All the great movements in the history of the church initiated in the same manner, not with a program or committee, and a strategic plan, but with a message that fired the hearts and gave people a common cause. David W. Stokes demonstrates in From the Pulpit to a Movement the importance of the movement between the platform and the pew, which is far more potent than most pastors are even aware of. When the sermons are designed and given with purpose and purport, they do not make people inspired temporarily, but they start congregations in the direction of change. And it is with this process that messages get turned into movements and culture becomes stronger, vision gains greater power and the simple Sundays that most people attend are transformed into triggers of spiritual momentum that continues all through the year.
Churches have in the past decades sought young leaders to bring about revival. Stokes, however, makes the readers remember that frequently people start the revival with experienced voices: with those who have experienced challenges, transitions, and changes of seasons. From the Pulpit to a Movement directly addresses the favorable side of the reforms in the view of Associational Mission Strategists (AMSs), purposeful interims, denominational heads, and retired pastors still feeling the calling to continue leading, even with a new role. You never cease to be a preacher,’ writes Stokes. Just begin preaching with more reach.
In that one line he was able to summarize his message: ministry influence is not about a title but rather about obedience. Stokes also redefines leadership as the pulpit lights go down, and he wants pastors to strategically use their experience to create movements rather than moments of management.
The core of From the Pulpit to a Movement is a revolutionary idea entitled by Stokes strategic preaching Spirit-led communication, which has the purpose not only to comfort but also to catalyze. He also says that, although pastors may not preach every week, still what they say has the ability to bring congregations together, encourage leaders and give the path towards renewal. Retired and transitional leaders can lead churches through the process of change with clarity, conviction, and compassion, whether it is a conference, association meeting, or even a special event.
Using examples found in the Bible, Stokes illustrates how God used experienced leaders to introduce revival even when people believed that their influence had worn out. Moses has been a leader of renewal in his old age, Nehemiah in his days of captivity has been a rebuilder of the desolated work of others, and Paul has composed his most effective letters in his prison, not on the stage. Both the stories support Stokes in believing that God never ceases to use an obedient voice and that wisdom created by experience is among the most powerful instruments of rejuvenation.
In the case of transitional and interim pastors, From the Pulpit to a Movement is a step-by-step guide on how to preach during times of unsteadiness. Stokes describes the steps to create sermon series, strategic calendars and messages that are renewal-orientated to accelerate congregations to heal, regain trust and reorient towards mission. His models go past inspirational weekly and train leaders to preach with a long-term focus so that every sermon will be a step towards revival.
The thing that is so strong about From the Pulpit to a Movement is that it is quite practical but spiritual fire. At the end of every chapter, prayer prompts, action steps, and reflection questions are provided to allow the reader to be in a position to apply the learning immediately. Stokes prepares leaders to make preaching purposeful, to preach words that teach and not only teach but change as well. The appendices in the book provide more materials, such as a strategic preaching calendar, guidelines in crisis preaching, and case studies of pastors who managed to lead renewal in the most unreasonable environment.
However, behind all the plan is a very personal and motivational theme: God is not done with you yet. Back out of the pulpit or in an interim position, the writing by Stokes gives a new purpose and passion. He also challenges the readers to view their present season as not retirement but reactivation, an opportunity to impact churches, mold leaders and model faithfulness to the new generation.