- Discipleship Ecosystems?
So how do we use the metaphor of an ecosystem to create a mindset for discipleship? A concrete example can be found in observing the practices of a farming movement known as “regenerative agriculture”. Very basically, this farming philosophy aims to build farm-sized ecosystems which strive to foster holistic growth and vitality of all life : in the soil, above the soil, and amongst all living things connected to the ecosystem of the farm.
As we compare and contrast Jesus movements that multiply disciple makers (seen today and in church history) with the principles of regenerative agriculture (building ecosystems), the parallels are overwhelmingly numerous. In many of Christ’s parables and echoed throughout scripture, Jesus himself teaches through metaphors of soil health and the created world to define progress and health within the church in terms of sustainability, complexity and fruitfulness. The Bible frequently references creation to bring understanding to concepts like spiritual growth, maturity and multiplication. Grounded in scripture, we have confidence that the vision of “establishing discipleship ecosystems” is God-inspired and has been given to us to steward as our foundation for ministry.
This is the vision that WE have been called to realize here in France. And this is the vision we believe God wants YOU to partner with Him (and us) in: establishing discipleship ecosystems.
Discipleship is at the core, it is the goal. Ecosystems are the how, the way to do it.
Joel Kennedy