Organic Church: Growing Faith where Life Happens

by Neil Cole

Introduction

“It amazes me to consider how much effort and how many resources (time, money, and people) are expended for a single hour once a week. We have made church nothing more than a religious show that takes place on Sunday, and after it’s done we all go home…The Great Commission says that we are to “go into all the world,” but we’ve turned the whole thing around and made it “come to us and hear our message.” pp. xxv-xxvi

“I believe it (the church) is a contagious movement that will connect with the many people who are disengaged with the old conventional church but seeking Christ. We must take Christ into people’s lives, and it must be in the context of relationships.” p. xxvii

Chapter One: Ride Out with Me

Cole begins by challenging the church to abandon its defensive posture and aggressively pursue the Great Commission.

“Everything about church begins and ends with a single question: Who is Jesus to you?… Even if we get everything else right but skip this important question, we are not truly the church. Church begins with Jesus; who He is and what He has done. It is all about Jesus, and if it begins to be about something else, then it stops being the church as Jesus meant it to be.” pp. 6-7

Cole points out that if we are building the church, it is not the church, because only Jesus can build the church. Only the Father via the Holy Spirit can open someone’s eyes to know who Jesus is and surrender to him as Lord and Savior.

Chapter Two: Awakening to a New Kind of Church

“We believe that church should happen wherever life happens. You shouldn’t have to leave life to go to church… Most Christians today are trying to figure out how to bring lost people to Jesus. The key to starting churches that reproduce spontaneously is to bring Jesus to lost people.” p. 24

Neil found that small groups were the best vehicle to multiply disciples, churches, and a movement. He worked at coming up with a simple definition of church which captures the essence of such a life-giving community.

“The organic or simple church, more than any other, is best prepared to saturate a region because it is informal, relational, and mobile. Because it is not financially encumbered with overhead costs and is easily planted in a variety of settings, it also reproduces faster and spreads further.” p. 27

Chapter Three: The Zombie Bride Lives!

The gospel says, “Go,” but our church buildings say, “Stay.” The gospel says, “Seek the lost,” but our churches say, “Let the lost seek the church.” Howard Snyder, The Problem of Wineskins

The Church is so much more than a building.

Someone once that that we shape our buildings and then they shape us. It is not just the fact that buildings hold back our growth; they also hold back our understanding of the Kingdom of God. Our minds can be held captive behind four walls as easily as our actions are.. we can have institutional minds even without walls, offices, and staff… Our problem is not in bricks and mortar; it is in our minds.” pp.35-38

The Church is much more than a one-hour service held one day a week.

Cole points out that the normal Christian life is more about relating throughout the week as a family of God on mission together, rather than simply attending a public worship service. The missional church is a 24/7 undertaking. This is a huge challenge for busy American Christians.

The Kingdom of God is meant to be decentralized, but people tend to centralize.

“God has always intended for humankind to spread out and fill the earth with His glory… The church has been given a command to spread out and fill the earth as well.” (p. 41-42)

The Great Commission requires the church to go to the ends of earth with the Gospel making disciples in every corner of the globe. The very least we can do is begin in our own neighborhood. Thanks to the indwelling Holy Spirit, every follower of Christ is a mobile Temple, which allows us to spread out without becoming detached from the source.

We are each God’s Temple and together we are also His Temple.

“The world is not very impressed with our sacred houses of worship; in fact, other religions have built more beautiful ones. We must let them see something they cannot reproduce: a new life in Christ… (pp. 44-45)

Chapter Four: A Dangerous Question

“Christendom has done away with Christianity without quite being aware of it.” Soren Kierkegaard

Cole writes that we often ask how we can make the church bigger, better, or start more of them without ever asking just what is a church.

“The temptation is to define church according to our own experience… By defining church this way, we are assured that we are always right.” p. 49

Cole gives what many seminaries teach are the five minimum characteristics of a true church.

• It is group of believers who gather together regularly.
• It considers itself to be a church.
• It has qualified elders present.
• It regularly practices the ordinances of water baptism and communion and enforces church discipline.
• It has an agreed upon set of doctrinal beliefs.

Cole points out how ludicrous it is to require the presence of qualified elders without even mentioning the necessity of God’s Spirit being present. A. W. Tozer once said that if the Holy Spirit were removed from most American churches on Saturday, nothing would be any different on Sunday. What an indictment! The early disciples were commanded not to begin their pursuit of the Great Commission until they received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Cole writes:

“If Jesus is missing in our understanding of church, He will likely be missing in our expression of church as well.” p. 53

“In our organic church movement we have come to understand church as this: the presence of Jesus among his people called out as a spiritual family to pursue his mission on this planet.” p. 53

“In one of the only two places where Jesus mentions church in the Gospels, He says, “For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst. (Mat.18:20) His presence must be an important element of the church.” pp. 53-54

Chapter Five: You Reap What you Sow… And You Eat What You Reap

You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of good literature. Mohandas Gandhi

Cole points out that the Kingdom of God always starts with planting seed, the Gospel. Two things are absolutely necessary: good seed and good soil. After studying the parable of the sower, Cole expects no more than one-third of those who respond to the Gospel to bear fruit. The rest are a waste of time and resources.

“I am convinced that we have made a serious mistake by accommodating bad soil in our churches… we do everything we can to keep people… We compromise the life of the church to keep bad soil in our membership. We make church a show that requires the audience to make little or no effort… Life is too short and the potential yields are too great to spend our lives babysitting fruitless people… We might consider such a thing unloving, but this is what Jesus did. Perhaps it is indeed the most loving thing we can do. People must be confronted by the consequences of their choices if they are to get to the heart of their need for Christ.” pp. 69-71

Chapter Six: An Enchanted Kingdom

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow. Robert Louis Stevenson

Cole writes that understanding our role in God’s process releases us from trying to do what only God can do. We plant the seeds: God causes the growth.

If we “skip the important step of planting seeds and spend all (our) time expecting things to grow, (we) will have few results to show in the end… I am confident that if churches spent more time, energy, and money in planting seeds, they would not have to work at growing, and the harvest would be much more abundant.” p. 87

Chapter Seven: We All Began as Zygotes

When the solution is simple, God is answering. Albert Einstein

“…we are only one generation away from extinction if we do not have babies.” p. 92

“Many of our churches do not even want to multiply. For many in Christian leadership, church plaiting is a scary term. It connotes pain, hardship, and loss. The separation of relationships, the cost in resources, and the expenses of starting churches like their own is too intimidating.” p. 92

Cole points out that according to one Southern Baptist report, only four percent of churches will multiply. Imagine if we suddenly learned that 96% of humans are infertile. What a scary proposition! It is for the church as well. Cole says that the way many churches are taught to multiply seems more like a divorce, sort of like cutting off an arm and planting it in the ground to reproduce. In nature, however, reproduction, though costly in the long run, is also pleasurable and quite natural. Cole writes:

“Even among churches, reproduction is the product of intimacy – with Christ, His mission, His spiritual family, and the lost world.” p. 93

The author spends some time considering what is behind the modern phenomenon of “church shopping” whereby consumer Christians look for the “best bargain for their tithing buck,” which often means attending some version of a mega-church, a kind of one-stop mall of church resources staffed by very talented professionals. Cole argues that we can never outdo the world, play their game, and win. Cole asks what if we went family shopping as many do church shopping.

“The reason shopping for churches seems more sensible than shopping for families is because church has been reduced to a once-a-week event that is aimed entirely at attracting people. Because we position people to be consumers, they respond like consumers. Advertising may work for business, but if we need to advertise to start a family, we are really screwed up. Family is not a choice: we are born into it. Church is meant to be a family that we are born into as well.” p. 96

Cole suggests that Jesus intends the church to grow by making disciples, not by “planting churches.” It is through the multiplication of disciples that churches are birthed, grow, and reproduce. The basic unit of the Kingdom of God is a follower of Christ in relationship with another follower of Christ. The micro form of church life is a unit of two or three believers in relationship. This is where we must begin to see multiplication occur. (p. 99) Cole points out that there is indeed a cost to multiplication and to discipleship itself. We must die to ourselves in order to fully pursue God’s will. Unless we surrender to Jesus the Lord, no multiplication will ever happen. It is all a matter of our deciding what really matters and devoting ourselves to it in cooperation with God’s Spirit.

Chapter 8: Mapping the DNA of Christ’s Body

In this chapter, Cole examines what are the essential irreducible elements of a spontaneous Gospel movement. Taking Roland Allen’s ideas, which were published under the title Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours?, Cole asserts that a movement must contain meet three criteria to spread epidemically.

• It must be received personally. It must be internalized and transform the life of the follower.
• It must be repeated easily. It must be able to be passed on after a brief encounter.
• It must be reproduced strategically. It must be able to be transmitted despite cultural and other barriers to achieve a global impact.

George Patterson suggests that there must be what he calls “obedience-oriented education” for a movement to become spontaneously reproduced. Cole devised an acronym based on DNA that he believes captures the three irreducible elements of viral Christianity that is able to reproduce authentic disciples and churches using a decentralized framework.

D- Divine Truth of the Gospel.

As long as we adhere to God’s Word and internalize it, we will be able to pass the same on to others. The Bible is the standard by which all truth is measured, but the Spirit must make it real as we put it into practice.

N – Nurturing Relationships.

The church is a family, God’s family, which is built upon the new birth, which every authentic follower of Christ has experienced. As such, our relationships are based on the truth that we have actual unity which must be maintained through love with God’s help. We cannot function properly as loners. We were designed by God to be in relationship. As long as we relate lovingly to one another, we will maintain the proper spiritual DNA.

A – Apostolic Mission.

We have been sent into the world with the gospel of reconciliation even as Christ was sent by his Father. (John 20:21) Unless we embrace and obey this commission, we lose an essential ingredient of the true church.

Jesus embodies each element of the DNA. He is the Truth. He is the One who loves others through his body, the church. He is also the Great Apostle, the ultimate Sent One, whose Spirit sends us. The Gospel contains each element of the DNA. Jesus left heaven to become incarnate Truth and bring us back into relationship with his Father and one another. Now he sends us with this Gospel in order to add more people to his family. Cole emphasizes the importance of not tampering with the DNA.

Chapter 9: Epidemic Expansion Starts in the Genes

In this chapter, Cole examines the concept of the term “chaordic,” which describes the fundamental organizing principles of nature. He draws from the work of Dee Hock, the founder of the VISA Corporation, wrote The Birth of the Chaordic Age. Cole sets out to answer this question: how do we organize a decentralized, rapidly expanding, spontaneous multiplication movement without killing it in the process? Citing reproduction in nature, he states that the key is found in the DNA. He then compares exoskeletons with endoskeletons, concluding that the exoskeleton is protective but limiting; whereas, the endoskeleton allows for growth, support, and movement. In the church, an endoskeleton would be what the author calls “distributed” leadership, which enables each person to be directly accountable to the Head, Jesus Christ, without having to go through multiple layers of hierarchical leadership.

Cole points out that there is a vast difference between delegated and distributed authority. Delegated authority is temporarily given to a subordinate but ultimately resides with the superior; whereas, distributed authority resides in the person who is “on the job.”

Cole makes the case that people can only fully mature when they are placed under the headship of Christ to “sink or swim” depending on how Jesus helps them. Cole asserts that, rather than leading to chaos, this kind of “flat structure” authority is actually the strongest because those who have influence (leadership) in the group have it based on gifting, calling, and spiritual and relational authority. What holds such a group together is the commonality of vision, mission, and relationships, rather than hierarchy and structure. Cole argues that such a church is capable of being self-organized, self-governing, and self-perpetuating, all under the guidance and oversight of the Holy Spirit.

Cole argues that it is extremely important to help new disciples quickly “imprint” upon the Lord, rather than upon human mentors, if we are going produce true disciples who are capable of making new disciples. We do this by refusing to act as intermediaries between them and God. We get out of the way and force them to find their answers from God.

My belief is that if it is anything other than common commitment to truth, common familial relationship, and common sense of mission, it is a weak organization that will eventually die a slow and painful death. p. 138

The core issue, where all this becomes most difficult, is in giving up control. We are afraid of all hell breaking loose, but our insecurities and resulting control have often kept all heaven from breaking loose. p. 140

Chapter 10: It Takes Guts to Care for People

In this chapter, Cole examines the necessity of compassion if our faith is ever going to become epidemic. He quotes Matthew 9:36 which describes Jesus feeling compassion for the multitudes. Cole notes that the Greek word means “bowels.” In other words, Jesus was “hit in the gut” with compassion when he saw the harassed and helpless multitudes. He states that the Greek words “harassed and helpless” used here connote the idea of a brute pinning down a helpless victim and molesting her. Compassion is supposed to be more than a mental exercise. It should grip our emotions to the point of causing a physical response. When we have this level of compassion, we will be able to see past people’s presenting issues and problems to see them as Jesus does – as sheep without a shepherd. Jesus came not to judge the world, but to save it. (John 3:17)

Next Cole makes the point that new converts should be immediately thrust into the work. It is how Jesus did it and it makes perfect sense. New converts are passionate about their newfound relationship with Christ and they have a whole set of unsaved friends to share the Good News with. It is also a great way for them to grow up quickly as they encounter the challenges of ministry right off the bat. Jesus sent the Gadarene demoniac to the Decapolis to testify immediately after delivering him from a legion of demons. The Spirit removed Philip the Evangelist from the Ethiopian eunuch right after the latter came to Christ. Obviously God felt he could rely on the Spirit to handle things. Can we do any less? We can give these new followers of Christ on the job training, which is the very best way to learn.

Chapter 11: Me and Osama Are Close

Cole, in this chapter, emphasizes the relational aspect of our witness for Christ. We can only disciple people with whom we are in relationship. Witnessing may be done in drive by style, but not discipleship, and the Great Commission enjoins all followers of Christ to go and make disciples.

He mentions five keys to an effective witness.

• Time and availability. Relationships require large time investments. If we are not willing to make that “sacrifice,” we will not be effective.
• A transformed life. People are more impacted by how we live than merely by our words. When the two are in agreement, we have the maximum effect for God’s kingdom. Nothing is more offensive than a mouthy Christian who is an obvious hypocrite. I like what one of our leaders often says; “I am a Christian, but I am not very good at it.” Let’s admit up front that we are “in process,” instead of pretending to be something we are not.
• Hospitality. Nothing beats having people over. It says that we want them to be part of our lives and we are open to them. The impact is perhaps even greater when we go into their homes and become a guest.
• Spiritual intuition. We need the Holy Spirit to show us what to say, when to say it, and what to do. Only He knows the deep things in people and how to bypass intellectual arguments and go straight for the heart.
• Generosity. Nothing betrays the gospel more than stinginess. There is nothing stingy in God, and God’s people should reflect His heart with their openhanded generosity. People are drawn to those who give freely and joyfully.

Being a light in our neighborhoods is both a fun and fulfilling journey, while at the same time being extremely costly. Disciples are those who are willing to pay the price to share the joy of the Lord at seeing lost sheep come to the Shepherd and discipling them to become fishers of men, too.

Chapter 12: The How-To of Spreading the Epidemic

This chapter delineates some core principles to increase our effectiveness as disciple makers.

• Prayer. Enough said.
• Pockets of People – Taking Advantage of People Networks. Encourage new converts to reach their natural network of friend. Why reinvent the wheel?
• Power of Presence – Half the battle is just showing up. We need to be regular in showing up in people’s lives, whether it’s at the coffeehouse or going next door to visit. You never know what God may do if you are there. It is sure he will not be able to use you, if you are not present.
• Person of Peace. Those influential people whom God uses to affect large numbers of people have three characteristics. They are receptive. They have relational connections, and they have good reputations. God wants us to bring these people alongside us as co-laborers. They deserve our utmost attention and time investment because their potential is so great.
• People of Purpose. Find people who are willing to fully immerse themselves into God’s missional purpose. Start a church in their homes, rather than simply settling for starting it in your own.

Chapter 13: Falling with Style

In this chapter Cole explains the importance of working to produce churches that are not “leader dependent.” He advocates avoiding the “pitfall” of going the route of the church “franchise,” which is built according to a tried and true model, but might not need to depend on the Spirit. Instead he believes in the following steps.

• Begin by working in the harvest and start small. Cole advises against starting with a team of already-saved people. He believes that having a larger team of people who are already followers of Christ can actually impede the progress of the work. “Churches birthed out of transformed lives are healthier, reproductive, and grow faster.” (p. 205)
• Allow God to build around others. Avoid launching out of your own home. Find a person of peace and make his or her home the base of operations.
• Empower others from the start. Avoid doing too much of the leading. Get new believers quickly involved. Let the excitement of new life carry the momentum instead of your own giftedness.
• Let Scriptures, not our pet beliefs or traditions, have priority.
• Rethink leadership. Do not set artificial barriers to leadership opportunities. The goal of maturity is not the accumulation of knowledge but a life of obedience.
• Create immediate obedience through water baptism.
• Settle your issues with ownership. Jesus owns the church. We are his servants. Success or failure are in his hands. Ours is to fearlessly obey.

Chapter 14: Tales that Really Mattered

Many of us settle for lesser lives, for stories not worth telling. We are being called to a higher story, a bigger tale that will be told in future generations. (p. 208)