Exponential by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson - Book Review

The brothers Ferguson have given the church a book with the singular aim of demonstrating as the sub-title states: How you and your friends can start a missional church movement. Much of the book is their own experience in the Chicago area of developing a missional movement of local churches.

The book is divided into four parts as the authors broaden the intended sphere of influence as a movement grows and to explain the "Reproducing Principles" for building a successful movement according to Acts 1:8.

Movements Start with 1 – The authors claim a new paradigm is needed to reach the ends of the earth and requires a three-fold vision: impact others for Christ; plan on reproducing, not growing large; be a catalyst to reproduce churches.

With that in mind, understand the leadership path in order to increase momentum:

Individual – Apprentice – Leader – Coach – Director – Campus Pastor/Church Planter – Network Leader

The plan is to reproduce leaders and is based on Christ's calling and sending disciples in Mark 3:13-15.

The authors move on to explain the necessity of apprentices.  They acknowledge that the word disciple is biblical but has poor or suspect connotations in modern culture (i.e., use relevant terms).  A part of apprenticeship is the big dream.  Big dreams (like going to the ends of the earth with the gospel) are stimulating and contagious.  Use that to motivate the three aspects of being spirit-led, missional, and reproducing.

The last two chapters of the section deal with reproducing leaders and artists (read musicians). The chapters are similar in direction and intent and vary only in how to balance excellence in reproducing with excellence in execution.

Reproducing Tribes of 10-100 – The focus of this section is reproducing small groups and implementing coaches to help the group leaders effectively lead.  The biblical basis given is Acts 2:42-47 where the early church was made up of 3C Christ-followers: Celebrate, Connect, and Contribute.

The authors are correct to point out the strengths of this group size.  The 3 C's can be easily practiced and the body edified.  For certain, new groups are somewhat stilted and not have the free flowing of spiritual gifts and expression.  Connections are easy enough, but celebration and contribution need to be built up.  As a group matures, these areas level out.

After reading the three chapters for the section, I wondered why the authors bothered to continue writing about larger groups.  Obviously, they had tapped into and described the most effective unit of measure for a local church.   Sadly, it appears the need for size and influence of a central body wielding power and/or influence under the guise of furthering the gospel.

Also, it is apparent that the authors understand worship to be only singing led by a polished band singing pop-church material so the congregation can sing and raise their hands and not think about what the lyrics are, and nothing else.  This is apparent because what happens in Acts 2:42 is perceived no more than a celebration.  While it is indeed that, much more was going on between heaven and earth in those meetings than sharing "high five" types of things.  Messieurs Ferguson both need to get their Bibles out and study what worship is.

Reproducing communities of 100-1,000 – Here is where these men really stumble.  This section is dedicated to reproducing church communities based largely on Paul's example in Acts 19:21-23.  Notice this is not reproducing churches.  That may come later.  This is setting up multi-site churches.  And since multi-site is the current wave in evangelical circles, it must be worthwhile.

Where exactly can we actually find this model in Scripture?  We fail in the search.  Here the book fails miserably, as there is no place for this.  What should be the natural division into separate entities is instead artificially held together.  There is no natural fellowship or worship operating at this level.  Essentially, there are separate churches with separate under-shepherds hearing the same message and singing the same songs via video feed.

The last chapter does get around to reproducing whole churches with some tips for the church planter and leader.

Reproducing movements of 10,000s – This section is further growth and setting up whole new networks. There is really nothing new.  The prior applications are reworked for larger numbers.

Conclusions

The authors make good points in developing people.  The apostle Paul did the same.  Discipleship is key (Matt 28:19-20).  Also the general warnings of waiting on the Lord are worthwhile.  Many of these concepts are applicable to the local church and have merit in that setting.


Negatively, much of what is proposed is identical to business marketing material I have read.  It is good when scriptural principles are used effectively in business, but what we have here is more the opposite—modern business practice defining how the church should operate.

Take the good out of the questionable or bad, and there is usable material.  Proceed with caution and discernment.