Leading Kingdom Movements

"Leading Kingdom Movements" by Mike Breen is a book that explores the principles and practices necessary to lead a Kingdom movement, which is defined as a community of disciples seeking the expansion of God's reign on earth through the reproduction of disciples and the transformation of their surroundings. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Jesus as the Model: The book starts by examining Jesus' life and teachings as the ultimate model for leading a Kingdom movement. Breen argues that Jesus' methods and principles can be applied to contemporary contexts to create and multiply such movements.

2. Paul's Ministry: Breen also draws inspiration from the ministry of Paul, highlighting how Paul's strategies can be used as a guide for leading a Kingdom movement. This includes understanding the importance of community, mission, and discipleship.

3. Missional Communities: The book emphasizes the concept of Missional Communities, which are groups of 20-50 people on mission together. These communities are characterized by clear mission and vision, rhythms of UP/IN/OUT (worship, community, outreach), and an accountable leader.

4. Oikos: Breen frequently references the Greek word "Oikos," meaning household, to describe the close-knit groups of people (blood and non-blood) that form the core of these Missional Communities. This concept is central to understanding how to build and sustain a Kingdom movement.

5. Practical Application: The book provides practical examples and mechanics for creating, growing, and multiplying a Kingdom movement. It includes strategies for building and leading these communities, as well as overcoming challenges.

Plot Summary

The book begins by setting the context for Kingdom movements, highlighting that God has always been in the business of starting and multiplying movements that change the world. It then delves into Jesus' teachings and practices, showing how he led a movement that transformed the world.

Breen then shifts focus to Paul's ministry, using it as a guide for contemporary leaders. He outlines the principles and strategies Paul used to build and sustain his communities, emphasizing the importance of discipleship, mission, and community.

The book also includes case studies and practical examples from the 3DM (3 Dimensional Mission) team, which Breen is part of. These examples illustrate how these principles can be applied in real-world settings to create and multiply Kingdom movements.

Finally, the book concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to be part of helping to change a world that is aching to be transformed.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Here are some excerpts:

• Goodreads Review: "While Breen himself was unknown to me, the parallels in his life and experience helped me to establish the veracity of this book. The wisdom, insight, and encouragement of historical and contemporary sources inspired me If you suspect God might be speaking to you and you're not sure what to do, make time to read this!".

• CBMC Executive Business Forums: "Mike Breen says that we can't lead people to a place we've never been, and we can't coach them to drive a vehicle we've never driven. This book provides practical guidance on how to lead a Kingdom movement by drawing from Jesus' teachings and Paul's ministry".

• The Tentmaker Blog: "Mike Breen is bringing out a book called Leading Kingdom Movements. The message of his ministry and in his books is best encountered first hand through his writings and teachings. This book promises to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and participate in a Kingdom movement".

Overall, "Leading Kingdom Movements" by Mike Breen is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in leading or participating in a Kingdom movement. It provides a comprehensive guide filled with practical insights and historical examples, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to change the world through discipleship and community.