Kingdom Reformation

In this well-known passage from Ezekiel 37:1-14, the prophet encounters a valley of dry bones, symbolizing the hopelessness of Israel in exile, seemingly beyond the possibility of redemption. God's actions and questions in this moment show us what it means to go beyond revival, inviting us to embrace a life of transformation, faith, and partnership with His Kingdom purposes.

The valley of dry bones isn't merely a revival story. It's a prophetic pattern that reveals the ways of God, showing us how to go beyond a temporary encounter and step into a lasting transformation. In this passage, God's question to Ezekiel—"Can these bones live?"—isn't just an inquiry about possibility; it's an invitation to partner with Him in bringing life, hope, and endurance to His people.

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🎙️ The Kingdom Reformation Podcast with Glenn Bleakney

In this transformative episode, "Kingdom-Centric Leadership: The Apostolic-Pastoral Dynamic," Glenn Bleakney unpacks the powerful integration of apostolic and pastoral ministry for Kingdom advancement. Drawing from Jesus's ministry and the Book of Acts, discover how the fivefold ministry gifts work together to create exponential Kingdom impact.

You'll learn:

- How to balance apostolic vision with pastoral care

- Biblical principles for multiplication and leadership development

- Practical strategies for transforming your church into a Kingdom training center

- Keys to establishing Kingdom authority in your sphere of influence

- Systems for sustainable Kingdom expansion

Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about seeing God's Kingdom established on earth as it is in heaven. Don't miss the free Kingdom Reformation resources available at AwakeNations.org.

🎯 Key topics: Kingdom advancement, apostolic leadership, pastoral ministry, church growth, leadership development, fivefold ministry

⏱️ Duration: 11:25 minutes

Want to go deeper? Visit AwakeNations.org for free teachings on Kingdom Reformation principles that are transforming churches and leaders worldwide.

Listen to the Darren and Abi's Deep Dive Discussion on this teaching.

#KingdomReformation #ApostolicLeadership #ChurchGrowth #KingdomAdvancement #ChurchLeadership #FivefoldMinistry

When Jesus said, "I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18), He envisioned a vibrant Kingdom movement that would thrive through the collaboration of different roles within the fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Together, these diverse gifts would work in harmony to foster growth and extend His influence in the world.

The Kingdom of God thrives on principles of multiplication and nurture, beautifully illustrated by the complementary roles of apostolic and pastoral ministry. Throughout His ministry, Jesus embodied this dual focus—venturing into new territories to share the message of the Kingdom (apostolic function) while also showing deep compassion for His followers (pastoral function). His instruction to "seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33) resonates with both the broad outreach of apostolic work and the supportive nature of pastoral care.

Within this Kingdom framework, apostolic leaders can effectively serve as pastors while maintaining their primary calling to expand God's Kingdom. Just as Jesus trained the twelve while continuing His broader Kingdom mission, modern apostolic pastors can shepherd a local congregation while focusing on raising up Kingdom-minded leaders who will further expand God's territory.

The Kingdom principle of multiplication appears throughout Scripture, from God's first command to "be fruitful and multiply" to Jesus's parables about Kingdom growth. An apostolic pastor embodies this principle by developing what Scripture calls the "fivefold ministry" – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12). These gifts were given specifically "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ," ultimately advancing God's Kingdom purposes.

When Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God being like a mustard seed that grows into a great tree (Matthew 13:31-32), He was illustrating a fundamental Kingdom principle that applies to apostolic-pastoral ministry. The local church, under apostolic-pastoral leadership, becomes like that mustard tree – firmly rooted in one place while providing far-reaching influence and impact for the Kingdom.

The Book of Acts provides a powerful model of this Kingdom-focused leadership approach. The apostles, while maintaining connection with their home base in Jerusalem, invested heavily in developing local leadership teams throughout the expanding Kingdom territory. They understood that Kingdom advancement required both the pioneering spirit of apostolic ministry and the stabilizing influence of pastoral care.

This Kingdom-centric model becomes particularly effective when the apostolic pastor focuses on developing teams that understand and operate according to Kingdom principles. These aren't merely functional leadership teams; they're Kingdom representatives equipped to demonstrate and declare the reality of God's reign in their spheres of influence. As Jesus sent out His disciples with the mandate to "preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand'" (Matthew 10:7), so apostolic pastors send out equipped leaders to extend Kingdom influence.

The development of pastor/elder teams takes on new significance when viewed through a Kingdom lens. These teams aren't just providing practical care; they're establishing outposts of Kingdom authority and influence within the local community. They become stewards of Kingdom culture, demonstrating the values and principles of God's reign in tangible ways.

In practical terms, an apostolic pastor operating with Kingdom focus structures their ministry to reflect Heaven's priorities. Their preaching and teaching emphasize Kingdom principles, their leadership development programs focus on Kingdom values, and their strategic planning aligns with Kingdom purposes. Every aspect of ministry becomes an opportunity to advance God's reign and influence.

The Kingdom principle of stewardship plays a crucial role in this model. Jesus often taught about faithful stewardship in His Kingdom parables, and apostolic pastors must steward both their apostolic calling and their pastoral responsibility. This means wisely investing in leadership development, creating opportunities for emerging leaders to exercise their gifts, and establishing systems that sustain Kingdom advancement.

The multiplication of apostolic leadership takes on greater significance when viewed through Kingdom eyes. Each new apostolic leader raised up represents potential for Kingdom expansion in new territories. As Paul mentored Timothy and Titus, establishing them as Kingdom leaders in their own right, so modern apostolic pastors invest in the next generation of Kingdom leaders.

The development of elders in this context becomes about more than local church governance – it's about establishing Kingdom authority and wisdom in the local church. These mature leaders serve as pillars of Kingdom culture, helping to align church life with Heaven's values and priorities while supporting the apostolic vision for Kingdom expansion.

When Jesus taught us to pray "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10), He was establishing a pattern for all ministry. Apostolic pastors take this prayer seriously, working to establish Kingdom patterns in their local churches while simultaneously pushing for Kingdom expansion beyond their walls.

The impact on church culture is profound when viewed through this Kingdom lens. Members begin to see themselves not just as church attendees but as Kingdom ambassadors. The church transforms from a pastoral care center into a Kingdom training ground, equipping believers to represent Heaven's interests in every sphere of influence.

In conclusion, the integration of apostolic and pastoral functions under Kingdom principles creates a powerful dynamic for advancing God's purposes on earth. This approach aligns with Jesus's Kingdom parables about growth, multiplication, and influence. The result is a church that provides excellent pastoral care while simultaneously advancing Kingdom territory through apostolic vision and multiplication.

Success in this Kingdom-focused model ultimately depends on maintaining clear alignment with Heaven's purposes, developing Kingdom-minded leaders, and creating systems that facilitate ongoing Kingdom expansion. When these elements are in place, the church becomes an effective center for both nurturing believers and extending God's reign in the earth. As Jesus promised, "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations" (Matthew 24:14), and apostolic pastors play a crucial role in fulfilling this Kingdom mandate.

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One of the most disconcerting phenomena we observe among Kingdom leaders is when they become more preoccupied with safeguarding their own position, authority, or personal comfort than with sincerely addressing the needs of those they guide.

This disjunction may manifest in several troubling manners:

1. Lack of Empathy for Daily Challenges: Leaders often struggle to connect on a personal level, overlooking the everyday difficulties faced by their constituents. This lack of understanding fosters alienation and reduces the leader's effectiveness.

2. Prioritizing Personal or Institutional Goals Over Community Needs: When leaders concentrate solely on their objectives, they risk ignoring the community's actual needs. This can result in initiatives that fail to resonate with or benefit those they aim to help.

3. Surrounding Themselves with Affirmative Voices: Leaders who seek only affirmation instead of diverse viewpoints miss out on valuable insights. A lack of constructive criticism can stifle innovation and impede progress.

4. Making Decisions in Isolation: Leaders who operate without consulting those impacted by their decisions risk creating policies that are disconnected from reality. This detachment can lead to ineffective strategies and further alienation of the community.

This disconnect leads to a breakdown in trust and effectiveness, ultimately undermining a leader's ability to lead authentically.

The Manifestation of Altruistic Leadership

In stark contrast to the disconnect seen in modern leadership, Jesus exemplified a deep commitment to altruistic leadership. He showed empathy, actively engaged with those around Him, and placed the needs of others above His own. Here are some key principles of altruistic leadership that can help revitalize our approach to leadership within our churches and communities:

1. Empathy and Active Listening: Leaders should strive to genuinely understand the struggles their community faces, involving not just hearing but actively listening to others' experiences and concerns.

2. Prioritizing Community Needs:

Decisions should be rooted in the well-being of the community. Leaders can establish regular feedback mechanisms to ensure their initiatives align with the true needs of those they serve.

3. Encouraging Diverse Perspectives: Fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity can drive innovation. Leaders should seek input from a variety of voices within their community to enhance their understanding and approach.

4. Engaging with the Community: Rather than leading from afar, effective leaders should immerse themselves in the community to grasp the challenges and opportunities firsthand. This engagement builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging.

Follow me on Instagram: “Reviving Altruistic Leadership in Our Faith Communities ht

One of the most disconcerting phenomena we observe among Kingdom leaders is when they become more preoccupied with safeguarding their own position, authority, or personal comfort than with sincerely addressing the needs of those they guide.

This disjunction may manifest in several troubling manners:

1. Lack of Empathy for Daily Challenges: Leaders often struggle to connect on a personal level, overlooking the everyday difficulties faced by their constituents. This lack of understanding fosters alienation and reduces the leader's effectiveness.

2. Prioritizing Personal or Institutional Goals Over Community Needs: When leaders concentrate solely on their objectives, they risk ignoring the community's actual needs. This can result in initiatives that fail to resonate with or benefit those they aim to help.

3. Surrounding Themselves with Affirmative Voices: Leaders who seek only affirmation instead of diverse viewpoints miss out on valuable insights. A lack of constructive criticism can stifle innovation and impede progress.

4. Making Decisions in Isolation: Leaders who operate without consulting those impacted by their decisions risk creating policies that are disconnected from reality. This detachment can lead to ineffective strategies and further alienation of the community.

This disconnect leads to a breakdown in trust and effectiveness, ultimately undermining a leader's ability to lead authentically.

The Manifestation of Altruistic Leadership

In stark contrast to the disconnect seen in modern leadership, Jesus exemplified a deep commitment to altruistic leadership. He showed empathy, actively engaged with those around Him, and placed the needs of others above His own. Here are some key principles of altruistic leadership that can help revitalize our approach to leadership within our churches and communities:

1. Empathy and Active Listening: Leaders should strive to genuinely understand the struggles their community faces, involving not just hearing but actively listening to others' experiences and concerns.

2. Prioritizing Community Needs:

Decisions should be rooted in the well-being of the community. Leaders can establish regular feedback mechanisms to ensure their initiatives align with the true needs of those they serve.

3. Encouraging Diverse Perspectives: Fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity can drive innovation. Leaders should seek input from a variety of voices within their community to enhance their understanding and approach.

4. Engaging with the Community: Rather than leading from afar, effective leaders should immerse themselves in the community to grasp the challenges and opportunities firsthand. This engagement builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging.

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Join us as the hosts of the Deep Dive Podcast review and discuss Glenn Bleakney's powerful teaching on "How to Possess Prophetic Promises." In this episode, we explore a question that often troubles believers: why do some prophetic promises remain unfulfilled, even though we know God is faithful? Sometimes, a promise alone isn't enough. As we delve into stories like Elijah’s prayer for rain (1 Kings 18) and the disciples’ obedience to secure a place for Passover, we uncover how fulfilling a promise often requires our active partnership. Learn how obedience and faith work together to bring God’s promises to life, and join us in contending for the prophetic words spoken over you!

Missed Glenn Bleakney’s teaching, "How to Possess Prophetic Promises?" You can watch the full video on Kingdom Community TV: https://kingdomcommunitytv.subspla.sh/hj9s92s or on YouTube https://youtu.be/SV4HGZS7yNA

Prefer to listen? The original podcast episode is available on all major platforms, or you can access it directly here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1aeeb384-d0a7-4893-82f0-1b8425e39655.

Interested in study notes? Donate $20 USD or more to our ministry, Awake Nations, and mention "study notes" to receive them via email. Support our work by donating here: https://AwakeNations.org/donate

Are you weary of empty leadership advice? 🌊 Join “Listening Leadership” to explore the fusion of spiritual sensitivity and practical leadership. ✨

In this episode, we’ll uncover ancient biblical wisdom 📜 and its application in today’s leadership. From Solomon’s “hearing heart” ❤️ to Jesus’ connection with the Father, discover principles that elevate good leaders to extraordinary ones. 🌟

This episode offers practical insights to:

- Enhance your spiritual sensitivity for better decision-making 🧠

- Tackle leadership challenges with divine wisdom 💡

- Transform your organization through Spirit-led leadership 🙌

- Cultivate a genuine connection with God that influences your style 🌈

Whether you lead a church ⛪, run a business 💼, or impact your community 🌍, this episode provides tools for leading with divine guidance. 🙏

Key points include:

- The Science of Spiritual Sensitivity 🔍

- Prophetic Leadership Today 🌌

- Steps to Hearing God’s Voice 🎤

- Leading with Kingdom Authority 👑

- Creating a Spiritually Attuned Organization 🏢

Many today have received powerful prophetic promises, but have not seen them translate into reality. Why is this seeing that God is not a man that He would lie. The truth of the matter is a promise sometimes is not enough!

Now some may find this shocking, but please bear with me as I explain.

Consider the great prophet Elijah. He had the sure word of the Lord that it was His will that rain would fall on the earth after 3 years of famine. Was that sufficient? Evidently not. Elijah had to partner with the promise by engaging in a process. In his situation, prayer was the process required (See 1 Kings 18:42-44).

Often, the fulfillment of prophetic promises is contingent on our obedient actions. For example, the disciples were given specific instructions in order to secure a meeting place to celebrate the Passover. They had to go to the city and look for a man with a water jar and say, “The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'” Only after this act of obedience was the promise fulfilled.

Like the saints of old, let's contend for prophetic promises to be realized in our lives! There is so much at stake! “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises …" (Hebrews 11:32-33, ESV).

Watch the video on Kingdom Community TV - https://kingdomcommunitytv.subspla.sh/hj9s92s

Watch the video on Youtube - https://youtu.be/SV4HGZS7yNA

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The team at Deep Dive discusses Glenn Bleakney's recent teaching series on Ezekiel 37 and how it is a prophetic and apostolic pattern for revival and reformation.

Read the post https://glennbleakney.substack.com/p/why-revival-is-not-enough-embracing

In this well-known passage from Ezekiel 37:1-14, the prophet encounters a valley of dry bones, symbolizing the hopelessness of Israel in exile, seemingly beyond the possibility of redemption. God's actions and questions in this moment show us what it means to go beyond revival, inviting us to embrace a life of transformation, faith, and partnership with His Kingdom purposes.

The valley of dry bones isn't merely a revival story. It's a prophetic pattern that reveals the ways of God, showing us how to go beyond a temporary encounter and step into a lasting transformation. In this passage, God's question to Ezekiel—"Can these bones live?"—isn't just an inquiry about possibility; it's an invitation to partner with Him in bringing life, hope, and endurance to His people.

Revival is a powerful and essential starting point for every believer and community longing to experience the fullness of God. But if we stop there, we miss the bigger picture of what God intends to accomplish. While revival sparks a renewed hunger for His presence, transformation is the ongoing journey of shaping lives and communities to reflect the Kingdom of God.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 paints a vivid picture of this concept, showing how transformation leads to renewed life and how this renewal calls us into a lasting partnership with God. Reflecting on past movements of God, we find a crucial truth: the purpose is not merely to experience powerful services, deep worship, or even witness miracles. It's about letting the Spirit of God fully transform us, so that the impact flows into every part of our lives and communities.

These four outcomes revolve around a single question: "Can these bones live?" (Ezekiel 37:3)

In Ezekiel's vision, God confronts him with a valley of dry bones, a symbol of Israel's utter desolation. God's question—"Can these bones live?"—underscores the severity of their spiritual state, showing the depth of the crisis.

This recognition of brokenness is essential in any revival. We must face our own spiritual dryness, brokenness, and areas where we need God's intervention. By acknowledging the crisis, we open ourselves to a work that only God can accomplish. In this way, revival isn't just a moment of excitement but a sober acknowledgment of our need for ongoing transformation and healing, especially in the areas we cannot repair on our own.

When God asks Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" He is challenging any complacency that may have crept in, inviting Ezekiel to rise above hopelessness and believe in the power of God to transform.

This challenge to complacency is critical if revival is to become more than a brief moment. It's easy to become resigned to the situations we see as beyond repair. However, God calls us to live with expectancy, to believe that He can—and will—revive and renew. Revival begins with the conviction that God can bring life to the most desolate places, sparking a fresh expectation that moves beyond revival and into everyday faith.

After stirring Ezekiel's faith, God calls him to prophesy over the bones, actively involving him in the miracle of restoration. God doesn't bring life alone; He invites Ezekiel to partner with Him. This is a powerful Kingdom principle—revival is not something that God simply does to us; it's something He does through us.

We are called to take steps of faith, speaking life and hope into dead situations. Our cooperation, marked by obedience and faith, allows us to be instruments of God's transformative work. In revival, we're not passive spectators but active participants, partnering with God to see His Kingdom advance.

Finally, God commissions Ezekiel, giving him the authority to speak life into the bones. This act of commissioning is significant—Ezekiel is no longer just an observer; he is empowered to declare God's will and bring life where there was none.

Likewise, in revival, God doesn't merely want us to be moved by His presence; He wants to empower us as agents of transformation. We are given His authority to bring life, healing, and hope into situations that seem hopeless. This is the ultimate outcome of a revival that leads to transformation—believers who are not only inspired but are empowered and commissioned to bring God's Kingdom to earth.

Ezekiel's valley of dry bones is more than a revival story; it's a prophetic pattern that reveals the ways of God. Revival, at its core, is not just about experiencing amazing services, deep worship, or even miracles. It's about positioning ourselves for a life that is fully transformed, a life where the Spirit's work doesn't wane but grows stronger, reshaping us, our communities, and even nations.

As we apply these four truths and cry out for God's glory and His ways, we align ourselves with His desire for a revival that doesn't end but continues in intensity and longevity. Revival is the spark, but transformation is the ongoing journey—a journey that brings the life of the Kingdom into every sphere, allowing us to be catalysts of change until His Kingdom is fully revealed. The valley of dry bones reminds us that revival is not the end, but the beginning of a life empowered to carry His Kingdom, fulfilling God's vision of a "revival that just won't stop."

For this enduring transformation to become a reality, we must go beyond the initial intensity of God's presence and seek both His glory and His ways. Like Moses, who cried out, "Show me Your glory" (Exodus 33:18) and "Teach me Your ways" (Exodus 33:13), we must hunger for a deeper revelation of who God is. Psalm 103:7 reminds us, "He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel," emphasizing that knowing God's ways brings us closer to His heart.

A lasting move of God cannot be sustained by occasional encounters or memories of past experiences; it must be grounded in a genuine desire to understand and walk in the ways of the Lord. As we learn His ways, we align ourselves with His Kingdom principles, allowing His life to flow through us continually.

I once pastored a church in the United States where true revival was happening, but certain people through gossip created division and the Holy Spirit was grieved. God's presence departed and the revival literally stopped. This serves as a powerful reminder of how precious and delicate these movements of God can be.

The story of the dry bones reveals God's heart not only for revival but for complete and lasting transformation. The vision doesn't end with the bones coming to life—they are formed into a vast army, called to a purpose beyond mere survival. Likewise, God's desire for us goes beyond initial revival; He wants to shape us into people who actively participate in His Kingdom work, bringing transformation to our families, communities, and beyond.

Revival is the spark, but transformation is the journey that follows, a call to live in alignment with God's purposes day by day. When we recognize the crisis, confront our complacency, cooperate with God's calling, and embrace our Kingdom commission, we step into the fullness of what God has called us to be—Kingdom catalysts, equipped to bring change that lasts.

Revival may set us on fire, but it's our transformation and obedience that spread the flame, igniting hearts and establishing God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel's vision is a reminder that, while revival begins the work, transformation is the enduring result, calling us to be God's hands and feet, living vessels of His hope and power in a world longing for life.

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Join us as the team from Deep Dive discuss Glenn Bleakney's book, # Ways God May be Guiding You in a new direction.

Description: Has God ever blatantly interrupted your life plans for you to follow His? There invariably will come a time in our spiritual journey when the Lord will solicit our cooperation in permitting Him to guide us in a new way. His preference is that we would sense His leading, fully cooperate and move in the new direction. However, as is all too often the case, He must intervene in the affairs of our lives due to the fact that we are comfortable and entrenched in our present course of action. In this teaching, Glenn Bleakney shares the 3 Biblical ways God often uses to move us in a new direction.

Did you miss the teaching?

Listen here https://player.captivate.fm/episode/41116808-821b-440f-9ed2-8dfb2070ece2/

Watch the Video - https://www.youtube.com/live/HVLo0tlMZ5U?si=X6Si_yE9qX_mb8jR

Purchase the Book - https://a.co/d/3l6O6Hx