A Vision for a Missional Church
Kingdom South
"your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10 NIV
I wrote an article in May on the church as a delivery system for transformation.
I want to revisit the concept using our church plant as a template.
As we anticipate the official launch of Kingdom South in January 2025, I want to take you on a journey into the heart of our mission. Our commitment to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth has made our mission clear: we exist to promote kingdom living, develop kingdom leaders, and plant kingdom churches—a mission that shapes how we gather, live, and engage with the world around us. This month's article will delve into what it means to live a kingdom life, equip leaders to further the kingdom agenda, and plant churches that reflect kingdom values.
Before we dive in, let me clarify what I mean by kingdom. I'm not talking about a vague concept or an abstract spiritual idea—I am referring to God's comprehensive, sovereign rule over all creation, His authority that extends over every realm of life, from the heavens to the earth, from the personal to the professional. It's a kingdom that calls for our total allegiance and demands that every aspect of our lives align with His will and purpose.
Now that we've established the foundation let's explore what this means within the context of Kingdom South.
Promoting Kingdom Living
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." — John 10:10b (NIV)
At the heart of our mission is the call to promote kingdom living. By that, we mean a way of life that reflects God's original design for humanity—full, abundant, and flourishing. When Jesus spoke of bringing life to the full, He wasn't just talking about existence but a life rich in purpose, love, joy, and peace. Put another way, kingdom living is life as God intended.
To experience this, we must align our daily lives with the kingdom's values. By this, we mean pursuing justice, mercy, compassion, and truth in every area—whether in our personal relationships, work, or community engagement. It's about living in a way that brings glory to God and reflects His heart for the world. We are committed to living this kingdom life at Kingdom South and using our example to encourage others to do the same.
Leading by example leads us to the next aspect of our mission: developing kingdom leaders.
Developing Kingdom Leaders
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." — Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
Jesus' call to His first disciples was not merely an invitation to follow—it was a commission to lead and influence the world around them. At Kingdom South, we develop kingdom leaders who will carry the values of God's kingdom into every sector of society: family, religion, education, business, government, arts and entertainment, and media.
These sectors shape our world's cultural and moral landscape, and kingdom leaders are called to be agents of transformation within them. Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or the community, our leaders are change agents, bringing God's love, wisdom, and purpose into places that desperately need it. Equipping leaders with a kingdom mindset is our best chance to multiply and radically impact society.
Speaking of multiplying, let's look at the final aspect of Kingdom South's mission: planting kingdom churches.
Planting Kingdom Churches
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" — Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission commands us to go and make disciples; for Kingdom South, this calling manifests through planting kingdom churches. Although we don’t feel called to plant churches globally, we are deeply committed to establishing kingdom churches throughout South Carolina, bringing the message of Christ and the values of His kingdom to local communities.
A kingdom church is more than just a gathering place; it is a hub for transformation. It's a place where people encounter the living God, experience authentic community, and are equipped to live out their faith in practical ways. Our vision is for these churches to become outposts of the kingdom in their context, reflecting kingdom values and advancing God's mission on earth. As we expand across South Carolina, we believe we can touch lives and ultimately transform the state for God's glory.
Each of these pillars reflects our commitment to seeing God's kingdom come here in South Carolina as it is in heaven. We believe we can make a lasting impact by living out kingdom values, raising leaders who will transform every sector of society, and establishing churches that serve as beacons of light, hope, and transformation. As we pursue this vision together, we invite you to join us in embracing the call to be a part of something far greater than ourselves—a movement that advances God's kingdom and changes lives for His glory and our good.
If you would like to learn more about us, please visit www.kingdomsouth.org.