The Rise and Fall of Movements Quotes

“Movements are led by Pioneering Leaders who can go into unreached fields, connect, share the gospel, make disciples, form new churches, and multiply leaders. But how do you grow Pioneering Leaders when your existing methods only produce pastor-teachers? Don’t begin with a denominational or church-wide restructuring. Don’t begin by blaming the leaders you have. Cast vision widely for making disciples.”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“The price of security is that followers yield sovereignty to those in power.”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“Declining institutions reward leaders for serving the organization rather than the cause.”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“Movements want to change the world; institutions fear a changing world.”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket. — Eric Hoffer”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“The genius of George Fox was his emphasis on the individual’s direct encounter with God through the Holy Spirit. Yet an inherent weakness of Quakerism was its over-reliance on this direct experience of the Holy Spirit at the expense of the Word. The Quakers lacked an emphasis on the written Word of God as a corrective to individualistic spirituality. They also lacked dedication to the clear mission to make disciples of the nations. Their energy for mission was poured into commercial success and transforming society. Meanwhile, their lack of urgency in multiplying disciples meant they ultimately lost their cultural influence.”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“ENJOYING THE VIEW I fear, wherever riches have increased … the essence of religion, the mind that was in Christ, has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore do I not see how it is possible … for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality; and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches. — John Wesley”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“increased … the essence of religion, the mind that was in Christ, has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore do I not see how it is possible … for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality; and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches. — John Wesley”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“Christ gave the Great Commission to every disciple, not professionals. Every disciple is charged with making disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching those who respond to obey everything Jesus has commanded. Every disciple has the Word, the Spirit, and the responsibility to fulfill the Mission.”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders

“Movement pioneers form missionary bands that become catalysts for evangelism in unreached fields, leading to initial discipleship, church formation, and church strengthening. These bands work in partnership with new and existing local churches. Neither the churches nor the bands control the other.19”
― Steve Addison, The Rise and Fall of Movements: A Roadmap for Leaders