The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

Essential reading for Christians today: Addison helps us make sense of the organizations and churches we are a part of, and where they are in their life-cycle of birth, growth, maturity, decline and decay. One of the key tasks of leadership is to define reality, and this book will help followers of Christ to see more of the realities of Western Christianity today and embrace them rather than be surprised by the decline and decay in American Christianity.Addison also paints a hopeful picture and gives examples of how to move towards birthing or "rebirth" in the life-cycle of movements. Perhaps my biggest take away is the key aspects of Identity in a movement, and how this is shaped by the Word, the Spirit of God, and Mission for all who call themselves Christians. A return to these could awaken Western Christianity to new possibilities in participating in what God seems to be doing around the world in launching Spirit led movements that are transforming lives, communities and entire people groups/nations.

If you are a believe interested in being a part of fulfilling the great commission you must read Steve Addison's latest book, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders. It has been so refreshing for my soul to see God at work down through history and to be mindful of how to best facilitate a disciple-making movement in 2020. There were many areas where my own vision and strategy have been refined for the better after reading this book. I devoured this book, finishing it less than 48 hours after I purchased it and intend to go back over it again at a slower pace. If you are thinking about movements I highly recommend you purchase a copy today.

Regardless of the mission God has placed before you there are principles in this book you will be able to apply in order to achieve the multiplication you are looking for.

Excellent from start with contextual examples to finish what, why and how to partner with God in His Plan to bring His kingdom to earth.

Must read!! Incredibly well researched to paint a picture of the heart beat of a movement. Wherever you find yourself, whatever your vocation, this book can help you take the appropriate next steps in multiplying your life. Maybe more importantly it can help you learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the ditches. Get it, read it, repent, and apply it.

As usual, Addison has written something every church leader should read and ponder. If you care about your church or movement or more importantly, the people who are far from God that you and your church/movement should touch. Read and apply what you learn in The Rise and Fall of Movements.

The historical case studies for each stage of rise and fall are worth the price of the book. May our lessons from the past fertilize the fruitfulness of our future.

Jesus came to start a movement, not a religious institution. He has given us the same job. It’s called the Great Commission. In “The Rise and Fall of Movements,” Addison pulls the rug of excuses out from under us. Simple, equipping, and challenging.

Awesome book for Christians leaders

This book examines the Why and the How of Christian movements - the Why is their adherence to the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the Mission of God. "Mission" is helpfully rescued from the morass of modern interpretations, showing its primarily evangelistic nature. The "How" is the Strategy - where four elements are highlighted: Pioneering leaders, Contagious relationships between people which help the message spread more quickly, Rapid Mobilisation where new Christians are trained to reach others, and Adaptive methods - where all methods are adapted to meet the culture. Five stages of a movement: Birth, Growth, Maturity, Decline and Decay, are examined with examples from the Bible and the History of God's people. Useful material in the appendix about the No Place Left methods. The book is very clear and based on good research. It is not too long.

There is more text in my copy that is hi lighted than isn't! Its a well researched book with significant learnings from some past movements that have risen and in some cases fallen. Steve has taken these learnings and put them in a framework so that we can better learn and understand the important principles. I've already recommended this book as a must read to many leaders. Well done Steve and thanks for the gift of this book!

Just a great review of what Jesus did and how a movement grows and the pitfalls of movement decline and fall

Once again, the author offers readers with insights and wisdom gained from careful research and clear analytical wisdom.