The 7 Foundational Pillars for Building a Kingdom Movement
Launching a Kingdom-Focused Church is a remarkable yet daunting calling. As apostolic pioneers spearheading these vital kingdom initiatives, there are 7 crucial priorities that must be the centerpiece of your strategy:
1. Cultivate a Christ-Centered Culture
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23)
Shape a thriving environment that reflects the values of Christ's kingdom - humility, servanthood, generosity, and a relentless passion to see lives transformed by the gospel. Foster an atmosphere where people are continually challenged to grow in their faith and align their lives with Christ's example.
Key Questions:
- How can we ensure that Christ remains at the center of all our activities and decisions?
- What practical steps can we take to encourage humility and servanthood among our leaders and members?
- How can we measure and assess the spiritual growth of our community?
Strategies:
- Implement a regular "Christ-centered" audit of all programs and initiatives
- Develop a leadership training program focused on servant leadership - Create a mentorship program pairing mature believers with newer members
- Establish a regular rhythm of corporate worship and prayer
2. Create Authentic Community
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42)
Foster deep, genuine connections where people experience belonging, care, and vulnerability within the body of believers. Implement small groups, mentoring programs, and regular fellowship events to build relationships that mirror the early church's model of communal life.
Key Questions:
- How can we break down barriers that prevent deep, meaningful relationships?
- What structures can we put in place to ensure no one falls through the cracks?
- How can we foster a culture of vulnerability and transparency?
Strategies:
- Launch a small group ministry with trained leaders
- Implement a church-wide care system (e.g., deacon ministry)
- Host regular community-building events (e.g., shared meals, retreats) - Create safe spaces for sharing personal struggles and victories
3. Champion the Great Commission
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...'" (Matthew 28:18-19)
Keep the church's core mission of making disciples at the forefront of every ministry and program. Develop a comprehensive strategy for evangelism and outreach, both locally and globally. Equip members with tools and training for sharing their faith effectively.
Key Questions:
- How can we make evangelism a natural part of our community's DNA? - What innovative approaches can we use to reach our specific cultural context?
- How can we balance local outreach with global missions efforts?
Strategies:
- Develop a comprehensive evangelism training program
- Partner with local organizations for community outreach
- Implement a missions strategy that includes short-term trips and long- term support
- Use technology and social media for digital evangelism
4. Cultivate Devoted Disciples
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Develop people's spiritual maturity through comprehensive Bible teaching, intentional mentoring relationships, and ministry opportunities that challenge them to grow. Create a clear discipleship pathway that guides believers from spiritual infancy to maturity.
Key Questions:
- What does spiritual maturity look like in our context, and how can we measure it?
- How can we create a clear and effective discipleship pathway?
- How do we balance knowledge acquisition with practical application of faith?
Strategies:
- Develop a comprehensive Bible study curriculum for all ages
- Implement a spiritual gifts assessment and placement process
- Create opportunities for practical ministry experience and service
- Establish accountability partnerships or triads for spiritual growth
5. Coordinate Empowered Gifts
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
Help people identify and exercise their unique spiritual gifts to build up the body and advance the kingdom. Create a diverse range of ministry opportunities that allow people to use their gifts effectively. Foster a culture that celebrates and values all gifts, from more visible roles to behind-the-scenes service.
Key Questions:
- How can we identify and develop emerging leaders within our community?
- What structures can we create to allow for diverse gift expression? - How do we balance empowerment with accountability?
Strategies:
- Conduct regular gift inventory assessments
- Create a leadership pipeline for developing and releasing new leaders - Implement a system for ongoing feedback and evaluation of ministries - Host regular "ministry fairs" to showcase opportunities for service
6. Commit to Fervent Prayer and Intercession
"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)
Establish a culture of persistent, faith-filled prayer that not only transforms individual lives but also breaks open the heavens for revival and spiritual breakthrough in your community and beyond. Recognize that prayer is the engine that powers all other aspects of ministry and the key to seeing God's kingdom manifest on earth.
Key Questions:
- How can we cultivate a culture where prayer is viewed as essential, not optional?
- What creative approaches can we use to engage people in corporate prayer?
- How can we measure the impact of our prayers on our community and beyond?
Strategies:
- Establish a 24/7 prayer initiative
- Train and deploy prayer teams for specific areas of ministry
- Implement a prayer app or system for sharing and tracking prayer requests
- Host regular prayer summits or conferences focused on intercession
7. Catalyze Kingdom-Driven Community Transformation
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
Extend the church's influence beyond its walls by actively initiating and accelerating positive change in the broader community. Address pressing social issues, provide practical help to those in need, partner with local organizations, promote reconciliation, and steward creation. Demonstrate God's love through tangible actions that benefit the whole community, embodying the call to be salt and light in society.
Key Questions:
- What are the most pressing needs in our local community?
- How can we partner with existing organizations to maximize our impact? - How do we balance meeting immediate needs with addressing systemic issues?
Strategies:
- Conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment
- Develop strategic partnerships with local government and non-profit organizations
- Launch initiatives addressing specific community issues (e.g., poverty, education, healthcare)
- Create a social enterprise to provide sustainable solutions and job
opportunities
These seven foundational pillars create a robust framework for building a kingdom movement that impacts individuals, communities, and nations for Christ.
© Glenn Bleakney 2024 All Rights Reserved
Kingdom Impact Assessment: A Strategic Health Check for Christ-Centered Communities
1. Cultivate a Christ-Centered Culture
Reflection Questions:
- How does our center's culture reflect the values of Christ's kingdom? - In what ways can we further align our practices with Jesus' teachings?
2. Create Authentic Community
Reflection Questions:
- How effectively are we fostering deep, genuine connections among our
members?
- What barriers to authentic community exist, and how can we address
them?
3. Champion the Great Commission
Reflection Questions:
- How central is disciple-making to our current programs and initiatives? - What new strategies could we implement to more effectively reach our
community?
4. Cultivate Devoted Disciples
Reflection Questions:
- How clear and effective is our discipleship pathway?
- In what ways can we better equip our members for spiritual growth and
ministry?
5. Coordinate Empowered Gifts
Reflection Questions:
- How well are we helping members identify and use their spiritual gifts? - What underutilized gifts exist in our community, and how can we
engage them?
6. Commit to Fervent Prayer and Intercession
Reflection Questions:
- How central is prayer to our center's life and activities?
- What steps can we take to deepen our community's prayer life?
7. Catalyze Kingdom-Driven Community Transformation
Reflection Questions:
- How is our center currently impacting the broader community?
- What pressing local needs could we address to demonstrate God's
love tangibly?
Assessment: Rate your center's effectiveness in each area on a scale of 1-10 (1 being least effective, 10 being most effective)
1. Christ-Centered Culture: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Leadership example, focus on Jesus in teaching,
evidence of spiritual fruit
2. Authentic Community: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Small group participation, depth of relationships, conflict
resolution
3. Great Commission Focus: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Evangelism training, outreach activities, baptisms/
conversions
4. Disciple Cultivation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Clear growth pathway, mentoring relationships, Bible
engagement
5. Gift Empowerment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Gift identification process, diverse ministry opportunities,
leadership development
6. Prayer Culture: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Corporate prayer gatherings, prayer training, testimonies
of answered prayer
7. Community Transformation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Key indicators: Community partnerships, social impact initiatives, local
reputation
Total Score: _____ / 70
Interpretation:
60-70: Thriving in kingdom impact
50-59: Strong foundation with room for growth
40-49: Solid start, needs focused improvement
30-39: Developing, requires significant attention
Below 30: Urgent need for revitalization and realignment
Action Steps:
1. Identify your two lowest-scoring areas.
2. Develop specific, measurable goals to improve in these areas over the next 6 months.
3. Create an action plan with clear responsibilities and timelines.
4. Reassess in 6 months to measure progress and adjust strategies as needed.
