From Monuments to Movement – Part 1: Monuments Inspire, Movements Transform
Introduction: Why This Series?
For centuries, Christians have built churches, cathedrals, and institutions meant to honor God. Many of these structures stand as monuments of faith, inspiring awe for generations. But if we are honest, many of them are empty—visited by tourists rather than filled with worshipers.
A monument may inspire admiration, but it rarely multiplies life. A movement, on the other hand, is alive. It spreads. It grows. It changes lives and transforms entire nations.
When Jesus launched His church, He never envisioned it as a monument of stone, tradition, or hierarchy. He birthed a movement of disciples making disciples, filled with His Spirit, and spreading from person to person, house to house, and nation to nation.
This blog series, From Monuments to Movement, is an invitation to rediscover that living, multiplying vision. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore how the early church lived simply yet powerfully—and how we can return to that model today.
The Problem with Monuments
Monuments are static. They represent something that once was, but they themselves cannot reproduce. They are symbols of the past, not seeds of the future.
Many churches today risk becoming just that—impressive monuments that preserve tradition, but lack the dynamic life and multiplication of the Spirit. A beautiful building, a well-polished program, or a famous preacher may impress crowds, but does it produce disciples?
Jesus didn’t say, “I will build My monuments.” He said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). The church He envisioned was never meant to be static. It was meant to be a living, moving, multiplying family of God.
The Beauty of Movements
Movements are different. They are not defined by stone or tradition but by life, relationships, and mission.
Think of the early church in Acts. There were no grand cathedrals, no denominational headquarters, no polished programs. Instead, there were ordinary men and women filled with the Holy Spirit, meeting in homes, breaking bread together, and boldly sharing the gospel.
And what happened? “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). That’s the fruit of a movement.
Movements are alive because they are fueled by the Spirit, not by structures. They grow because disciples make disciples. They spread because love compels them to go beyond walls and boundaries.
The Call to Return
In every generation, God raises a call to return from monuments back to movements. To trade our pride in buildings for passion in people. To move from preserving traditions to pursuing the lost. To shift from being spectators to becoming disciple makers.
The world is waiting—not for bigger monuments, but for a movement of believers who live simply, love deeply, and share Christ boldly.
Acts 1:8 reminds us of this calling: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Reflection Questions
- Have I been more focused on attending or admiring monuments rather than joining a movement?
- In what ways can I personally begin living as part of Jesus’ multiplying movement?
- What would it look like for my home, my small group, or my church to function more like the early church in Acts?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive us where we have settled for monuments instead of movements. Awaken in us the fire of Your Spirit. Teach us again to live simply, love deeply, and multiply boldly. Make us part of Your unstoppable movement that reaches the nations with Your love. Amen.