The Pivotal Design is the breakthrough discovery that explains why some churches prevail and others don't. The discovery is the result of many years of observing prevailing churches and identifying their common components. As of 2010, churches that start with Mission Catalyst are based on the Pivotal Design. Click on the image above to visit ThePivotalDesign.com and watch the video.

The characteristics of a prevailing church:

1. The church ethos is unselfish; it's all about the next person who needs to meet Jesus.
2. The church understands and connects with the culture through music, technology, preaching, and the arts.
3. A high percentage of attenders had no church background before finding this church.
4. Authentic Acts 2 community happens (largely, but not exclusively) through its system of small groups.
5. The stories of supernatural life-change and radical discipleship are countless.
6. The church never stops reaching more people. Whatever the church's age, it continues to grow.
7. The church has an increasingly significant footprint in the community. You can't miss it.

1. The church is started and led by a team of pastors working together.
2. The team is strategically assembled and collectively shares these gifts: leader of leaders, people magnet, visioneer, strategy architect, systems architect, and excellent preacher/presenter. more
3. Each team member has these characteristics: integrity, chemistry with other team members, clarity about role on the team, humility, compassion, listener, lifelong learner.
4. The team holds these paradigms about God, ministry, and life: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:42-47, honesty about the present and optimism about the future, abundance mindset, an understanding that God expects fruit, longevity (long-term commitment to one church).
5. The church's culture has these aspects: everything revolves around Jesus; the Bible is front and center; it's all about the next person; the front door is wide open; we give our best and draw the best out of others; every weekend experience is experiential, participatory, image-based, and connective; spiritual progress is normal; the stakes are high, and so is our commitment; healthy people do not demand their way, but they demand to have their way considered; there ain't no "us" and "them"; children are a sky-high priority; talented people are invited to serve; compassion for "the least of these."
6. The church is self-determining.