Kingdom First: Starting Churches that Shape Movements

by Jeff Christopherson, Lake Mac

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. There are few dreams more spiritually intoxicating than the dream of being used by God to start a new community of Christ that skillfully brings the restorative gospel to a lost and broken city. Something which feels like a spiritual landslide that starts with lostness and ends in an avalanche of new congregations multiplying and transforming community after community into which they unmistakably seep.  Authors Jeff Christopherson and Mac Lake call readers to imagine a movement that vividly remembers the insubstantial days of a mustard seed with a sense of awe and wonder when looking at the indescribable harvest that stands all around. Though the kingdom of God can't be forced by superficial methods, the good news is that when you move past the threshold of your competency and comfort, you find yourself in the very spot where God can use you like no other. 
 
What wouldn’t you sacrifice to be a part of something that only could be described as a God-honoring gospel movement?

Genres: Church

280 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2015

Reviews

[Wesley Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was part of a recent class/cohort I participated in that was designed by the North American Mission Board. The class was called MULTIPLY, and was designed to, "develop strong, healthy leaders through a unique approach using 12 leadership competencies." The class is targeted at possible church planters and re-planters. I am currently serving as a layleader in our church, teaching the Kids Bible Time during Sunday mornings.

The class' required texts were "Kingdom First: Starting Churches that Shape Movements" by Jeff Christopherson, along with:

"Missional Renaissance" by Reggie McNeal
"It's Personal" by Brian and Amy Love
"Church Unique" by Will Mancini

We will finish up the class tomorrow. I was in a class led by a veteran pastor, along with four other pastors.

This was a good book and very practical on the journey that would be church planting or replanting. The author simply and effectively teaches the basics of church planting (or replanting) to men and women already in ministry. It help me as an individual in ministry understand the principles of church planting, the challenges and the realities of what it means to plant a new church in a community. Those considering planting a church (or moving into a church plant situation) would be wise to pick up this book. Solid questions at the end of each chapter to reflect and pray over. Only 4 stars as the book focuses more on urban and larger churches than rural/country churches which will be smaller. Would be great if Christopherson would draft a follow-up book focusing only on rural ministry and the different challenges that exist.

[Derrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book I would normally read. I read this book because my friend who is planting a church and I have been helping out over the last several months asked me to read it along with him. I didn't know what I was getting into other than he said, read this book and let's discuss. While I still don't really consider myself a church planter at all, it is a book I would recommend any Christian who wants to see the world reached with the gospel should read this book. Even practical things, like the strategy for planting a church which can be used as a strategy to reach the lost at your work. The concepts of discipleship and leadership are helpful in this book. It was also helpful in me understanding other churches that I have been a part of or seen but maybe never attended. It was a good book and if you're a Christian who wants to see the world reached, I would recommend you read this book. Whether you intend to help plant a church or not.

[Nathan Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed this book. I was reluctant to buy it, assuming it was a generic and cliche denominationally produced book, but I was pleased to be proven wrong. An absolute must for planters at any stage in the process.

[Kyle Tucker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christopherson presents a guide to church planting, one that focuses on relationships rather than events.

[Lauren Tomlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book for residency I was supposed to have finished reading in November 😆 A good read on church planting and kingdom work!

[Joe McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingdom First is a book geared more toward a church planter or a church that is focused on multiplication. However, it is also a book that will be helpful to any church leader who wants to be serious about intentionally putting the Kingdom of God first and foremost in their ministry context. There is a lot of helpful advice in this book that helps frame perspective toward a Kingdom that is larger than the one we often settle for. If you want a fresh perspective on personal leadership, leadership development of others, character, communication, discipleship, disciple-making, and multiplication this book has it all. What I love most is the singular focus throughout all these components to form an intricately weaved system for Kingdom Multiplication. Grab a copy and allow your perceptions to be challenged. Each section ends with questions for coaching others which makes this a great book to read through with others and to mentor new church-planters through.
Here is a brief synopsis of the journey this book takes the reader on:

It starts with an understanding of what Jesus might have meant for His church to be Kingdom first.

From there it delves into a practical look at the character of a leader that is necessary for Kingdom advancement.

Third, with an understanding that contexts radically differ, not only from region to region but also from neighborhood to neighborhood, what is a Kingdom-first approach that is respectful to the communities we will serve?

Fourth, it examines communication and gaining an appreciation for what “grace” and “truth” might sound like to our varied audiences.

Fifth, it investigates the kind of teamwork necessary for effective Kingdom collaboration.

Sixth, it seeks perspective on how a church might make a difference in the geography it takes responsibility for.

Seventh, from that responsibility it tackles building a Kingdomesque disciple-making road map for groups to journey.

Finally, after we have considered the Kingdom implications of systemic multiplication, it investigates what it would mean for the church itself to become a multiplication system.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very solid with lots of really good thoughts, but there's just something missing in that it reads more like a summary of a bunch of other books than its own coherent narrative.

Still, it's great for use as a discussion starter, and has helpful questions at the end of each (very short) chapter to that ends.