We love signs. We want signs. Without a sign, we don’t move.
I recently heard of two pastors locked in conversation. One shared with the other his thoughts on multiplying disciples and churches. His ideas were biblical and simple, but did not fit the traditional paradigm. The other pastor replied, “You do it first and get a success story under your belt, then my church will do it.”
Signs. Give me a sign, then I’ll move forward. Tell me a story, then I’ll consider it. 
Peter didn’t say, “Show me a model to reach the God-fearers, and I’ll try it.” Sometimes you must be first to Cornelius’ house.
The unnamed men of Acts 11:19-21 didn’t say, “Tell us a success story of what works to reach the Gentiles, then we’ll preach the gospel in Antioch.” Sometimes you must be the first to plant the Church in that city.
Stories. Give us a success story, then we’ll push in when we know it is safe.
Safety, and the American definition of success, is never guaranteed in the Kingdom. Don’t expect it!
Is there a place for wisdom and stewardship in Kingdom advancement? Absolutely! But, that’s different from refraining to move in a more excellent way until you have a success story.
What if William Carey waited for a success story?
What if David Brainerd required a success story before going to the Native Americans?
What if Ralph Winter required a success story before talking about going to the hidden peoples (i.e., unreached peoples), and Luis Bush before emphasizing the 10/40 Window?
Stop asking for a sign, a story of success, before being willing to try something new.
Someone has to be the first. How about you and your church?
(image credit: Microsoft Office)
Great article! I sure wish there were an easy way to share this with my church family via Facebook or email. Is that capability here and I just missed it? Blessings,
Excellent post, J.D. Much needed. The challenge for many as Jssus pointed out in Luke 5:39 is that “no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’” I think we’re finding that the same applies today in many cases.
Thanks!
Thanks, Kevin! That capability should be here.
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Praise be to the almighty GOD for this post, it reminds me of a man in the bible who had been sitting besides the pool of healing. Each time the angels stirs water for the sick to go in and wash for their healing only the able people would go in first and receive there healing, but this man had no one to put him in for his healing, he really needed to be the one to deep himself in. This tells us that we should always try to be first in all things that others may follow. Fear is the cause of other people failing to start developmental agendas, put fear out today and plan to success. Stop giving chance to Satan and start now. Be first and let others follow.