVING
actually do the Bible churches transforming
does not typically fit into communities
the order of the service
or other gatherings.
“Believing right and behaving
right are the only priorities”
(see Matthew 22:40).
EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE: Meditate on the six scriptures below and listen for the Spirit’s
leadership. Prayerfully reflect on which one you might need to
“And the sheep hear His voice” experience more often in your own life and relationships.
(John 10:3). n “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
n “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).
Mediate quietly on Jesus as n “Confess your sins to each other” (James 5:16).
the great Shepherd “sowing” n “Forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
the truth in your heart. “Lord n “Speaking the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).
Jesus, what truth from Your n “Let no unwholesome words come out of your mouth but only such
Word might You desire for
me to more often experience? words that edify/buildup” (Ephesians 4:29).
Speak, Lord; I am listening” I sense it would be important for me to more often experience (which
(1 Samuel 3:8–9). scripture) from above, (or other scripture) _______________________.
Take time to reflect on this one verse. Pray together with a partner or
W3. Yielding to small group. Ask Jesus to make this verse more true of who you are
the Scripture’s and empower you to do the Bible.
protective cautions
and transforming
power to bring life
change in me
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IMagine
Whole-life Discipleship
“…The thief comes only to In Whole-life Discipleship, the focus of John 10:10 broadens from
steal and kill and destroy; I only focusing on faith to including other dimensions of abundant
came so that they would have life or flourishing such as:
life, and have it abundantly”
(John 10:10). FAITH
L2. Listening to and hearing God for direction and discernment
(1 Samuel 3:9), (Luke 10:39), (Genesis 18:17), (1 John 2:27).
L3. Experiencing God as He really is through deepened intimacy
with Him (Deuteronomy 6:4–5), (Isaiah 30:18), (John 14:9).
L5. Living with a passionate longing for purity and to please Him in
all things (Psalm 24:3), (2 Corinthians 7:1), (John 8:29), (Job 13:15).
L7. Entering often into Spirit-led praise and worship (Psalm
103:1), (Psalm 2:11), (Matthew 11:25).
L8. Disciplined, bold, and believing prayer (Ephesians 6:18),
(Jeremiah 33:3), (1 John 5:14–15).
W1. Frequently being led by the Spirit into deeper love for the
One who wrote the Word (Matthew 22:37–40), (Psalm 119:47),
(Psalm 19:9–10).
W5. Meditating consistently on more and more of the Word
hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:12), (Psalm 19:14).
W6. Encountering Jesus in the Word for deepened transformation
in Christ-likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), (John 15:7), (Luke 24:32),
(Psalm 119:136), (2 Corinthians 1:20).
RELATIONSHIPS
WELLNESS
VOCATION
FINANCES
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IMagine
Cultivating Gratitude as Motivation
How might actually CHURCH AS UNUSUAL: TEN KEYS OF MOTIVATION
experiencing Bible verses Motivation in times of rapid change, high stress, and uncertainty
prompt gratitude and help is critical to leading your fellowship into Church as unUsual. The
bring you additional freedom creative leader’s motto in such times is “pivot, don’t panic.” Fear,
to lead? however, is a powerful human motivator causing us instinctively to
“There is no fear in love; freeze, to do nothing, to move slowly, or to not move at all.
but perfect love casts out How do creative leaders lead others through such turbulent times?
fear, because fear involves They increase CARE and FEAR decreases!
punishment, and the one God’s love expressed through us is stronger than fear’s grip, which
who fears is not perfected in can be displaced by prompting grateful motivation among those
love. We love, because He first who lead. Human’s are hard-wired for relationships, and motivation,
loved us” (1 John 4:18–19). hope, and faith increase with increased care.
“For the love of Christ controls us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Caring-connections can…
n Reduce fear since we are less alone when facing uncertainty.
n Revitalize faith as both God and others believe in us.
n Motivate hope-filled action as we shift our focus off ourselves
and refocus on God’s envisioned future.
How do I know how best to care?
Since creative leading is so important in stress-filled, uncertain
times, how do I know how best to express care to family, friends, and
others? Each person seems to be relationally motivated in unique
and different ways.
For example, some of us are motivated by…
n Being reminded of the goal and urged on toward it.
n Someone’s commitment to face the unknown with us.
n Affirmation of our demonstrated endurance, determination, or
creative potentials.
n Being reassured of caring acceptance even if we fail.
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Invest in relationships! CHURCH AS UNUSUAL: MOTIVATION KEYS CHECK-IN
– Gratitude for people investing These questions are designed for you to explore how you are
in my life stimulates motivation uniquely, best motivated and to equip you to explore the same
to grow, change, and move with others.
forward in faith. As you consider each question see if you can identify no more than
two where you can answer, “This is me!”
Share your two responses I’m positively and gratefully motivated when someone
among your team, making important in my life…
note of each team member’s 1. Provides personal thanks and celebrates my successes,
responses, and take this
opportunity to increase your affirms my progress, contributions, and accomplishments.
intentional care toward each of These could be given one-on-one, in a group, in person, or in writing.
them, believing God as you live 2. Makes time for me.
out 1 Peter 1:22–23 (NLT): They relationally connect with me, so I am known by others. This
fuels my contributions and performance.
“Love each other deeply with all 3. Genuinely cares about our relationship.
your heart. For you have been Sensing another person’s genuine care and love for me energizes
born again, but not to a life my contributions and performance.
that will quickly end. Your new 4. Gives me the freedom to be myself.
life will last forever because it When someone values my unique contributions as a person, it
comes from the eternal, living energizes my desire to contribute because I am confident that in
word of God.” spite of the outcome, I’ll still be valued as me.
As others share their preferences 5. Acknowledges my uniqueness and affirms my strengths.
with you, take notes of each When others look beyond my skills and performance to celebrate my
person’s response. During the next character strengths, they communicate that I am valued for who I am
few weeks, intentionally focus as a person.
on giving care uniquely to these 6. Involves me and includes me in decisions.
motivation keys. It motivates me when they are open to my opinions and value my
Who is best motivated by. . .? unique contributions and when they give me acknowledgement
________________________ and ownership of my contributions.
________________________ 7. Provides me with clear objectives and caring feedback along
________________________ the way.
________________________ This clarity frees me to make my most valuable contributions
________________________ and provides security that I’m a valued part of the team.
________________________ 8. Provides messages of, “You can do it.”
________________________ Cheering me on, believing in me as I grow in my adequacy, and
________________________ urging me on when I struggle drives me to do my best work.
________________________ 9. Expresses care and concern for me as a person.
I am energized into action by genuine compassion for me and
the events in my life. When others want to share in my personal
celebrations and concerns, it fuels my performance.
10. Joins me in opportunities to grow and contribute.
When I am not alone as I undertake my roles and responsibilities,
I am more motivated to do my best work. When others are
available and with me as I learn and contribute, I feel capable.
©Great Commandment Network - 13 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net Introduction to Whole-life Discipleship (B)
To watch an extended cut of Notes and Reflections from the Video
this portion of the content Strategies for cultivating gratitude:
scan this QR code n Don’t forget His benefits.
or CLICK HERE.
“Praise the LORD, O my ¬ Reflect often on how He has treated you!
soul, and forgot not all His __________________________________________________
benefits” (Psalm 103:2). __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
“Great is His faithfulness; His
mercies begin afresh each ¬ Recount often to others His treatment of you.
morning” (Lamentations 3:23). __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
n Guard your heart from entitlement.
¬ Remember often that God owes you nothing!
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
¬ Savor each expression of God’s mercy and grace.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
n Live a grateful life before others.
¬ Resist any language of entitlement.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
¬ Live what we teach and preach.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
©Great Commandment Network - 14 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net Introduction to Whole-life Discipleship (B)
IMagine
Strategic Focus on Cultivating Gratitude
His Joy
Made Full
(John 15:11)
Clarity is maintained by Gratitude changes ME!
measuring the characteristics
and benefits of gratitude. A lifestyle of grateful living has been correlated in research with a
person who is:
1. Content—living life in the present.
2. Enjoying life—focusing more on the positive than the negative.
3. Humble—thinking of others.
4. Forgiving— and does so easily and often.
5. Patient—seizing life in the moment.
6. Mindful—Remembering the goodness of the Lord.
7. Generous—having freely received, they freely give (Matthew 10:8).
8. Trusting—in the Father of all good gifts.
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greatcommandment.net Introduction to Whole-life Discipleship (B)
EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE: JOURNAL OF GRATEFULNESS—An Ongoing Family Project
The Benefits of Gratefulness
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, Multiplied blessings are ours as we pause to “…forget not all His benefits”
and forget not all His benefits” toward us (Psalm 103:2). Among the numerous benefits of grateful
(Psalm 103:2). hearts are the following:
n Gratefulness guards us from a critical, negative attitude.
L1. Practicing thanksgiving in n Gratefulness guards us from a judgmental spirit.
all things n Gratefulness, when expressed to others, can motivate them to
continue in “good deeds.”
n Gratefulness, when acknowledged to God, is an important
element of worship.
The Search for Blessings
Regularly involve family members in a blessing search as each member
names a recent blessing and assumes responsibility for sharing
appreciation. Where to “look”:
n Loved ones, who you’ve recently been reminded of in a special way
n Character qualities, which are challenging in family or friends
n Often overlooked blessings of life, health, provision, creation
n Specific answers to prayer
n Spiritual realities like the Scriptures, salvation, Holy Spirit, etc.
Journal of Gratefulness Gratitude prompts expressions of appreciation.
“Praise the LORD, O my Appreciation helps seal in my heart the reality of my gratitude as
soul, and forget none of His well as giving me an opportunity to encourage others. Appreciation
benefits” (Psalm 103:2). can be shared:
n Verbally with simple “thanks.”
n In writing, with a note of appreciation.
n Publicly as testimony is given of our genuine gratitude.
A Journal of GraNteotfeu: Elsnpeecsiasll—y aAs nGoOd hnags oblienssgedFusa, omurivlyerbParl othjaenckstand
testimony to others are of major importance.
DATE FAMILY HOW WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED HOW WE HAVE SHARED OUR
MEMBER/FRIEND APPRECIATION
03/23/21
5/2/21 Jason I got a lot of support on the project I I recently expressed appreciation to Mark
was working on. for his help on my project.
Kelly
Sarah sent me a comforting text I gave Sarah a big hug when I saw
when I was struggling. her and told her how much that
text meant to me.
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IMagine
Life and Ministry Empowered by Gratitude
To watch this supplemental
video scan this QR code
or CLICK HERE. Gratitude Restored
Notice the subtlety of the Concerning the tree that was in the middle of the garden of Eden,
serpent’s approach. He began God told Adam, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge
by simply asking Eve, “Did of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” Satan,
God really say, ‘You must seizing on this command, launched a sly, cunning attack that was
not eat from any tree in the aimed at undermining Adam and Eve’s gratitude toward God.
garden’?” Eve replied, “We Notice the subtlety of the serpent’s approach: He began by simply
may eat fruit from the trees in asking Eve, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of
the garden, but God did say, the trees in the garden?“
‘You must not eat fruit from Eve replied, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God
the tree that is in the middle did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of
of the garden, and you must the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’“
not touch it, or you will die.’” Satan immediately retorted, “You won’t die . . . God knows that your
Satan immediately retorted, eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God …
“You will not surely die . . . ” (Genesis 3:1–5 NLT).
when you eat of it your eyes Notice how Satan’s words implied that Adam and Eve had “needs”
will be opened, and you will be beyond those things which Jehovah-jireh had committed to provide.
like God” (Genesis 3:1–5). It is as if he was saying, “Eve, you need to be able to eat from all the
trees—you need to be like God. What kind of God would not let you
eat from any tree in the garden? What kind of God would put a tree
there and then say, ‘Don’t eat from it’?”
For the first time, Eve’s focus shifted from all the abundance which
was hers to the one thing that was forbidden. Abandoning their
gratitude for the lie of entitlement, Adam and Eve selfishly took from
the fruit of the tree, and, true to God’s word, they died—instantly in
spirit, progressively in their soul, and eventually in body as well.
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greatcommandment.net Introduction to Whole-life Discipleship (B)
EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE: The Transforming Power of Gratitude
In our day, have we not been subjected to this same subtle attack?
The maturing disciple’s heart Does gratefulness for the infinite love of Christ empower us, or have we
will be prompted often by bought into the lie that we have needs for which God is not
the Holy Spirit to consider committed to provide? Has our culture become gripped by entitlement?
anew the wonder of being Even among God’s people, what is it that prompts our witness,
loved by God, the privilege of encourages our service, and enlists our commitment of time, talent,
co-laboring with the Creator, and treasure?
and the awesome truth that n Is it merely a sense of our duty to live up to others’
we get to relate intimately
with Christ. expectations—to our traditions?
n Is it a sense of obligation, a feeling that we must somehow“pay God
back”in some measure for the forgiveness and love we have received?
n Or is it His constraining love?
“For Christ’s love compels us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14).
May it never be! The maturing disciple’s heart will be prompted often
by the Holy Spirit to consider anew the wonder of being loved by
God, the privilege of co-laboring with the Creator, and the awesome
truth that we get to relate intimately with Christ.
This ever-deepening gratitude prompts faithful disciples to . . .
n “Remember and give thanks for all the benefits and blessings of God “
(Psalm 103:2).
n “Frequently enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with
praise” (Psalm 100:4).
n “Have inexpressible joy, even in the midst of a world filled with
difficulties and pain” (1 Peter 1:8).
n “Guard their hearts and minds against Satan’s subtle lies with the
peace that results from prayer and petition with thanksgiving”
(Philippians 4:6–7).
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died
for all, therefore all died” (2 Corinthians 5:14).
L1. Practicing thanksgiving in Lord, from a grateful heart, I remember when You _______________
all things
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________.
Share your responses with your partner or small group. Then
pray for one another, asking that you each might respond to the
infinite love of Jesus with humility, faith, and gratitude.
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IMagine
The Journey from
Institutional to Missional Church
Assessing Current Reality
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IMagine
Disrupting Church as “Usual”
“This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created
things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:27).
Institutional religion Missional ministry
Whose “ministry” is it? “…for the equipping of
the saints for the work of
Your church might be service, to the building
institutional if… up of the body of Christ”
n You present a message (Ephesians 4:12).
Great Commission living
that people should only empowered by Great
need God. Commandment love
n You present a message
that the first human crisis
is sin.
Leads to THRIVING
churches transforming
communities
ADAM’S DILEMMA!
In the midst of all the goodness in the garden, God looked down on the situation and said, “It is not
good…” (Genesis 2:18).
n Adam lived in a perfect world and had a perfect relationship with God.
n He possessed everything in the world.
n He had a great position and was in complete charge of everything in his world.
Turning not good into very good!
The Creator, who is completely sovereign and able to create Adam in any way He desired, chose to create
Adam to need both a relationship with God and other humans. Therefore, God looked down in the midst
of all that goodness in paradise and declared that something was not good—Adam was alone!
n Apparently, Adam needed both an intimate relationship with God and another person.
n God, in His abundant grace, not only declared the problem, but He solved it. Adam was alone and in
need of human relationship, so God provided: “I will create for you a helper.”
n Seeing people as both alone and fallen is critical to missional living.
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IMagine
Whole-life Discipleship
“…The thief comes only to In Whole-life Discipleship, the focus of John 10:10 broadens from
steal and kill and destroy; I only focusing on faith to including other dimensions of abundant
came so that they would have life or flourishing such as:
life, and have it abundantly”
(John 10:10). FAITH
RELATIONSHIPS
P1. Living a Spirit-led life of doing good in all of life—relationships
and vocation, community and calling (Acts 10:38), (Matthew 5:16),
(Luke 6:35), (Romans 15:2).
P3. Discerning the relational needs of others with a heart to give
of His love (Ephesians 4:29), (Philippians 4:19), (Luke 6:30).
P4. Seeing people as needing BOTH redemption from sin AND
intimacy in relationships, addressing both human fallenness
and aloneness (Romans 5:8), (Luke 19:5), (Mark 8:24), (Genesis 2:18).
P5. Ministering His life and love to our nearest ones at home and with
family as well as faithful engagement in His body, the church (1
Peter 3:7), (1 Peter 3:1), (Psalm 127:3).
P8. Taking courageous initiative as a peacemaker, reconciling
relationships along life’s journey (1 Thessalonians 5:13),
(Ephesians 2:14), (James 5:16), (Ephesians 4:31–32).
W3. Yielding to the Scripture’s protective cautions and
transforming power to bring life change in me (Psalm 119:104),
(Luke 1:38), (Psalm 119:9), (Colossians 3:16–17).
W7. A life explained as one of “experiencing Scripture” (Acts 2:16),
(Psalm 119:50), (Psalm 119:20).
W9. Living abundantly“in the present”as His Word brings healing
to hurt, anger, guilt, fear, and condemnation—which are heart
hindrances to life abundant (John 10:10), (Psalm 119:32), (John
8:32), (Galatians 5:1).
WELLNESS
VOCATION
FINANCES
©Great Commandment Network - 21 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
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To watch an extended cut of Notes and Reflections from the Video
this portion of the content n Vision/Relationships/Programs/Management
scan this QR code _________________________________________________________
or CLICK HERE. _________________________________________________________
“That which is born of the
flesh is flesh, and that which n Does nagging work at your house?
is born of the Spirit is spirit” _________________________________________________________
(John 3:6).
_________________________________________________________
“Unless the Lord builds the
house, They labor in vain n Cast fresh vision for a leap of faith and a bridge of hope.
who build it; Unless the _________________________________________________________
Lord guards the city, The
watchman keeps awake in _________________________________________________________
vain” (Psalm 127:1).
n What new things might God want to do in your church culture?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
n “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now
trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3).
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
LIFE CYCLE STAGES OF A CHURCH
Leap of Faith
You are HERE ! cYaloleudatroe TbHeiEnRg E ,
©Great Commandment Network and fresh
greatcommandment.net VISION IS KEY!
- 22 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
Assessing Current Reality (B)
[ [PAUSE NOW AND
DISCUSS
Reflect on the chart below related to your church’s
life stage:
Acts 2:42–47
Congregational Life Stage Diagram: Assess Current Reality
PHASE 3 Prime PHASE 3
PRIMAL PRIMAL
PLATEAU Adulthood (VRPM) Maturity (vRPM) PLATEAU
PHASE 2 Adolescence (VRPm) Where do you see Empty Nest (vRpM) PHASE 4
LATE your church? Retirement (vrPM) EARLY
Childhood (VrPm) AGING
GROWTH
PHASE 1 Infancy (VRpm) Old Age (vrpM) PHASE 5
EARLY LATE
GROWTH Birth (Vrpm) Death (m) AGING
George W. Bullard “The Life Cycle and Stages of Congregational Development”
PHASE 1 _____ Birth Vision is the driver; relationships, programs, and management are not fully developed.
EARLY
GROWTH _____ Infancy Vision and relationships are dominant.
PHASE 2 _____ Childhood Vision and programs are the focus. (Shift focus from relationships to programs).
LATE
_____ Adolescence Vision, relationships, and programs are emphasized. It is often a time of growth.
GROWTH
PHASE 3 _____ Adulthood Vision, relationship, programs, and management are all fully developed.
PRIMAL
PLATEAU_____ Maturity Vision is no longer dominant. Relationships, programs, and management are the focus.
PHASE 4 _____ Empty Nest Vision and programs are not dominant. Management drives the direction of the church.
EARLY
AGING_____ Retirement Vision and relationships are minimized as the church renews its focus on programs.
PHASE 5 _____ Old Age Management is the only factor that is still dominant or fully developed.
LATE
AGING_____ Death The congregation ceases functioning as a spiritual and vibrant faith community.
©Great Commandment Network - 23 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
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GuidingICMhangae ingtheiLnoceal Church
To watch this supplemental Notes and Reflections from the Video
video scan this QR code As you know, a change journey has a lot of potential for conflict.
People are often resistant to change, particularly when what is
or CLICK HERE. changing is very important to them. It can be helpful to understand
Dr. Mike Clarensau – Senior some of the core reasons people don’t want certain things at their
Trainer Acts 2 Journey church to change.
Five reasons people are at your church:
1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
5. ________________________
One of the greatest challenges to leading change is that your efforts for
change will likely collide with one or more of these reasons and, thus,
disorient or even anger those who are connected for such reason(s).
Pause and reflect:
Think about your own leadership journey as you encountered one of the
above five reasons of“WHY people are at your church”and then share
about a time of discontent, conflict, or pain when“change”happened.
What change occurred? What resulted?
“I remember the time when ______________________________, and
________________________________________________________ .
To lead change effectively, you must help people connect for a
sixth reason:
6. ____________________________________________________
or a _____________________ ___________________________
cast by leadership and owned by the congregation.
When people connect to your church for this reason, they will embrace any
change that they believe will help fulfill your church’s purpose.
©Great Commandment Network - 24 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net Assessing Current Reality (B)
IMagine
Becoming a Giving First Person that Removes Aloneness
“…’Give, and it will be given The two most important parts of a giving-first person’s day are…
to you. They will pour into n Beginning the day with an attitude of gratitude and giving.
your lap a good measure—
pressed down, shaken By the time I get to the office today, I want to express my gratefulness
together, and running over. by giving first to others…not anxious over what I will accomplish.
For by your standard of “Who will I give to today?”
measure it will be measured n Ending the day with accountability for giving.
to you in return’” (Luke 6:38). To whom did I give today? Not just what did I do—whom did I
support? Whom did I encourage? Whom did I appreciate?
15 GIVING FIRST STRATEGIES “This really models for others that caring means giving first.”
1. Memorize names
2. Learn peoples’ preferences Share a recent example of your own giving first to
3. Build a system to save someone in your ministry, family, or friends.
I was recently able to share________________________________
teammate’s or friend’s info with__________________________________________________.
4. Take and share pictures EXAMPLE: I was recently able to share support with a neighbor by
5. Find something in common house-sitting, so they could visit their sick mother without having to
6. Learn key dates, birthdays, etc. worry about anything.
7. Learn family members
8. Greet by name A giving-first leader intentionally develops this relational skill.
9. Demonstrate memory of Review the 15 Giving First Strategies (see sidebar) and then:
Celebrate one or two of these that others would experience
preferences
10. Check on others you doing well.
I think I do well at ____________________________________.
unexpectedly Share one or two growth areas.
11. Ask about family by name I could do better at ___________________________________.
12. Drop by their office, work
site, etc.
13. Send copies of relevant
articles and info
14. Ask questions and listen well
15. Offer helpful ideas or
supportive contacts
©Great Commandment Network - 25 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
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©Great Commandment Network - 26 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
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IMagine
The Journey from
Institutional to Missional Church
God’s Ultimate Upstream Strategy
©Great Commandment Network - 27 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net God’s Ultimate Upstream Strategy (B)
IMagine
De-constructing Irrelevant Religion
“The goal of our instruction is Within twenty-first century Christendom, much attention is being
love…” (1 Timothy 1:5). given to issues considered to be crucial for the continued survival
“A new command I give and relevance of church as we know it—NO issue is more significant
to you that you love one than our identity as a people of love!
another: just as I have loved A heart of love for the people we lead is the core of relational
you, you are also to love one connecting, just as it is the core of Christ’s words and practice.
another” (John 13:34). Far too many followers feel used by their leaders. Too often people in
Getting things done through churches and ministries sense that their primary importance to their
people has been the leaders is their ability to contribute to the fulfillment of the church
prevailing approach to church leader’s vision. Getting things done through people has been the
leadership and ministry. prevailing approach to church leadership and ministry.
The predictable result is that, while much has perhaps been done,
fewer people are willing to be part of getting it done—especially
the next generation. Only a return to Great Commandment/Great
Commission living can fulfill God’s mission for His Church.
Institutional Missional
Church Centered Great Commission living
Who’s ministry is it?
Ephesians 4:12 empowered by Great
Commandment love
Your church might be
institutional if…
n Only pastors and staff are
viewed as ministers.
n Equipping and engaging
members in their ministry of
missional living is not a top
priority.
“I wish our church would do
more…” rather than “What
might God want me to do?”
n Getting things done
through people is a priority.
©Great Commandment Network - 28 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net God’s Ultimate Upstream Strategy (B)
IMagine
Potential Mistakes When Inviting People to Ministry
1. It is a mistake to expect announcements to get volunteers.
An announcement may get a couple of volunteers, but usually those are the people who are
volunteering anyway. People must be challenged individually. A challenge to everybody with an
announcement is in fact a challenge to nobody.
2. It is a mistake to ask by yourself.
You need a team to help you invite volunteers. Try to recruit people who are “connectors” in the
church. Put them together as a special inviting task force that operates like a nominating committee.
The key element is to brainstorm about people who could fit the roles you need.
3. It is a mistake to ask for, and expect long-term commitments.
Just remember that short-term projects provide excellent “first-dates”—they are how you find your
long-term volunteers. Give people the opportunity to try on your ministry to see how it fits. Short-
term volunteers have the opportunity to catch your ministry’s vision as they work closely with a
passionate leader.
4. It is a mistake to assume that “no” means “never.”
Sometimes a “no” only means that a prospective volunteer would rather do something other than the
role you have described. Probe to find out what the person likes to do and what their gifts are then
see if there is a match for that person in your (or someone else’s) ministry.
5. It is a mistake to recruit just warm bodies.
It is easy to get in the mindset of just needing to fill slots and needs within your ministry, but you
don’t just want warm bodies; rather, you want people with warm hearts toward your ministry. You
want people whose gifts, skills, and abilities are a good match for your ministry.
6. It is a mistake to recruit to the need.
People don’t want to hear a desperate plea of how you need volunteers. You don’t recruit to the
need; rather, you recruit to the vision. Most people don’t volunteer out of guilt because you tell them
that your ministry team is in desperate need of volunteers. Most people volunteer because they are
compelled by the vision. Paint and cast that compelling vision for your prospective volunteers.
7. It is a mistake to keep leadership all to yourself.
A good leader should be thinking of replacing themselves. You should be developing future
leadership within your ministry, not just hoarding all the leadership responsibility for yourself. One
day, God may call you to step out of your leadership role. When that day happens, who is going to
replace you? Are you going to leave a vacuum?
©Great Commandment Network - 29 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net God’s Ultimate Upstream Strategy (B)
To watch this supplemental IMagine
video scan this QR code Being Called to Love
Great Commission Living Empowered by Great Commandment Love
The church’s original code and foundational operating system was
Great Commission living empowered by Great Commandment love.
You see this in Matthew 22:37–40; 28:19–20. Below is a graphical
representation of this operating system.
or CLICK HERE.
Bill Meunch – Senior Trainer
Great Commandment Network
“You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, your
soul, your mind, and you
shall love your neighbor as
yourself“ (Matthew 22:37–39).
“Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of
the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all that I commanded
you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the
age” (Matthew 28:19–20).
“Jesus said to them, ‘For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that
darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes’” (John 12:35).
For God to engage us fully in His Called 2 Love mission, we must experience the transforming work of God’s
Word, His Son, and His people as we walk together in His light. In each of our sessions together, we pause to
reflect on our own experiences with each of these three sources of light.
n Frequent Experiences of Scripture through walking in the light of His Word (Psalm 119:105): Rather
than merely learning about what the Bible says, we will actually “do it.”
n Fresh Encounters with Jesus through walking in the light of His Son (John 8:12): Instead of just
learning about Jesus, we will come to more deeply know Him and love Him.
n Faithful Engagement in Fellowship through walking in the light of His people (Matthew 5:14): We
will not simply gather together with God’s people, but we will interact and respond to one another in
meaningful ways.
©Great Commandment Network - 30 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
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IMagine
Whole-life Discipleship
“…The thief comes only to In Whole-life Discipleship, the focus of John 10:10 broadens from
steal and kill and destroy; I only focusing on faith to including other dimensions of abundant
came so that they would have life or flourishing such as:
life, and have it abundantly”
(John 10:10). FAITH
RELATIONSHIPS
WELLNESS
L1. Practicing thanksgiving in all things (Psalm 100:4), (1
Thessalonians 5:18), (2 Corinthians 6:10).
L4. Rejoicing regularly in my identity as “His beloved” (Song of
Solomon 2:4), (Ephesians 1:6), (Psalm 127:2).
L6. Consistent practice of self-denial, fasting, and solitude rest
(Matthew 16:23), (Matthew 6:17), (Psalm 46:10).
W5. Meditating consistently on more and more of the Word
hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:12), (Psalm 19:14).
W8. Living “naturally supernatural” in all of life as His Spirit makes
the written Word (logos) the living Word (Rhema) (Romans 10:17),
(Psalm 119:105).
W10. Implicit, unwavering trust that His Word will never fail
(Isaiah 40:8), (Isaiah 55:11).
P1. Living a Spirit-led life of doing good in all of life—relationships
and vocation, community and calling (Acts 10:38), (Matthew 5:16),
(Luke 6:35), (Romans 15:2).
M6. Bearing witness of a confident peace and expectant hope in
God’s Lordship in all things (2 Thessalonians 3:16), (Colossians 3:15),
(Romans 8:28), (Psalm 146:5).
VOCATION
FINANCES
©Great Commandment Network - 31 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net God’s Ultimate Upstream Strategy (B)
EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE: Let’s explore the culture of the first century church that turned the
world upside down (Acts 10:38).
PRAYING WITH JESUS The book of Acts describes several important characteristics of the
Click here to order or go to: early church. These defining traits enabled that body of believers to
greatcommandment.net/resources impact their world in an astounding way.
Read over the characteristics identified below and explore the
accompanying Scripture passages from Acts.
1. They were devoted to teaching the Word of God (2:42).
2. They were devoted to fellowship with other believers (2:42).
3. They were devoted to prayer (2:42).
4. They had a reputation for unity (2:44).
5. They were generous toward those in need (2:44)
6. Others took note that they had been with Jesus (4:13).
7. They were willing to speak the Word of God with boldness (4:31).
8. They were of one heart and mind (4:32).
9. They gave witness of Christ with great power as abundant grace
was upon them (4:33).
10. People held them in high esteem (5:13).
11. Through Spirit-prompted ministry, multitudes were constantly
being added to the kingdom (5:14).
12. They rejoiced at being considered worthy to suffer shame in
Jesus’ name (5:41).
Remember to regularly share As you read each scripture pause to listen for God’s prompting.
celebrations and concerns Ask Him to help you answer the following questions:
together, experiencing n Which of these characteristics are most true of my personal life?
Romans 12:15. n Which of these characteristics are most true of our ministry?
Pause and take a moment to share these with each other and
celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit in and through you.
M9. Pouring our life into n Which ones may need to be improved in my personal life?
others, making disciples n Which ones may need to be improved in our ministry?
who in turn make
disciples of others Pause and take a moment to share these concerns with each other.
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ENGAGE COMMUNITY: A “GIVING FIRST” CULTURE EMPOWERS GRATEFUL LIVING
AND MINISTRY
Recall someone who invested Sharing Celebrations
in you and your ministry. Share together some successes, accomplishments, and high points.
I’m particularly grateful for These can be ministry and/or personal. Celebrate with one another.
________________________ Example: “You rock! I’m happy for your success.“
because_________________ In our church culture, we celebrate not just what you do—but also
________________________ who you are! Why celebrate? We celebrate what we value, and we
________________________. value what we celebrate.
Pause to text this person a
message of gratitude. Sharing Concerns/Challenges
Share together some concerns and struggles. These can be ministry
Strategies for giving first to related and/or personal. Offer caring responses to one another.
others prompts growth in us Example: “I wish you weren’t facing such a difficult challenge.”
and others! “I care about the things concerning you.”
Why share concerns/challenges? Caring response to vulnerable sharing
creates a safe place to be real, creating a caring-connected team.
Giving First Deepens Relationships and Prompts Gratitude
Relationships are built and deepened as giving takes place with a
grateful attitude.
n Giving first to others motivates—not with fear or self interest but
with gratitude.
n Giving to others guards you from self-interest and prompts gratitude.
n Giving a greeting to visitors cannot be simply duty and
obligation—just because it’s on my job description.
¬ This type of greeting lacks genuineness.
¬ An obligatory greeting can often be sensed by the visitors.
n Being friendly under pressure and fear of being reported by
others can’t possibly be friendly!
P2. Startling people with Taking Initiative to Give First
loving initiatives to give Complete the sentence below then discuss this principle of giving first
first. and how you have seen it help bring about positive change in others.
A time when I recently shared ____________________ with a family
member/colleague/friend was when _________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________.
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To watch an extended cut of Notes and Reflections from the Video
this portion of the content n Personal strategies in “guarding” our hearts from fleshly initiatives:
scan this QR code _________________________________________________________
or CLICK HERE. _________________________________________________________
“God’s church doesn’t have a
mission—God’s mission has _________________________________________________________
a church!”—Bob Johansen n The “cloud” is moving.
_________________________________________________________
Acts 2:42–47
What about the early church _________________________________________________________
culture turned the world
upside down? _________________________________________________________
To better understand the n Vision has a shelf life.
challenge of restoring _________________________________________________________
relevance, consider that a
church’s message (whether _________________________________________________________
relevant or irrelevant) has,
over the course of time, _________________________________________________________
been expressed through n Righteousness–Peace–Joy: “… for the kingdom of God is not eating
certain wineskins (methods,
approaches, and priorities) and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”
that have combined to create (Romans 14:17).
a church culture. It is primarily _________________________________________________________
a church’s culture that
interacts with and influences _________________________________________________________
(positively or negatively) the
unbelieving world. _________________________________________________________
Understanding the Challenge of Changing Church Culture
A simple portrayal of church culture might be represented by the following:
Message + Method = Church Culture
which interacts with an
unbelieving world.
OR
Wine + Wineskins = Church Culture
which has a relevant or
irrelevant impact on an
unbelieving world.
Simply stated, the unbelieving world is not primarily attracted or
repelled by the validity or truthfulness of our message but by the way
in which our message is being both lived and expressed.
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IMagine
Gratefully Serving Into Conflict
“A dispute arose among “A dispute arose among them…” (Luke 22:24).
them…” (Luke 22:24). With these few words, the seriousness and significance of Christ’s
Imagine your hand viciously purpose in this upper room gathering is lost. Christ has vulnerably
attacking another part of spoken of His impending betrayal and death like never before
your body…people will saying, “This is My body that is broken for you; take and eat. This is My
begin to keep their distance, blood that is shed for you; take and drink.”
judging you as unsafe. Imagine the Master’s sense of disappointment and sadness that
these whom He has poured His life into are—at His most needful
time—distracted into conflict.
“A dispute arose among them…” (Luke 22:24).
Such is the nature of conflict. It distracts from the seriousness and
significance of Christ’s purpose for the hour. Only the thief, who
seeks to steal and destroy, is a victor when we become distracted in
conflict (see John 10:10).
Conflict entangles a widening spiral of innocent bystanders as
friends are challenged to take sides in the conflict between warring
factions. It scars the weaker brethren, leaving behind bitterness
long after the conflict, and prompts fear that life is not truly a safe
place. In a most needful hour, the testimony of unifying love to an
unbelieving world is lost—often irreparably so—for families, friends,
and entire communities wounded by dispute.
Conflict—The Irony of It
“A dispute arose among them…” (Luke 22:24).
Disputing disciples—the words don’t seem to go together. How
ironic that in this scene from Luke 22, it is James and John, two of
the inner circle, who are in dispute. Seemingly, those closest to
leadership are the ones who often lead out in conflict! Ironically,
those chosen to lead, entrusted with privilege, battle against others
instead of against “spiritual wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12).
The final irony in our disputes with one another is the picture of a
warring body. Imagine your hand viciously attacking another part
of your body, hitting yourself in the chest or stomach. Do that a few
times, and people will begin to keep their distance, judging you as
unsafe, unstable, and even worse! Let His church boil with conflict,
one member of Christ’s body attacking another, and it won’t be long
until many others, both believers and unbelievers, will keep their
distance from such an unsafe place.
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Experiencing God’s Word Conflict—A Prescription for Healing
keeps relationships healthy Additionally significant in the conflict of James and John is how
and gives evidence of divine inevitably close it is to you and me. If John, the beloved, and James
grace and the Spirit’s presence. his brother, can be snared into conflict under the Master’s watchful
care, so can we. Yet, we can take hope that God has not left us
“I am among you as one who without instruction, but rather, He has given us His word that by
serves” (Luke 22:27). it we might find healing and freedom. Human relationships—
“The greatest among you whether in families, among friends, within communities, or
shall be the servant of all” inside the church—inevitably bring hurt, disappointment, and
(Matthew 23:11). misunderstanding.
At times, I will be prompted by His Spirit to confess my faults (James 5:16)
to someone. It might sound like, “I regret I was impatient and
insensitive toward you last time we were together; it was very wrong of
me. Will you forgive me?”How long has it been since you shared such a
heartfelt apology? Maybe that’s too long. Pause, asking the Holy Spirit
to search your heart, allow Him to bring someone to mind who needs
to hear the“godly sorrow”of your confession (2 Corinthians 7:10–12).
A second discipline, which brings healing to inevitable conflicts, is the
grace of forgiveness. Relationships inevitably mean that each of us will be
challenged to experience the power and freedom of “forgiving one another
as we have been forgiven by Christ” (Ephesians 4:32). Failing to forgive lets
the sun go down on anger and disputes surely follow. Paul speaks of
“putting away anger…becoming kind, tenderhearted”(4:31–32). Anger
and unforgiveness quench kindness and make tender hearts grow cold.
Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to whom you are not showing
kindness. Towards whom have you grown cold-hearted? Now comes
the choice and miracle of forgiveness. Listen quietly as the Spirit
speaks to you saying, “Will you share with this person some of My
forgiveness which I have given you?” Listen again to the question. It
is God’s forgiveness, which by His grace, He has put within you. It’s
not yours! As a good steward of divine grace, will you share some of
this unmerited favor of forgiveness with another?
Such are the challenges and potentials of healthy relationships.
Practicing the disciplines of confession and forgiveness helps us
experience yet another Bible verse, “A far as it depends on you, be at
peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).
Conflict—Guarding Our Homes and Communities from It
“I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). In contrast to the
disciples’ focus on fighting for “greatness,” Christ now lives before
them the secret to true greatness and to harmony in relationships.
He girds himself with a towel and begins to wash their feet. We
should note that the disciples had missed the opportunity to serve
the Master in this way, and we soon find them in dispute.
Could it be that we are guarded from the distraction of dispute by a
servant’s heart? Christ’s work and example speak loudly to such a truth.
A servant’s heart keeps us focused on the needs of others, while the
distraction of dispute begins its journey with the shift in focus to oneself.
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IMagine
The Journey from
Institutional to Missional Church
Loving the Real God
©Great Commandment Network - 37 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
greatcommandment.net Loving the Real God (B)
“A new command I give IMagine
to you that you love one Loving the Real God
another: just as I have loved
you, you are also to love on The Sequence of Changing Church Culture
another” (John 13:34). Address these three questions, in this order:
1. Who is He? — He is God!
CALLED 2 LOVE LIKE JESUS 2. Who are you? — We are His Beloved!
Click here to order or go to: 3. Why are you here? — We are here to love!
greatcommandment.net/resources n Begin with Christology, which redefines your church’s identity.
The goal is to move from a methods-based identity or rational/
behavioral identity to the secure identity as the “beloved of God”
and one of the disciples “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23).
n Reframe your church’s values in relational ways that are
consistent with a relational hermeneutic, anthropology,
ecclesiology, and apologetic.
n Begin with a relational ministry team for marriages, parents, and
single adults in order to strengthen and empower God’s planned
purposes for these relationships.
n Expand with a nextgen ministry team to students, children, and
families plus a community ministry team that engages and equips
relationships outside the four walls of the church.
n Revamp mission statements, doctrinal statements, ministries,
budgets, and staffing to make them consistent with an emphasis
on “loving as we have been loved.”
Institutional Missional
Church Centered Great Commission Living
Who’s ministry is it?
Ephesians 4:12 Empowered by Great
Commandment Love
Your church might be - 38 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
institutional if… Loving the Real God (B)
n You present, preach, and
teach a historical Jesus but
not a contemporary Jesus
(Hebrews 13:8).
n Believers are seeking to
love the Lord by doing
things for Him.
Jesus was often moved with
compassion.
Is Jesus still moved with
compassion? Even toward you?
©Great Commandment Network
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Unbelievers may attend our Understanding Church Culture
events or benefit from our Every church tends to be culturally characterized by such things
services, but their ultimate as their:
response to us and to the gospel n Identity: How we come to view and describe who we are
will largely be shaped by the n Values: The crucial priorities that have become an outgrowth of
church culture they encounter.
who we are
n Language: The distinguishing aspects of our communication
n Norms: The common anticipations or expectations we share
A Great Commandment/Great Institutional religion Missional ministry
Commission church culture
empowers missional ministry.
What words would you use FOR EXAMPLE: FOR EXAMPLE:
to describe this change in The Westminister Community The Westminister Community
identity and values? Tabernacle might describe their Tabernacle has worked towards
________________________ culture as follows: changing their church culture in
________________________ the following ways:
________________________ Identity: Identity:
We are Christian believers We are followers of Jesus who are
committed to the proclamation of seeking to live a lifestyle of loving
God’s Word concerning Jesus Christ Him and others, even as we have
as the only answer for a sinful world. been loved.
Values: Values:
We give priority to preaching and We want to experience Jesus
teaching the infallible Word of in our worship, experience His
God, in order that we might see Word in our Bible teaching, and
lives changed and the lost saved. experience genuine fellowship
in our families, with His saints,
and in our small groups, even
as He calls and empowers us in
sharing His life and love with
those who do not know Him.
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IMagine
Whole-life Discipleship
“…The thief comes only to In Whole-life Discipleship, the focus of John 10:10 broadens from
steal and kill and destroy; I only focusing on faith to including other dimensions of abundant
came so that they would have life or flourishing such as:
life, and have it abundantly”
(John 10:10). FAITH
RELATIONSHIPS
WELLNESS
VOCATION
L9. Yielding to the Spirit’s fullness as life in the Spirit brings
supernatural intimacy with the Lord, manifestation of divine
gifts, and witness of the fruit of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13),
(Acts 1:8), (1 Corinthians 12:7), (I Peter 4:10), (Romans 12:6).
L10. Practicing the presence of the Lord, yielding to the Spirit’s
work of Christ-likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), (Psalm 42:1).
W2. Being a“living epistle”in reverence and awe as His Word
becomes real in my life, vocation, and calling (2 Corinthians 3:2),
(John 1:14), (Ephesians 5:26), (Titus 2:5), (Colossians 3:23).
W4. Humbly and vulnerably sharing of the Spirit’s transforming
work through the Word (Psalm 119:46), (2 Timothy 4:2).
P6. Expressing the fruit of the Spirit as a lifestyle and identity
(Galatians 5:22–23), (Proverbs 18:20).
P7. Expecting and demonstrating the supernatural as His spiritual
gifts are made manifest and His grace is at work by His Spirit
(Romans 15:19), (John 14:12), (1 Corinthians 14:1).
P9. Demonstrating His love to an ever-growing network of
“others” as He continues to challenge us to love “beyond our
comfort”(1 John 2:4), (1 John 4:20).
M1. Imparting the gospel and one’s very life in daily activities and
relationships, vocation, and community (1 Thessalonians 2:8–9),
(Ephesians 6:19).
M3. Championing Jesus as the only hope of eternal life and
abundant living (Acts 4:12), (John 10:10)(John 14:6).
M4. Yielding to the Spirit’s role to convict others as He chooses, resisting
expressions of condemnation (John 16:8), (Romans 8:1, 34).
M8. Attentive listening to others’ story, vulnerably sharing of your
story, and a sensitive witness of Jesus’ story as life’s ultimate
hope; developing your story of prodigal, preoccupied and
pain-filled living; listening for others’ story and sharing Jesus’
story (1 Peter 3:15), (Luke 11:24), (Mark 5:21–42), (John 9:1–35).
FINANCES
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To watch an extended cut of Session 5 Video (12 minutes in length)
this portion of the content
scan this QR code Notes and Reflections from the Video
n How do we really “love” God?
or CLICK HERE. _________________________________________________________
“And He appointed twelve,
so that they would be with _________________________________________________________
Him and that He could send
them out to preach, and to n Be with—Sent Out (Mark 3:14–15)
have authority to cast out the —Doing vs. Being
demons” (Mark 3:14–15).
_________________________________________________________
CONVERSATION WITH GOD
Click here to order or go to: _________________________________________________________
greatcommandment.net/resources
n It’s not a conversation if you’re the only one talking.
“He who dwells in the shelter _________________________________________________________
of the Most High will abide in
the shadow of the Almighty” _________________________________________________________
(Psalm 91:1).
“For you have made the Lord, n Y.B.H.—Yes but how?
my refuge, even the Most _________________________________________________________
High, your dwelling place”
(Psalm 91:9). _________________________________________________________
Share a Great Commandment/Great Commission celebration
in your church ministry.
1. Is leadership being multiplied?
2. Is motivation for ministry coming more from a heart of gratitude?
3. Are you seeing benefit from your church experiencing Scripture?
4. Are you seeing examples of relational health in marriages,
families, and single adult relationships?
5. Have you seen more Jesus-followers engaged in ministry?
6. Are there evidences of missional living in the marketplace,
school, and community?
7. Have you seen increased community impact of your church?
8. Have you seen evidence of passing on the faith with families
connecting at home?
9. Are you sensing increased generosity in giving first to the needs
of others?
I’m grateful for how God has been moving in our ministry, especially
how He __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________.
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[ [BREAK NOW AND
DISCUSS
“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called
them’” (Acts 13:2).
Acts 2:42–47 “Loving the Lord” (Matthew 22:37) or “ministering unto the Lord”
(Acts 13:2) empowers our intimacy with the Lord and restores our
awareness of the wondrous truth that our faith is primarily and
ultimately about a person—the God-Man, Jesus!
“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:18–19).
Worshipping the Lord—How n How is it that we “love God?”
do we really love God? n Not by duty or obligation
n Not by activity or performance
BUT…
n Rather, love is relational!
n Our gratefulness expresses love—as we share a thankful heart.
n Our humble dependency expresses love—as we listen.
n Our expectant faith expresses love—as we yield to Him.
Pause and reflect on John 13:34: “Love each other. Just as I have loved you . . .”
The Lord desires for you and I to love others around us. Think about this; pray young Samuel’s prayer from
1 Samuel 3:8–9, and then listen.
Speak to me Lord about WHO in my life could experience your love through me by my sharing a
message of appreciation, encouragement, or care. Speak to me, Lord. I am listening.
Now, after the Lord has spoken, yield to the Spirit’s direction by calling or texting this person.
n Appreciation might sound like: I’m very grateful for how you…
n Encouragement might sound like: I was impressed to encourage you by…
n Caring words might sound like: I am sorry you are going through this…
A Spirit-empowered disciple LOVES THE LORD through:
L1. Practicing thanksgiving in all things
“Enter the gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). “As
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
L2. Listening to and hearing God for direction and discernment
“Speak Lord, Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:9). “Mary…listening to the Lord’s word, seated at his feet”
(Luke 10:39). “Shall I not share with Abraham what I am about to do?” (Genesis 18:17). “His anointing
teaches you all things” (1 John 2:27).
L10. Practicing the presence of the Lord, yielding to the Spirit’s work of Christ-likeness
“And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness from
glory to glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). “As the deer pants after
the water brooks, so my soul pants after You, O God” (Psalm 42:1).
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IMagine
The Journey from
Institutional to Missional Church
De-constructing Discipleship as We Know It
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IMagine
De-constructing Discipleship as We Know It
A Spirit-empowered Do we have the courage to deconstruct discipleship as it exists today?
faith expresses itself in This would entail exchanging rational/behavioral models for
Great Commission living relational/experiential models where the presence and power of the
empowered by Great Holy Spirit are not optional but imperative.
Commandment love. n Knowledge and behavior are essential but do not transform!
n Knowledge stops short of the Holy Spirit’s destination of loving
God and loving others.
n Behavioral effort (doing more or behaving better) cancels grace
and creates legalism.
Current discipleship models are missing: The imperative of life in
the Spirit—experiencing the presence and power of the living God.
The ultimate goal of our faith journey is to relate to the person
of Jesus, because it is our relational connection to Jesus that
will produce Christ-likeness and spiritual growth. This relational
perspective of discipleship is required if we hope to have a faith that
is marked by the Spirit’s power.
Models of discipleship that are based solely upon what we know and
what we do are incomplete, lacking the empowerment of a life of loving
and living intimately with Jesus. A Spirit-empowered faith is relational
and impossible to realize apart from a special work of the Spirit.
Your church might be Institutional Missional
institutional if… Church Centered Great Commission Living
n Knowing more truth is the Who’s ministry is it?
Ephesians 4:12 Empowered by Great
focus of discipleship and Commandment Love
spiritual formation.
n Doing more for God is the - 44 - The Journey from Institutional to Missional
focus of discipleship and De-constructing Discipleship as We Know It (B)
spiritual formation.
“What does experiencing God’s sources
of light have to do with anything?”
“So Jesus said to them…walk
while you have the Light,
so that darkness will not
overtake you” (John 12:35).
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