The Upside Down Kingdom - Resisting Power - Alan Hirsch

Jul 22

Episode Summary

In this episode, Cory and Brian interview Alan Hirsch and explore the dynamics of kingdom movements, emphasizing the importance of decentralized leadership and the dangers of centralized power structures. We discuss the significance of metaphors in understanding movements, the cultural implications of fame in leadership, and practical insights for ordinary disciple makers. We also highlight the need for a shift from consumer-driven church models to organic, community-focused movements that prioritize discipleship and service.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Seeds and Forests: The Power of Jesus’ Metaphors

The seed carries within it the potential of a forest—movement starts small but scales naturally.
Jesus’ metaphors (seeds, yeast, nets) are not cute illustrations—they are loaded with kingdom DNA and require deep reflection.
Movements are organic, reproducible, and scalable by design.

2. The Empire Logic vs. Jesus Logic

Western church leadership often mirrors the “kings of the earth”—hierarchical, centralized, and power-seeking.
Jesus’ model is self-emptying: the child, the servant, the crucified. This is not just poetic—it’s strategic.

3. The Trap of the Ring of Power

Alan uses Tolkien’s “Ring of Power” as a metaphor for the seductive nature of influence and fame in leadership.
Even in churches, when structures are centralized and large, the ring becomes irresistible—and corrupts.
Most hands will reach for it. Only the humble can resist its pull.

4. Leadership That Multiplies

True movement leadership doesn’t require degrees, platforms, or paychecks.
“L50” leadership (leading 50 or fewer) is biblical, sustainable, and catalytic.
Big systems breed dependency; small systems release everyday people.

5. Lessons from the Chinese Church

When formal leadership was removed during persecution, the church exploded—from 2 million to over 120 million.
De-centralization doesn't mean chaos—it often restores what was lost under institutional weight.

6. Money, Metrics, and the Myth of Scale

Big church models cannot keep up with global population growth.
Entertainment-driven churches create consumers, not disciples.
Movements must break the addiction to size, speed, and spectacle.

7. Encouragement for the Ordinary Disciple-Maker

You don’t need to be famous or formally trained to matter in the kingdom.
Don’t chase the ring. Stay rooted. Find your calling. Obey Jesus in your context.
If God has given you influence, steward it with humility and clarity.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a timely reminder: Jesus flips the script on leadership, fame, and success. Alan’s wisdom helps us see that movements begin not with strategy, but surrender. If you're serious about multiplication, you have to get serious about dying to power. Stay small. Stay faithful. Stay dangerous.