Essential Principles of Mobilizing an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church
Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Introduction:
These are days of unprecedented Blessings and Opportunities for the Mobilization of Local Churches for Acts 1:8 Local/Global Local Church Involvement
Definition of Mobilization: Teaching believers in a local church to understand
God’s Acts 1:8 local/global plan, motivating them to a loving response to God’s word, and providing opportunities for them to use their gifts, abilities, life experiences and resources individually and corporately to accomplish His Acts 1:8 local/global plan.
Clarification of Mobilization: It is a Process of Spiritual Transformation not
Implementation of a Program!
I. Worship is Both the Primary Motivation and Ultimate Culmination of Mission
“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the Church. Worship is. Missions exists
because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever.”
John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad
Note: historically in evangelicalism it seems that the primary motivation was the “lostness of man”. This is a secondary motivation. The primary motivation should be the “glory of God.”
“Passion for God Should Fuel Compassion for Men”
II. The Church is God’s Instrument to Communicate the Message of Redemption and the Local Church is His Primary Instrument
A. Local Church – over 90% of references in N.T. are to local church
B. Body of Christ – I Cor. 12:13
III. The Pastor is the Key Influencer in the Local Church for Acts 1:8 Local/Global Ministry and Must, in Cooperation and Coordination with the Church Leaders, Lead the way to Mobilize an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church
IV. We Must Embrace the Personalization/Partnership Paradigm
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP in the gospel from the first day until now….” Philippians 1:3-5
Previously/Historically: SUPPORT – “give me your money and I’ll do it for you.”
Present Generations: PERSONALIZATION/PARTNERSHIP
PERSONALIZATION: “ the process of involving each believer in using their gifts,
abilities, resources and life experiences in God’s global cause which is gathering worshippers unto Himself.”
Body of Christ/Made up of Individuals/Importance of Each Believer:
(Romans 12:4-8, I Cor. 12)
PARTNERSHIP: working together in teamwork to increase our ability to be more
productive and fruitful.
(T. E. A. M. – Together Each Accomplishing More)
Why should we commit to and implement this mew model of
Partnership/Personalization?
1. To Maximize the Church’s Involvement
2. To Engage the Church Strategically
3. To Mobilize the entire congregation
4. To Connect with the Generations of Today
V. We should commit to helping every believer/member being involved:
“Inside the Walls” – any ministry, strategy, event or activity that is targeted toward the members or regular attenders of the local church.
“Outside the Walls” – any ministry, strategy, event or activity that is targeted toward the unsaved or unchurched whether local or global
VI. We Must Understand Generational Dynamics and Approach Local/Global Mission Practically From a Generational Perspective
1. They are Purpose Driven – “Why”
2. They are Personality Oriented – “Relationships”
3. They are Project Motivated – “Hands-On Involvement”
VII. The Local Church Must Intentionally Develop a Corporate Purpose, Strategy and Personality related to Growing an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church
Corporate Purpose: There is a distinct difference between a local church with a
missions program and a global church with a mission mindset
Corporate Strategy: Acts 1:8
1. Geographic Designations
2. Cultural Implications
Corporate Personality:
“Missions Should be the ‘DNA’ of the Church
“Missions is the Mission of the Church”
“Missions Must Be Your Personality, Not a Program”
“Missions Must Be Who You Are, Not Just Something You Do”
VIII. We Must Understand That Mobilizing an Acts 1:8 Local/Global Church is a Process, Not a “Quick Fix”. The Process:
1. Biblical Truth – Heart
2. Philosophy of Life – Head
3. Practical Implementation – Hands
IX. Missionaries Must No Longer See Themselves Solely as Implementers of the
Missionary Task, But Also as Mobilizers/Partners in the Acts 1:8 Local/Global Plan
1. A New Commitment (partnership & facilitation)
2. A New Strategy (allocation of time and resources)
3. A New Effectiveness (more people, more resources, new skills)
WE CAN DO IT! WE MUST DO IT! THE TIME IS NOW! HE IS WORTHY!