Shift Fearlessly from No to Yes to Multiply in the West

SHIFT FROM “NO!”*

TO “YES!”**

Authority: dominating, questioned and resisted

Authority: visionary, compassionate and complied with

Baptism: a public profession of faith

Baptism: receive newborn believers into a loving Body

Bible: fodder for sermons & study

Bible: handbook for group action in the world

Christ: far away up in heaven

Christ: active, powerful, felt, in our midst

Church planting: start another one some day

Church planting: multiply flocks continually

Church: bodies, buildings, & budgets

Church: experience together the Presence of Jesus

Communion: administered by the ordained

Communion: break bread together in obedience to Jesus

Discipleship: learn right doctrine

Discipleship: lovingly obey Christ’s commands

Evangelism: occasional, a “special” effort

Evangelism: normal conversation with willing hearers

Expansion: pessimistic acceptance of decline

Expansion: reclaim Satan’s captives

Faith: affirming historic theology

Faith: also moving us to obey Christ’s commandments

Family: separate, age-graded programs

Family: church happens within existing networks

Gifts of the Spirit: talented few on a platform

Gifts of the Spirit: everyone ministers with God’s help

God: basis of a theistic worldview

God: our King is conquering His enemies; we’re His army.

Healing: “Please, guide the doctor’s hands.”

Healing: Heal by Jesus’ delegated power

Holy Spirit: makes us feel assured, excited

Holy Spirit: works powerfully to move disciples to action

Jesus: He loves me and He hates legalism

Jesus: I love Him and obey His commands joyfully

Love: God blesses us, and we bless each other

Love: actively serve the needy & seek their eternal good

Coaching: advice and wise counsel

Coaching: mobilize leaders to multiply God’s flocks

Miracles: happened long ago

Miracles: normal outcome of vigorous faith and spirituality

Mission: salaried professionals go overseas

Mission: take Jesus to neglected folk, nearby & afar

Pastors: clergy preach & administer churches

Pastors: shepherds empower apprentices who serve others

Prayer: general pleas, beg,  remind God

Prayer: includes intercession, praying for others by name

Religion: private, individual preferences

Religion: identify with Jesus; convictions lead to action

Spirituality: self-improvement, feel worthy

Spirituality: power to serve and bless others

Stewardship: give to meet a budget

Stewardship: share with those in need

Theology: abstract nouns describe God

Theology: active verbs portray God moving us to respond

Training: educate scholars in classrooms

Training: equip the faithful with truth to do vital tasks

Warfare: political lobbying

Warfare: resist the devil, free folk from demonic oppression

Wealth: possessions & prestige

Wealth: meet needs and finance outreach

Word of God: biblical exegesis for doctrine

Word of God: hear from God via the Bible & prophecy