Our Story
We believe Jesus knew what he was doing and we are just crazy enough to try to follow his example. He invested his life and entire future plan into 12 regular people. He did not neglect the larger gatherings of Christians, nor did he neglect the lost, but he focused his time on 12 normal guys. That is our foundation for a “microchurch” networked together with other like hearted believers to accomplish the mission God has given, to make disciples of all nations.
We have seen God use this expression of the church in countless peoples lives, both to show people the gospel as well as to grow believers faith. Smaller gatherings of people, living on God’s mission and worshiping him together are what Jesus initiated. In the “micro”, people get to engage, process, share, give, and use their gifts. Every person becomes vital to their microchurch and the people they are living on mission for. When all of the microchurches gather together once a month, we see the diversity of God’s people and how he is moving in different ways. “The best of the micro and the best of the macro” are uniquely found in this amazing expression of God’s church.
We see friends gathering together weekly around three key elements: up, in and out. UP is our worship of Jesus; IN is our community; and OUT is our mission. If we miss any one of those 3 elements we miss some of what Jesus has for us. Traditionally, worship has been limited to songs in a church worship set, but God has such a deeper and wholistic definition of worship, one that encompasses our whole lives. In community we will pray, engage, share, encourage, study, hold accountable, and live life together. We will engage in Jesus’ mission of OUT: to seek and save the lost. Often this is the weakest of the 3 elements, like a bodybuilder who skips leg day we will strengthen our mission muscles. We are a sent people, living out the mission of Jesus every day.
The Vision
We want to see every person in the Flathead Valley and the world, see, hear and experience the good news of Jesus.
In order to accomplish God’s vision at Montage, we need more people committed to planting the gospel where God calls them. We need more microchurches and microchurch leaders. In fact, to reach the current 76,000 people in the Flathead who claim “no religion”, we need about 500 microchurches!
The simplicity of networked microchurches lends itself towards the exponential multiplication of disciples. The required needs to start a microchurch are much less than a traditional church plant. The microchurch only needs a few people, called and equipped by God, who want to plant the gospel in their relational sphere, work, neighborhood, hobbies, or interests. The simplicity opens the flood gates for those who can lead the next microchurch. Maybe God will call you to start one! As long as microchurch leaders are networked together in a real way, we will all stay on mission as we love Jesus, love each other, and love others. Rather than trying to grow a church, Montage will replicate leaders passionate about God’s mission and God’s heart in an exponential way.
The networked microchurch model depends on the intentional discipleship, equipping and sending of reproducing leaders. As people engage in their microchurch, they will grow in their worship of Jesus, community, and mission. Microchurch leaders will identify people who God is calling to invest in others and equip them to start their own microchurch expression. This expression could be based on location (neighborhood), outreach (serving the homeless or high schoolers), relational connections, or any number of things God may call them to.
If you are interested in support for starting a microchurch or are interested in joining the Montage network contact us and let us know.
Montage is a part of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. The Alliance has prayed, funded, supported, and help in countless ways. While you don’t have to personally be a part of the C&MA, you can explore more of our heart and beliefs wat their website.
