In 1975, founder of Youth With A Mission, Loren Cunningham felt God was revealing to him the seven areas of influence within society that shape the way we live and think. At the same time God was giving the same revelation to Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade. So together they ‘developed a God-given, world-changing strategy. Their mandate: Bring Godly change to a nation by reaching its seven spheres, or mountains, of societal influence’
(Generals International).
The seven ‘mountains’ of influence
The seven mountains of influence ‘must be invaded by Kingdom-oriented people for the transformation of society to take place’ (Johnson, 2006, p.92).
The seven areas of societal influence are
1. Family
2. The Church
3. Education
4. Arts/Entertainment
5. Government
6. Commerce (including science and technology)
7. Media
Johnson (2006, p.92) states, it is obvious that God wants an entire generation to value their call regardless of what title it brings, teaching them how to invade a culture for its total and complete transformation. God’s desire is to see his word fulfilled.
Revelation chapter 11 verse 15 says,
‘The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.’
Which mountain am I called to serve and influence?
You may already be serving in an area and influencing it for the kingdom and know you are following the call of God for your life. Or you may be praying and seeking direction from God regarding which area you are called to serve in.
Regardless of the ‘mountain’, God calls all of us to advance his kingdom. He wants all of us to influence our area bringing Godly wisdom, integrity, creativity, and excellence to our roles.
I personally think we may be called to serve in different areas throughout our lifetimes and they may overlap as well. For example, you may have one dominant area you influence and other less dominant areas.
I also feel the abilities God has given each of us will help guide us to the areas we are to influence.
But whichever mountain we find ourselves on, I pray we remember 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 31
‘…Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’
*Further reading on the seven mountains of societal influence can be found
www.generals.org/the-seven-mountains
Dreaming with God, by Bill Johnson