Synergy Resources

In the pursuit of church multiplication, there are three critical areas to focus on: character, convictions, and competencies. Christian character, in particular, plays a significant role in a believer’s ability to effectively engage in God’s mission. Character refers to the habits, attitudes, and qualities that are shaped by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. A person with Christian character increasingly does the right thing at the right time, in the right way, and for the right reason.

The Relationship Between Character and Mission

Maturing in Christian character directly impacts one's ability to engage in the mission of God by making disciples, planting churches, and revitalizing communities of faith. The believer’s process of maturing involves transforming character, and it’s through these transformed lives that the work of multiplication becomes possible. As David Mathis describes in his book Habits of Grace, three key habits — Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship — serve as the foundation for developing a deeper character in Christ. These habits allow believers to receive grace and grow in their relationship with God, which fuels their involvement in making disciples and expanding the church.

Three Key Habits to Grow Christian Character

1. Meditate on the Word of God: Spend time each day in Scripture, seeking to memorize the Word and understand its depth and glory. Pray before opening the Bible, asking God to reveal His truth, and use study tools like commentaries to help deepen your understanding.
   
2. Pray Without Ceasing: Prayer is essential for maintaining a posture of dependence on God. It’s not about constantly reciting long prayers but about cultivating an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Fasting and journaling are significant in producing a more attentive and intensive prayer life.
   
3. Fellowship With the Local Church: Consistent engagement with the church body is critical for personal growth and encouragement in the Spirit. Believers should be involved in regular gatherings for worship and community, embracing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper while understanding that spiritual growth is interdependent with the church.

The Overflow of Christian Growth Into Missions

As you grow in character through these spiritual habits, you will become a more effective vessel for God’s mission of making disciples and multiplying churches. Your growth in character is not just for your benefit but for the benefit of others. By helping others in their journey, you also contribute to strengthening your local church and advancing the work of church planting and revitalization. Ultimately, this work extends beyond individual growth, impacting many people and advancing God’s Kingdom in the world. 

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at Cedarville University, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Synergy is the combined power of a group working together that is greater than the power of individuals working separately. The Synergy Initiative aims to help students plan strategically to graduate from Cedarville, go together with others from this place, and invest their energies, talents, and efforts in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. As Cedarville graduates join up with other church members who are equipped to do the work of ministry, the combined effect of their efforts will accomplish, by God’s grace, abundantly more than only a couple of pastors in a church doing all of the work on their own. Thus, the goal is to equip students to leave Cedarville University ready to help establish and strengthen local churches throughout the nation and around the world.