A disciple making movement coach recently gave me a list of “keys to sustaining movements.” I massaged that list to fit the African context where we work with leaders of such movements. Then I decided to massage the list again to fit those of you who are ‘organic catalyzers,’ i.e. catalyzers of organic/simple/missional churches and networks in western contexts. I trust it is helpful:
- Keep your focus. Our western culture offers so many distractions from Kingdom purposes.
- Let your commitment to reach the lost continue to grow. No time for contentment.
- Continue to depend on God rather than your tools. Prayer is the heartbeat of what you are doing. Lack of prayer will catch up.
- Keep spending time looking for and raising up other catalyzers. Those who are comfortable to sit and attend can take our attention away from looking for others who will go and catalyze.
- Be open to learn. You will hit barriers. You must learn, hear from God, and adapt to cross those barriers.
- Get up when you fall down. Admit when something is not working. Stay above the line of accountability and grow, adapt, and make adjustments when needed.
- Do not get distracted by negative people or persecutors. They are not worth time defending against.
- Model everyday what you want to see in your movement. Your life is what you replicate.
- Push for quality disciples as well as quantity. Maturity and depth matter long term. Don't sacrifice one OR the other.
- Keep your own joy of God alive.