Learn about creating a culture of sending through preaching, the biblical basis for a 'Sending Church', how to help people put 'living sent' into action, and the significance of developing a culture of sending in the church. Discover the role of preaching in cultivating this culture and the importance of prioritizing the expansion of God's kingdom over personal ambitions.
Preaching is crucial in establishing a sending culture within the local church, expanding the kingdom of God by gathering, discipling, and sending people.
Cultivating a culture of sending is a Christ-likeness issue, emphasizing the scriptural basis, intentional language, and practical next steps for individuals to engage in missions.
Deep dives
Establishing a Sending Culture Through Preaching
Preaching is identified as a critical element in establishing a sending culture within the local church. The goal is to expand the kingdom of God by gathering people, introducing them to Jesus, discipling them, and then sending them out to join in God's mission locally and globally. The concept of an ascending church is discussed, emphasizing the biblical foundation of churches being responsible for planting new churches. Both a rhythm of exposition and specific sermon series are highlighted as effective ways to consistently communicate the importance of living a sent life. The practical application is also emphasized, providing various next steps for different levels of spiritual maturity, such as loving and serving neighbors, engaging in community events, and taking part in missions trips.
Cultivating a Culture of Sending through Preaching
The significance of cultivating a culture of sending is reiterated, with the understanding that it is a Christ-likeness issue rather than just a missiological concept. The scriptural basis for being a sending church is emphasized, including the example of the church at Antioch and the commission of Jesus to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Preaching through books of the Bible that highlight mission and sending is considered essential. Additionally, annual events focused on local and global missions are held to celebrate and emphasize the importance of sending. The importance of using intentional language and consistently providing practical next steps for individuals to engage in missions is also stressed.
Overcoming Obstacles in Preaching a Culture of Sending
The challenges that pastors may face when initially implementing a culture of sending are acknowledged. It is essential for pastors to first have a personal passion for the mission and be genuinely convicted of the biblical call to live sent. Repentance and a fresh surrender to God's kingdom purposes are encouraged. Pastors are also advised to be prepared for opposition, both from external forces like the enemy and internal struggles within themselves and some church members. Lastly, pastors are reminded that while establishing a sending culture may not be easy, it is a crucial step in fulfilling the ultimate goal of expanding God's kingdom and living out the mission of Jesus.
Hosts Noah Oldham and Vance Pitman sit down with Pastor Matt Carter to discuss the significance of creating a culture of sending through preaching. Here’s what it means to “live sent” and to empower your people to do the same.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
The biblical basis for “Sending Church”
How a pastor can cultivate a culture of sending through his preaching
How to help your people put “living sent” into action
Systems you can put in place to make sure people can take next steps
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Sharable Quotes (#NewChurches):
The local church is not the ultimate goal; the ultimate goal is the kingdom of God being expanded and God birthing His local church. One of the ways we create that sending culture is through preaching. —Vance Pitman
We always had next steps. It’s one thing to get everybody fired up from the pulpit. It’s another thing to have something they can hang their hat on. —Matt Carter
We end every service telling our our church after we pray, “Go to love, serve and tell.” —Noah Oldham
Preaching is not the dispensing of information. Preaching is a call to transformation. There has to be an opportunity for people to respond. We have to apply “living sent” for our people to begin to take those steps. —Vance Pitman
There’s a pent-up desire in the body of Christ to engage in the mission of God, and I think it’s bottlenecked at the pastor because we’re not giving them the opportunity to do it. —Matt Carter
You’ve got to be passionate about it yourself or your people are never going to follow you. It’s got to be something you believe in, deep down in the core of your being. —Matt Carter
I would warn a pastor to be prepared. There will be opposition. There’s an enemy within and an enemy without. —Vance Pitman