100 Years From Now: Sustaining a Movement for Generations

by Steve Murrell

Over the next century, the world will see changes we can't even imagine. Advances in technology, shifts in demographics, and developments in global politics will all play a part in dramatically transforming our future. But this book is not about predicting the future-it's about understanding the principles that will shape it. Scores of youth-oriented church-planting movements have come and gone quickly over the last century, many of them with the potential to literally change the world for Christ. Unfortunately, most didn't survive because they were unable to maintain what made them so effective in their first twenty years. The same mission, values, and culture that inspire movements must also sustain them. Simple to say. Not so easy to do. 100 Years From Now explores the importance of understanding mission, values, and culture in order to grow and sustain a movement for generations. 100 Years from Now invites a truly global conversation on what the Spirit is saying to the churches about God's mission for every nation. -Dr. Timoteo Gener, President and Professor of Theology, Asian Theological Seminary

Genres: Christian, Leadership, Discipleship, Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2013

About the author

Steve is cofounder and president of Every Nation Churches & Ministries, a family of churches focused on church planting, campus ministry, and world mission.

Steve serves on the board of the Real LIFE Foundation, a Christian non-profit with the vision of seeing thousands of marginalized Filipino youth educated, gainfully employed, and uplifting their communities.

After living in the Philippines for twenty-four years, the Murrells now split their time between Manila and Nashville. Their three adult sons were born and raised in the Philippines and now reside in the United States.

When in Nashville, Steve serves on the Bethel Franklin leadership team.

Reviews

[Christy Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book I would read if it weren't for a class. I liked the questions it brought up in my head and the better understanding I now have of our church mission.

[Mica Casta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What will Every Nation become
in the next one hundred years if ...?

There’s this question in every chapter of the book and the whole chapter answers the “WHAT” part.

The book has been a delight in each page, every chapter builds up to the next. It is like reading the past when they were all just starting, while experiencing it in the present, and still having this lens for the future.
There is loads of wisdom in this book, I had to pick 3 points that spoke to me while I was reading.

1. The baton is what a relay race is all about. Without it, we all just run in vain. This is what we are supposed to pass on to the succeeding generations.
● Talks about discipleship, sharing the Gospel, why we exist as a movement
● Being missional and relational at the same time
● The goal of discipleship is to impart the learnings and let them do the same. A disciple
disciples. A leader makes another leader.
● Passing the baton is our ultimate goal to make this movement fruitful

2. Every life changed is a generation changed.
● This speaks volumes as I witness God’s divine power and eternal love for His children making this possible.
● I have seen families restored and serving the Lord, chains of generational curses being broken, people getting healed, things being found, people acknowledging God’s lordship and sovereignty, and people submitting to Him - miracles after miracles.
● The Lord made me a witness of people’s lives being transformed - it is the hope that I know I can freely and generously share with these people. I always thought it was easy but winning the generation for the Lord requires more seeking and trusting God on our part because it is something that we are not able to do on our own.

3. Maybe because we live such safe and comfortable lives, we don’t think we need Him close all the time.
● The situation of people today (with social media and all) is seeing the competition of people doing their best to have millions and have a comfortable life while this is a good desire - this is sometimes a path to destruction. If most people will think that they are the ones who “MADE IT”, it takes away God’s role in that person’s life. People will be focused on how great they are at what they do that they were able to produce such and such things and it will be difficult for them to acknowledge that God is the Source and that he provides everything in our lives.

Some of my favorite lines:
● Who’s the boss here anyway?
● I would like about three dollars worth of Gospel, please
● I tried my best to get him back on track, but he “knew too much” and would not listen.
● Get dissatisfied.

[Princess Ventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally changed my perspective on the great commission Jesus has called the church and the Every Nation DNA was definitely imparted to me. It reignited my desire to go and preach the gospel to the campus I am currently placed in. I will definitely take my time to read this book all over again someday!

[Jelmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of this book was also covered in the introduction part of LEAD 215. Still, ot was an interesting read

[Karina Nandan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging but in the best way!

[Niel Knoblauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an Every Nation leadership course. It's not a great book, but it does give some good context our movement's mission and vision.

[Chris Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the mission, values, and culture of Every Nation Churches.