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I joined a group recently that is doing next level worship nights in our local area, once a quarter. They have a prayer team that prays for the people, the event, and the downstream impacts in the larger Washington DC area. They are creating incredible environments of worship that are burning across demographic / religious lines and preparing our hearts for revival.  And hundreds, moving into thousands of local Christians are coming. 

Hallowed be Your Name. Yes to that.

To join the prayer team, they asked a few questions, and one of them was profound:

What is prayer to you?

Holy cats, well… Chapter One… it was a dark and stormy night of the soul.

I mean, how do you answer that question for what it is intended (a short but meaningful answer to join a group that is serious about prayer, showing that you’ve thought about it, that maybe you’re not a complete novice, without a 7000 word diatribe on prayer in all it’s forms…) but still giving the question a proper response?

I wrote something like, “prayer is the means by which we align our will to God’s will, to gain wisdom for His direction and purpose, and to draw ourselves into proper alignment for spiritual preparation and orientation for action.”

That’s not terrible, but goodness how do you give a succinct answer that isn’t a complete half a loaf bag of mediocrity? It’s still a good question, and one we all should take some time to answer, internalize, and DMM “I will” statement out to walk into.

To try to give a comprehensive answer to this is hilarious. But to try is necessary and helpful. Insert the idea of “mystery” once again. How is it that God draws us, ACTUALLY draws us into His working, even in prayer. 

Plato talks about shooting “arrows” (if you will) at a difficult truth to capture… and when you slightly miss, you shoot again. And again. And again.

You may not ever clock the bullseye. But what you’ll find is that over time, you’re near misses produce a lovely outline of the thing you’re looking to define. In this way, our seeing through a glass darkly, is still really useful. And the exercise of “mind aiding the spirit” from Watchman Nee can find helpful things to lead us onward.

So, three things that I intend as directional ideas for the notion of “Extraordinary Prayer.”

First, just do it. You’ll get better at this as you go.

The guidance DMM tends to give is that the idea of “Extraordinary Prayer” is a journey, the end point of which is all nighters, regular multi-hour sessions in corporate activity, and regular rhythms of deep, meaningful, time consuming prayer. As you willfully, faithfully engage in prayer, in your closet, and in your community, you’ll find it easier and easier to go where God leads in a lifestyle of connected prayer.

Just decide to pull the trigger quickly. You’re in conversation with friends, or significant others and a topic, or need, or conclusion suddenly gains weight - and you feel like prayer should cover what you’re talking about. 

Stop talking. Start praying. Just let that be OK, normal, natural, accepted and just do it. You’ll find that these “spot” prayers start to become amazing and it gives God an onramp to lead you well.

Give God permission to interrupt you and give you a burden to pray. Give God permission to wake you in the middle of the night to pray for His people and His working. Give God permission to teach you how to pray. Then buckle up, because the ride will be mystical, fantastical, and deeply good.

Second, pray “over” before you pray “for” and move from general to specific.

James gives us a lovely glidepath for this one. Are any sick? Call for the big kids to help pray. Let them pray “over” the sick person… and this is the sense of petition, of asking God what He’s doing and what He wants to do. When you have confirmed direction, pray “for” and pray with boldness. And the prayer of faith (literally, the vow of faith) will save the sick and you’ll see some cool stuff happen. Or if God is doing something else in that moment, go with that as well. Above all, know that He loves us, wants the very best for us, and is closer than a family member in times of trouble.

We want to pray BIG prayers. We all want to see miraculous outshining of power, of course we do. But we also understand that God isn’t an ATM machine, dispensing gumballs of heavenly power to serve our consumer mentality. Instead, we ask for the kingdom - and for the kingdom to break into our perception of earthly things. And we go wherever God wants to go in that, because our trust in Him is absolute. That’s how you pray without doubting. 

Of course I’m going to doubt my own subjective perception, my own subjective desire, my own selfish motives, my own ridiculous ideas of what God ought to be doing. But if, in the community of mature believers, I can pray “over” and come into agreement about what God is doing, it gives me confidence that can overcome my selfish fear of taking God for granted, or worse, timidly not asking at all because my western mentality separates “natural” and “supernatural” and then says one of them doesn’t really exist outside of a myopic scientific understanding of the world.

Lewis said something like, prayer is more than the will applied to an active imagination. This is quite correct. It is fundamentally a spiritual response to what God is doing. Moving us from where we are (“not my will”) to where God wants us to be (“but Yours be done”).

Jesus, Moses, David, Paul, Elijah, and the bounty of biblical examples of prayer all seem to follow this trajectory. Could it be that if we follow it as well, we’ll learn to ask, seek, and knock in ways that are pleasing to heaven itself?

Third, give the clock to God.

God’s timing is His own and (through His knowledge and perfect perspective) was in motion before the world began. Our patience in the west has been finely honed by McDonalds and microwave ovens and corporate quarterly earnings. 

What do we want? All the things! When do we want them? Right now!

Yet the world teaches us that God moves in times and seasons. Spring, summer, fall, winter are not just the earth tilted on axis… it is also the rhythm of God’s moving in, with, and through us. Seasons of explosive growth and preparation are followed by seasons of incredible outcomes and harvest results. This is followed by the old things passing away, which is turn is followed by a season of silence - and we are often not fans of winter.

We have to come to understand that winter is a critical part of God’s working. Instead of a season of fruitlessness, it is a season of sabbath, where the board resets, and this time of not harvest is an integral part of Spring coming in fullness again. 

Unlimited, unchecked growth is often cancerous. God’s growing is to purpose and glorious mature design, lasting for a season.

Don’t give up. Do the best you can. Let God own the timing and results. If we can trust Him with the timing, we can rest in a peace that passes understanding when things that are coming, are not yet.

_________________________________________

What do all three of these directional pieces have in common?

First, we pray. God calls us to pray, so we pray. The cultural soundbite mocking “thoughts and prayers” simply means that there are people with a microphone who don’t understand either idea.

Second, we allow God to take us wherever He wants in prayer. He sets the agenda, the petition, the burden, the waiting, the really cool outshinings of healing and power. He sets the agenda and we step into it, humbly and expecting great things from His grace, power, and love.

Third, we decide to be OK with God’s timing. He isn’t slow considering His promises, as we all too often consider slowness. In this case, our Father does indeed, know best. Trust His timing and trust His heart towards us.

All of these ideas share the idea of aligning our hearts to His. To pray, how to pray when we do, and deeply desperate trust that He will do what He will do in the perfect time.

So pray. 

Because true prayer, leads to Extraordinary things.

Saddle Up: Become a Circuit Rider in 2025!
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Back in the First Great Awakening, Methodist Circuit Riders were fearless trailblazers. They galloped across frontiers, planting the gospel in homes, taverns, schools, and open fields. Their mission? Find receptive hearts (what we call persons of peace), form small groups called classes or societies, and coach them to grow and multiply. These weren’t your spiritual softies—they were willing to risk their lives. They were mobile, Spirit-led catalysts who sparked movements without fancy buildings or big budgets.

In 2025, we’re reviving this vibe! As a Circuit Rider (or DMM Catalyst), you’ll follow in their hoofprints, spreading Jesus’ love through small, reproducible groups called Discovery Bible Studies (DBS). These groups form an unbreakable bond around Jesus! They mature into powerful teams that follow Jesus with a passion (GEN groups/micro-churches)!

What Does a 2025 Circuit Rider Do?

Picture yourself as a modern-day gospel trailblazer, equipped with a Bible, a bold heart, power of the Spirit and maybe a smartphone. Here’s your mission:

Obey God’s Word: Live out Jesus’ commands with courage, letting scripture guide every step.

Pray Like Crazy: Lean hard on the Holy Spirit with extraordinary prayer, trusting God to open doors. You won’t work for God. Instead, you’ll start each day asking Jesus, “How can I join you in the work that You are doing today?”

Find Persons of Peace: Seek out receptive people (Luke 10:6) in your community—coffee shops, workplaces, or Zoom calls—who are open to exploring Jesus.

Start Groups: Launch Discovery Bible Studies where people dig into scripture, grow in faith, and share with others. These are today’s version of Methodist class meetings, where most people started a relationship with Jesus.

Coach Leaders: Train people to lead their own DBS, multiplying disciples and groups like wildfire.

You’ll travel light—no need for church buildings, paid pastors, or big budgets. Just like the old-school Circuit Riders, you’ll keep it simple with a “penny a week, shilling a quarter” mindset, using funds to help the poor and support your travels.

Why It Works

The Methodist movement exploded because it started small. Circuit Riders didn’t build big churches—they formed tight-knit groups where people followed Jesus together. These class meetings (think house churches) were the heart of discipleship, where lives were changed. As groups multiplied, they formed societies—networks of believers that spread across frontiers.

Today’s DMM Catalysts use the same strategy: start with small, face-to-face groups, coach leaders, and watch the movement grow. No fancy programs, just real relationships and the power of the Holy Spirit. Movements travel light, and they move fast!

What a 2025 Circuit Rider Looks Like

In 2025, Circuit Riders are everyday people with a fire for Jesus. You might be a stay at home Mom, student, a barista, a teacher, business person, athlete, government leader or a retiree—anyone willing to GO. Here’s how you’ll roll:

Ride (or drive, or Zoom) to urban hubs, rural towns, migrant communities or digital spaces. Reach people in bustling offices and migrant neighborhoods. Use WhatsApp or Zoom to connect with groups, share resources, and coach leaders remotely. Adapt to diverse contexts—urban, rural, secular, or marginalized—while staying rooted in scripture. Whether it’s a refugee camp or a college campus, you’ll share Jesus in ways that resonate. Keep it lean with minimal overhead.

Pray hard, listen to the Holy Spirit, and go where God leads. You’re not just planting groups—you’re sparking a movement.

Join the Training!

We’re hosting weekend training sessions in Washington, D.C to equip you as a Circuit Rider. Or we can come to your area for a weekend training session. Message GEN to sign up! Once we have 7 or more riders in a region, we’ll pick a weekend that works for everyone. Training is hands-on, practical, and packed with Holy Spirit fire.

After Training you’ll get ongoing coaching via Zoom, WhatsApp, in-person visits to keep your groups growing and multiplying. We also bring “The Family” together on a regular basis to celebrate and learn from each other. We’re in this together!

Why Now?

In 2025, the world needs Circuit Riders more than ever. People are interested in Jesus. You don’t need a theology degree or a big budget—just a heart to obey, pray, and go. Like the Circuit Riders of old, you’ll reach the unreached, from city streets to rural towns to digital frontiers.

Saddle Up!
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Get Ready to Ride!

The Holy Spirit is calling—get on the horse, and let’s make disciples who make disciples!

Jesus + Nothing: The Heart of Missionary Lifestyle

In the vibrant world of Disciple-Making Movements (DMM), a singular vision drives every action: Jesus + Nothing Else. This isn’t about working for God but waking up each day with a simple, profound question: “Jesus, how do you want me to join you in what you’re doing today?” This missionary lifestyle flows from an intimate, ongoing conversation with Jesus—what we call prayer. It’s the heartbeat of DMM, fueling movements worldwide where the Ekklesia grows and disciples multiply through the power of the Holy Spirit.

A Prayer-Fueled, Spirit-Led Movement

Wherever DMM thrives—whether in the bustling cities of Asia, the villages of Africa, or the underground churches of restricted nations—one trait stands out: every disciple is taught, encouraged, and expected to make disciples through the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Prayer isn’t a ritual; it’s a dynamic dialogue with Jesus, aligning our hearts with His mission. From this intimacy flows a lifestyle of obedience, where disciples don’t just do ministry but join Jesus in what He’s already doing.

Globally, DMMs are marked by this dependence on prayer and the Spirit. In India, for example, house churches multiply as believers prayerfully seek “persons of peace” (Luke 10:6) to share the Gospel. In Africa, movements explode as disciples, led by the Spirit, form simple, reproducible Bible study groups. Data from organizations tracking DMMs, like 24:14 Coalition, reports thousands of such movements, with millions of new disciples, rooted in prayer and Spirit-led obedience.
This isn’t a program—it’s a lifestyle.

Discipleship: Relationship with Jesus at the Center

At the core of DMM is a simple truth: without relationship, there is no discipleship. Jesus modeled this in Mark 3:14, appointing the Twelve “that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” Discipleship isn’t a curriculum or a checklist; it’s a friendship with another person, with Jesus at the center. It’s walking alongside someone, sharing life, and pointing them to Christ.

One practical, pressure-free way to start this disciple-making relationship is the B.L.E.S.S. framework, introduced by Dave Ferguson. It’s a natural, Spirit-led approach to building relationships that lead to discipleship:

B–egin with Prayer Walking: Start by prayerfully walking your neighborhood, asking Jesus to highlight people who are WOOLY—Welcome you, Open Oikos (household), Listening to the Spirit, but not Yet followers of Jesus. Build a prayer list and intercede for them regularly.

L–isten: Engage those on your prayer list, but prioritize listening over talking. Ask questions, hear their stories, and show genuine care. Listening builds trust and opens doors for deeper connection.

E–at Together: Jesus often connected over meals (Luke 5:29, 7:36). Sharing food creates space for authentic relationship. Something powerful happens when we break bread together.

S–erve Them: Meet practical needs in simple, loving ways. A small act of service can reflect Jesus’ love more than words.

S–hare Your Story: Share your journey with Jesus naturally: “There was a time in my life when… Then I started loving and following Jesus… And today…” Your story, told humbly, invites others to consider Jesus for themselves.

Joining Jesus in His Mission

The missionary lifestyle of DMM isn’t about adding Jesus to our agendas—it’s about joining His. It starts with prayer, flows through Spirit-led relationships, and results in disciples who make disciples. Wherever the Ekklesia grows, this pattern holds: ordinary believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, build intentional friendships with Jesus at the center. Through practices like B.L.E.S.S., anyone can start this journey, one relationship at a time. So, ask yourself today: “Jesus, how do you want me to join you in what you’re doing?”

The answer might just spark a movement.

GEN: A Call to Rediscover Jesus’ Vision

What do millions of spiritual seekers—migrants, post-Christian youth, and the curious—long for but rarely find in the American church? True Ekklesia. Today, a generation is captivated by Jesus, not institutions. Bible sales are soaring, but people crave the living Body of Christ, not a polished business. They yearn for authentic relationships, not religion. This is our moment! Imagine a movement where every heart finds belonging, every home becomes a sanctuary, and the Spirit moves freely. Let’s cast a vision for the Ekklesia—a vibrant, Jesus-centered community that transforms lives and cities alike.

Imagine stepping into a home in Ephesus or Philippi, where the early believers gathered as the Ekklesia, the called-out community of Jesus. These were not grand cathedrals but simple homes filled with the warmth of fellowship, the power of the Spirit, and the hope of the gospel. The Ekklesia was a living, breathing movement, pulsing through multiple homes in a city, each gathering a unique expression of Christ’s body.

A Tapestry of Homes

In places like Ephesus, the Ekklesia wasn’t confined to one building. It thrived in clusters of homes—each a hub of worship, prayer, and shared life. Families, neighbors, and even strangers welcomed one another, breaking bread together, their voices rising in songs of praise. These gatherings were intimate, often no more than a dozen or two, creating space for every voice, every gift, and every heart to connect deeply with Jesus and each other.

Sharing the Word

When a letter from Paul or another apostle arrived, it was a sacred moment. Picture a small group huddled around a scroll, the reader’s voice carrying words of encouragement, correction, and hope. The letter wasn’t just read—it was savored, discussed, memorized, and obeyed. Messengers carried these precious words from house to house, ensuring every gathering in the region heard the same truth. Copies were made, and the message spread like wildfire, uniting the Ekklesia across homes in love and purpose.

Spiritual Gifts in Action

The Spirit moved freely in these gatherings. Someone might prophesy, sharing a word from God that stirred hearts. Another might pray in tongues, while a third offered an interpretation. Healings and miracles were not rare spectacles but common expressions of God’s power, as believers laid hands on the sick or spoke words of deliverance. Every person was a vessel, their gifts weaving together to build up the body in real-time, Spirit-led harmony.

The Depth of Fellowship

Fellowship in the Ekklesia was not a casual handshake after a service. It was a family forged in vulnerability and sacrifice. They shared meals, possessions, and burdens, confessing sins and praying for one another. No one was left on the fringes; the poor, the widow, and the outcast found belonging. This was a community where “one another” was a way of life—loving, serving, and bearing each other’s joys and sorrows.

Miracles and the Power of God

Miracles were woven into the fabric of the Ekklesia. Healings, deliverances, and divine provision were regular occurrences, testifying to a living God who was near. These acts weren’t reserved for apostles but flowed through ordinary disciples empowered by the Spirit. The sick were restored, the oppressed set free, and the impossible became reality, fueling their faith and drawing others to Christ.

Apostolic (and full APEST) Coaching

Apostles like Paul didn’t lord over these groups but coached them with love and wisdom. They visited when possible, sent letters, or dispatched trusted coworkers like Timothy or Titus. Their guidance was practical—correcting errors, encouraging perseverance, and equipping leaders to multiply disciples. They modeled humility, empowered local believers, and trusted the Spirit to lead each Ekklesia into maturity.

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?

Today, the Western church often clings to a clergy-led, cathedral-building model that feels worlds apart from the New Testament Ekklesia. Why? Tradition anchors us to familiar structures—big buildings, professional pastors, and Sunday services feel safe and organized. We’ve built systems around control, where a few lead and many spectate, making it hard to imagine a church without pulpits or pews. Fear of change, cultural expectations, and the comfort of predictability keep us tethered to a model that often prioritizes programs over people and buildings over relationships.

God’s Movement Today

Yet, God is stirring something new, reminiscent of the early Ekklesia, in places like India, Africa, and China. In Northern India, within Victor John’s Disciple Making Movement (DMM) network, churches are exploding in homes and villages. Picture a small group of 10-15 disciples gathered under a tree or in a mud-walled home. A farmer, newly baptized, shares a story from Scripture he’s learned by heart. The group discusses how to obey it, prays for a sick neighbor, and sees her healed. They share a simple meal, laugh, and plan to start a new group in the next village. Everyone participates—men, women, even children—using their gifts to serve and multiply disciples. These groups are nimble, relational, and unstoppable, spreading rapidly as ordinary people become disciple-makers.
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This is the Ekklesia reborn—a movement of Jesus’ followers living out the gospel in simplicity and power. Let’s be inspired to loosen our grip on tradition and embrace a church that looks more like the vibrant, Spirit-filled communities of the New Testament, where every home is a sanctuary and every disciple a minister.

Finding a Person of Peace and Helping Them and Their Family and Friends Discover Relationship with Jesus Together.

Recently, three people, fresh from Disciple-Making Movement (DMM) training, approached me with the same heartfelt question: “How do I help a Person of Peace start a group?” Each one met their Person of Peace in a unique setting—a travel team, a workplace, and a local park. Their contexts differ, but their desire is the same: to join Jesus in His work of drawing people to Himself.

Who Is a Person of Peace?

A Person of Peace (POP) is someone God is already stirring, someone open to the message of Jesus and ready to share it with their community. They welcome the Jesus in you, open their circle of family and friends (their oikos), listen to the Holy Spirit, but aren’t yet followers of Jesus. In other words, they’re WOOLY—drawn by God, waiting for you to step into their lives and walk with them toward Jesus.

This isn’t something you force or manufacture. God is already at work in their hearts, often in supernatural ways. Take, for example, a story shared by Chris Galanos of Experience Life Church. In one of their coaching sessions, a man recounted a dream where he saw a stranger and felt God telling him, “When you meet this person, go to them for direction.” Months later, he saw a disciple in his community, recognized him from the dream, and approached him, saying, “I’ve been seeing you in my dreams, and I came to you for direction.” This divine encounter led to a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) that transformed his family and friends. Stories like this echo across the Muslim world, where dreams of Jesus often spark faith journeys, like Hawa’s in the Horn of Africa, who saw Jesus weeping for her, or a former Hezbollah fighter who met Jesus in a vision and left violence behind.

These stories remind us: God is already moving. Our role is to pray, listen, and join Him where He’s working.

How to Guide a Person of Peace to Start a Discovery Bible Study

A Discovery Bible Study is a simple way for people to explore God’s Word together, hear His voice, and follow Him. It’s not about teaching or preaching—it’s about letting the Holy Spirit lead through Scripture. Here’s how you can walk alongside a Person of Peace to start one, keeping your heart tuned to Jesus’ work:

1. Build a Relationship Rooted in Love

Start with genuine care. Share a meal, listen to their story, or serve them in a practical way. Explain that a DBS is a chance to explore Jesus’ words with friends or family in a relaxed, open way. For example, you might say, “What if we read a story about Jesus together with a few people you know? We can talk about what it means to you.” This invites them into a journey with Jesus without pressure.

2. Show Them How It Works

Invite your Person of Peace (and maybe one or two others they trust) to a simple gathering. Pick a short Bible story—like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), or John 1. Read it twice, ask someone to retell it in their own words, and discuss:

What does this tell us about God?

What does it tell us about people?

If this is true, how will you respond?

Who can you share this with?

This models how easy it is to let Scripture speak. Let Jesus’ words do the work.

3. Encourage Them to Take the Lead

After one or two sessions, invite them to gather their own group—family, friends, or neighbors. Offer to support them as they lead their first DBS, but step back quickly. Say, “You can do this! Just read the story and ask the same questions.” If cultural dynamics (like in some Muslim or Hindu contexts) make your presence sensitive, coach them from the start to lead without you. The goal is for them to own it, trusting Jesus to guide them.

4. Walk Alongside Them with Prayer

Check in regularly—maybe daily at first—through a call, text, or coffee. Pray for them constantly, asking Jesus to soften hearts and give them courage. When they hit bumps, like low turnout or tough questions, point them back to Scripture and pray together. Your role is to cheer them on as they follow Jesus’ lead.

5. Keep It Simple and Reproducible

A DBS doesn’t need fancy tools—just a Bible (or oral stories if reading is a barrier) and a heart open to Jesus. Resist the urge to add sermons or complex teachings. Let the Holy Spirit speak through the Word in their community.

6. Be Patient and Trust God’s Timing

Joining Jesus means moving at His pace. Building trust takes time, and spiritual growth isn’t rushed. Stay faithful, keep praying, and watch for His work.

7. Let Discovery Lead to Transformation

As they discuss Scripture, let the group uncover Truth together. Your job isn’t to teach but to facilitate questions that point to Jesus. His Spirit will reveal what they need.

8. Encourage Them to Invite Others

A Person of Peace is a bridge to their community. Urge them to invite everyone they know—family, friends, neighbors. God chose them to carry His love to their network, just like the man in the dream who found his guide.

9. Stay Rooted in Prayer

Every step of this journey depends on Jesus. Pray for open hearts, divine appointments, and courage for your Person of Peace. Trust that He’s already working in them.

10. Guide Them Toward Salvation and Baptism

When the Holy Spirit prompts, talk with your Person of Peace about following Jesus fully. Coach them to share their story of meeting Jesus at a baptism they choose—maybe a lake, a pool.

Joining Jesus in His Work
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Helping a Person of Peace start a Discovery Bible Study isn’t about following a formula—it’s about joining Jesus in what He’s already doing. Whether it’s a parent on a travel team, a coworker, or someone from a park, God is speaking to them, maybe even through dreams. Your role is to pray, love, and walk with them as Jesus draws them closer. Trust Him to make the supernatural connections, and watch how He builds His family through their obedience.

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The Difference Between DMM Ekklesia and the Western Idea of "Church": A Case for Ecclesiological Reformation

I recently was encouraged by a discussion with Yuri Binder and Chris Halverson about the difference between Ekklesia and Church.

Below is a summary of notes from that essential discussion. But first this quote from Chris Halverson's father:

“In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise.”
                                                                                       — Richard Halverson, former Chaplain of the United States Senate

1. Linguistic and Historical Distinction

The Greek term ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), used in the New Testament, derives from ek ("out of") and kaleo ("to call"), meaning "the called-out ones" or "assembly." In its original context, ekklesia referred to a gathering of people called out for a specific purpose, whether civic (as in Acts 19:39) or spiritual (as in Matthew 16:18). It emphasized a dynamic, relational community of believers united by faith in Christ, not a physical structure or hierarchical institution.

In contrast, the English word "church" originates from the Old English cirice, derived from the Greek kyriakon (κυριακόν), meaning "belonging to the Lord." This term was used to describe buildings or places of worship, particularly in post-Constantinian Christianity, when the faith became institutionalized under Roman influence. The shift from ekklesia to "church" reflects a move from a people-centered, organic community to an institution often associated with buildings, clergy, and rigid structures.

Key Difference: Ekklesia denotes a living, called-out community of believers, while "church" has come to signify a place, institution, or organized religion, often divorced from the relational and missional essence of the New Testament.

2. Theological Inaccuracy of "Church" in the West

The term "church" carries theological inaccuracies that distort the biblical concept of ekklesia:

Institutionalization: The word "church" often implies a hierarchical, clergy-led institution, which contrasts with the New Testament’s portrayal of ekklesia as a participatory, Spirit-led community where all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9). The institutional model, rooted in Constantine’s fusion of Christianity with Roman governance, prioritizes control and tradition over the organic, decentralized nature of ekklesia.

Physicality Over Community: "Church" frequently evokes images of buildings or denominations, reducing the concept to a location or organization. The New Testament ekklesia, however, is a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), transcending physical spaces and human constructs.

Passivity vs. Active Mission: The modern "church" often fosters a consumerist mentality, where attendees passively receive teaching or services. In contrast, ekklesia implies an active, missional community, called out to embody Christ’s presence and mission in the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

Western Cultural Baggage: The term "church" has been shaped by Western Christianity’s historical alignment with power structures, colonialism, and cultural hegemony. This has led to a perception of "church" as an exclusive, often oppressive institution, alienating many from the inclusive, relational vision of ekklesia.

Theological Critique: The term "church" often misrepresents the New Testament’s vision by emphasizing form over function, institution over community, and cultural tradition over biblical fidelity. This misrepresentation constitutes a "Western heresy" because it perpetuates a distorted ecclesiology that undermines the transformative, communal, and missional nature of God’s people.

3. The Ecclesiological Reformation: Reclaiming Ekklesia

An ecclesiological reformation is emerging globally, seeking to restore the New Testament vision of ekklesia by distancing itself from the Western heresy of "church." This reformation is characterized by:

Return to Relational Community: The reformation emphasizes ekklesia as a living body of believers, not a building or institution. House churches, organic gatherings, and missional communities are reclaiming the participatory, family-like dynamic of the early church (Acts 2:42-47).

Decentralization and Empowerment: Rejecting hierarchical structures, the reformation empowers all believers to function as priests, prophets, and ministers (Ephesians 4:11-12). This aligns with the ekklesia’s call to mutual edification and shared mission.

Missional Focus: The reformation reorients the ekklesia toward its calling to be "called out" for God’s purposes, engaging the world with the gospel rather than retreating into insulated institutions.

Cultural Liberation: By abandoning the term "church" and its Western connotations, the reformation frees the ekklesia from cultural baggage, allowing it to take root in diverse global contexts without the taint of colonialism or institutionalism.

Case for Reformation: The Western concept of "church" has entrenched a heretical ecclesiology that prioritizes buildings, hierarchies, and cultural traditions over the biblical vision of a called-out, relational, and missional community. Reclaiming ekklesia is essential to restoring the church’s identity and purpose, aligning it with God’s intent for His people to be a dynamic, Spirit-led body that transforms the world.

Conclusion:

The distinction between ekklesia and "church" is not merely semantic but theological and practical. The term "church" carries a legacy of institutionalization and cultural distortion that obscures the New Testament’s vision of a vibrant, called-out community. The ecclesiological reformation underway seeks to distance itself from this Western heresy by rediscovering ekklesia as a relational, decentralized, and missional body. This shift is not only biblically faithful but also essential for the global church to fulfill its calling in the 21st century.
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A Vision for the Global Ekklesia Network: Joining God’s Disciple-Making Movement

The Global Ekklesia Network (GEN) is not about creating another religious institution or program. It’s about joining the Holy Spirit in what He is already doing across the globe through Disciple-Making Movements (DMM)—a vibrant, organic return to the heart of discipleship: loving and obeying Jesus, the Person who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Our vision is to invite people into a genuine relationship with Jesus and to equip every believer to make disciples who make disciples, forming spiritual families centered on Him. We long to see Washington, DC, and beyond experience the same authentic, Jesus-centered spiritual family that is transforming lives in places like India, China, Asia, and countless other regions.

Jesus: The Heart of the Disciple-Making Movement

The Gospel is not a system, a doctrine, or a set of rules—it’s a Person. Jesus is alive, closer than you might think, and calling everyone to “Follow Me.” This is the essence of DMM: a movement that strips away religious additives and returns to Jesus + nothing = Everything. The Way to God is Jesus Himself, not a set of directions. Truth is found in knowing Him, not collecting information. Life’s meaning is discovered in a daily, living relationship with Jesus.

God is moving powerfully through DMM around the world, from the villages of India to the underground churches of China and the house gatherings of Asia. Ordinary people—farmers, students, shopkeepers—are encountering Jesus through dreams, visions, miracles, and even suffering. They’re not joining a religion; they’re meeting a Person and forming spiritual families that multiply rapidly, led by the Holy Spirit. GEN exists to join this global movement, to see DC and every corner of the earth experience the same transformative power of Jesus-centered discipleship.

DMM: A Radical Departure from Religion

Disciple-Making Movements are radically different from the organized church, church membership, Western Christianity, or religious control. DMM is not about buildings, budgets, or branded programs. It’s not about climbing the ladder of church membership or adhering to denominational traditions. Instead, it’s about equipping every Jesus follower to make disciples who make disciples, living out the Great Commission as a lifestyle, not a program.

In places like India, China, and Asia, DMM is producing spiritual families that function like the early church—organic, relational, and unstoppable. These are not franchises of a corporate church but living expressions of God’s Kingdom, where every believer is empowered to share Jesus’ love. Unlike Western Christianity, which often emphasizes attendance, tithing, or conformity, DMM rejects religious control, echoing Jesus’ own rejection of the religious systems of His day when He overturned the tables in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Those tables represent the same spirit of religious abuse that persists today—systems that prioritize power or wealth over the freedom found in Christ.

GEN is joining God in what He’s doing globally, supporting believers to form spiritual families—whether called “Family,” “Jesus Groups,” “Fellowship Groups,” or “micro-churches.” These are communities where Jesus is the center, relationships are authentic, and the Holy Spirit moves freely. We dream of DC experiencing this same reality: vibrant spiritual families where every person is known, valued, and equipped to follow and share Jesus.

A Generation Invited into God’s Global Movement

This generation is hungry for something real. Many in DC and the West are not running from Jesus but from religion—hypocrisy, legalism, and corporate Christianity that feels more like a business than a family. They’ve experienced “church” as a place of transactional relationships or spiritual performance. But God is doing something different. In places like India, where millions are coming to Christ through DMM, or China, where underground churches thrive despite persecution, spiritual families are forming around Jesus, not institutions.

GEN exists to join God in this global movement, to equip you to follow Jesus and form spiritual families where He is the center. We’re not here to dictate how you “do church” or to sell you a program. We’re here to empower you to love Jesus, love others, and make disciples in authentic, relational communities—whether in a living room, a coffee shop, or a park. We long for DC to experience the same spiritual family that’s sweeping through Asia and beyond, where ordinary people become disciple-makers, and Jesus’ Kingdom multiplies.

Stories of Jesus Transforming Lives

Around the world, God is moving through DMM, and the stories are breathtaking. In India, entire villages are meeting Jesus through one disciple’s obedience. In China, house churches are multiplying as believers share the Gospel despite risk. In Asia, families are gathering to pray, worship, and follow Jesus together, led by the Spirit. These are not religious conversions but encounters with a living Person.

A Call to Join God’s Movement

To this generation in DC and beyond, we say: Come meet Jesus. Not the Jesus of institutional control, but the Jesus who invites you into a real relationship and a real spiritual family. Try this: when someone asks, “Are you a Christian?” respond, “I used to be, then I met Jesus.” Watch how it sparks a conversation about the difference between religion and a living relationship with the King.
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GEN is here to equip you to join God’s global Disciple-Making Movement—to follow Jesus, make disciples, and build spiritual families where He is the center. We dream of DC becoming a hub of Jesus-centered communities, reflecting the vibrant spiritual families of India, China, and Asia. Let’s be a generation that says yes to God’s movement, loving one another like family and turning the world upside down with the simple, powerful truth: Jesus + nothing = Everything.

The American church is bleeding. Year after year, we watch a net loss of disciples, our best efforts amounting to little more than a “bigger box”—shuffling believers from one congregation to another, birthing more consumers, more best-selling authors, and more media empires, but fewer disciples who make disciples. My generation has turned “church” into a machine, a polished production far removed from the vibrant Ekklesia Jesus promised to build. And I’m angry—not with the world, but with us. Where is our holy discontent? Where is the fire that should burn in our souls for the true Body of Christ?
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The West teeters on the edge of collapse, spiritually and culturally. Like England in the 1700s, when darkness smothered hope and the “enlightened” scoffed at Jesus’ name, we stand at a crossroads. Sociologists predicted the end of faith then, but the Spirit gripped Wesley and Whitefield, who declared the world their parish. They didn’t cling to church buildings or titles—they unleashed a movement. The Ekklesia rose from homes, fields, and streets, as ordinary people became disciple-makers, and Jesus built His church.

Today, we’re shackled by our own systems. We’ve traded the wild, Spirit-led Ekklesia for a clergy-driven, consumerist model that prioritizes attendance over obedience. Our strategies build bigger boxes, not bolder disciples. We’ve mistaken growth in numbers for growth in mission. But Jesus’ Ekklesia is His, not ours. He builds it—not through our programs, but when we obey His call: equip the saints for ministry and make disciples who make disciples.

The Ekklesia isn’t a Sunday service; it’s a people alive with purpose. It’s apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers (APEST) equipping every believer to minister in their daily lives—their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. It’s disciples forming disciples in their oikos—their relational networks—where trust and transformation thrive. When we do our part, Jesus does what only He can do: He builds His Ekklesia, a family that multiplies, not a business that markets.
We’ve got it backward. We think we build the church, and then Jesus equips the saints and makes disciples. No! Our job is to equip and disciple; His job is to build. When we cling to “church” as an institution, we choke the mission. But when we speak and act in the language of Ekklesia—freed from buildings, titles, and control—we unleash obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission.

Look to India, Africa, and China, where the Spirit is moving mightily. In Northern India, in Victor John’s Disciple Making Movements, a farmer shares a Bible story under a tree, and a new disciple is born. A mother prays for her neighbor’s healing, and a miracle sparks faith. These simple gatherings multiply because they’re not bound by our Western boxes. They’re free to obey, equip, and disciple. Jesus is building His Ekklesia there, and He can do it here.

Enough with complacency. Let’s burn with holy discontent. Let’s cast off the chains of consumer Christianity and embrace our calling: equip the saints, make disciples, and trust Jesus to build His Ekklesia. Some institutions in the West may be crumbling, but the Spirit is stirring. Will we join Him?

I want to write to you about something that's close to the heart of following Jesus: generous giving. Not the kind that's about obligation or show, but the kind that's transformative, life-giving, and rooted in love. Imagine a world where our giving truly lifts the burdened, empowers the disciple-maker, and builds God's kingdom without the weight of unnecessary structures. These are the steps that GEN (Global Ekklesia Network) and Genesis (local expression in my hometown) are moving toward. Let's dive in.

In the early church, generous giving wasn't about funding grand institutions; it was about meeting real, human needs. Picture this: believers selling possessions to ensure no one among them lacked anything (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35). It was radical, voluntary, and driven by compassion. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 8, urging the church to give out of abundance to help those in scarcity: "Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it." This wasn't a tax or a tithe enforced by law— it was grace in action, ensuring widows, orphans, and the poor were cared for (James 1:27).

Now, what about supporting leaders like the apostles? They were indeed provided for, but not as salaried, full-time pastors in the modern sense. Paul, for instance, often worked as a tentmaker to support himself (Acts 18:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9), refusing to burden new disciples and groups that were started. Yet, he gratefully received gifts from the Ekklesia to aid his travels and ministry (Philippians 4:14-18). These offerings came from multiple small house churches—or what we might call micro-ekklesia groups—scattered across regions like Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia Minor. It was decentralized support: no single mega-congregation footing the bill, but a network of intimate, relational groups pooling resources modestly. This model kept the focus outward—on evangelism and aid—rather than inward on maintenance. Giving fueled mission, not overhead.

This New Testament pattern inspires us: generosity flows to the needy, leaders are sustained humbly through shared networks, and Kingdom communities(ekklesia) multiply organically in homes and communities.

Fast-forward to the 18th and 19th centuries in America, where Methodist circuit riders embodied a similar spirit. These were itinerant Gospel planters, like modern-day apostles on horseback, traveling vast circuits of 200-500 miles to plant and nurture small faith communities in frontier towns. Their financial model? Remarkably simple and sacrificial. Riders received an annual salary——plus basic provisions like food and lodging from the homes they visited. Support came from voluntary offerings by the scattered groups they served, much like the New Testament's micro-ekklesia.

This low-cost approach allowed Methodism to explode: by the mid-1800s, it became one of America's largest denominations, with riders planting thousands of “churches” without heavy infrastructure. Giving went straight to mission—evangelism, aid for the poor, and basic leader support—rather than salaries or buildings. It was practical: riders lived frugally, relied on hospitality, and focused on multiplying disciples in natural networks of families and neighbors.

Now, let's look at a vibrant model unfolding today: Disciple Making Movements (DMM). These are rapid, multiplying networks of believers, often in unreached or persecuted areas, where ordinary people make disciples who make disciples—leading to house churches that grow exponentially. DMM's financial model is brilliantly simple, sustainable, and scalable: no paid clergy, no buildings, minimal admin. Leaders are bi-vocational, like Paul, working jobs while training others in small groups. Giving is local and need-based: offerings support immediate community needs, like helping the poor or funding simple outreach, with any surplus shared across the movement's networks.

In places like India, Africa, and the Middle East, DMM has sparked thousands of groups with overhead near zero. It's decentralized: resources flow through relational chains, empowering locals rather than building hierarchies. This mirrors the New Testament—generosity helps the needy directly, sustains apostolic catalysts and relies on God's provision through everyday believers.

Now, contrast these with many churches today. Studies show that 70-80% of tithes and offerings given in worship services often go to staff salaries, building maintenance, and administrative costs. Staff alone can eat up 45-60%, with buildings and admin adding 20-30% more. That's money from faithful givers—intended for kingdom work—tied up in mortgages, utilities, and payroll. While some is necessary, this centralized, institutional model often leaves just 20-30% for outreach, missions, and direct aid to the poor, widows, and needy. It's a far cry from the New Testament's outward focus or the circuit riders' lean efficiency.

Why does this happen? We've shifted from multiplying micro-groups to sustaining mega-structures. But friends, this isn't inevitable—it's a paradigm we can change.

How do we move forward? By embracing decentralization, multiplication, and relational networks. Here's a practical roadmap to flip the script, reducing overhead to 10-20% and freeing 80-90% for needs and mission:

1. Multiply Micro-Ekklesia in Natural Networks. Start small groups in homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods—your natural relationships. Train every believer to disciple others, like DMM. No buildings needed; overhead drops to near zero. Redirect giving to local needs first.

2. Adopt Bi-Vocational Leadership. Follow Paul's example and circuit riders—supported across a network of groups instead of one local congregation. Cap "staff" costs at 10%-20%, focusing on equipping volunteers for ministry.

3. Decentralize Giving and Decision Making. Use tech for transparent, peer-to-peer giving apps where funds go directly to verified needs ( a widow's rent or orphan care). Set church-wide policies: 80% of offerings to aid/mission, 10-20% to minimal admin (shared online tools, no fancy offices, DMM circuit riders).

4. Phase Out Heavy Infrastructure. Sell or repurpose buildings for community hubs ( food banks, recovery centers) or business as mission revenue streams. Transition to hybrid models: large gatherings occasionally or weekly but daily life in multiplying house groups. This cuts maintenance costs.

5. Measure and Celebrate Impact. Track not attendance, but lives changed—disciples made, needy helped. Share stories to inspire more generous, targeted giving.

This shift isn't easy, but it's biblical and proven. By multiplying in networks, we empower everyday disciples, help the poor directly, and reduce reliance on government services. Imagine churches funding local food programs, job training, and widow support—instead of outsourcing to welfare systems.
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Friends, the New Testament, circuit riders, and DMM show us: generous giving thrives when it's decentralized, relational, and need-focused. We can change—starting today in our own circles. Commit to one step: form a micro-group, give directly to a need, or advocate for leaner church budgets. Together, we'll see a movement where the poor are lifted, widows cherished, and God's kingdom multiplies. May we be generous not out of duty, but delight—echoing Christ's love.