Rebuilding Through Persistence and Faithfulness

A Vision for Restoration

Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was a response to a calling for restoration. He saw the destruction of his homeland and felt a burden from God to restore what was once there. This desire wasn’t born out of selfish ambition but from a deep conviction to bring glory to God. Nehemiah recognized the importance of turning back to God in times of brokenness and sought His guidance through prayer and repentance.

For us today, restoration often begins when we acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness. It may not be the result of one massive failure, but rather a series of small decisions that lead us away from God. However, just like Nehemiah, the path to restoration starts with one decision: to return to God. His mercies are new every day, and He is faithful to restore those who come back to Him.

The Power of Community

Nehemiah’s vision was too large for him to accomplish alone. He understood the importance of community and leadership. The rebuilding of the wall wasn’t the task of one man; it was the combined effort of many people, each responsible for different sections of the wall. Leaders rose up, and alongside their teams, they worked to rebuild Jerusalem. This collective effort not only restored the city physically but also united the people in a common purpose.

In the same way, our lives require the support of others. Whether in personal growth, faith, or any aspect of life, we are not meant to do it alone. When we work together, share the burden, and encourage one another, we can achieve much more than we ever could by ourselves. God uses communities to bring about restoration, and each person’s contribution is vital.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary

Rebuilding a wall might not sound exciting or glamorous, but it was necessary. Much of the work God calls us to do can feel mundane or repetitive, yet it is in these seemingly ordinary tasks that He often brings about transformation. The daily discipline of prayer, reading Scripture, and practicing obedience may not provide instant results, but over time, these small acts lead to lasting change.

Just as athletes or musicians improve through persistent practice, so too do believers grow through faithful obedience. It is not the grand moments that define our walk with God, but the steady, consistent steps taken in faith. Though it may feel boring at times, God is using these moments to build something beautiful, even when we don’t see immediate progress.

Long Obedience

The restoration process is not a straight line. It is filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. But much like the walls of Jerusalem, our lives are being rebuilt brick by brick. God doesn’t rush the process but works patiently, allowing each part of our life to be restored in His perfect timing. We may experience times of brokenness, but He is faithful to bring healing and renewal.

As we continue to follow Christ, the growth may feel slow, but over time, we will see the transformation He is accomplishing in us. It’s a journey of long obedience, where God’s grace is at work even in the most mundane moments. Just like the wall was rebuilt through persistence and dedication, our lives are being restored as we walk with Him in faithfulness.

— Louis fischer

Multiply Church Planting Resident

Favor for the Work

Broken for the Right Reasons

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves overwhelmed by personal challenges, sadness, or fear. But how often do we pause to consider the things that break God’s heart? Nehemiah’s story teaches us about focusing on God’s concerns rather than our own. His sadness wasn’t about his own situation but the suffering of his people, and this perspective is something we should strive for. When we realign our hearts with God’s priorities, we begin to see beyond ourselves. Nehemiah’s brokenness led him to prayer and action—a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to be deeply concerned about the things that matter most to God.

Boldness Born from Prayer

When Nehemiah approached the king to ask for help, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had spent months in prayer, seeking guidance and courage. His boldness didn’t come from self-confidence but from a deep reliance on God. In that critical moment, Nehemiah prayed again—this time, a quick, desperate prayer asking for favor. This teaches us the importance of constant communication with God. It reminds us that even when we face big challenges, the foundation of our courage must be prayer and preparation. Nehemiah’s boldness was rooted in his trust in God and faithful followership, which empowered him to take risks and act on behalf of his people.

Don’t Miss the Hand of God

As Nehemiah carried out his plans to rebuild the wall, he didn’t shy away from asking for help. He requested letters of safe passage and resources to complete the work. While some may view such requests as presumptuous, Nehemiah recognized that God’s favor was upon him. His confidence was not in his own abilities but in God’s provision. How often do we miss the hand of God moving in our own lives because we’re too focused on our limitations or fears? Nehemiah’s story challenges us to be aware of God’s favor, to boldly ask for what we need, and to trust that God is already at work in our plans.

Opposition Will Come

When we set out to do God’s work, opposition is inevitable. Nehemiah faced resistance from those who didn’t want to see Jerusalem restored. Yet, he pressed on, knowing that the work was not about him but about God’s mission. Opposition often comes from unexpected places—sometimes even from those we thought would support us. Nehemiah teaches us that while opposition is guaranteed, so is God’s faithfulness. We must continue to trust in His plan, knowing that the work we are called to do is for His glory, not ours. The God of heaven will grant us favor for the work if we remain faithful to the mission He has given us.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Rebuilding for a Greater Purpose

The Call of a People

From the very beginning, God has been calling a people to Himself. In the days of Nehemiah, those people were in trouble. The walls of safety were broken. The call of Nehemiah was clear: to restore and rebuild what had been broken. The physical city walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, but this was more than just a structural failure. The destruction symbolized the brokenness of God’s people, both physically and spiritually. Just as Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls, we are called today to rebuild what has been shattered in our lives and communities. But this rebuilding isn’t merely for safety—it’s for God’s glory, to establish a people set apart for His purpose.

A Heart of Compassion

When Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s plight, he didn’t remain indifferent. His heart broke for the people of God, and he immediately turned to prayer and fasting. His response wasn’t just about the city; it was about the condition of his people. How often do we hear about the suffering of others and feel that stirring in our hearts? Like Nehemiah, we are called to respond with compassion, to stand in the gap for those who are hurting, and to seek God’s will. Prayer becomes our first move, not a last resort. It’s in those moments of genuine intercession that God begins to shape us into the people He’s called us to be.

The Power of Prayer and Confession

Nehemiah’s prayer is a model of faith, humility, and dependence on God. He begins with praise, acknowledging God’s greatness, and then moves into confession. He confesses not just his own sins, but the sins of the people. This is a powerful reminder for Christians as God’s New Covenant people. We are not just individuals in our faith journey—we are part of a larger body. Corporate confession, as uncomfortable as it may be, brings healing and restoration. It acknowledges that we all fall short and are in need of God’s mercy. By owning our sins and the collective sins of the Church, we position ourselves to experience the grace of God in deeper ways.

Boldness Rooted in Faith

Nehemiah didn’t stop at prayer. His faith led him to take bold action. He asked God for favor as he prepared to approach the king with a dangerous request: to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His boldness wasn’t rooted in his own abilities, but in his trust in God’s promises. When we truly understand who God is and the promises He’s made, we can approach Him with confidence. Our prayers can reflect this boldness, as we trust that God is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.

Rebuilding, whether in our own lives or in the world around us, begins with prayer, compassion, confession, and bold faith. Until Christ returns, God is still calling a people to Himself. The question remains: are we ready to respond and go?

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Building a Life of Christ-Centered Community and Mission

The Blueprint for a Fulfilled Life

We all desire a life that is meaningful and full of purpose. But often, the busyness of daily routines can make it difficult to see the bigger picture. What if the secret to a fulfilled life lies not in isolation but in the relationships we build and the mission we share? The essence of life is not just in surviving, but in thriving within a community that reflects God’s image to the world. This community is where we learn, grow, and become the people God has called us to be. It’s where we move from where we are to where God wants us to be.

From Individual to Collective Identity

In our culture, emphasis is often placed on individualism—on finding out “Who am I?” But in God’s economy, emphasis is not just on the individual, instead asks the question, “Who are we?” as a collective. We were created for community, to belong to something greater than ourselves. From the beginning of time, God has been gathering a people for Himself, a community that reflects His glory. This is not just about attending church services; it’s about living out our faith together, in our homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The church starts with the individual, but it never stops there—it grows into a Christ-centered community that embodies the mission of God.

Living Out the Mission

Being part of this community means living with intention and purpose. The mission of God is clear: to love Him, love others, and make disciples. This isn’t just a nice phrase—it’s a call to action. It means sharing the love of Christ in practical, everyday ways—through a coffee with a friend, helping a neighbor in need, or sharing a meal with someone new. It’s about making disciples not just through structured programs, but through intentionality in the relationships we build and the lives we lead. The church isn’t just a building or a Sunday service; it’s a people, scattered throughout the week, living out the gospel in every aspect of their lives.

Growing Together in Community

Healthy things grow, and so does a healthy community. But growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together, as we encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and live out our faith in community. This is why being part of a local church, being involved in small groups, and building relationships within the church is so vital. It’s not just about personal spiritual growth, but about growing together as the body of Christ. When we live out our faith in community, we see the evidence of God’s grace at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. This is the beauty of the church—a people called together to live out God’s mission, growing in love and unity, and reaching out to the world with the love of Christ. Who is your community? Is it centered on Jesus? What’s your next step in that community? Ask God today where He needs you to be.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Praying Boldly

In a world where challenges and uncertainties are inevitable, there is one thing that stands out as both a comfort and a call to action: bold prayer. The kind of prayer that doesn’t shy away from the truth but faces it head-on, seeking divine intervention with unwavering faith. It is this boldness in prayer that transforms not just the individual but entire communities. Bold prayer is not about timid requests or vague hopes; it’s about standing in the gap with confidence, knowing that the God we pray to is sovereign and powerful.

Recognizing God’s Sovereignty

Understanding the sovereignty of God is the foundation of bold prayer. When we approach God, we do so knowing that He is in control of all things. This is not just a theological concept; it is the reality that shapes how we pray. Recognizing God’s sovereignty means that we trust in His ultimate plan and purpose, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. It means that our prayers are not about convincing God to do what we want but aligning ourselves with His will. This recognition shifts our perspective from mere supplication to a deep, trusting relationship with the Creator.

The Impact of Prayer on Our World

Prayer has the power to change the course of history, not because it manipulates God, but because it aligns us with His will, enabling us to act in faith. The early church understood this when they prayed for boldness in the face of persecution. They didn’t ask for safety or comfort; they asked for the courage to continue spreading the message of Christ. This kind of prayer moves mountains because it is rooted in the knowledge that God’s purposes will prevail, and we are privileged to be a part of that work. When we pray boldly, we are asking God to use us as instruments of His will, trusting that He will guide our steps.

Living Out Our Bold Prayers

The call to bold prayer is not just about what happens when we pray but also about how we live afterward. Bold prayer should lead to bold living—actions that reflect the confidence we have in God’s sovereignty. It’s easy to go through the motions of life, but bold prayer challenges us to step out in faith, to speak the truth in love, and to act with the assurance that God is with us. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with a friend, standing up for what’s right, or simply living a life that honors God, our prayers should propel us into action. After all, the prayer of the early church was not just words; it was a declaration of their unwavering commitment to God’s mission. And their boldness in prayer led to a boldness in life that changed the world.

Bold prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us to participate in His work. It requires us to recognize His sovereignty, to trust in His plan, and to live out our faith with courage. As we commit ourselves to prayer, let us do so with the confidence that our sovereign God hears us and will act according to His perfect will. And let our bold prayers lead to bold actions that reflect the truth and love of Christ in our world.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Living in Love: Love Perfected

As christians, it’s crucial to remember that our true essence is found in our relationship with the divine. At the core of our being, we are loved unconditionally by God, and this love is not just a comforting thought—it’s a transformative reality. Our ability to love others stems from this deep, unshakable truth. When we truly understand who we are in Christ, our actions naturally begin to reflect that love. This is not merely a call to be loving; it’s a call to recognize that we are already loved beyond measure. Once this truth is internalized, loving others becomes an overflow of the love we have received.

The Power of God’s Love in Action

God’s love isn’t just a passive, comforting presence; it’s an active force that empowers us to love others. The ultimate proof of this love was demonstrated when God sent His Son to atone for our sins, removing the need for us to make sacrifices to appease His wrath. This selfless act of love sets the standard for how we should love one another—unconditionally and sacrificially. When we embrace this love, we become vessels through which God’s love is made visible to the world. Our love for others is not just a reflection of God’s love; it’s a continuation of His work, completing the picture of His perfect love here on earth.

Living Boldly Without Fear

One of the most profound effects of God’s love is the freedom it gives us from fear. In God’s love, there is no room for fear because His perfect love casts out all fear of punishment. This doesn’t mean that there are no consequences for our actions, but it does mean that we no longer live under the looming threat of condemnation. Through Christ, we are invited to approach God with confidence, knowing that His love for us is secure. This boldness should inspire us to love others fearlessly, as we have been loved. The security we have in God’s love should propel us into action, loving others without hesitation or reservation.

The Power of Love

Our capacity to love others is a direct reflection of our relationship with God. The more we immerse ourselves in His love—through prayer, engaging with His Word, and living in community with other believers—the more our love is tested, refined, and perfected. This process is akin to a master craftsman shaping a piece of wood; it takes time, patience, and intentionality. As we grow in love, we become better reflections of God’s character, displaying His love to a world in desperate need of it. Our love for others becomes a testimony of God’s transformative power at work within us, drawing others closer to Him.

In living out these truths, we embody the love of God in a tangible way, making His presence known in our daily interactions. Let your life be a testament to the love you have received, and in doing so, draw others into the divine embrace of His perfect love.

— AARON DININNY

Executive Director - [Multiply]

Father’s day 2024: The Goodness of god

Nowadays, it's easy to become disconnected from our source of spiritual strength. Just as a battery weakens when left uncharged, so too does our faith when we distance ourselves from Christ. The Apostle John, writing in the late first century, emphasized the importance of abiding in Jesus. By staying close to Him, we draw the courage and strength needed to navigate life’s challenges. Proximity fosters a healthier relationship, and this principle applies to our spiritual walk as well. Prioritize prayer, immerse yourself in the Word, and engage with fellow believers to maintain a vibrant and robust faith.

The Assurance of Salvation

Abiding in Christ not only strengthens our faith but also assures us of our salvation. John’s letters remind us that our faith is evidenced by how we live and love. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our lives reflect His light more clearly. This process, known as sanctification, brings us closer to the image of Christ. When we wonder why our faith feels weak or why we lack courage in our Christian walk, the answer often lies in our proximity to Jesus. Reconnecting with Him through spiritual disciplines ensures that our faith remains strong and vibrant.

Discovering Our Identity as Children of God

One of the most profound truths in John’s writing is our identity as children of God. This identity is grounded in His great love for us. Despite the world’s skepticism and the pain of earthly fatherlessness, we have a heavenly Father who loves us deeply and unconditionally. This reality is transformative. Knowing we belong to God reshapes our self-perception and how we relate to others. It calls us to live in a way that reflects our divine heritage, loving others as God loves us.

Living in Anticipation of Christ’s Return

John speaks of the hope we have in Christ’s return. This future promise should inspire us to live pure and holy lives today. We are called to anticipate the day when we will see Jesus face-to-face, transformed into His likeness. This anticipation is not just a distant hope but a present motivation. As we look forward to His return, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith, pursuing purity and righteousness. Philippians 1:6 assures us that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion. This promise gives us the confidence to live out our faith boldly and joyfully.

Strength in Spiritual Fatherhood

John also highlights the importance of strong male presence in both the family and the church. Statistics show the profound impact of fathers on their children's spiritual journey. Men are called to rise to the occasion, embodying the love and strength of Christ in their homes and communities. By doing so, they lead their families toward a deeper relationship with God. The church thrives when men embrace their role as spiritual leaders, setting an example of faith and love.

Running to the Father

As we navigate our spiritual journey, let’s remember to run to our heavenly Father with the eagerness of a child returning home. Abiding in Christ, we find strength, assurance, and joy. Embrace your identity as a child of God and live in the hope of His return. Fathers, step into your role with confidence and love. Together, let’s cultivate a community that reflects the light of Christ, drawing others into the fullness of joy found only in Him.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

True Joy: Standing Firm in Faith and Truth

In our fast-paced lives, the pursuit of joy often feels elusive. We chase fleeting pleasures and momentary satisfactions, only to find ourselves yearning for something deeper. But there is a profound source of joy available to us, one that surpasses all worldly delights: the joy found in a true relationship with Jesus Christ. John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, emphasizes this in his writings, urging us to embrace this divine joy by living a life of faith and obedience. He reminds us that our joy is made complete in Christ, who invites us to put away the darkness of sin and walk in the light of His truth.

The Battle Against Deception

We live in a world where false teachings abound, constantly challenging the truth of the gospel. John's message is clear: resist these false teachings and cling to the truths of Scripture. The presence of false teachings is a testament to the reality of Christ and the ongoing spiritual battle for our souls. As the gospel spreads, so too do the deceptions of the enemy. Yet, there is hope and victory in this battle. The presence of these falsehoods only underscores the truth and power of the gospel. We must be vigilant, discerning, and rooted in the truth to navigate these challenges.

The True Test of Faith

What we believe about Jesus Christ is the most crucial aspect of our faith. John warns that anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is propagating a dangerous error. These false teachings seek to redefine and diminish the true nature and work of Jesus. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and the perfect sacrifice is essential for a right relationship with God. How we perceive Jesus directly impacts how we live our lives. If we acknowledge Him as our Savior and Lord, it compels us to devote our lives to Him, offering our time, talents, and treasures in service to His kingdom.

The Power of Abiding in Christ

To remain steadfast in our faith, John encourages us to abide in the teachings of Christ. This means holding fast to the truths revealed in Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. Believers are gifted with the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds us of all that Jesus has taught. By abiding in Christ, we have all we need for salvation and full joy. This abiding is not passive; it requires active engagement with God's Word and a commitment to living out our faith daily. As we do so, we are equipped to discern truth from error and stand firm against the deceptions of the enemy.

A Call to Action

In this spiritual battle, it is vital to remain rooted in the truth and vigilant against deception. The joy and assurance of our salvation in Christ empower us to live boldly and faithfully. Let us embrace this joy, resist false teachings, and abide in the truth of God's Word. By doing so, we not only secure our faith but also become beacons of truth and love in a world desperately in need of the gospel. Let us fix our hearts and minds on Jesus, the source of our joy and the foundation of our faith, and live in the fullness of His grace and truth.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

The Great Exchange: Discovering Our Identity in Christ

In the tapestry of human existence, few moments resonate as profoundly as the encounter between Mary and Jesus at the crucifixion. As Jesus, in His final breaths, entrusted His mother to the care of His beloved disciple John, He performed an act of deep compassion and ensured a new identity for both Mary and John. This poignant moment captures the essence of the "Great Exchange" — a divine transaction where Jesus offers us a new identity, rooted in His love and sacrifice.

The Apostle John, who witnessed this exchange firsthand, illuminates this transformative truth in his writings. Known for his deep personal relationship with Jesus, John’s message in his first epistle revolves around the identity shift we undergo when we embrace Christ. John, a man who experienced the fullness of Jesus’ ministry, from the miracles to the resurrection, urges us to understand and live out our new identity in Christ.

The Dual Nature of Jesus

John’s firsthand account is not just a historical record but a personal testimony of encountering Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature of Christ is crucial. Jesus, the “Word of life,” was with God from the beginning and yet entered our world, taking on human flesh. John emphasizes this to counteract the false teachings of his time, such as Gnosticism, which denied the humanity of Christ.

By affirming Jesus’ humanity, John underscores the tangible reality of God’s love. Jesus was not a distant deity but one who walked among us, shared in our experiences, and ultimately sacrificed Himself for our sins. This reality invites us into an intimate relationship with God, bridging the chasm between the divine and the human.

Walking in the Light

John’s message is clear: to know God is to walk in the light. God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. This light represents truth, purity, and life. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this light in our daily lives. Walking in the light means living in a way that aligns with God’s truth, acknowledging our sins, and allowing Jesus’ sacrificial blood to continually cleanse us.

Confession and repentance are vital in maintaining this walk. John warns against self-deception, urging us to confront our sins honestly. When we acknowledge our need for forgiveness, God, who is faithful and just, cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This ongoing process of cleansing is not about attaining sinlessness on our own but relying on Jesus, our advocate, who pleads our case before the Father.

The Transformative Power of Jesus

The essence of John’s message is that knowing Jesus personally transforms us. It’s not merely about adhering to a set of beliefs but about a profound relationship with the living Christ. This relationship brings fullness of joy, a joy that surpasses all circumstances and challenges.

John’s life and writings challenge us to examine our own identity. Are we living as those who are deeply loved by Jesus? Do we reflect the light of Christ in our interactions and decisions? This identity shift requires us to commit to God and His people, to stop delaying obedience, and to embrace the transformation that comes from living in the truth of who Jesus is.

Our New Identity

To live in this new identity, we must first submit to God’s transforming work in our lives. This begins with prayer, allowing God’s Word to shape us, and connecting deeply with His people. As we do this, we experience the fullness of joy that John speaks of — a joy rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the reality of our intimate relationship with God.

As we go about our lives, let us remember that we carry the light of Christ within us. This light is meant to shine in the darkest places, bringing hope and truth to a world in desperate need. By living out our identity in Christ, we not only find our own joy but also draw others into the transformative power of Jesus’ love.

John’s message is both a reminder and a call to action. It reminds us of the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, which gives us a new identity, and it calls us to live out this identity with joy, integrity, and purpose. Let us embrace this great exchange and walk boldly in the light of Christ, knowing that we are deeply loved and called to share that love with the world.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

The Divine Pattern: Embracing Followership in Christ

In the rhythm of life, there’s a profound pattern woven into the fabric of our existence—a pattern that reflects not just our actions, but the heart and spirit driving them. This pattern is one of followership, a concept deeply embedded in the essence of Christianity. To be a follower of Christ isn’t merely about adhering to rules; it’s about embodying a way of life that transforms every aspect of our being, especially our hands, hearts, and heads. Imagine a life so captivated by a mission that it changes the core of who you are. This is the life of a true Christian, whose existence is radically altered by the gospel, the power of God unto salvation.

The gospel isn't just a historical account; it's a dynamic force, actively reshaping us from the inside out, rendering self-help strategies and temporary fixes insufficient. The centrality of Jesus in our lives empowers us to overcome the habits and behaviors that tether us to our old selves. But what does it truly mean to follow Christ? It means embracing a life of imitation, where every step we take is a step closer to the example set by Jesus. This journey of imitation is not about losing our identity but finding our true selves in the reflection of Christ. In the early church, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, we see a vibrant community of believers who lived out this radical transformation. They were a people marked by a profound commitment to the teachings of Jesus, engaging deeply with each other in fellowship, worship, and prayer. The pivotal event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was poured out, illustrates the transformative power available to every believer. This wasn’t just a momentary event; it was the beginning of a new era in which the presence of God was intimately woven into the daily lives of His people.

The Holy Spirit didn’t just empower them for supernatural acts but enabled them to live out the gospel in practical, everyday ways. To follow Jesus means to engage in a community that mirrors the early church’s practices—devoted to teaching, to fellowship, to breaking of bread, and to prayer. It’s about a life lived in joyful obedience and heartfelt surrender, where our actions are not driven by duty but by love. In this life of followership, every Christian is called to be both a follower and a leader—leading by example. As we imitate Christ, we also become models for others, just as Paul urged his followers to imitate him as he imitated Christ. This chain of imitation forms a beautiful tapestry of discipleship that stretches across time and culture, continuing to grow and expand the kingdom of God. Yet, in our journey, we must be vigilant of the "imitation breakdown," where our lives no longer reflect the vibrant followership they are meant to. This breakdown is evident when our actions do not align with the teachings of Jesus, when our communities lack the unity and love prescribed in Scripture, and when our missions lose their grounding in the gospel. The call to Christian followership is a call to active engagement in the world, not as passive observers but as dynamic participants in God's redemptive plan. It is about making the teachings of Jesus tangible and real in every interaction and every relationship. By living out this call, we not only transform ourselves but also the world around us, making the kingdom of God visible and accessible to all who seek it.

To follow Christ is to enter into a life of profound transformation and purpose, a life that continually seeks to reflect the image of Jesus in every thought, word, and deed. It is a journey of constant growth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in the community of believers—driven not by mere human ambition, but by the divine calling to live out the love and truth of the gospel.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Jesus the Lead Follower: Embodying Perfect Followership

In a world that often exalts leadership as the ultimate goal, the biblical narrative invites us to consider a more profound archetype of influence and authority—Jesus, the Lead Follower. This perspective is not only countercultural but also foundational for understanding the dynamics of true leadership as modeled by Christ Himself.

The Paradigm of Followership

Jesus’ life exemplifies perfect followership, characterized by an unwavering submission to the will of the Father. From His humble obedience to His mother at Cana to His spiritual fortitude in the wilderness, Jesus consistently demonstrated that His actions were in direct response to the Father’s leading. This submission was not a sign of weakness; rather, it was the ultimate display of strength and commitment to the mission of God.

Leading by Following

The gospel of John provides profound insights into Jesus' followership, particularly in John 5:16-30. Here, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, which stirs controversy among the religious leaders. His response is telling: He openly acknowledges His actions as flowing from the Father’s will, asserting, "The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing" (John 5:19). This declaration is not merely theological; it is a practical blueprint for all who aspire to lead. Jesus confirms that true leadership is contingent upon faithful followership.

The Good Shepherd

Further exploring the theme of followership, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10. This metaphor extends beyond mere care and guidance. It encapsulates the essence of sacrificial leadership—laying down one’s life for the sheep. Here, followership and leadership converge in the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Jesus does not lead from a position of detached authority but from deep involvement and commitment to the well-being of His flock, those who know Him and are known by Him.

Implications for Today’s Leaders

For those called to lead in various capacities, Jesus’ model presents a radical shift from conventional leadership paradigms. Leadership, according to Jesus, is not about asserting one’s will but about aligning one’s actions with a higher purpose. It is about leading from a place of obedience and service, not for personal gain but for the collective good.

A Call to Action

As followers of Christ, we are invited to embody this model of "leading by following." This involves a continuous commitment to discern and align with God’s will, a readiness to serve rather than be served, and a heart oriented towards the needs of others before our own. By doing so, we not only honor the example set by Christ but also contribute to a legacy of godly leadership that can transform lives and communities.

In essence, Jesus’ life challenges us to reconsider our notions of influence and authority. By embracing His example of perfect followership, we discover the true heart of leadership and the path to making a lasting impact in our world and in the local church.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director