In this post, we’re giving you an inside look at Chapter 7 from Movement-Ready Church.
One birthday present you can’t go wrong purchasing is a gift card. Instead of feeling the pressure to select the proper size for a family member or the newest video game for a nephew or niece, it’s easier to buy a gift card from the person’s favorite store and allow them to select whatever they desire. Everyone loves opening a gift to find a card to their favorite restaurant or apparel store.
But if you opened your kitchen drawer right now, you would most likely find unspent gift cards you’d completely forgotten about. Did you know 47 percent of Americans have unused gift cards with an average balance of $187? According to a recent Bankrate survey, “In 2024, Americans have a collective $27 billion in unspent gift cards," (sited below).
Think about all the missed opportunities. A kid has the potential to purchase a new video game to share among siblings that could impact a whole summer. A struggling couple could go to dinner at a nice restaurant, where they might have the kind of conversation that inspires them to keep working on their marriage. Someone else has the ability to buy a meal and give it to a friend in need. All of these opportunities are possible, and it would cost these people nothing to participate in them.
It’s a painful reality.
Unused gift cards represent unfulfilled potential. Someone possesses something that could change their life or the lives of those around them, and they just don’t use it. Unfortunately, the same is true about most of the Christians who sit in your congregation today.
When God created you, he broke the mold. There is no one else like you. The Creator of the universe, in his infinite imagination, made you with a unique story, passions, and abilities. You are one of a kind, but few ever scratch the surface in understanding how God has wired them and what kingdom impact he desires for their life. They live and die without ever knowing what God created them to do while on earth. They’re like an unused gift card, loaded with potential but never getting around to being activated.
Empowerment Myth
Filling Spots = Empowering People
The rest of Chapter 7 of Movement-Ready Church walks you through what we call the Empowerment Myth—the belief that filling spots is the same as empowering people. But there’s a massive difference between placing people in roles and truly equipping them to live on mission. To help you move from participation in the myth to real empowerment, we introduce a practical tool called Kingdom Circle. Chapter 7 is full of moments that help things finally click.
Order Movement-Ready Church Now
For years, I’ve walked with pastors who know there’s more—but aren’t always sure where to begin. That’s why we wrote Movement-Ready Church. It’s designed to help you move from vision to a clear, actionable strategy for disciple-making in your context. Inside, you’ll also find access to 15+ practical tools and downloadable resources to guide your next steps. If you’re ready to lead with greater clarity and confidence, I’d encourage you to order your copy today by clicking here and begin the journey toward a disciple-making movement in your church.
Kate Tretina, “Americans Hold $27B in Unused Gift Cards: Here’s How to Get the Most from Yours,” Bankrate, January 16, 2024, www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/gift-cards-survey.
