Guest Blog: By C. Anderson
DNA can be a bit of a faddish buzzword these days. What is the DNA of your group? Your organization? Though perhaps the word is becoming a bit overused, the concept has validity as we look at multiplication.
DNA speaks to the core values that are communicated from the beginning and are integrated into everything we are. Our DNA manifests itself in our actions and behaviors. Just because you say your DNA is something, or you may show that on paper, the actual DNA is reflected in what is actually happening.
One of the most important aspects of the DNA of Disciple Making Movements is a passion to reach the Lost. This flows out of several deeply held beliefs that must be emphasized by the leaders and initiators of the church, churches, or movement.
IMPORTANT BELIEFS:
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). From this Scripture, we know what sin leads to and what the gift of God leads to. What do we do with this troubling news about sin and the good news about eternal life in Christ Jesus? We share it.
- “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’ (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:). Every believer has the responsibility and privilege to share the good news and make disciples. Jesus commanded it.
- “He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’ (Luke 10:2). If we share good news faithfully, some people will surely believe for the harvest is ripe.
When these beliefs are firmly in place, taught, and lived by everyone, sharing the gospel and making disciples becomes our norm. When this becomes our lifestyle, new believers catch the DNA: the vision, the convictions, and the actions.
We have a vivid example of this DNA in action when Jesus sent out his disciples, which is described in Luke 9 and 10. Jesus sent them out with His authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Sadly, if we have shallow convictions about the core beliefs that Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)– that people are actually lost from their Creator, and we all have a calling to make known to people His salvation–we have nothing to compel us.
Without conviction for the above thoughts, we will be like a sailor without a compass, along with those on board with us. Conviction is a key DNA element of sustainability, multiplication, and movements.
Visit C. Anderson’s blog “Pursuing Disciple Making Movements on the Frontiers” at: https://dmmsfrontiermissions.wordpress.com
C. Anderson is an experienced field practitioner who has lived and ministered in South Asia for the past twenty-five years. Training, coaching, inspiring, equipping and walking alongside indigenous church planters has been both her passion and primary role for decades. She has played a key role in catalyzing several cpms/dmms in Asia.
