Living in an era when Christian influence is waning in God’s North American stronghold, we find ourselves at one of the more pivotal junctures of modern church history. With huge European-like forces in play reshaping the landscape, many of the past “sure fire” methods of reaching our communities are not getting the same results. Not even close. If you have experienced this shifting ground outside (and perhaps seen deficiencies within your own picture to face it), you are not alone. I have written two major treatises: Soul Whisperer and ReMission, addressing the fact that the church must adapt its methodologies if it is to meet the emerging realities.

Not that we need to throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater, the essentials of the gospel and the biblical foundations of the church will never change, but how we go about pursuing Christ’s call must undergo major overhaul if we are not to shrink further to the margins. Just to give you a feel for what I am talking about, my organization has identified 4 pillars to reshape church culture for missional impact, and also 10 influence skills for every Christian to develop. Both are critical to the discipleship of your people. How much of these two key components are currently being taught and embraced by churches, you ask? My honest answer: Little to nil. With most congregations or groups, they will not even make it on their radar.