142. Rich Robinson

In this episode, Dave connects with Rich Robinson, leader of the Movement Leaders Collective, during his time in Nairobi, Kenya. Rich brings profound insights into pioneering leadership in Western contexts, emphasizing biblical faithfulness and cultural adaptability. His reflections inspire movement leaders to take risks and embrace new paradigms for making disciples in a rapidly changing world. Key Themes & Takeaways: • New Paradigms for Ekklesia (Church): People often resist alternative forms of church that fit today’s mission context. Rich unpacks how these “vehicles” can serve the Kingdom. • Insights from Rich’s Book, All Change: Rooted in the Gospel of Luke, Rich outlines four phases of Jesus as a leader who pioneered a movement: 1. Dream (Luke 1–5): Envision a future guided by kingdom imagination. 2. Discover (Luke 6–11): Coaching small groups and building discipleship. 3. Design (Luke 12–22): Teaching Kingdom principles that can be contextualized. 4. Deploy (Luke 22–24): Mobilizing disciples for mission. Rich’s book provides language for pioneering leaders to articulate the vision God has placed on their hearts. 👉 Explore free resources: allchangejourney.com/resources 👉 Get the book: Amazon Link • Western Urban Challenges: Rich explores how Western cities, with their fractured relational networks and competition for time, differ from rural contexts. He highlights how: • Urban relationships are affinity-based, not geographically based. • Missionaries need to find “people or places of peace” and experiment with connecting points (e.g. community needs, mental health, or physical care). • Western urban contexts are complex, like a Rubik’s Cube, requiring us to stop, look, and listen to God’s work. • Encouragement for us as leaders: • Acts 4:13 reminds us that ordinary people, with the presence of Jesus, can be bold leaders. • Leadership involves faithful obedience, learning from mistakes, and remaining passionate in discipleship. • Find others to share the journey with—pray, encourage, and pioneer together. Final Challenge to Listeners: “Wherever God has placed you, be a disciple, be good news, and make disciples who make disciples. You’re not alone—find your community of pioneers and step boldly into the work of the Kingdom.” 📖 Scripture Highlight: Acts 4:13 🎙 Guest Links: • Movement Leaders Collective • Rich Robinson’s Book: All Change Let’s journey together as we explore what it means to lead faithfully in complex, urban mission fields.