Reflecting on a decade of Madison Church, a journey we can all be proud of, I am filled with gratitude. From our humble beginnings to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, each step has been marked by God’s faithfulness and the unwavering spirit of our community. Our vision map, detailed on our website, is not just a branding tool; it reflects our commitment to a kingdom-minded, missional movement in Madison.
Our church’s values, inspired by Alan Hirsch’s book “The Forgotten Ways,” form the core of our mission. Hirsch identifies six elements present in every missional church movement throughout history, which he calls mDNA. These elements are not mere goals but the essence of who we are as a community. Over the next few weeks, we will delve into these values, exploring how they shape our mission and vision for the next decade.
Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways
Last week’s discussion focused on this cornerstone of our faith. Declaring Jesus as Lord is not just a statement of belief but a commitment to surrender every part of our lives to his Lordship. Early Christians embodied this conviction, and so must we, submitting our minds, bodies, and spirits to Jesus.
Next week, we will explore the Missional-Incarnational Impulse concept, which revolves around representing Jesus in our daily lives—at home, at work, and in our neighborhoods. It’s about living out our faith in tangible ways, showing Christ’s love in every interaction.
Jesus’ mission is far greater than any individual. A missional movement requires us to work together as a Community. We must unite, support, and encourage one another in our shared mission.
Hirsch argues for the necessity of diverse functions within the church—Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers (APEST Culture). A healthy missional movement requires all these roles, not just pastors and teachers.
Unlike highly liturgical, policy-heavy churches, Madison Church operates organically. We adapt and pivot like a living organism to thrive in our ever-changing environment. The Madison of 2014 is not the Madison of 2024, and we must be flexible to meet the city’s evolving needs.
This week, we focus on the practical aspects of discipleship. Disciple-Making is not just about declaring Jesus as Lord; it’s about embodying his teachings and practices. It’s about profound transformation through action, not just knowledge.This is where our commitment and engagement truly come into play.
Disciple-Making: The Heart of Our Mission
Disciple-making is critical for creating a reproducing movement. Jesus’ efforts on earth were focused on making disciples. If he had failed this mission, there would be no Christian movement today. But Jesus succeeded, and so must we. Early Christianity grew from 25,000 followers in the first century to 20 million by the end of the third century despite severe persecution. This remarkable growth was due to effective disciple-making.
In contrast, the Methodist movement in the 18th century initially thrived due to its emphasis on disciple-making. However, it later declined when it shifted focus. Early Methodists emphasized personal holiness, accountability, and community through small groups. However, when the movement required formal seminary training for its leaders, it stifled growth. The movement further declined when it disbanded its disciple-making groups, showing the critical importance of focusing on discipleship.
Overcoming Consumerism in Discipleship
One of the biggest challenges to disciple-making today is consumerism. In our society, we are constantly bombarded with messages urging us to consume more. This mindset often infiltrates our approach to church, where we choose communities based on personal preferences rather than a commitment to discipleship. This consumeristic approach hinders true discipleship, which requires a shift from passive consumption to active participation.
Alan Hirsch highlights that consumerism poses a significant threat to the viability of Christianity in the Western world. We have become vendors of religious goods and services, catering to individual preferences rather than focusing on making disciples. This mindset must be challenged. True discipleship cannot be achieved by consuming spiritual goods; it requires action and commitment.
The Call to Action
Discipleship is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about transformation through action. As Dallas Willard aptly says, “We are educated beyond our capacity to obey.” We already know enough to follow Jesus and must act on that knowledge. This means moving beyond a feed-me mentality and taking responsibility for our spiritual growth.
At Madison Church, we aim to equip every member to be a disciple-maker. This requires mutual sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to be shaped by Jesus. It’s about being part of a community that supports and challenges us and holds us accountable for growing in our faith.
Conclusion
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, let’s recommit to making disciples. Let’s move beyond consumerism and embrace a life dedicated to following Jesus. This means being part of a community that supports us and challenges us to grow. By focusing on disciple-making, we can ensure the growth and sustainability of a Christian movement in Madison that transforms lives and impacts our city and beyond.
Join us in this journey of faith, commitment, and action as we look forward to the next decade of Madison Church.
