As we are nearing the end of the year, I am looking back through my pictures, notes, and various data collected from our OC Global Alliance this year.  One of our core values is innovation, and the data shows that we are truly an innovative group.  Our ministry looks different in every location, and our teams have worked alongside local leaders to adapt and develop effective strategies for making disciples of Jesus in each unique context.  Some of the growing areas of innovation relate to technology, marketplace, sports, diaspora, and disciple-making.  Let's take a look at disciple making. 

From our earliest beginnings in 1950, our mission has focused on discipleship.  While many were hosting big evangelistic crusades, OC missionaries were coming alongside of local churches to help them disciple new followers of Jesus.  Over the years this has taken many different forms, like developing curriculum, training leaders, and equipping churches.  Recently, we have been more involved in the launch of Disciple Making Movements (DMM)   DMMs have been a growing phenomenon in modern missions.  Here is a helpful definition of DMM.

A disciple making movement (DMM) or church planting movement (CPM) is defined by three characteristics.  First, there are sequential generations of growth.  When an original disciple or church makes a new disciple or church, that is one generation.  DMM/CPM are identified when there are at least four successful direct generations.  Second, the movement is dynamic and growing.  Third, the DMM is greater than approximately 1,000 believers or CPM are greater than approximately 100 churches.  (Lausanne Movement, State of the Great Commission: A Report on the Current and Future State. 2024. P.18.)

Measured as such, Our OC Global Alliance is involved in multiple DMMs worldwide.  As early pioneers, in some areas, we have developed multiple movements that have been models for others.  In 2023, we recorded over two hundred and eighty thousand new disciples of Jesus.  Most of this phenomenal growth was through the work of DMMs.  These same DMMs established almost thirty thousand new house churches in that same year.  We give the glory to God for this amazing work and are grateful that we can be a part of it.  We don’t have the manpower to bring this kind of growth to the kingdom, but by training and coaching leaders who will train and multiply others, over one hundred leaders were coached and mentored last year.  This is a fruitful innovation for the kingdom.

Looking at some of the numbers for 2024 is very encouraging.  Our movements continue to grow.  This year, we have engaged with over one hundred unreached people groups.  Hundreds of new churches are being planted, and thousands of people are being baptized.  Most of these DMMs are growing in locations where there has been hostility toward Christians and in places where missionaries can not go.  We are seeing exciting growth in the church that closely resembles the early church. 

There are always challenges in missions, but our teams are learning together, supporting each other, and innovating new ways to face adversity and respond to new opportunities.

Submitted by Craig Kraft