A healthy church has an apostolic culture that creates a reforming mindset. This is formed by an apostolic pastor who understands that the church isn’t for the people in it, but the people still outside it. This leads to a mentality that seeks to impact and influence the 7 mountains of influence in society. These mountains, or spheres, are religion, family, education, government, media, arts & entertainment, and business.
These seven spheres or areas of society are key in a nation’s culture, and so need kingdom influence within them to help fulfil the great commission – which is to disciple nations. To do this, we need a reformation mindset.
What is a Reformation Mindset?
A mentality that looks to influence and transform the 7 mountains of influence – locally, regionally and globally – with the values of the Kingdom of God. It is apostolic thinking resulting in apostolic culture – an understanding that the church is sent as missionaries to peoples and industries with the 7 mountains of influence to bring heaven’s impact through word and deed.
Why is a Reformation Mindset important?
Apostolic culture leads to positive social impact and favour locally, across the 7 mountains of influence, leading to communities being transformed. To create apostolic culture, you need an apostolic-minded pastor leading.
What does an apostolic pastor bring to a church?
- An apostolic pastor anchors the prophetic into the practical, preventing it from turning Gnostic or super-spiritual.
- They ensure new converts are not just saved but brought into a cause.
- They prevent the church from becoming a needs-centred infirmary by keeping the focus forwards, not inwards.
- An apostolic pastor ensures teaching has the purpose of practical equipping for the mission and isn’t just theoretical or academic.
What happens if a Reforming Mindset is lacking?
Without an apostolic culture, the church becomes detached from and irrelevant to the community it should serve, and becomes self-serving, making decisions primarily for the benefit of its own people and not the people it is called to reach. This risks increased church politics and battles for power. It means that the 7 mountains of influence are not influenced locally, nationally or even globally.
How can an apostolic pastor develop a reformation mindset toward the 7 mountains of influence?
- All members are actively aware and equipped to be ministers in their community.
- A belief that there is no secular/sacred divide, meaning ministry positions are not the pinnacle of activity or more valued than working outside the church.
- Ministry to the poor/social justice ministries – as per Galatians 2:10.
- Serving local needs practically and financially.
- Constructive Kingdom engagement and influence into the 7 mountains of influence – Family, Education, Business, Government, Arts/Entertainment, Religion, and Media.
Key Questions
How healthy is the Reforming Mindset of your church?
Is it reforming, as in, focused on bringing positive and beneficial influence and change to society at large?
Is it a mindset, as in, part of the primary thinking in the church to keep activity and energy fresh and focused?
What Next?
- Discover how the health of your current apostolic culture impacts other areas of your church in my FREE Fivefold Health Check.
- Learn how I help churches like yours define, grow and develop their apostolic ministry by going here.
- Find out more about my book ‘Keys to Church Health’ by clicking here.
- Review the other Keys to Church Health by going here.
