From Monuments to Movement – Part 7: Shedding the Baggage of Monuments

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He kept it simple: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). He promised His presence, but He never commanded His followers to raise monuments or build institutions. His focus was always on people, not property; obedience, not overhead.

The Baggage We Carry

1. Church Structures

Buildings are not evil in themselves, and where they already exist, they can serve a purpose. But the early church multiplied without constructing sanctuaries. Too often, new buildings become the main focus—consuming time, money, and energy that could be spent on disciple-making. Jesus’ Kingdom does not depend on walls of stone.

2. Financial Burdens

Much of modern church life revolves around fundraising—keeping up facilities, running programs, or meeting budgets. This often drains believers instead of equipping them. In contrast, the early disciples shared resources freely (Acts 2:44–45), focusing on needs and mission rather than maintaining systems.

3. Clergy-Centered Systems

When ministry is limited to a few professionals, most believers remain passive. Yet Scripture calls us a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Every believer is called, gifted, and empowered by the Spirit to serve, teach, and disciple others. The church is healthiest when everyone participates, not when ministry is reserved for a few.

The Contrast

The first disciples turned the world upside down without buildings, budgets, or professional staff. Their strength was in Spirit-filled communities, multiplying from home to home, neighborhood to neighborhood. Where we often build monuments, Jesus calls us to build movements.

Every Home a Hub of Mission

What if every home became a center of Kingdom life? Meals could be shared as communion, living rooms could host worship and prayer, and families could disciple neighbors. Homes would become launching pads for the Great Commission—simple, reproducible, and Spirit-led.

A Call to Return to Simplicity

It’s time to shed the baggage of monuments and rediscover the movement Jesus started. His Kingdom does not advance through massive buildings or professional hierarchies—it spreads through ordinary disciples making disciples, in ordinary homes, with extraordinary power from the Spirit.And His promise still holds: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).He is not confined to monuments. He is moving with His people. Will you move with Him?

Reflective Questions:

1. Which traditions or practices from institutional church culture still shape my view of following Jesus—and do they help or hinder disciple-making?

2. How might letting go of financial or structural pressures free me to focus more on people and relationships?

3. In what practical way can I simplify my faith practice this week to align more closely with the early church model?