The Kingdom Matrix: Designing a Church for the Kingdom of God

by Jeff Christopherson

This book questions how the church properly fits into the larger picture of God's activity. It is based upon three solidly biblical yet highly controversial 1) At any given moment, I am either building the Kingdom of God or the dominion of Darkness. Period.
2) It is possible to participate in church expansion and unintentionally be an agent for shrinking the Kingdom of God.
3) It is possible to unknowingly value the Kingdom of God before acknowledging the value of its the King. Kingdom Matrix contains four worldview quadrants that describe the values and preferences of four unique segments of our Self Seekers, Brand Expanders, Kingdom Seekers, Kingdom Expanders. While an intellectual leap for many, this book is illustrated with humorous stories and commonplace examples, making it both an enjoyable and challenging read.

Genres: Church, Nonfiction, Christian, Ecclesiology, Religion

268 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[John Jemar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingdom Matrix creates a helpful mirror to understand yourself, your role and attitude in the church, and the underlying currents within the church. It empowers the reader with the principles and tools to redirect, focus, and lead the congregation to greater impact and greater functionality in the Kingdom.

If you are a pastor or elder, you should read and study Kingdom Matrix while considering implementing it as a small group study. Because of the format and group guide, the book works perfectly for church leadership development, small group study, and individual reading. The material covers key scriptures, big ideas, and discussion questions for groups and leaders; it is an easy tool to analyze and inspire the reader, the church leadership, the small group, and the church. I recommend reading and applying Kingdom Matrix.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while I need a good kick in the pants. Christopherson gave me one. He's that old no-nonsense, no-holds-barred preacher type who isn’t afraid to speak plainly. Much of his plain speech was timely - and plenty convicting. His matrices are a helpful way to categorize churches. I'll be referring to this as again. Every once in a while I need a good kick in the pants. Christopherson gave me one. He's that old no-nonsense, no-holds-barred preacher type who isn’t afraid to speak plainly. Much of his plain speech was timely - and plenty convicting. His matrices are a helpful way to categorize churches. I'll be referring to this as again.

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Christopherson seems to have his finger on the pulse of culture and church leadership. His matrix is a helpful tool in seeing God’s work beyond the church walls and a challenge to not get ahead of God in our own ministry paradigms.

[Andrew Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have easily given this book 4 stars, but it can be very repetitive at times and occasionally too general. Other than that, the content and principles in it are great and very helpful!

[Bud Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good book! I would of gave it 5 stars, but I felt 1-2 chapters didn't contribute much to the book.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book about how the local church is different from and yet how it intersects with the Kingdom of God.

[Kevin Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating approach to our modern view of The Kingdom. The author quickly defines the books intentions in the introduction by stating that "it is a blueprint designed to clarify and reposition The Church of Jesus Christ in its fitting place within the Kingdom of God." This interesting piece of literature has deconstructed some popular myths and attempts to reconstruct what a modern view of two opposing Kingdoms (The Kingdom of darkness and The Kingdom) looks like. At any given moment we are either serving or expanding one or the other. With simple narrative and conceptual biblical ideas Jeff Christopherson presents a case that challenges today's Evangelical movement. Then the audience is presented with a choice. Are we going to continue to live out our lives in seclusion to our comforts, hopes, and dreams? Or are we going to serve King Jesus by meeting a need in our communities by His power and authority? I would recommend this book to any Church leader or pastoral staff in the making for it has many pieces of gold in its pages. One to use for much reference indeed.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. Such a good book for anyone curious about what having a relationship with Jesus Christ is all about. He breaks down Christianity into what it truly is, not what many "Christians" and "churches" have made it seem like. I highly recommend sharing this book with anyone unsure about what they believe in.

It is also a great book for church planters. He gives a lot of great advice about what it takes to make a great, spiritually sound church work and how best to make it inviting for newcomers. Again, a great book for church planters. The writing style is also just enjoyable in general. It's a bit sarcastic and dry, which I like. It was an enjoyable and helpful read. Read this book!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone involved in their church and/or wanting to have a set of practical tools for how to live out your faith.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Focused a lot on the qualities that ought to be present in a church planter, and as part of the ethos of the church.