David Whitley

Yes. 1. The Crowd Luke 14:25 — “Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus…” These are the people who show up. They come to services, but they haven’t settled in or joined. Some are visitors, some are curious, some just came with a friend. They talk about “that church” or “this church.” Rick Warren: Everyone who shows up — believers and non-believers. They attend, but they have not yet joined or deeply committed. Matthew Ashimolowo: Those who identify with the crowd. They come, but they have not yet moved into the structured pathway of commitment (baptism class, membership class, etc.). • A crowd is a good start, but it is not a church. • Jesus had crowds. He loved them and taught them, but He didn’t stop with them. • If everyone stays a crowd, you only have an audience. • God didn’t call us to gather spectators. He called us to make disciples. 2. The Congregation Hebrews 10:25 — “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” These are the Sunday-only people. They’re here every Sunday (or almost every Sunday). This is their church on Sunday morning, but that’s as far as it goes. They’ve settled in, they give, and they care — but only on Sundays. Rick Warren: Official members who have made a commitment to be part of the church family. They have a sense of ownership (“our church”). They attend regularly, give, and support the vision, but are not yet fully in the habits of maturity or serving. Matthew Ashimolowo: Those who have gone through the membership process. They have moved beyond just showing up and now identify as part of the congregation. • Sunday attendance is good, but it’s the minimum. • Membership is more than a name on a list — it’s a commitment to a specific body of believers (2 Corinthians 8:5). • They support the church on Sundays, but the rest of the week they’re elsewhere. • The early church didn’t just meet on one day. 3. The Committed Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” These are the midweek and extra-services people. They’re not just Sunday people — they show up when the doors are open. They come to prayer, Bible study, and special services. Their commitment has moved past convenience. Rick Warren: Godly and growing people who give and pray, but have not yet gotten involved in ministry. They are building the habits of a disciple (daily time with God, tithing, and being in a small group), but they are not yet serving. Matthew Ashimolowo: Those who have moved past membership into deeper dedication. He distinguishes mere involvement from true commitment. These are the people pressing into more than just Sunday. • You can’t grow deep if you’re only here one day a week. • There’s a difference between involvement and commitment. One is convenient; the other costs something. • They are building their life around the church, not just fitting the church into their life. • This is where real growth happens. 4. The Core (The Called) Mark 3:14 — “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” These are the workers. They don’t just attend — they serve. They show up early, they stay late, and they do the work that makes the church function. Without the core, the church can’t operate. Rick Warren: Those who actively serve and lead in a ministry. They have discovered their gifts and are using them. Without the core, the church comes to a standstill. Every member is a minister, and the core are the ones living that out. Matthew Ashimolowo: The “Called.” These are the ones who have gone through the workers class and leadership training. They are fully sold out and functioning in the work of the ministry — not just attending, but working. • Every church needs a strong core. • They use their gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). • They are the faithful ones who carry the load.