What is a DMM, and Why Should I Care? What is a DMM? It is a Disciple Making Movement, a phrase which describes both a methodology and a phenomenon. It is a church planting strategy emphasizing discipleship (as biblically understood) which leads to a movement that is spontaneous, uncontrolled, non-systemic, organic, ongoing and unstoppable. The movement is notable for the rapid multiplication of groups and churches rather than an arithmetic, linear, sequential, process. A DMM is said to be happening in any area in which there are more than 100 groups of disciples, each of which has multiplied itself at least four times. A term which is probably more familiar to most readers is revival, viewed as a movement of the Spirit in large-scale conversion accompanying fervent evangelistic preaching. The conscious commitment to church planting and discipleship is not prominent in definitions of that phenomenon. The word revivalism as referring to church history carries a lot of baggage related to method, structure and theology. Jonathan Edwards thought that revival was a cyclical work of God’s sovereignty and as such is His major means of extending His kingdom. The first step of revival, said Edwards, is God’s stirring up prayer for it. Such a mustard-seed beginning, it is hoped, takes place at 6am every Saturday morning at the Salvation Army located at 6730 Ridge Ave. There believers gather to pray for God to begin a DMM in Philadelphia. All who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed (Ezek. 9:4) in our communities and, yes, our churches, are welcome to participate. Revival, a DMM, whatever you want to call it – it will only begin with concerted prayer from burdened believers. You can learn more about DMMs by reading Miraculous Movements by Jerry Trousdale. Another helpful book (discussing the similar paradigm of Church Planting Movements) is Church Planting Movements by David Garrison. You can see firsthand some baby steps in this direction by coming to Living Saviour’s Sunday or Wednesday meetings to see how we are implementing Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) as a core component of growth along DMM principles.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 18:08:43 +0000
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