My friend and co-collaborator at ReproducingChurches.com recently reminded me of the importance of movements . . .
“Malcolm Gladwell made that phrase more popular than ever. His writings offer insight for every leader desiring to lead something 
that is moving slightly beyond their reach and that is definitely out of their control. Isn’t that the essence of movement, though? And who wants to lead something that they themselves can control?”
“It is somewhat trendy to hear church leaders make statements about wanting to start a movement. “Starting a movement” seems to be a paradox in and of itself. If I can start a movement, that therefore implies that I had something to do with its inception as well as its continuation. That contradicts the very ideal of what a movement is. Something I “manage” would be something I initiate and maintain. A movement is much more. It takes more than my manipulation to begin it, and it is beyond my ability to continue it, simply because to be classified as a movement would require so many elements beyond my control.”
A while back I highlighted the work of Alan Hirsch and his work the Forgotten Ways which looks at the five elements that are necessary for movements to experience exponential growth. The five ways are [1] Disciple Making [2] Missional-Incarnational Impulse [3] Apostolic Environments [4] Organic Systems [5] Communitas.
At The Re-Ignition Project we are taking a hard look at these implications. We believe it is essential to continue to be on the front end of the movement that is swelling up from throughout our nation – a movement that seeks to Honor, Transition, & Impact our US Military and Veterans. We encourage you to check out the News & Events pages at The Re-Ignition Project and see how this movement continues to grow.
