Church Planting - New Churches

A few of the best blogs we've read recently

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:20 GMT

Here are a few of the best blogs we've seen recently:

Monday is for Missiology

Lifeway by Ed Stetzer
This entire series has been phenomenal. In this post, Ed focuses on the connection between missiology and soteriology.
Mind Dump for Church Planters

By Jimmy Britt
This post really is a mind dump, but includes some great thoughts on church planting. It’s worth the read.
“And” Instead of “Or”

by Tony Morgan
Tony wonders why the Church has an ‘or’ mentality.
Driving the Chevy Impala

by Tony Morgan
GMC is used as an example of what happens to organizations that don’t change.
Leadership Is Tough – Part One of Three

By Perry Noble
God told Joshua to do what?

How They Started: (Catalyst Church)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:05 GMT

(This is a break story, so with much sensitivity...)

Jon Herron was on-staff at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC before planting Catalyst Church in Kent, Ohio. He had never been to Kent, never lived in Kent, nor had any roots in Kent. But it was on a list of strategic cities for his denomination... so he and his wife Amber went to start a church.

Jon scored high on all of the church planting assessments for A29, Grace Brethen Churches and C&MA. The assessors were cheering him on, and everything looked good on paper.

They launched with 150 curious people on Sunday night, Sept 10, 2006 and dropped to half the next week, as almost all plants do. By Dec 2006, they settled-in at around 30 people.

After a re-launch close to Kent University on Sunday mornings, the church grew to 65 people, but after three years, Jon was exhausted from constant fund-raising. If he didn't stop, his family was going to suffer. He shut it down in April 2009.

It was a case of No Good Ground, No Rolling Rocks and No Deep Roots. Jon was forced to try and initiate the work of God, rather than join it. Jon's story shows that planting assessments measure everything except THE most critical factors.

Today, Jon is leading Colwood Church in Caro, Michigan. Over 89 people have accepted Christ in the past six months and the church has grown by 200 to a total 600 in that time period.

Catalyst Church

This is a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

Who Are the De-Churched? (Part 1)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00 GMT

In days gone by, missional efforts were focused on presenting and demonstrating the love of Christ to non-Christians. But in the 1980s a new term was coined to describe the growing number of North Americans without any significant church background. They were called the unchurched. Untold numbers of books were written about them. Ministry conferences discussed them. Church leaders orchestrated worship services to attract them.

The shift from “evangelizing non-Christians” to “reaching the unchurched” was perceived as benign at the time, but it represented an important shift in our understanding of mission. The church was no longer just a means by which Christ’s mission would advance in the world, it was also the end of that mission. The goal wasn’t simply to introduce the unchurched to Christ, but—as the term reveals—to engage them in a relationship with the institutional church. This paved the way for the ubiquitous (but flawed) belief today that “mission” is synonymous with “church growth.” (Another post for another day.)

Well, another new term is on the rise and gaining attention among evangelicals in North America. Those without a past relationship to the church are called unchurched, but there are many with significant past church involvement who are exiting. They are the de-churched.

Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church near Dallas, explains the de-churched phenomenon in this short video:

The Spiritual Man

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:11 GMT

The Spiritual Man

Romans 8:5-11

by Scott Thomas, Acts 29 President

Spiritual vitality was the highest rated quality of a church planter as polled by Acts 29 pastors. What are the characteristics of a spiritually vital pastor? The following responses came through Twitter and Facebook.

No matter how busy, portrays God's grace and accessibility

A rich prayer life

Not afraid to be prophetic and take unpopular stands.

Happy in God, loves wife, constant learner, overall discipline, humble, sleeps (evidence of peace/humility)

He must love his wife.

Humble, Reverent to God, Continues to grow, loves his family, and preaches from the Bible and not his opinions.

Suffers well and, in adversity, points to Jesus.

#1 - Humility, in my humble opinion

Knowledge of and passion for global mission

Meekness

One who knows God's Word, provides Biblical nourishment & Biblical discipleship. Without God's Word there is no nourishment.

"Chief Repenter"

Like Spurgeon, "his blood runs bibline" [Spurgeon once said of John Bunyan, "Prick that man anywhere and his blood runs bibline."]

One who turns from all of his own works and turns to the work of Jesus

Joy in Jesus in adversity

When He is surrounding himself with non-Christians & some Timothy’s to teach.

In 1681, one of the foremost Puritan theologians John Owen had a book published entitled, Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded. In 1989 it was first published in London England in an easier to read and shortened version by the title Thinking Spiritually. This is based on Owens’ work.

Church planters deal with the same problems and temptations as other people—they just do so in front of a community of people while they are struggling for identity, significance and ministry survival. A planter with a spiritually vital life has chosen a life of peace over a life of hostility and death. The two alternatives seem to suggest a simple choice. But the decision must be made every day.

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God…” (Rom. 8:6-7a.).

Two States of Mankind: Carnally Minded or Spiritually Minded

These two opposing forces are seen as the only two states of mankind. John Owen said, “When a man…is not spiritually minded, he is carnally minded” and they have contrasting results. Carnal-minded people can expect death and hostility (8:6-7) while spiritually minded people experience life and peace (8:6).

The Greek word for “mind” in verse 5 and its noun form in verse 6 means the action of the mind, will, and affections; to give attention, regard, pursuit. One translation (ESV) accurately says,

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (emphasis mine).

We set our minds upon the spiritual or upon the flesh and we can expect its corresponding result: life or death. The Geneva Bible published in 1599 (the Bible of the Puritans) says, “For they that are after the flesh savor the things of the flesh: but they that are after the things of the spirit, [savor] the things of the spirit.” Where is our appetite satisfied? In what are you savoring? The spiritually vital pastor savors the things of the spirit.

Savoring things of the Spirit

When we savor the things of the Spirit, we are continually postured toward and repentantly focused on the things of God. We desire God as our only source of absolute joy and satisfaction. He is what we savor above all else. We are not able to maintain a mind set on spiritual things without the Helper, the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Rom. 8:9-11).

Four Distinguishing Marks of the Spiritually Minded Person

1. I have made a noticeable commitment to progressively think more spiritually.

Repentance to think spiritually has fruits of repentance:

Balance in life
Obedience
Tenacious for a personal relationship with Jesus
Teachable spirit
Servant leader
Graciousness
Humility
Dependently prayerful
Embodies the fruit of the Spirit
Godly wisdom
Remains in community
Resting in Christ
Loving others

2. I maintain a gospel frame of reference.

When circumstances, trials, stress, health problems, financial issues, even successes, we frame them in the context of the gospel: admitting sin, quickly repenting and reconciling.

3. I have a contented satisfaction in things of the Spirit over anything else.

Owen said in his preface to the book, “Men walk and talk as if the world were all, when comparatively it is nothing.” Most Christians are oblivious to the joys that come from a life of abandonment of things of the flesh in exchange for a spiritual pursuit. Romans 8:8, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

4. I display a life of peace.

As we submit to the Spirit and set our affections, our savoring, our longing and our joy on things of the Spirit, we are promised peace, rest, quietness in our souls in spite of trouble, pain and turmoil.

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Conclusion

Owen said, “To be spiritually minded is the great distinguishing character of true believers.” A pastor must be tenacious about a pursuit of holiness, a humble heart and a teachable spirit. To experience life and peace, he is utterly compelled to set aside extended time to repent of sin, read Scripture and worship earnestly to restore his spiritual-mindedness.

Monday is for Missiology: How and Why is God at Work Outside the Church?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00 GMT

There is some really great discussion happening around the role of salvation in the missional conversation. Last week we began to look at the connection between missiology and soteriology and briefly talked about how salvation was viewed in missions history during the modern paradigm, beginning with the Enlightenment.

Here are some others who have weighed in on that question:

Brother Maynard: Salvation in a Prologue to Missional Discussion (recap)

Tiffany Smith: Examining how we think about...salvation and missions...

David Fitch: Missional Soteriology: Does the Missional Vision Change How People are Saved?

Jared Wilson: The Two-Fisted Gospel: A Manifesto for Kingdom Militancy

Jonathan Dodson: What is the Gospel of the Missional Church?

Today I would like to continue to look at the role of salvation in the missional conversation by revisiting one of the most influential and controversial figures in 20th century missions history (someone I have written about before in this series here and here) and talking about a major shift in the discussion in the 1970s. His ideas on salvation will become key...

J.C. Hoekendijk

With the rise of fundamentalism in the 1920s, the Social Gospel's counteraction began with painting salvation, not just as transformation in individuals, but increasingly as the annihilation of distorted and prejudiced structures. This trend was evident until a new era of confidence was birthed in the 1960s, ushered in particularly via J.C. Hoekendijk.

For Hoekendijk, the concept of shalom (a Hebrew word meaning peace, completeness, and welfare) was a more all-inclusive notion than salvation and if one had to choose, it wasn't necessarily obvious that one should choose salvation. Salvation was broadened and, in some ways, redefined.

At the Geneva Conference on Church and Society in 1966 (World Council of Churches), Emmanuel Mesthene and Richard Shaull introduced new Hoekendijkian categories of salvation: technological development (for Mesthene) and liberation (for Shaull). The Uppsala Assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1968 attempted to merge these two categories in their reports on the "Structures for Missionary Congregations." This language of "missionary congregations" would become popular then and reflected in much of the missional discourse today.

"This-Worldly" Salvation

The conference of the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism of the WCC in Bangkok in 1973, whose theme was "Salvation Today," was an interesting attempt to ascertain, once and for all, what salvation was. In the end, the WCC defined salvation primarily (some would say exclusively) in "this-worldly" terms.

Section II of their report outlined salvation in four dimensions:

1) economic justice against exploitation
2) human dignity against oppression
3) solidarity against alienation, and
4) hope against despair in one's personal life.

Further, they said that in the process of salvation, we must relate these four dimensions to each other:

There is no economic justice without political freedom, no political freedom without economic justice. There is no social justice without solidarity, no solidarity without social justice. There is no justice, no human dignity, no solidarity without hope, no hope without justice, dignity and solidarity. But there are historical priorities according to which salvation is anticipated in one dimension first, be it the personal, the political or the economic dimension. These points of entry differ from situation to situation in which we work and suffer. We should know that such anticipations are not the whole of salvation, and must keep in mind the other dimensions while we work. Forgetting this denies the wholeness of salvation. Nobody can do in any particular situation everything at the same time. There are various gifts and tasks, but there is one spirit and one goal.

In the course of the 1970s, the "secularist" and "liberationist" definitions of salvation came under strain as well. The horizontalist model had great difficulties, both theological and practical. As Bosch said, it was "self-deception to begin to think and act as if salvation lay in our grasp, was at our disposal, or was something we would bring about" (David Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shift in Theology of Mission, p. 397) The Uppsala Assembly assured too much; they insinuated that in the foreseeable future, all injustice and all poverty would be something of the past and that "salvation" was indeed around the corner.

At and after Bangkok, many wondered whether the tendency to allow theology and mission to be submerged in social ethics actually revitalized devotion to the person of Jesus Christ. The unavoidable consequence of much of the modern paradigm is that the world's needs and solutions were being depicted in salvific terms detached from the saving person and work of Jesus Christ. Evangelicals (long absent from this conversation) would find little in common with the "salvation" they proclaimed and that which was discussed at Bangkok.

This is an important development and, to most, a regrettable endgame of the missio dei movement. By the time of Bangkok meeting, evangelicals were long gone from the conversation and would reject much of what was articulated there. However, even the World Council of Churches mission thinkers would later reconsider much of the salvation themes that were so important in the 70 and 80s.

Yet, it is important to note that salvation was then defined as more than individuals being redeemed. As such, it does not always require the church's involvement. God is saving in many ways-- not just from sin, death and hell-- but also economic, etc. And, soon that theological view led some to believe that God was at work outside of the church-- something most would agree. But, others took the message further, teaching that God is working in saving ways outside of the proclamation of the gospel and belief in Christ.

When I spoke of this in an earlier post, Tim Keller dropped by and commented:

I agree with you that the concept of the Missio Dei is crucial and right, but it depends on what people mean by it... I've heard missiologists cite the Eastern view of the Spirit in order say 'God is at work in major ways out in the world, liberating people and it's the church's job to get involved with what God is doing"... I think, however, many people who cite the 'Missio Dei' concept are going beyond the teaching about common grace/natural law to say that the Spirit is working in people's lives in a major, virtually saving way apart from belief in Christ.

I responded to Tim:

I think everyone would agree that the missio dei (mission of God) is larger than the missio ecclesia (mission of the church). The harder questions are, "How?" and, "For what purpose?"... and, I would add, "What is the role of the church in that work?"

And, if you combine such a missio dei missiology with the "Preferential Option for the Poor" that became prominent in the 1970s, you end up the the World Council of Churches 1980 mission meeting at Melboure... focused on economic liberation as God was "at work" there.

According to Jacques Matthey:

Taking up the concept of Missio Dei, which had influenced WCC theology since Willingen, Melbourne defines its theological entry point into the world: God acts by and through the poor, the victims and the excluded. The aim of God's action, described as 'shalom'... is also defined in the sense that God aims first at the liberation of the poor, a liberation that will bring about changed relations in the world and also the liberation of the rich and powerful. The poor and their fate thus become the yardstick for judging all social, political, economic, religious and missionary developments and programmes.

So, these ideas that emerged throughout the last century require more than the cliche' answer: "God is working outside the church and we should join Him here." (I use that cliche' and think it is correct, but it needs definition.) God IS working outside the church, but HOW and TO WHAT PURPOSE?

So, let me ask you: How is God at work outside the church? Is God working savingly or salvifically outside the church? In other words, are believers (or "the church") the only instrument for proclaiming the Gospel and bringing individuals, through the finished work of Jesus on the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit, into the Kingdom of God or are there other means? Or perhaps more broadly, how, then, is God at work outside the church?

I'll give my thoughts in a future post, but for now I'd love to hear from all of you!

Missional Imagination Conference - April 9th &10th

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:39 GMT

I am really fired up about the Forge Missional Imaginations Conference. Why? Two words that represent two big reasons: 1.MISSIONAL. As I travel and interact with church leaders around the world I believe that God is calling his followers to think like missionaries. And people are responding to this call with a passion unlike I've ever seen. With Alan & Deb Hirsch, Michael Frost and Kim Hammond we are bringing together some of the leading missiologists in the world. 2. IMAGINATION. I believe one of the primary obstacle keeping followers of Jesus from being mobilized for mission is imagination. There are many well-meaning followers who are stuck in existing paradigms and don't know what they don't know. This conference will specific deal with redemption of the imagination to help people think creatively about how to accomplish the mission of Jesus. I would be there even if I wasn't speaking, so check it out.

One More Time!

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:14 GMT

Holy cow, God is so awesome! Over 2oo people showed up this morning for our first service. With the 45 additional mission team people, the place was packed! The energy was so good and the response was even better!

We have one more service tomorrow night at 7:05pm. Please continue to pray!

I'll be back with more details and stories!

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How Do I Build Momentum With The Launch Team

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:45 GMT

by Guest Blogger: Doug Foltz

I worked with a planter once who had 40 adults on his launch team from day one. Three months later the number of people on the team had shrunk to 25 adults. What happened? The team lost momentum. Let’s start with the assumption that you will have at least 50 adults on your launch team. Most church planters are great at building the team to about 20 people, or the size of a rather large small group. The problem is what’s next? You may still be months away from holding services. So how do you build momentum? How do you keep the team growing?

The problem for many lies in the fact that they are trying to build the launch team on their own. The answer lies in turning those twenty adults in church planters. We are a consumer culture. Let’s face it. As pastor’s we sometimes feed into this cultural sin. As a church planter, if you are focused on building the team yourself you are really just creating a consumer culture where you are the product. At some point, those 20 adults must be commissioned and sent. They must see themselves as church planters and just as you have invested in them, they must in turn invest in those God has given them influence over.

When this happens, growth will naturally occur. And to be ready for it, you must have a plan in place. It’s easy to meet in your living room crowding in 20 adults, but what happens when its 30 adults? What about 50? I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here. Some planters take a small group model to the launch team and reproduce groups. Others, move into a larger meeting facility as the team growth. Some do a hybrid of both. Some use service in the community to gather the group. Others focus more on marketing and fun events.

Here is my advice. Dream about what God is calling the church to become. How do you envision the discipleship happening? How do you envision leadership development happening? In order to build and keep momentum, use this vision as the foundation for what you do with the launch team now. Remember you are setting the DNA of the church. Church DNA is a lot like concrete. It might be wet now, but there is quickly a day coming when it will dry and then to change it you will have to chip away at it.

How Do I Build Momentum with the Launch Team

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:03 GMT

Pt. 1 Building a Launch Team is Priority One

Pt. 2 How Big Should the Launch Team Be?

Pt. 3 Who Should Be Excluded from the Church?

Pt. 4 Should I use a launch team covenant?

I worked with a planter once who had 40 adults on his launch team from day one. Three months later the number of people on the team had shrunk to 25 adults. What happened? The team lost momentum. Let's start with the assumption that you will have at least 50 adults on your launch team. Most church planters are great at building the team to about 20 people, or the size of a rather large small group. The problem is what's next? You may still be months away from holding services. So how do you build momentum? How do you keep the team growing?

The problem for many lies in the fact that they are trying to build the launch team on their own. The answer lies in turning those twenty adults in church planters. We are a consumer culture. Let's face it. As pastor's we sometimes feed into this cultural sin. As a church planter, if you are focused on building the team yourself you are really just creating a consumer culture where you are the product. At some point, those 20 adults must be commissioned and sent. They must see themselves as church planters and just as you have invested in them, they must in turn invest in those God has given them influence over.

When this happens, growth will naturally occur. And to be ready for it, you must have a plan in place. It's easy to meet in your living room crowding in 20 adults, but what happens when its 30 adults? What about 50? I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here. Some planters take a small group model to the launch team and reproduce groups. Others, move into a larger meeting facility as the team growth. Some do a hybrid of both. Some use service in the community to gather the group. Others focus more on marketing and fun events.

How The Started: (A Break Story)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:12 GMT

(My friend Eric gave me permission to tell this story in the book, which I share with great sensitivity...)

A good friend from seminary moved to Ashburn, Virginia to start a church one year before I did. Eric was an incredible communicator; I know because I shared a preaching class with him. It was all we classmates could do to keep up with him.

He was so good that the professor often invited him to speak at his own church. Only five of us could preach practice sermons per class, and we all prayed to God that we didn't have to go on the same day as Eric.

After graduation, we all went our separate ways. But I was ecstatic to hear that Eric planted a church just eight miles from where Ainsley and I were headed.

Trouble is, Eric was struggling. His church launched with an impressive trajectory, but then things started falling apart. His worship leader abandoned him just one year in; a close family member died at a young age; his daughter was born with a disabling condition; and even more, his church's leaders were not standing by him.

Attendance began plummeting, and Eric couldn't muster the energy to go after more. What was once a church of 140 had been whittled down to 40 and dropping. After several years of struggle, the church closed its doors.

It was a case of No Good Ground, No Rolling Rocks and No Deep Roots.

Eric was an outsider to the area. He had no history, no connections, and no long-standing relationships. His leaders were not "spiritual sons and daughters" but transfers from other churches. They had never "lived" the vision Eric was advocating. On top of this, northern Virginia is the wealthiest area in America with tremendous spiritual resistance.

Today, Eric is a powerful teaching pastor at a church in Florida. He's one of the most gifted leaders I've ever met. But when it comes to church planting, it's the context that matters most.

Sonrise Church

This is a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

10 Church Planter Qualities

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:23 GMT

By Scott Thomas
Acts 29 President and Director

The qualities of a successful basketball player are consistent. He or she can dribble, shoot, pass, play defense, rebound, play as a team, think, move quickly and work hard. They don't have to do all of these at the same level but all of the qualities characterize a succesful player at the highest level.

Church planters similarily have qualities that determine their God-given capacity to plant a reproducing church.

Chuck Ridley, professor at Texas A&M University compiled the germinal research on church planting assessments with his Church Planter Profile (CPP). Most assessment instruments start with Ridley’s 13 characteristics in mind as they formulate their own church planter profiles. (Charles R. Ridley and Tweed Moore, ChurchSmart Resources). This is the most utilized profile in church planter selection. The first six on the list are what he calls “knock-out factors,” meaning these are, according to Ridley, non-negotiable.

Visioning Capacity

Personal Motivation

Creating Ownership of Ministry/Building a Core Team

Reaching the Un-churched

Spousal Cooperation

Relationship Building

Commitment to a Healthy Reproducing Church

Responsiveness to Community

Gift Utilization

Flexibility and Adaptability

Builds Group Cohesiveness

Resilience

Exercising Faith

I told Churck that my challenge with his outstanding list was that one doesn't have to be a Christian or be competent theologically or biblically to qualify. His gracious response was that a planter's sending church or denomination will have already examined that. I would hesitate to assume those two factors today.

My friend, J. Allen Thompson, PhD, is an expert in church planter assessment and regular consultant for Redeemer Presbyterian. He compiled the following list of 18 characteristics of a successful church planter. He also compiled a list for wives that will be covered elsewhere. Allen divides his categories into personal, ministerial and intrapersonal characteristics. (J. Allen Thompson, Church Planter Competencies as Perceived by Church Planters and Assessment Center Leaders: a protestant North American study, Ph.D. dissertation, Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, 1995. To complete the profile positive and negative indicators are supplied for each characteristic.)

Personal Characteristics

Prayer

Spiritual Vitality

Integrity

God’s Call

Family Life:

Conscientiousness

Humility

Ministerial Characteristics

Leadership

Evangelism

Management

Preaching

Philosophy of Ministry

Training leaders

Interpersonal Characteristics

Flexibility

Likeability

Emotional stability

Sensitivity

Dynamism

Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church compiled a list of 20 characteristics for a church planter. He divided them into eight clusters.

Humility Cluster

Love Cluster

Integrity Cluster

Spirituality Cluster

Nurture Cluster

Communication Cluster

Leadership Cluster

Mission Cluster

Although it seems a little reductionist and arrogant to make a list of what a church looks like, I humbly offer ten qualities based on evidence in the Acts 29 Network, Ridley, Thompson, Keller as well as Dr. Bob Logan and a plethora of books and articles associated with church planting. After reading this list, some men may be more discouraged from church planting than drawn to it. Church planting is difficult for the most qualified men and nearly impossible for those unqualified. If a man does not have the essential tools for the job, he will frustrate himself and everyone around him.

The following ten qualities are in prioritized order as the Acts 29 members rank them. We will look at all ten of these qualities over the course of a year beginning with Spiritual Vitality. It is our goal to produce small e-books covering each of the ten qualities and then produce a book length e-book that will help church planters and those developing them as they explore the mission of making disciples through the planting of reproductive churches.

Spiritual Vitality

Strong Marriage and Family Life

Theological Clarity

Missional Lifestyle

Emotional Health

Entrepreneurial Aptitude

Disciple-Making Skills

Leadership Abilities

Clarity and Strength of Calling

Relationship Building

Church Plant Stoppers

In addition to the ten qualities of a church planter, Thompson's research adds a section he calls Church Plant Stallers/Stoppers. Acts 29 has adapted this into their assessment as well to address self-centeredness. Church leaders must find their identity in Christ's forgiveness and acceptance. When they are overly preoccupied with themselves they show signs of insecurity, pride, love of attention and acclaim and at times irritation and anger. Being eager for quick success they may cut corners and betray trust. The following characteristics may curb a church plant from maturing and reproducing.

Arrogance: displays conceited self-sufficiency.

Betraying of trust: breaks confidence placed in him by others.

Unethical Lifestyle: lives on the margins of moral standards and values.

Conclusion

Mark Dever has said the local church, in all its glory, makes the audible gospel visible [A Display of God's Glory (9marks: Washington, D.C., 2001)]. The gospel is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Jesus Christ died and rose again and ascended. The Church is His Body here on earth. The place where Jesus Christ is made visible is His Body, not just by one individual. When one meets a congregation that is "displaying God's glory" faithfully, one encounters Jesus in one sense. So planting a church is an exercise in making visible the audible gospel of the Blessed God.

What if I am called to plant a church? What if I am not sure? What do I do?

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Tim 4:12-16).

Three

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:16 GMT

WE PASSED OUR FINAL INSPECTION and got our Certificate of Occupancy! Thank you so much for praying; it really took a miracle for this to happen.

Now that we have the Certificate we can start putting in the lights and furniture! There is so much to be done; thankfully we have tons of help!

Here's my advice for the day: don't start a church and do a building project at the same time! Vince told me that 80% of pastors who start a building project leave their church shortly after it's done. Gulp! I totally understand why! Starting a church is one of the hardest things you can do; doing a building project is insanely difficult. Combining them is just plain stupid!

We made the choice to get the building for a bunch of reasons, primarily the cost. Las Vegas has been hit especially hard by the economy. People are dying to lease their space; even at a fraction of the price. The cost of renting a movie theater on Sunday mornings is just about the same as leasing our own 10,000 square foot space.

We also want to be a church for people who work on the Strip. Most of them work on Saturday night until the early hours on Sunday. They aren't going to get up and go to church. That's why we're starting a Monday night service that's exactly the same as the Sunday morning services. The easiest and most affordable way to do this was to have a space of our own.

I'm glad we made the decision, but it's definitely made things more difficult and stressful.

The kids and I passed out door hangers after school today. I met a girl who asked about using our space for her Mom's group. How awesome would it be to have a bunch of moms meeting in our space on a regular basis?! I guess it's worth it after all!!!!

Thanks again for praying and for all your support!

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How They Started: The Well, Tallahasee

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:38 GMT

Dean Inserra started The Well in Tallahassee, Florida three years ago, and they're now reaching 600 people each week. They had 1,200 for Christmas and are expecting 2,000 for Easter.

But you need to know the back-story. Because there are conditions that make or break a new church before it starts.

Dean was born and raised in Tallahassee. He grew up in a Methodist church, but heard the Gospel for the first time at an FCA camp at the age of 13. He immediately knew he was called to lead a church. That same Methodist church allowed him to preach 4-5 times a year... as a teenager.

During college, Dean led a Bible study in his parents' home during the summers of 2000, 2001 and 2002, which grew to over 120 people. He remembers thinking, "This will be the core group for a church someday."

While leading a youth trip to northern Virginia in 2005, he visited Frontline, which is the largest young adult ministry in the country. During the worship, one of the students turned to him and asked, "Why can't we have a church like this in Tallahassee?" That was all Dean needed to hear.

It was a case of GOOD GROUND, ROLLING ROCKS and DEEP ROOTS. This is the first time I've seen a church land perfectly within the cross-hairs of all three factors... and the explosive growth is symptomatic.

Dean grew up with the people in his community. He played little league with them in elementary school. He went to the mall with them in middle school. He inherently knew how to impact his hometown with the Gospel.

The Well

This is a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

Join Us for a Boot Camp in 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:25 GMT

Acts 29 boot camps are a great way to meet real, live church-planters from all over. Some are working in an urban context, some have planted in a rural farm town. Some have multiple meeting sites, and some have added several missional communities this year. Some are many years into their plant and have sent multiple church plants out from their congregation, while some just launched their first service a week ago.

We love making the teaching session audio from boot camps available to you for free online, but there's no way to reproduce the real conversations, connections, care and prayers that happen between brothers at a boot camp.

Attending a boot camp gives you a glimpse at who Acts 29 really is: a network of Jesus-loving men, bonded around the mission of God through church-planting. Boot Camps are not simply a Christian conference with a line-up of great, inspirational, gospel-centered speakers (though we love & appreciate them, and they often stick around to serve and answer questions).

Boot camps are times for people to meet and get to know one another. At any boot camp, we have many Acts 29 members and their wives present to meet folks, listen, answer questions and serve those curious about or actively pursuing church planting.

If you are applying to Acts 29, you will be required to attend a boot camp as part of the application/assessment process and prior to becoming a member. Boot camps are where the majority of assessments take place as well.

Consider joining us at a Boot Camp if:

You are thinking about planting a church
You are actively pursuing or have begun church planting
You lead an existing church that wants to plant more churches
You are curious about Acts 29
You are applying to Acts 29*

See more information on this year's boot camps below. Raleigh's boot camp is next month, and Denver's is coming soon in May. We hope to see you at a boot camp soon!

Boot Camps 2010

April 2010
17 - Northern Ireland
26-28 - Raleigh (in conjunction with the Advance the Church conference)

May 2010
17-19 - Rio de Janeiro
26-27 - Denver

September 2010
29-30 - Seattle

November 2010
9-10 - Phoenix

*Note for Applicants: you'll need to have finished your application at least 1 month prior to the boot camp you wish to attend for assessment.

Send Your Best Men Out on Mission

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:21 GMT

By Scott Thomas
Acts 29 President and Director

It won’t hurt the church if people are called away to go and make disciples elsewhere. It will hurt the mission if they stay. As I read about the church in Jerusalem and Antioch, I see them identifying, equipping and sending men to plant churches.

In Acts 11:19-26, the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to the city of Antioch. They didn't send just any schmuck. It is reported of him, "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (11:24). The first thing Barnabas did was to recruit Paul/Saul from Tarsus and take him to Antioch to work with the church. Barnabas then spent the year equipping Paul and doing ministry with him among those who were first called Christians.

In Acts chapters 13-16, the local church at Antioch sent Baranabas and Saul on the first missionary journey. They took John Mark as a young man to equip. The Holy Spirit was central to this process. He called them (13:2), sent them (13:4), filled them (13:9), and directed them (16:6-7). But even after the Holy Spirit said to set apart Saul and Barnabas, the church fasted and prayed before they laid their hands on them and sent them off. The whole community of believers in Antioch fist bumped them on the way out.

The problem I am seeing is that we are so desperate for good men that we are not sending them into the field. We take men designed to be warriors and we make them into ecclesiastical pacifists. All men start out as a jackass, are designed to be stallions but the church tries to make them mules: sturdy, less volatile, sterile. I think the church has a dysfunctional codependent relationship with its men. Some pastors need affirmation from other men generally because their own absentee father never did. Conversely, the men need the pastor to do the work of the ministry so they don’t have to. As a result, the pastor works slavishly, often at the expense of his family, for affirmation and the men pay tithes and compliments to avoid the work of mission so their lives aren’t distracted away from their own goals—often financial gain or recreation. It’s a convenient relationship, but it’s not Biblical.

I attest that every local church should be constantly and intentionally discipling, training, developing and then sending its best men out into mission—to make disciples of all nations. We have to get out of the mindset of building up one single church and start developing a Kingdom mindset; a movement mindset. The mission of the church is about the movement of God and not about the monument to our self or our denomination or our tribe.

While not the most popular position, Acts 29 teaches that this office of an elder and pastor is reserved for males. I’m sure that you have already picked up on this. Darrin Patrick wrote in his forthcoming book that women, according to Scripture are co-equal with men in worth, dignity, value and the ability to serve in vocational ministry. Women have access to the same spiritual gifts as men. This position (called complementarian) is tied to the created order, not to a cultural context. Men should serve as “first among equals” in both the home (as husbands and fathers) and the church (as elders and pastors). We all know that the home would not function properly without active female involvement. Likewise, the church is dependent on female involvement.

God has established order within the family (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-21) and the church (1 Tim. 2:11-14; 1 Cor. 11:8-9). Even within the Trinity there is a Divine order among the triune Godhead even as all possess the same essence. Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). Jesus willingly submitted to the Father and the Father exalted the Son (Phil. 2:8-10).

Pastors can serve God in an established church or a church plant apart from being the lead planter. Some very good pastors would make average church plant leaders. Some pastors of existing churches would make great church planters. That call from God to plant a church might be a call to go join a team led by another man to help plant a church, or it might actually be a call to financially support so others can go.

Who are your Paul and Barnabas types that should be sent out? Send the best.

Four

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:56 GMT

Can I just say that I love mission teams. 45 people from 6 churches are coming this week to help us! They are working on our building, passing out thousands of door hangers, serving and supporting us. I literally have no idea what we would do without them.

I spent the evening at Sam's Club buying all kinds of stuff for the building. We have our Certificate of Occupancy Inspection tomorrow. Please pray that we pass the inspection!

Marissa and I cleaned every bathroom and filled all the paper product/soap dispensers. She was such a trooper; never complaining and she even cleaned the urinals.

On the way home I said, "Marissa, how does it feel to start a church? Not many 8 year old girls get to start a church!" She said, "Exciting and scary!" Amen, Sister!

I gave invites to all my co-workers; please pray that they come. They are genuinely excited; hopefully they'll follow through on their excitement. One of my co-workers had questions like, "Do I have to wear a tie? Does Vince wear a robe? Do I need to bring shot records for my kids?" It reminded me how foreign the concept of church can be to people, and how important it is to put people at ease about attending church. Try to picture walking into a Buddhist Temple for services. What would you wear? Where would you go once inside the building? What would be expected of you; will people judge you? Will they have anything for your kids to do?

That's exactly how people feel about attending your church! So take some time and explain to them what's going to happen; give them a lot of details and let them ask questions. It'll make a world of a difference in that person's experience.

Featured on newchurches.com

Should I Use a Launch Team Covenant

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:16 GMT

By guest blogger: Doug Foltz

Launch Team Covenants (as well as membership covenants) are about one thing: Expectations. In part 3, I talked about filters for deciding who should be on the launch team. The first two filters were beliefs and values. Early on, beliefs and values are merely words on paper. Unless the staff, leadership team and launch team live out these beliefs and values they are meaningless.

Enter expectations. Expectations are simply the ways we live out what is really important to us. They are the actions that demonstrate our beliefs and values. Clear expectations are vital to a healthy launch team and later on a healthy membership. Expectations help create a clear path to spiritual growth and let everyone know that if they are on this team here is where they need to go.

Many church planters shy away from high expectations. The thought is if my expectations are too high, then I'll scare people away. Expectations reveal your desired picture of a disciple. If you have low expectations, then don't be surprised when you are frustrated that your church is full of spiritual infants. Consider some of the expectations Jesus had of us:
Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Luke 18:22 “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Those are high expectations. Expectations are not meant to be legalistic rules, but a desired picture of a disciple. When seekers and Christians alike come to the church, I believe they are let down by watered down expectations. If they don't have to change much they may go looking elsewhere.

To determine what expectations you will have look to your values. Will Mancini in his book, Church Unique , encourages a healthy exercise. He says to take each value of the church and flesh it out with “as demonstrated by.” For example, if you value relationships, how is that demonstrated in the life of the church? Then ask, how will we measure that because what you measure you value.

Now to answer the question. Should I Use a Launch Team Covenant? Maybe. You need to determine how signing a covenant will be received in your community. But if you don't use a covenant, you still need to communicate expectations. In lieu of a covenant, what will you do to communicate expectations? Thoughts?

Doug is the Director of Project Management with Stadia (www.stadia.cc). He has a church planting focused blog at www.dougfoltz.wordpress.com.

Who Should Be Excluded from the Church

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:14 GMT

By guest blogger: Doug Foltz

In this post, we take a look at who should be included and excluded from the launch team. Some of you may be saying, wait did you say exclude? I thought we wanted big launch teams. The answer is yes, you do want a big launch team, but without a few important filters you won’t have a launch team, you’ll have a group of disconnected people with their own agenda as to what the church should be.

Filter #1 Beliefs

While I don’t think you need to publish a thesis of doctrinal beliefs, it’s important to hit the highlights and have an understanding where you understand on the typical beliefs we fight over. Where does the church stand on baptism? Is it by immersion or sprinkling, essential or non-essential? What role can women have in the church? Do you practice gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues. People all across the spectrum of beliefs can get excited about a new church. In fact, new churches seem to attract those with doctrinal agendas. I suggest developing a clear and concise summary of your beliefs and walking new people to the community through them. They don’t have to agree with every single one of them, but they do have to support them. For example, if they believe in the gift of tongues and you don’t, you need them to understand that they must practice that at home and not in the corporate gathering. They must also understand that they are not to recruit people to their doctrinal belief. If they can’t agree to your beliefs, help them find a different team.

Filter #2 Values

I worked with a church planter who regularly turned away Christians from his team. He had a value of community service. He knew that people first wanted a worship service, then Bible studies and later they might make time occasionally for service. So he flipped the model around. In the early days, if you wanted to be on the team you had to serve. Many would immediately ask, well when are we going to start worship services. He’d politely say that they would have worship services later, but to be a part of the church now, you had to serve. Many chose not to join. While I don’t recommend this approach for everyone, the point is clear. If you really care about your values, you will build a team that also cares about them. If you just take warm bodies you may still have a big church, but I guarantee you won’t like it.

Filter #3 Willingness to play in the game.

Launch teams filled with bench players don’t do well. Early on the church planter should develop a list of every ministry team and each role that needs to be filled for that team to thrive. ALL launch team members must be willing to take on a role or two or three…

A word about non-Christians. I think every launch team should have non-Christians on it. While it may be difficult to see how they pass through the beliefs filter, its simply that they do not have an agenda against that set of beliefs. They should be open to the beliefs even if they can’t affirm them in their life yet. Many will gladly latch on to your values and play on the team. DO NOT make being a Christian one of your filters.

So how do you work the filters? Early on I suggest one on one with each person. Later, you may want to have group meetings where you go through these areas. By the way, I suggest doing this after launch as well. I’d also suggest a launch team covenant. Clearly spell out expectations and the time commitment for being on the team and get them to sign on the line.

I had a couple of comments from earlier posts I’d like to address here. Thanks for the questions and keep them coming.

If someone says they have prayed and fasted and are excited to be part of the team, do we take them – even if we have doubts about their readiness and maturity?

My assumption is you are praying and fasting about your team members as well. Remember, Jesus prayed for his launch team (Luke 6). So who do you trust more? Your own insight from prayer or theirs? I personally wouldn’t worry about their readiness or maturity. Let everyone play despite their maturity. You just don’t put them in a leadership role, yet. Stick them with an apprentice/mentor and let them learn. I’d also say that most church planters aren’t ready to plant, let alone lay team members. If you need to tell someone no, do it gently and help them to either find a new team to connect with.

If I, as the church planter want someone to go with me, and they too want to go with me, but my sending church doesn’t want them to go with me – what do we do?

How much money is the sending church giving? That’s a tough one. You need to play within the agreed upon rules with the sending church. I think its best to define those rules up front before vision casting and recruitment begin. You can’t force someone to go to church at a particular place, so if someone really wants to go, they will. I would talk to the leadership of the sending church and let them know that person’s wishes. Let them know that you support their decision, but have been approached by this person and would like their blessing.

Is there something more concrete we can use to determine who should go with us, such as ???per cent of sending church?

Ralph Moore in his book, “How to Multiply Your Church”, talked about how in the early days they would send 20% of the church to start a new one. His wife quickly identified the problem. Those who were excited about church planting, were the most committed, high caliber leaders. They were cannibalizing the sending church. Ralph met with a group of leaders from church planting churches that suggested sending 20 – 30. My advice is be careful. Only take those who pass through the filters. Otherwise you will have 20 – 30 people who want to create a clone and will wonder why you don’t have a jr. high golfing ministry and why you keep asking them to serve.

Doug is the Director of Project Management with Stadia (www.stadia.cc). He has a church planting focused blog at www.dougfoltz.wordpress.com.

How They Started: Quest Church

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:30 GMT

In 2002, Paul Gillmore started Quest Church in Centreville, Virginia with just five other families.

Paul didn't have many connections in the area. When he approached a local mega-church pastor for help, he abruptly ended the meeting and dismissed Paul from his office.

But eight years later, Quest is reaching over 300 people each week and doing an amazing job of discipling people by asking them to "walk five miles," one spiritual mile at a time.

But you need to know the back-story. Because there are conditions that make or break a new church before it starts.

Paul undertook the work of a missionary before he started an organization. He lived in the area four years before launching. And to finance this cultivation, Paul worked as an executive in IT sales. To this day, eight years into it, with over 300 people, Paul still doesn't take a salary.

It was a case of GOOD GROUND. Paul didn't have deep roots in the community, so he acted like a missionary. He took time to get to know the people and funded his ministry himself. The church eventually emerged from good soil.

Quest Church

This is a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

Should I Use a Launch Team Covenant?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:39 GMT

Pt. 1 Building a Launch Team is Priority One.

Pt. 2 How Big Should the Launch Team Be?

Pt. 3 Who Should Be Excluded from the Church?

Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Luke 18:22 “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Those are high expectations. Expectations are not meant to be legalistic rules, but a desired picture of a disciple. When seekers and Christians alike come to the church, I believe they are let down by watered down expectations. If they don't have to change much they may go looking elsewhere.

To determine what expectations you will have look to your values. Will Mancini in his book, Church Unique, encourages a healthy exercise. He says to take each value of the church and flesh it out with “as demonstrated by.” For example, if you value relationships, how is that demonstrated in the life of the church? Then ask, how will we measure that because what you measure you value.

Find the City Gates

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:12 GMT

Jeremiah is definitely one of the heaviest books in the Bible. But if you can handle the heavy parts, there are some amazing pictures and principles.

Jeremiah 17:19 is one example: "Go and stand in the People's Gate, by which the kings of Judah enter and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem."

We tend to read the Bible for content. We want to discover "what." But this is an example where you have to read for context. The real diamond in this passage, in my estimation, is "how." It's not just what Jeremiah says, but where he says it.

The Lord gives him a message, but also gives him specific instructions on where to deliver the message. He sends him to a place with the highest concentration of people. This is particularly meaningful to me as a church planter because I feel like it's so critical that church plants figure out where to plant. You need a message for sure. But you also need to find a city gate where people will hear it. You have to find ways to make sure the message is heard by the maximum number of people. One key to church planting is to find the "city gates" if you will. You have to find the cultural intersections. That is why we love movie theaters. They are artistic gates in our culture. That is why I love coffeehouses. They are places where the church and community can cross paths. I think night clubs and bars are city gates. If you're trying to reach young families, it makes sense to rent a school. Those are the gates that families walk in and out of every day.

I think churches need to be more intentional about making sure they position themselves in highly trafficked places. Just as the Lord positioned Jeremiah at the ancient city gates so he had a captive audience, I think the Lord wants us to find those cultural intersections where we can preach the gospel.

Am I a Church Planter?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:28 GMT

By Scott Thomas

Every young man that considers church planting asks the question, “Am I a Church Planter?” It is the question I asked myself many years ago. It is the question we ask every man who submits himself to our Acts 29 assessment process to be a lead planter in our network. Many times he is depending on our assessment process to confirm his calling.

Over the next year, this blog will focus on ten qualities that we believe are important for a church planter to effectively plant the gospel in a community. We will produce articles that reflect on one quality each month and then we hope to publish an e-book on each quality that compiles the articles into a document equivalent in size to a single chapter in a book.

Most church planting books and publications helpfully focus on strategies for planting a church and very few—I know of none—focus entirely on the development of a church planter. So, we are praying that this project will prove to be a valuable asset to church planting, church planters and for Lead Pastors as they seek to develop church planters among their men.

The only pushback I receive about requiring a formal assessment to determine the readiness of a man to plant a church is the viewpoint that it is not consistent with Scripture. I agree that God uses the foolish to shame the wise. Notice a common thread throughout the following verses:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

The purpose of an assessment is to help a man determine if God chose him for this unique purpose. The most loving thing an assessment team can do is to disapprove a man who is not called, ready or qualified biblically to plant a church. The assessors act, not as judges, but as shepherds to their souls.

To be assessed by Acts 29:

Other church planting assessment centers and pre-assessments to consider (alphabetically):

Church Planting Assessment Center
CPAC Canada

Converge USA
EFCA
Emerging Leadership Initiative (ELI)
NAMB
New Church Initiatives

PCA-MNA Assessment
Redeemer City to City
Sovereign Grace

Five

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:31 GMT

I think I lost my mind today! It's been one thing after another...all day long. We started the morning at Dawson's dermatologist. His biopsy from his hand came back cancer-free! He has some form of eczema, but we haven't found the correct treatment yet. Hopefully the new creams will help.

I got to work late and after 20 minutes had to leave for a meeting at the building. There is huge drama at the building with the contractors/inspections/certificate of occupancy from the city, etc. There is still so much to do and only 5 days to get it done. I have a new respect for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We still don't know if we'll get approval from the city. Please continue to pray!

I went back to work after the meeting for a few hours and managed to screw up a new gym membership, undercharging them $99. Gulp! After an apologetic phone call, we got it worked out!

Between picking up the kids, attending another meeting and cooking dinner I lost my cell phone and computer cord. Thankfully after much searching we found them both.

Several of you have emailed me and left comments on the blog offering encouragement and prayer. Thanks so much. Please keep it coming; every time I read one I feel some life come back into me!

Featured on newchurches.com

I wlil bilud my cuhcrh

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:13 GMT

Can you read the following lines...

And I tlel you taht you are Pteer, and on tihs rcok I wlil bilud my cuhcrh, and the geats of Heads wlil not oevrcmoe it. I wlil gvie you the kyes of the konigdm of hvaeen; wahveter you bnid on etarh wlil be buond in haveen, and wethaver you losoe on eatrh wlil be losoed in heevan.

Even with the atrocious spelling, I am fairly certain that most were able to read and understand the message. Why?

1) you had a pretty good understanding of the general context of the message.

2) the first and last letters of each word are correct; the mind reorders the middle letters to their proper place.

This is too often what our church planting looks. It appears as a jumbled mess. Yet, time and time again, God breaks through and does something beautiful to rearrange the letters into something intelligible.

The three most important words in church planting are...

Prayer
Passion
Perseverance

Prayer is the most important ingredient for a church planter. Prayer gives us the needed guidance and context for understanding God's ways. Prayer keeps us on course even though we may make a huge mess of things between steps in the church plant.

The second most important words for the church planter are passion and perseverance.

If the first and last letters are needed to make sense of a word, passion and perseverance are the equivalents needed to see churches planted. When passion and perseverance are on the ends of each church planting step, a lot can go wrong in between and still come out OK.

I find it reassuring to know that if I will focus upon prayer at the center of my life and ministry, asking the Spirit to fan the flames of passion within, and persevere regardless of the ups and downs along the way, God will do what He said he would do 2000 years ago...I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH!

We Are Celebrating Generosity! $560k...Still Counting!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:58 GMT

There have been lots of times since we started COMMUNITY that I have been really proud of how our people have responded to a challenge, but few times more than this weekend! This weekend was Celebration Generosity where 100% of everything that is contributed we give away to one of 4 team s in the name of Jesus (the Neighborhood Team, the Barangay Team, the Village Team, and the Reproducing Church Team). This is the third year that we have done this. Two years ago we gave away $250,000 and last year we gave away $417,000!

And this year? We still have more on-line giving that is coming in for Celebration Generosity, but so far we have given more than $560,000! Amazing stuff!! And we had 184 people who gave to COMMUNITY for the very first time! That is whole lot of people taking the first steps on their own generosity journey. But just think about all the kids that live in under-resourced communities and in poverty that will be helped! Just think about all the new churches that will be started! And just think about all the people that will find their way back to God!

If you were not at COMMUNITY this past weekend the on-line giving option is always available. Click here for more info or to give! And make sure that you are at one of our eleven locations this weekend as we announce the final total!

Protege Program

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:35 GMT

We are beginning to take applications for our 2010/2011 protege program. If you are interested in a year-long internship at National Community Church, you can get an overview and download an application here.

Here are a few of the departments looking for proteges:

Worship
Kids
Youth
Media
Production
Outreach

We also look to bring on a church planter in residence.

Praying for the next group of proteges!

Six

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:30 GMT

Overwhelmed...

That's how I'm feeling! I am a detail-freak and it's killing me. I have lists upon lists upon lists. My brain is spinning!

We had our last launch team meetings yesterday and today (we do the same thing on Sunday morning and Monday night for people who work on the weekends). We've come so far as a group. In one sense it feels like we've been here forever and in another sense I don't feel ready; like we need more time.

Thoughts crept in today like, "What if no one shows up?" "How are we going to do this?" "What if we don't get the final OK from the city?" "What if...What if...What if..."

Marissa and I had a great talk on the way home from our launch team meeting. We were talking about Verve and she said, "I think most of the people will come later; once their friends tell them how awesome it is." I love her optimism and her lack of fear. I need to be more like her!

Featured on newchurches.com

“And” Instead of “Or”

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:02 GMT

Why does it have to be attractional or missional? I’ve seen lives impacted by both approaches. Why can’t it be attractional and missional?

Why does it have to be evangelism or discipleship? Christ-followers need to be engaged in both. Why can’t it be evangelism and discipleship?

Why does it have to be teaching from the platform or teaching in the living room? I’ve been stretched by God’s Word in both settings. Why can’t it be teaching from the platform and the living room?

Why does it have to be worship with an amazing production or simple, stripped-down worship? I’ve experienced powerful worship in both environments. Why can’t we do both?

Why does it have to be corporate gatherings or one-on-one relationships? I need both to be encouraged and stretched in my faith and my leadership. Why can’t we embrace both ways of connecting with others.

One of the things that most frustrates me about church blogs is the “or” approach to writing. I don’t get it. Honestly, it’s probably one of the reasons why in most cases I’d prefer to read marketplace blogs. In marketplace writing, if someone thinks they have the “right way” of doing something, they just go do it. Then they write about how it worked or didn’t work. In church writing, if someone thinks they have the “right way” of doing something, they write about how the other church is wrong.

What if we took the “and” approach? What if we were open to the possibility that more people might be reached if we stopped doing either/or and started embracing both/and? What if God really designed some churches to be one way for one community or culture and other churches to be another way for another community or culture? My guess, as an example, is it’s going to take a completely different type of church to reach the inner-city than it’s going to take to reach the neighborhoods of Paulding County, Georgia.

We spend a lot of time and energy fighting for the “or.” Wonder what would happen if we just embraced the “and” needed to reach our communities?

The problem, of course, is that we like to worship our methods. Our preferences are the priority. In fact, we shape religion around our preferences even if it means sacrificing the broader impact of our ministry. Why help other people when it might make us uncomfortable?

I just wanted you to know I’m more of an “and”-type of guy. I know that frustrates you. It would be a lot easier to dislike me if I didn’t agree with you. The problem is that in many circumstances, I think you’re right. The only difference is that I don’t think you’re always right.

And neither am I.

Look What I Got in The Mail...

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:49 GMT

Last week I was going through the mail that came to me at COMMUNITY and I found this! It is a mailer from Zondervan advertising the new book, Exponential: How You And Your Friends Can Start A Missional Church Movement that Jon and I wrote. It is not supposed to be out until next month, but it was kind of cool to get this surprise in the mail. I am really psyched about this book. It is our philosophy of ministry and gives real practical tools and stories of how to reproduce Christ followers, leaders, artists, groups, teams, campuses, churches and networks! I want everyone in our church and everyone in NewThing to have a copy. And I don't want people to buy it because it some great genius that Jon and I thought up. No. This is our telling of the ongoing story of how God has worked through COMMUNITY and NewThing to start with a handful of friends and catalyze a movement for the mission of Jesus! And I want to see that happen over and over and over again. If you want to pre-order the book it is now available on Amazon.com by clicking HERE.

Who Should Be Excluded from the Church

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:51 GMT

Building a Launch Team is Priority One

How Big Should the Launch Team Be

In this post, we take a look at who should be included and excluded from the launch team. Some of you may be saying, wait did you say exclude? I thought we wanted big launch teams. The answer is yes, you do want a big launch team, but without a few important filters you won't have a launch team, you'll have a group of disconnected people with their own agenda as to what the church should be.

Filter #1 Beliefs

While I don't think you need to publish a thesis of doctrinal beliefs, it's important to hit the highlights and have an understanding where you understand on the typical beliefs we fight over. Where does the church stand on baptism? Is it by immersion or sprinkling, essential or non-essential? What role can women have in the church? Do you practice gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues. People all across the spectrum of beliefs can get excited about a new church. In fact, new churches seem to attract those with doctrinal agendas. I suggest developing a clear and concise summary of your beliefs and walking new people to the community through them. They don't have to agree with every single one of them, but they do have to support them. For example, if they believe in the gift of tongues and you don't, you need them to understand that they must practice that at home and not in the corporate gathering. They must also understand that they are not to recruit people to their doctrinal belief. If they can't agree to your beliefs, help them find a different team.

Filter #2 Values

I worked with a church planter who regularly turned away Christians from his team. He had a value of community service. He knew that people first wanted a worship service, then Bible studies and later they might make time occasionally for service. So he flipped the model around. In the early days, if you wanted to be on the team you had to serve. Many would immediately ask, well when are we going to start worship services. He'd politely say that they would have worship services later, but to be a part of the church now, you had to serve. Many chose not to join. While I don't recommend this approach for everyone, the point is clear. If you really care about your values, you will build a team that also cares about them. If you just take warm bodies you may still have a big church, but I guarantee you won't like it.

Filter #3 Willingness to play in the game.

Launch teams filled with bench players don't do well. Early on the church planter should develop a list of every ministry team and each role that needs to be filled for that team to thrive. ALL launch team members must be willing to take on a role or two or three…

A word about non-Christians. I think every launch team should have non-Christians on it. While it may be difficult to see how they pass through the beliefs filter, its simply that they do not have an agenda against that set of beliefs. They should be open to the beliefs even if they can't affirm them in their life yet. Many will gladly latch on to your values and play on the team. DO NOT make being a Christian one of your filters.

So how do you work the filters? Early on I suggest one on one with each person. Later, you may want to have group meetings where you go through these areas. By the way, I suggest doing this after launch as well. I'd also suggest a launch team covenant. Clearly spell out expectations and the time commitment for being on the team and get them to sign on the line.

I had a couple of comments from earlier posts I'd like to address here. Thanks for the questions and keep them coming.

If someone says they have prayed and fasted and are excited to be part of the team, do we take them – even if we have doubts about their readiness and maturity?

My assumption is you are praying and fasting about your team members as well. Remember, Jesus prayed for his launch team (Luke 6). So who do you trust more? Your own insight from prayer or theirs? I personally wouldn't worry about their readiness or maturity. Let everyone play despite their maturity. You just don't put them in a leadership role, yet. Stick them with an apprentice/mentor and let them learn. I'd also say that most church planters aren't ready to plant, let alone lay team members. If you need to tell someone no, do it gently and help them to either find a new team to connect with.

If I, as the church planter want someone to go with me, and they too want to go with me, but my sending church doesn’t want them to go with me – what do we do?

How much money is the sending church giving? That's a tough one. You need to play within the agreed upon rules with the sending church. I think its best to define those rules up front before vision casting and recruitment begin. You can't force someone to go to church at a particular place, so if someone really wants to go, they will. I would talk to the leadership of the sending church and let them know that person's wishes. Let them know that you support their decision, but have been approached by this person and would like their blessing.

Is there something more concrete we can use to determine who should go with us, such as ???per cent of sending church?

Ralph Moore in his book, “How to Multiply Your Church”, talked about how in the early days they would send 20% of the church to start a new one. His wife quickly identified the problem. Those who were excited about church planting, were the most committed, high caliber leaders. They were cannibalizing the sending church. Ralph met with a group of leaders from church planting churches that suggested sending 20 – 30. My advice is be careful. Only take those who pass through the filters. Otherwise you will have 20 – 30 people who want to create a clone and will wonder why you don't have a jr. high golfing ministry and why you keep asking them to serve.

How They Started: Thomas Road Baptist

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:15 GMT

Before Jerry Falwell passed away in May 2007, he had built Thomas Road Baptist Church up to 12,000 and a Christian University of 35,000 students. He was a man of extraordinary vision and faith. In fact, I'm a Liberty seminary grad.

When I was young, my grandmother had a piggy bank with the words, "I Want That Mountain!" written on the side. My parents purchased a brick to help build the school. I always had the vision of Jerry growing up going squirrel hunting on Liberty Mountain, dreaming of what God could do there...

But you need to know the back-story. Because there are conditions that make or break a new church before it starts.

When Jerry graduated from Bible College at the age of 22, he wasn't dreaming of Thomas Road. He was on his way to Macon, Georgia to start a church. But 35 people from Park Avenue Baptist Church in Lynchburg convinced him to stay.

It was a case of ROLLING ROCKS and DEEP ROOTS. There was a remnant; there was a core; there was a group of people asking him to plant the church.

God is constantly at work developing root systems for new churches. If we're not careful, we'll miss it entirely. We'll try to initiate the work of God somewhere else, rather than join the one... right under our feet.

Thomas Road Baptist

This is a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

The most controversial biblical passage we use in our training

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:14 GMT

Then Jesus came to them and said,

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and

teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

(Mat 28:18-20)

The Great Commission is by far the most controversial passage that we teach in our discipleship/church planting training. We usually get into the Great Commission during our second week of training. After that session, usually about half of those coming drop out, never to return.

Why?

Because of its familiarity, most of us assume what we and our church currently do is fulfilling the Great Commission.

But are we?

The reason this passage is so controversial is that we say and believe these words, but practice something entirely different from what Jesus commanded. We read these verses one way, but live them another.

Jesus gives us four specific instructions (commands). Here is how most believers in our Ecuadorian evangelical context interpret Jesus' words...

JESUS SAID: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
OUR INTERPRETATION? All authority has been given to to our pastor/denomination/church. These are our spiritual guides (covering). What these have to say weighs more in what we do (or not do), than what Jesus commanded. Permission to engage in the GC must first come from our leaders. Jesus is not sufficiently authoritative by himself.

JESUS SAID: Therefore, GO...
OUR INTERPRETATION? We understand "go" to mean come. Come to our church, youth group, event, concert, etc. Come is a lot more convenient for us than actually trying to find the time to go and engage relationally those who are lost and need the Good News. We go on mission trips, go to camp, go to conferences and concerts with high-profile Christian mega-stars, etc. The lost are expected to somehow find their way to us. They are supposed to come to our meetings and events planned for them. For the occasional permission granted to actually GO, those going are expected to bring home with them any who might respond. We can't have believers out there "doing their own thing" and starting "splinter churches." Real church is "mama church."

JESUS SAID: MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations...
OUR INTERPRETATION? Since we really do not know how to make disciples, we believe that what this means is that they need to hear the Gospel. Therefore, we focus on evangelistic events and invite people to pray and receive Christ. Church sports activities, Fall Festivals, youth car washes, Christmas pageants, and musical concerts are understood to be the appropriate means to reach people. Those handful who might raise their hand at one of our events are given an envelope of church literature. But "make disciples" is understood to be that they will now start coming to our church. There they will meet other believers, and hopefully learn more about God's Word and somewhere along the path turn into disciples (whatever that is).

JESUS SAID: BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...
OUR INTERPRETATION? This certainly does not mean I should be the one to baptize the new believer. If someone makes a profession of faith, it is my responsibility to make an appointment and introduce them to the pastor of the church. There they will be, 1) warmly received, 2) invited to participate in a new believer's class to prepare them for baptism, 3) when there are enough ready to be baptized and there are no circumstances which would prevent them from being baptized, 4) schedule a date on the church calendar, and 5) watch as the pastor baptizes them as part of one of our regular scheduled church services.

JESUS SAID: TEACHING THEM TO OBEY everything I have commanded you...
OUR INTERPRETATION? The newly baptized believer is then expected to begin attending church on a regular basis. There they observe how other Christians look, talk, and act. "Church Culture" is quickly assimilated about what is acceptable, and not acceptable. Basically it is understood that the new believer will learn God's Word through the listening of the weekly preaching of the pastor, and maybe if we can get them up early enough, a Sunday School class.

With this understanding of the Great Commission, is it any wonder people think we are controversial in our teaching? But I ask--JUST AS WE ASK THOSE WE TRAIN--did Jesus really mean what he said? Or is the truth closer to the below cartoon...

Monday is for Missiology

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:26 GMT

In our previous installments of the "Mondays are for Missiology" series, we investigated the unique connections between the kingdom of God, eschatology, the church and mission (and all the interrelationships therein). As we've walked through this discussion I made the comment, "I see much missional historical naïveté." What exactly do I mean by that? Well, some of what I am hearing from some (not all) missional thinkers are the same words that other individuals said decades earlier-- and it subsequently led to theological ruin in the missio dei movement (something to which almost all, not just evangelicals, would agree).

So how do we not make those same mistakes again? I believe it helps by going back and looking at the roots of the missional movement and having a robust theological discussion that heightens our awareness of the issues at hand.

To that end, today I want to shift gears and begin to look at these missional issues through a more soteriological (the study of the doctrine of salvation) lens, covering the nature of salvation. To set the stage, I want to look at the connection between missiology and soteriology and briefly talk about how salvation was viewed in missions history during the modern paradigm, beginning with the Enlightenment. In subsequent posts, we will flesh out the nature of salvation in the post-Enlightenment era, discuss its relation to the church and evangelism, and conclude by looking at the impact of the theological trajectory of salvation on the modern missional conversation.

The Medium of Salvation

Missiology is fairly inextricable from soteriology; one's view of salvation-- however it is defined-- will determine the missionary work. In Transforming Mission, David Bosch states that the Christian missionary movement has been driven throughout its history by the aspiration to mediate salvation to all. And just as there have been paradigm shifts in the understanding of the relationship between church and mission, there have been shifts in the understanding of the nature of the salvation the church mediates in its mission.

Some consider the transmission of salvation as a physical process. This is true, for instance, of a sacramentalist system that believes salvation or grace can be transferred by means of a physical object. While the significance of the sacrament depends to some degree on the innermost attitude or condition of the communicant, grace is received largely through the external, physical act.

Others think that salvation is transferred by moral action. Here salvation is not so much something to be acquired by some individual or organization and conveyed to others, as it is something created by shifting the state of affairs.

Evangelical theologies have generally represented a third idea: salvation is a work of grace, accomplished by Christ, and received by faith alone. In the meritorious sense, the recipient is passive.

Salvation in the Modernist Paradigm

With the dawn of the Enlightenment, the understanding of salvation as the application of the work of Christ to the lives of sinful humans came under new and intense scrutiny. Religion as an expression of total reliance upon God and as eternal salvation in the hereafter became considered a relic of humanity's epoch of "childhood." An alternative soteriology surfaced in which salvation could mean emancipation from religious superstition, consideration of others' well being, and the moral enhancement of humanity.

The response of church and mission to the challenge of modernism was generally twofold among Protestants. The first response was simply to disregard the challenges of the Enlightenment and carry on as if nothing had changed. The second response took the challenges of modernism more seriously, to the point of a fairly uncritical accommodation. Instead of maintaining Jesus as God-incarnate who fulfills all righteousness and satisfies divine wrath on behalf of sinners, in modernist Protestantism he became the ideal human being to imitate, the moral exemplar. The person and work of Jesus was no longer at the center of mission, but rather the example and cause of Jesus took stage. The teaching supplanted the Teacher; the kingdom of God obscured the King.

In this paradigm condemnation and salvation were no longer the principle issues dividing and uniting God and man. Instead the division was seen chiefly among humans themselves. God's vertical coming into this world manifested itself in horizontal relationships; the "saving" relationship of the human with God is made tangible in a person's "conversion" to his or her brother. In this view, sin is ultimately alienation between humans.

So what is your understanding of salvation and how it is mediated? Do you agree that missiology is closely connected soteriology-- that one's take on the "reach" of salvation determines the range of one's missionary enterprise? Do you have any concerns that within the missional conversation some emphasize the example of Jesus over the salvific work of Jesus? Or that the vertical dimension of the God incarnate, Jesus Christ, saving men and women unto Himself is under-emphasized by some and rather a horizontal "conversion" towards one another is the primary focus?

Please respond in the comments. Let's get this discussion going!

Eight

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:58 GMT

I'm a little nostalgic about our last weekend before we launch. We had a pretty normal day; we went to see "Alice in Wonderland", had a play date with some new friends and had dinner with some old friends.

Tomorrow is our last launch team meeting. I can't believe we're done with these; I'm pretty excited! We started meeting at my house and then moved to the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino. The adults meet in a small theater and the kids meet in the wedding chapel. All the kids are together with no separation by age; it's insane.

The mission team passed out tons of door hangers today; please pray that they are received well.

I've attached another picture of our space. This one is looking directly at the stage. Please pray that everything gets done and that we get everything we need from the city in time for Sunday's service. Thanks so much!

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How Big Should the Launch Team Be?

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:12 GMT

By guest blogger: Doug Foltz

Part 1: Building a Launch Team is Priority One. <http://dougfoltz.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/building-a-launch-team-is-priority-one/>

To answer this question about launch teams you have to begin with the end in mind. One exercise I work through with each church planter is to explore what their expectations are for opening Sunday. First, estimate how many people will be in attendance on opening Sunday. This is a tough one. Often times church planters will push back and say that its God that grows the church and how can they possibly know. I affirm that theology. However, for planning purposes you need to have a picture of where we are going. What's the vision? There are some facts that can help. Churches that are started following the best practices of assessment, training and coaching are more likely to survive and thrive. In terms of dollars, it is typical that for each $1000 spent during the pre-launch you can expect approximately 1 person in attendance. NOTE: This is a general rule. Thus if your budget is $300,000 you should plan for at least 300 in regular attendance at launch. It's very typical for a church planter to dream big. The most common number I here for opening attendance is 500. Here is the key to determining what you really think attendance will be. Sit down and do a budget for the new church. You will need to project how much will come in for local offerings. The way I figure this is take the expected attendance multiplies by the expected dollars per head. It's normal for new churches to be in the $10 – $12 a head figure for the first year. It varies widely on location and target audience. What I often see is that church planters who dream and say there will be 500 on opening Sunday will adjust that number down to about 250 when budgeting. You want to be realistic. Take into consideration how much funding you have, whether or not you have a group of people starting the church with you from day one, the amount of staff you will have, etc.

Second, create a list of all the different ministry teams that the new church will have on opening day. Be sure to think through every area such as set up and tear down, communion prep, offering count, A/V team, community service team, small groups, etc. For each of those ministry teams, list out each role involved and how many people will be needed for the team to be effective. You will quickly see that there are a lot of people needed to support your vision.

The number of people that should be on the launch team is a number big enough to support that vision. C. Peter Wagner wrote that a minimum of 50 is needed for a healthy launch of a new church. Two years ago, I did a survey of new churches that backed those findings up. You can read more about that here <http://plantingspace.com/2008/04/08/survey-results-large-launch-team-healthier-start/> .

There is no perfect science. However, I can tell you from experience that you do not want to start a church without the support of a launch team. A small launch team will result in sacrifices to your vision. When we started LifePointe in Charlotte, we did not have a launch team of 50. Though God blessed us greatly with an opening day attendance of 288, it was a big stress on the staff and launch team to support a congregation of that size. Fortunately for us, many new people stepped up to the plate over the next year to help keep us sane. There were things that dropped through the cracks though. If you are building a launch team, my encouragement to you is pour the majority of your effort into it. Don't spend 9 months during pre-launch planning your first worship service. Spend 9 month during pre-launch connecting with people and inviting them into the unfolding of God's story within your community.

Doug is the Director of Project Management with Stadia (www.stadia.cc). He has a church planting focused blog at www.dougfoltz.wordpress.com.

Nine

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:00 GMT

Today was Antonucci date day! We saw "Blind Side"; what a great movie! There is a mission team here from Chesapeake, VA. They passed out thousands of door hangers this afternoon. They are at the building tonight working their butts off!

Dawson has been having terrible problems with his hands. We got the confirmation today that it's not cancer!!!! We have an appointment next week to take out the stitches from his biopsy and get him on a treatment plan that actually works.

Do any of you use CCB for your database at church? If so, can you email me. I have a few questions.

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How They Started: CrossCurrent Church

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:12 GMT

I attend CrossCurrent Church in Virginia Beach, which was started by Jason Roberts in 2002.

The church never had an official launch, does no marketing or slick message series, and much of the music is accompanied by a harmonica. The multimedia consists of a low resolution projector aimed at a make-shift pop-up screen.

Yet it's standing room only every week with nearly 350 young families... all of whom came by word of mouth.

It's a case of ROLLING ROCKS. Every effective church plant reaches a particular "people group" or niche in the community. It grows by "mining the vein" so to speak. Jason has identified three groups and has unapologetically geared the ministry toward them:

Young families
The military
The surfing community

We have so many fighter pilots that I can pretty much call anyone "Maverick" and get a high five. And Jason's expositional preaching style is perfectly suited to them - it's like a scriptural "briefing." Awesome to watch.

Jason's deep understanding of the community comes from having served as a Young Life leader and youth pastor in Virginia Beach for 5 years. Not only this, but when Jason was a baby, he lived in Virginia Beach because his father was stationed here for several years... as a fighter pilot.

CrossCurrent Church

This is a series of posts based on my book Church in the Making (B&H, April 1) which explains what makes or breaks a new church before it starts...

1. GOOD GROUND
2. ROLLING ROCKS
3. DEEP ROOTS

How Big Should the Launch Team Be?

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:21 GMT

Part 1: Building a Launch Team is Priority One.

10 Days and Counting...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:48 GMT

Verve officially launches in 10 days. Life is absolutely insane and overwhelming for everyone on our launch team. Satan is on the move in each of our lives. Traffic accidents, illnesses, emotional issues, lice...unbelievable, relationship problems, and financial problems. What a hot mess!

All this leads me to believe that God is going to do some really cool stuff through us. I think Satan is nervous!

We spent the afternoon working on our door hangers and maps. We're passing out 120,000 door hangers and 40,000 fliers, so it's quite a daunting task. Thankfully we have a bunch of mission teams coming in the next few weeks to help us.

Our building is coming along, but we're still not sure that it will get the "certificate of occupancy" from the city in time to open. Please pray for everything to work out. Construction crews and volunteers are working around the clock.

Thanks for praying for us and for all the encouragement!

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Building a Launch Team is Priority One

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:15 GMT

by Guest Blogger: Doug Foltz

There are hundreds of tasks to complete when planting a church. Recently a planter told me, “I got so much done today, but then I looked at how much I had left and felt like I was eating the proverbial elephant.” Toward the end of the conversation I asked how many people were on his launch team. He replied, the same as last month. I need to get some people around me.

I have seen church planters start churches with many of the “tasks” incomplete. I’ve seen churches start with limited budgets, borrowed and begged for equipment, no staff, and even heard of a church that started in a park because they had no facility. Many of these churches overcome these obstacles and become a healthy congregation. However, I’ve never seen a church start without people. A church planter’s worst nightmare is opening Sunday arrives and the only people in the congregation are his spouse, 2 kids and mom.

Priority one for the church planter is to build and develop a launch team. So what constitutes a launch team? A launch team, is a group of people committed to helping start the church. These are not attendees or pew sitters. Warm bodies do not count. The best way to tell if someone is on the launch team is to ask yourself what area of service they are responsible for. If the answer is none, they are not on the launch team. This definition does not exclude non-Christians. You should encourage non-Christians to join the team. They will likely join the team not because of their love for the church, but because of their friendship with you. I’m often asked, do kids count? My answer is no. They need to be people who can fill a ministry role. At times you will have high caliber teens who will be able to assist in key ministry roles, but even though your kids will be moving chairs and preparing communion, I wouldn’t count them. Note: You don’t have to tell the kids that. In fact, I’d give them all titles and let them have responsibility as well. Just realize that they are kids.

Launch teams also have a definitive end. The purpose of the team is to start the church. Once that mission is complete, it is important for the team to disband. Otherwise, you quickly create an insider culture within the new church. I encourage church planters to set a time limit of approximately six months after opening Sunday. This let’s them know when they job is complete. Some of your launch team will come from other churches and this will let them know when its ok for them to return to their congregation. For non-Christians, it let’s them know when they can start sleeping in again on Sundays. Remember that many of them will come out of a relationship with you or someone else on the launch team. The ideal is that during the time they serve, they will come to know Jesus. But, if they do not, release them at the end of their commitment. Don’t guilt them into staying or you will damage the relationship.

I’ll continue this conversation on launch teams with a series of posts over the next couple of weeks. Here what’s coming:

How big should the launch team be?
Who should be excluded from the launch team?
Do I need people to sign a covenant?
How do I build momentum with the launch team?
What do I do at launch team meetings?

Doug is the Director of Project Management with Stadia (www.stadia.cc). He has a church planting focused blog at www.dougfoltz.wordpress.com.

Sleepless Author

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:25 GMT

Okay, the book comes out in 25 days or so, and now that it's getting closer, I'm not sure I want it to. I get to control perceptions here on the blog. I write only so much. I'm only so honest. But in the book, I risked a lot. I risked telling my story. I risked pushing back on how church planting is done. I took on Calvinism a little bit. I tried to demystify faith a bit. I made some audacious statements... and crap... here it comes.

Ever wonder why...

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:30 GMT

...if there really is only One Body of Christ, we persist in separating ourselves from one another and clinging to our denominational distinctives?

...we don't ever hear any sermons on 1 Corinthians 12:28ff "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues..."?

...our churches aren't structured according to Paul's above order, rather than the way we do so today with extra-biblical Senior Pastors leading the list? Are pastors even mentioned in the 1 Cor. 12:28 list?

...we delay baptizing new believers when every instance recorded in the Book of Acts indicates immediate baptism upon profession of faith?

...we program our gatherings into hour-long meetings rather than allowing the Head of the Church (Jesus) to lead and move among us as He desires?

...Paul never addresses his letters to the pastor or leadership of the churches he writes like we would do today?

Ever wonder who the Ephesian 4:11 apostles, prophets, and evangelists are amongst us? Can you name any in your church today? What happened to these folks? Have their roles been absorbed by the pastor-teachers in our midst? If so, is this what the Holy Spirit intended when he gave these functions to the church?

Ever wonder if Paul's epistles were written to individual local house churches in Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, etc. or to ALL of the Church in each of these cities (house churches-plural?)

Ever wonder where we get the idea that listening to a prepared sermon is an essential part of believers gatherings?

Ever wonder how small can a church be and still be a church? Does the Bible say anything about how big is too big for a church to be?

Ever wonder when a group meeting together becomes a church? What is a church? What is the Scriptural support for your answer?

Ever wonder where in the Bible it refers to believers as members of a local church?

Ever wonder if believers can be part of more than one local church at the same time? (eg. a member at FBC-Dallas, Faith Bible Church, and Misión Evangélica Sión all at the same time) Why or why not?

Ever wonder whether a seminary education helps or hinders those seeking to multiply new church starts?

Ever wonder about what happened to celebrating the Lord's Supper as a meal? When did we begin substituting the Lord's SUPPER (meal) for a tiny cracker and sip of grape juice?

Ever wonder about where we get the idea of paid/salaried pastors and church staff when 1 Corinthians 9 is clearly referring to itinerant apostolic workers?

Ever wonder where we get the idea that "double honor" in 1 Timothy 5:17 for elders refers to a monthly salary and benefits package?

Just wondering.

While listening yesterday to a John Eldredge podcast I was struck with his statement that, "The biggest enemy of the Gospel is not paganism, but religion." I agree.

Director of Project Management with Stadia

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:26 GMT

This week I began a new ministry as the Director of Project Management with Stadia. In this position, I will continue to work with church planters across the country helping them develop a launch plan and working with them to execute the plan. I will also be oversee the other project managers at Stadia. Working with me is a great friend, Patrick Bradley. I'm excited to have Patrick on the team as he brings several years of church planting experience and has a great reputation for providing excellent service and wisdom to church planters.

So what exactly is project management for church planting? The easiest analogy is that the project manager serves as a part time executive pastor for the new church during the pre-launch season. Our goal is to remove the administrative burden from the church planter to free them up to do what they are uniquely called to do. We work up front with the church planter to develop a plan to accomplish the vision for the new church. We then work with the planter to execute the plan and hold the planter accountable to the plan. Each week I spend time on the phone or video chat with the planter. During that call we talk about what needs to be done and how I can assist. Here is just a small sampling of responsibilities the project manager has:

Legal paperwork such as the Articles of Incorporation, EIN, bylaws, 501c3, state tax exemption, etc.
Setting up the email and domain.
Purchasing of equipment and signs.
Researching marketing options and conducting marketing campaigns.
Negotiating with vendors.
Reporting on the status of the project to the management team and coach
Assisting with Search Engine Optimization
Most any administrative task that can be accomplished from a distance.

If you are interested in working with a Stadia project manager, hit me with a comment.

Though my official duties with Passion 4 Planting have ended, I will retain a tight relationship with the staff at P4P. We are collaborating on a few projects together including the continued development of Converge. The staff at P4P have been great and I have learned so much from them over the past three years. Their heart and desire is simply to help church church planters and they continue to selflessly serve planters around the world.

Building a Launch Team is Priority One

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:07 GMT

I’ll continue this conversation on launch teams with a series of posts over the next couple of weeks. Here what’s coming:

How big should the launch team be?
Who should be excluded from the launch team?
Do I need people to sign a covenant?
How do I build momentum with the launch team?
What do I do at launch team meetings?

March Outreach Mag Column: Church Birth Control

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:25 GMT

Here is my most recent column in this month's Outreach Magazine. If you were a subscriber, you would have already read it and many others. So, click here to subscribe.

In the last eight days, I have had church planting on the brain and been talking about it in several places.

1. Been the keynote speaker (and token non-Anglican) at the Anglican1000 launch meeting in Texas,
2. Taught church planting at a Classis of the Reformed Church of America in Grand Rapids

3. Spoke on planting at a Methodist Church in Warner Robins, GA.

4. Tomorrow, I'll preaching on church planting to about 10,000 students at Liberty University on, you guessed it, church planting.

So, I am thinking about church planting-- and even thinking I want to get involved in planting and pastoring again.

So, here are some thoughts from the print magazine of the magazine on what the real issue is:

Church Birth Control

Seems to be that churches must be on some powerful birth control. They are not reproducing. And I don't get why.

It's natural. It's normal. It's essential. And we all know how to do it. But somewhere along the way, church reproduction and multiplication became unusual or strange in North America. And I am not happy about it.

The Church is the most powerful institution in the world. Where no electricity and running water exist, you will still find a church that is planting churches. When governments grow corrupt and economies crash, the Church still stands and plants more churches. Nothing in the world and nothing in the last two millennia of history can compare to the Church. It advances best by exponential and explosive multiplying. But not here.

The Church matters. It is God's agent of change for the hopeless. It is how He delivers transformation to a hurting world. Through the Church, God unfurls the banner of mercy and announces the kingdom of grace. He has assembled the Church to tell and model the most important issue in life--how to spend all of eternity with God Himself.

God has chosen the Church to make known His multifaceted wisdom to all in authority (Eph. 3:10). Whether a power in the heavenly realm or an authority on the earth, the Church is where God rolls out His message. It is used by God to speak to the weak and the strong, the poor and the rich, the hopeful and the hopeless.

We believe in the Church not only because of what we have seen, but because of what Christ can do next. He constantly amazes us at how lives are changed through the Church.

That is why church multiplication is so vital, and why I love church planting so much. Depending on how you count, I have personally planted five. Each time I learn about a church being planted, I get ready to witness lives changed. I prepare myself to hear about cities touched by God's grace. I feel assured that entire nations will be transformed by the Gospel. Church planting is almost the most effective evangelistic strategy in the world.

What's the most effective? Church multiplication movements. When churches plant lots of other churches, our witness advances exponentially. The Gospel goes viral. We need that kind of movement today. One that cannot be controlled, confined or contained.

[Church researcher and author] Warren Bird and I have a new book coming out in May called Viral Churches: Helping Church Planters Become Movement Makers (Jossey-Bass). By our definition, a church multiplication movement happens when churches:

-Multiply at a 50 percent rate (100 churches one year become 150 the next year)

-Reach 50 percent of their new people through conversion (they are reaching the lost)

-Multiply to the third generation of churches (parent, child, grandchild)

Yet I feel like a tired husband in yet another round of false labor. Everyone is talking reproduction, but not enough churches are having babies.

I hope and pray to see a church multiplication movement in North America during my lifetime. I love local churches and know that God is moving in them. But we need more churches that want to see more churches planted.

Conferences, books and articles can point the way, but only God can change the heart. We have a lot of right information, but we haven't made enough application. It will take a passion for reaching people far from God and a willingness to sacrifice for multiplication. It will even require a new kind of surrender. But I challenge you to take up the work of supporting, cheering and even boldly leading what becomes a viral church.

And, since it has been on my mind, I've been thinking about planting a new church-- which is probably a dumb idea right now!

Prologue to Missional Discussions

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:32 GMT

Here is something that has been posted at several places on the web today:

David Fitch once said that most missional thought leaders "emphasize incarnational forms of church over attractional; the church as Missio Dei over mission as program; organic forms of missionary living in neighborhoods over ministry set in a building." Yet many others seem to add the term to the current program they are attempting to promote or make cool sounding. As Ed Stetzer noted, "The word missional is used to bludgeon legalism and antinomianism alike. To some it is a sign of freedom from all established forms of the church and to others it is a degeneration into syncretism with the world."

So, do we abandon the term and move on? Not yet, because the concept behind missional is really big and words help us when we can agree on their definitions-- or at least we can agree what we mean when we use a word.

Over the next few weeks, we want to discuss how "missional" happens in our lives and in the life of the church. It will be discussed here as well as at other places including the blogs listed below. As the conversation moves forward, we hope you will move from blog to blog and offer insights from the scriptures and how you see missional happening in your local community.

By doing this, we can all be a part of a specific missional conversation. As many of you know, there are several working toward a "Missional Manifesto" that will be rolled out as a part of the missionSHIFT conference on July 12-15. The intent with the manifesto is to say, "This is what we mean when we talk about being missional." It is not the manifesto's intent (or within its ability) to say this is what everyone should think or say about the term, but reflects a hope that it will help us all be clearer and more mission-shaped in our own thinking and practice.

Conversation on the grassroots level is important, so be sure to join in here and at the other blogs and let's see where God take us. Here is the team that will be leading the conversation:

Rick Meigs: The Blind Beggar
Bill Kinnon: kinnon.tv
Brent Toderash (Brother Maynard): Subversive Influence
David Fitch: Reclaiming the Mission
Tiffany Smith
Jared Wilson: The Gospel-Driven Church
Jonathan Dodson: Creation Project

So for the sake of conversation today, leave a comment about with your own 1-sentence definition of "missional." And, in the weeks to come, we will be addressing certain points or issues in the missional conversation that need consideration and perhaps clarity.

Monday is for Missiology

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:55 GMT

Over the last few weeks we have looked at the relationship of the church, the kingdom of God, and mission. I want to bring these ideas to a close this week and move onto a new theme beginning next week. Please join the conversation in the comments. I enjoy the discussion!

The Church on Mission for the Kingdom

We may now see how when everything becomes mission, nothing is mission. The church does not point to a reality in itself, but rather to the kingdom of God and the reign of Jesus Christ. The church stands for something more elemental and invasive than itself. Because the kingdom is more all-encompassing and far-reaching than the church, the church must be recognized as a servant to Christ's kingdom.

The church finds its significance precisely in this distinction. If the church is a "sacrament, sign, or instrument," it thereby holds a consequential place in the kingdom. As servants, missionary congregations are communities of intercession, bridging the abyss from the kingdom to the world.

The excessive pessimism regarding the church in the mid-1960s from thinkers like J.C. Hoekendijk has also emerged in some other reform movements in North America. I have often said, "Many are taking swings at the church like a low hanging pinata on Cinco-de-Mayo."

The impact of this negative view of the church, combined with much evangelical angst (I wrote about it here) on the missional conversation is difficult to quantify, but it is noticeable. Unfortunately, they are on the same track that Hoekendijk and others were, which resulted in the near total eclipse of the church and the kingdom. Van Engen states, "Replacing the biblical order of God's mission (God-Church-world) with a new order (God-world-church) worked out in the end to rob the church of its own involvement in mission."*

This new order led to empty activism that had little purpose and negligible impact. Only as we recognize the connection of the church to the kingdom can we begin to understand the missional relationship of the church to the world-- within the scale of the kingdom of God.

On the contrary, however, the emergence of salvific-historic eschatology, as mentioned earlier in Cullman and Freytag, actually emboldens the missional endeavor. The breadth of the reign of God is coming, but the vision of the coming kingdom renders itself into a radical concern for the penultimate rather than a fixation for the ultimate. Bosch notes that on this side of the cross, "living in the force-field of the assurance of salvation already received and the final victory already secured, the believer gets involved in the urgency of the task at hand." Cullman says it this way: the "already" outweighs the "not yet" in mission. Instead of passively waiting for God's future world plan, we ask about the church's participation in the world.

In practice, this means that missionary congregations live out their spiritual life not only as the church, but also as God's people in the world, proclaiming the good news of Christ's work on the cross, and acting as a force to change society to more closely resemble the kingdom of God. The church is called to preach the Gospel of the kingdom, a gospel that has social and political justice consequences for the greater society. (Here is my earlier post on on the gospel and its implications).

These gospel implications cannot be constrained either to individualistic spiritual categories or to strictly socio-economic categories. The gospel of the kingdom deals with all of life and transforms all of life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

So, let me be bold here. Some people who talk about the Kingdom and God's work in the world need to read up on their history. This is not the first time we had this conversation, and it has not ended well. I see much "missional historical naïveté" at work and, honestly, it concerns me. Some of the words I hear from some missional thinkers are the same words that J.C. Hoekendijk said decades earlier-- and it led to theological ruin (see my earlier comments about J.C. Hoekendijk here and here).

However, I cannot avoid the plain teaching of scripture about the gospel, the Kingdom, and the church. I think we need to take the risk to talk about the Kingdom of God and to live out the implications of the gospel.

Am I being naïve? Or, can we speak of the Kingdom and, more importantly, live Kingdom-focused lives without losing the clear proclamation of the gospel? Can we avoid the mistakes of our fathers and mothers?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

* God's Missionary People: Rethinking the Purpose of the Local Church, pg. 114

Sunday is for Seminars

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:41 GMT

Tomorrow is a crazy travel day. I actually speak at three events in two states. Yep, crazy.

Here is the plan:

Monday morning, Main Stage at the Orlando Hard Rock Cafe

I am speaking at the Student Leadership University to 2500 student pastors.

Monday afternoon, Harvest Church in Warner Robins, GA

I'll be taking questions about church planting at the end of the (free) NEXT Church Planting Seminar. (Interesting note: this is my first time ever speaking at anything meeting in a United Methodist church.)

Monday night, Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins

I've be preaching at the Georgia Baptist Evangelism Conference followed by a late night Q&A.

I'm tired already... but I love pastors and church leaders and look forward to encouraging lots of them tomorrow! Please pray for strength and that I can make much of Jesus and God's mission.

7 Global Currents That Are Shaping the Future Church

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:08 GMT

Fantastic book comes out in a few days called "The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents that will propel the future church". Author (and friend) Fritz Kling sent me the manuscript last year and I just LOVED the book, and found it hard to wait so long before the release date came around so that I could tell you all about it. But that time is here. The book comes out March 1st but you can order it now.

My official blurb on the book:

"Meeting of the Waters is the most significant book on international mission I have come across in a long time and one that echoes my my own observations. Fritz Kling has the skinny on the movements that are impacting the changing landscape of Christian mission. This book is the result of thorough research in a broad sweep of mission situations and the results are both enlightening and challenging. I highly recommend this book for those who want to know what mission in the real world actually looks like."

If I could add to that, I would say that 2010 will be a year of reflection about global mission, its changing landscape and what that means for all of us and I dont know of any better book right now that the Meeting of the Waters. Fritz has traveled to 40 countries to interview key leaders on these changes and the book is a result of those findings. Here's a snapshot of the 7 Global Currents from the book. Click on the icons for more.

MERCY

Younger people of faith around the world increasingly demonstrate their piety and their love for others by serving–by feeding the hungry, addressing AIDS, rescuing girls sold into slavery, saving the earth, etc.

MUTUALITY

While Americans and the West had long been the leaders of worldwide “Christendom,” now Christians from countries all around the world have the education, access, resources, and confidence to share leadership with powerful countries like the US.

MIGRATION

People everywhere are on the move, to meet economic needs, flee repression or combat, seek freedom or asylum, enjoy tourism, etc. While in the past Christian missionaries reached diverse people groups by ships or planes or trains, now everywhere in the world is more diverse.

MONOCULTURE

Focusing on helping individual people in the unique cultures and countries in which they live, the Christian church has trained and sent missionaries around the world for a long time.

MACHINES

The importance of technology is not news to anyone, but its impact on Christian communities around the world has its surprises. Studies on technology and evangelism abound, so I highlight examples of how technology is radically changing disaster relief efforts.

MEDIATION

Many people say that the world is “flattening,” and that we’re all coming closer together. But the internet and available media are actually providing more opportunities, tools, and points for polarization and division. Who will mediate, and how?

MEMORY

In the shadow of so many game-changing trends, every country, region and village has its own “backstory” — those historical features, clues and codes that may be unseen but affect everything in those societies.

You can click on any of those icons to see more resources, videos and blog posts. I would be happy to post them individually if readers wanted to discuss them one by one.

TRIVIA: Fritz Kling and I met at Search Party, 2002, an emerging-missional church event in St Louis that was inspired by Boaz Project's "Epicenter 2001" in Austin.

church planting, fritz kling, meeeting of the waters, mission, missional

Becoming carbon neutral and traveling a lot at the same time

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:05 GMT

Apparently I am carbon neutral, according to Dopplr. They have tracked almost all of my journeys since 2008. I have taken a few journeys recently to sensitive places and I havent told Dopplr but I dont think they would add much to the total.

How did we do it, despite traveling so much? Not sure, really, but heres some factors that might contribute to it.

I sold my car in April last year for a whopping £600 which was fair for a 1997 Peugeot 806 with a few dents. We bought bikes for the family which takes a little longer to get around but its good for fitness and keeps the carbon down. Of course we take the bus most of the time when we are in one place, and that can be very time-consuming, but it seems right for now.

We normally carry 7 bikes on the back but recently, with the extra people, we have carried 2 extra bikes inside.

Our 1987 4x4 Iveco motorhome/overlander gets 14 MPG (about 20 litres/100km) which is a little worse than most motorhomes but better than most overlanders, but we have 7 people in it whenever we drive. Dopplr doesnt take that into consideration but I feel if you are going to drive, load up your vehicle with as many people as you can. And besides that, our total milage is probably much less than for those people who drive daily to work.

Our biggest savings in fuel last year was probably not automotive at all but rather in heating. Having left our apartment in March 2008, we dont have to heat it, or anything. Our motorhome is well insulated and since we have driven south to warmer climes, we havent spent anything at all on heating. Going south for the winter isn't just for the birds. It works for humans also. Although we are looking for a wood stove for our motorhome which is a cheap and efficient way to heat it when its gets cold, which it does occasionally.

We just added two solar panels of 225W each which means can can now fully charge up our leisure batteries every day and not have to use the engine.

We added mostly hand powered appliances to our motorhome - a hand cranking coffee grinder, a mangle for wringing out our clothes (which we hand wash) and even a foot pump for the water rather than electric pump.

Abigail gets cranky doing the washing.

I also reduced a lot of carbon, and saved some money and time, by turning down a number of conferences that had me flying a really long distance to contribute and then flying all the way home. What a waste! Instead, we set up events where we were, or where we were going to be along our travel circuit. That meant that I missed out on a few biggies but I spent more time with the family, and supported events that were more local. And those events that we took part in along the way were generally more relational and low-key rather than flashy, stage-centered and shallow.

As for the rest of 2010, here is the map that we are following. We are hooking up with missional entrepreneurs along the way. Let me know if we are coming through your town. Appreciate your prayers for safety as we travel, and for the other half of our support/sponsorship that we are still hoping for.

My current schedule:

Friday (today) Orkney Islands, UK

Saturday - Aberdeen, Scotland

Sunday - London

Monday - Oxford, with CMS

Tuesday - London

Wednesday - North Africa

Follow me on Dopplr, although take note that my North Africa schedule is not publicized there.

dopplr, travel

missionSHIFT: Introducing Bob Roberts

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:40 GMT

Bob Roberts has earned degrees from Baylor Univeristy, Southwestern Seminary, and Fuller Seminary. He planted Northwood Church in 1985 that has since planted 140 churches in the United States. He has written for various periodicals and journals both faith based and secular international relations journals. He works with the United Nations and various State Departments of various governments around the world doing humanitarian engagement projects. He frequently travels to seriously challenged nations to help with development, engagement, and reconciliation. Their focus is to engage the society with the Gospel through the use of ordinary disciples vocations. Bob has written 4 books, Transformation, Glocalization, The Multiplying Church, and recently Realtime Connections: Linking your job with God's Global work. Bob speaks around the world on globalization, faith, church planting, engagement, and a variety of global affairs issues. He is married to his wife of 30 years Nikki, they have 2 children, Ben and Jill, a daughter-in-law Ashley, and an exchange student they consider their own - Ti.

Bob will be leading a lab at the missionSHIFT conference this summer at Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina on July 12-15. Bob's lab is titled, "The Glocal Church: Missional beyond Program." Here's a brief description.

Many people are talking missional today - and often it centers around a local churches program in the community or around the world. What does it look like when everyday ordinary disciples begin to use their vocations to engage society as Jesus followers in a viral sort of way? How do you release individuals and yet maintain a corporate focus? How will missions & missional in the 21st century be radically different from the 18-20th centuries? What is the global template? How do we speak of Jesus when all religions are all places?

I asked Bob to answer a few questions as we're leading up to missionSHIFT. You'll want to check it out.

Ed: You are a very busy man. Training church planters, leading a local church, flying around the world -- what part of life and ministry is the most personally fulfilling for you right now?

Bob: Going into hell holes and trying to bring hope and reconciliation. I feel most close to Christ when I'm in a place where people have lost hope and I'm able to serve them and speak of Jesus in a way many have never heard. It requires courage, wisdom, timing, focus, and an incredible sense of alertness of everything happening around you.

Ed: What do you see in the church that is giving you hope that we are doing better at engaging in God's mission?

Bob: The people in the pew are rising up. There are no closed countries -- it's a lie. There are places closed to our historic methodology, but not to our disciples who have skills and want to serve -- not to Jesus followers who can naturally talk about their faith. I'm watching before my very eyes, the emergence of disciples engaging the world in radical and impactful ways like never before in the history of humanity. They're not waiting for staff members, programs, or organizations to tie to, they're just doing it on their own.

Ed: You recently published "Real-Time Connections." Tell us about the book.

Bob: The book is a re-interpretation of the Great Commission. It takes it all the way back to Abraham and then moves it forward to Matthew 28:18-20. It hits the hot issues that fulfilling the Great Commission will bump up against -- other religions, religious freedom, how societies are put together, the Christian Muslim divide, etc. It also tells lots of stories about people who are using their jobs at NorthWood so that people can see how everyday disciples are doing it. At the end of each chapter are action points, when completed, a person can develop their own focus and strategy for engagement. This book is meant primarily for disciples that are ready to engage glocally.

Ed: Obviously, the word "missional" is spoken of, used by, and claimed by many groups. Instead of giving another definition for the word, can you tell the readers an example of where you and your wife are seeking to live missionally?

Bob: One is we have become friends with the rabbi of the second largest synagogue in Dallas, and the imam of the largest mosque in Dallas. We have had them and their wives over for Kosher/Halal food. It was a blast. We brought our 3 congregations together for a weekend travel to visit the worship service of all three. (I'm more into multi-faith than interfaith.) We then did Q & A after each traditions worship service with the rabbi, the imam, and myself. People are already finding ways to connect. Several ladies from each congregation are doing cooking classes together to learn to cook Kosher like the Jews, Halal like the Muslims, and Lard like the Baptist!

[Ed: You can read my interview with Bob about the multi-faith weekend here.]

Ed: In terms of missionSHIFT and the Missional Manifesto, what would be a great end-game in your mind for this event and process?

Bob: I'm concerned we're having "American" conversations about missional and that's a very very dangerous and blind thing to do. Zogby just did a poll in which they are describing how people see the world. There is now no national or international, no local or global-- everything is global. If we miss that, we will have a very short conversation and impact. The motivation to be missional is good. The context of narrowing it just to the US, or traditional "missions" is dying. A new conversation is emerging that's global, but I don't think we get that in the US. My hope is that we learn to speak and live globally in the global era and missional is global incarnation-- kinda' like Jesus!

Are you registered for the missionSHIFT conference? You don't want to miss it. Register here.

Can any believer baptize?

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:20 GMT

One of the issues continuing to resurface again and again in our church planting is whether or not individual believers (disciples) can baptize those whom they have led to Christ. The vast majority of evangelicals in Ecuador hold to the notion that only recognized (ordained) pastors, and missionaries are authorized to perform baptisms.

Was this Jesus intent when he gave us the Great Commission?

Were his commands to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach intended for:

1) the gathered disciples and them alone,
2) the local church throughout the ages, or
3) all disciples of Christ down through the ages?

If your interpretation is #1, then sit back and relax, there is little for you to worry about. It's not your business what God chooses to do with the untold millions who are on their way to an eternity separated from Christ. As strange as it sounds, I have dialogued with many believers who don't like to admit it, but by their actions actually hold to this position. They feel their responsibility is only to those the Lord brings directly into their life. They have been pacified in their conscience that God only "calls" certain ones of us for this kind of work. They, of course, are not part of this select group.

If the second interpretation is where you find peace, then you believe that every believer is charged by Christ to:

a) go,
b) make disciples,
c) ?
d) teach these new believers.

What happened to "c"? Why is it skipped? Those holding to this position feel that baptism as an ordinance is reserved only for those proper administrators, someone who has been given a separate and special authority to baptize.

In other words, all of us can do three of the four commands of Christ. But only certain individuals can do all four. Was that Christ's intent when he charged his disciples with carrying out the Great Commission? Did He consider baptism something in a separate class to the other tasks of going, disicipling and teaching? Is it something so special that it can only be administered by a select group of authorized individuals? If so, who are those individuals? How do they get to be the lucky ones to get to obey ALL that Christ said?

My own understanding, and the way we teach, points me to the third option...

I feel the plain reading of the GC lends itself to just what it says: ALL followers of Christ who consider themselves to be His disciples. We are the ones charged with carrying out Jesus' commission.

We are all part of the Body of Christ. There are no individual followers of Christ who have "more authority" than others. Any differences amongst those making up the Body, are functional, not authoritative.

The Spirit has given gifts to each for the building up of the Body of Christ. To begin to elevate persons over others is to go down the road leading to the whole sacerdotal/priestly function like we find entrenched in the Roman Catholic Church. There a clear separation exists between the professional clergy (who have authority), and the laity (who do not.) Clergy are authorized to perform the ceremonies of the church; the laity are not. There we find classes of Christians, distinctions.

Imagine with me for a moment the following scenario...

What would happen if every Dick, Jane, Bill and Harry were to get it into their heads that, yes, THEY are responsible for the Great Commission? Not just a select chosen few, but ALL of us! Like Peter, James, and John, we too have been vested with authority by Jesus Christ himself (Matt.28:18). It is for us to fulfill--not in part--but ALL of the Great Commission! I dare say, we would be far closer to finishing the task than we are today.

What do you think?

----------

P.S. I appear baptizing in the photo above modeling how it is done. The sister on the right is a new believer and is participating in her first baptism. It is kind of a "passing the baton" where we do the first baptism with them assisting. After this, they will perform any future baptisms.

A Plan and Priority for Leadership Development | Elliot Grudem

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:04 GMT

A Priority to Leadership Development

As a church planter, there are thousands of things you can do. I’m convinced one of the most important things you can do is develop leaders for the church. In order to do that, though, you need to make it a priority. If you don’t, as I know from experience, there are too many other things that will demand and take your time and attention.

When you plant a church, leadership development is one of those things that falls into what business consultants would call not urgent, but important on your time management matrix or to do list. You can increase attendance without developing leaders. Leadership development doesn’t provide you much instant affirmation. Leadership development stories aren’t anywhere near as exciting as stories of conversion or counseling breakthroughs. Developing leaders won’t get you re-tweeted a whole lot.

Yet leaders won’t be developed on their own. As the church planter, you are the only one that can develop these leaders. It’s part of your job. If you can’t develop leaders, you shouldn’t plant a church.

When you plant a church, you plant an organization with a temporary leadership structure—you (and possibly an oversight board). Your job as a planter is to develop the elders necessary to lead the church. Once that happens and the elders are in place, the church is no longer a plant. It’s a church. You are no longer a church planter. You are a pastor. Until that time, leadership development—specifically elder development—should be one of your top priorities.

If you don’t have time for it, you need to cut things out until you do have time for it. Make it a priority. Then, develop a plan.

A Plan for Leadership Development

There are many reasons church planters don’t developing elders as soon as they should. One of the biggest hindrances is the lack of a plan.

To develop a plan for developing elders, you need to begin with the end in mind. That is, you need to answer this question: What kind of men do I want as elders in this church?

To answer that question, you need to think about three things:

1. Requirements from Scripture (For example, what do 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 say?)

2. Requirements from your Denomination or Network (For example, what does it mean to be an elder in a Presbyterian, Baptist, or an Acts 29 church?)

3. Requirements from your context and church (For example, what does it mean to be an elder at my church, at this time, this stage, this size, in this part of this specific city?)

Once you’ve answered those questions, you know what kind of man you want to serve as an elder in your church. Work backwards from there to create a plan that will you develop the right men into the leaders Jesus has called them to be.

Your plan will need to help these men understand the knowledge that’s vital, develop the skills necessary, and show forth the character required to serve as an elder in your specific church. Part of what that means is that some parts of your plans can come from other churches. Other parts need to be unique to you, your church, and your vision.

Put the time required into developing this plan. Don’t just photocopy another pastor’s plan. Think about the men needed to lead your specific church. Work from there to create a plan to develop those kinds of men.

Click to download the desired Theological Clarity ebook.

B&W Questions Only (63 pages),

B&W Workbook (color cover) 91 pages,

Color Questions Only

Color Workbook

UMC—Part 4

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:44 GMT

(Note: I'm very grateful for the spirit of the discussion this week. I hope these posts don't come across as arrogant but as humble suggestions from someone who cares. I acknowledge that my ideas may not be possible — or may not work, but hopefully, they will spur on helpful conversations.)

When I was an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church, our church grew from about 300 people to close to 700 people (which at the time was considered a very large church).

Each Methodist Church paid their share of “apportionments.” Although I’m not certain where the apportionments go, I’m assuming they support UMC missionaries, hospitals, benevolence ministries, district superintendents, bishops, administrative costs, etc.

It was also my understanding (and my UMC friends can correct me if I’m wrong), that the apportionments also helped support smaller churches that couldn’t make it on their own. I firmly believe that UMC churches partnering together is one of the keys to its future! The denomination's connectedness is a great strength. But heavy apportionments on larger churches could ultimately hurt the whole. I’ll explain.

At FUMC, we paid approximately 17% of our budget to apportionments. (I was told larger churches paid higher perecentages.) This model could prevent strong churches from growing stronger. If the church has more resources to put toward evangelism, church planting, their own ministry passions, and expansion, perhaps the churches could grow larger and more influential.

If the UMC had more growing and visible churches (like Granger Community Church, in Indiana, Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio and Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, Kansas), these churches could help attract new leaders and bring a wave of hope and optimism.

Leadership Development | Elliot Grudem

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:04 GMT

A couple of years into my church replant I was talking to my father about the state of the church. (My father, Wayne Grudem, is a seminary professor who has trained pastors and scholars for Christ’s Church the majority of his life). He asked me when the church was going to get elders.

“I don’t know,” I responded. “It’s going to take some time.”

“I don’t think it took Paul that long,” my dad replied.

“I’m not Paul.”

“I don’t think it took Timothy or Titus that long either,” he said.

His encouragement reminded me of similar encouragement I received from church planter and long-time Pastor Steve Smallman who helped me navigate my first year at the church. He reminded me that God designed the church to be led by elders. Part of establishing elders in the church I served involved trusting that God had given my church qualified elders.

The Example of Paul and Titus

As a church planter, there are thousands of things you can do. You have a group gathered. The church is up and running. You are meeting for public worship.

Now what?

Should you start small groups, a mercy ministry, a missions program, or an outreach to your community? What about a women’s Bible study? What about the many counseling needs in the church? What about a youth group?

How do you decide what to do next? You have so many good options.

Titus, church planter in Crete, was in a similar situation. The Apostle Paul wrote him a letter, telling him what to do next.

Titus’s job was to finish the work Paul started in Crete. He was charged with getting the new churches there on solid footing. It wasn’t an easy task. The church was full of Cretans—famously known as lairs, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons. The church also had its share of false teachers that needed to be silenced.

By all accounts, Titus was not your average church planter. He was a great leader who interned under the Apostle Paul, the greatest church planter of all time. Titus was one of Paul’s boys, hand-picked by Paul for the tough job in Crete.

Paul had a lot of options when it came to protecting the church from these false teachers: He could have returned to Crete and taken on the false teachers himself. He could have given the church a theological tome that refuted each point of heresy. He could have told Titus to take the false teachers on himself.

Paul didn’t do any of those things.

Out of all the things Paul of all the things Paul could have told Titus to do first as a church planter to protect the church Paul started and loved, he told him this:

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5).

Click to download the desired Theological Clarity ebook.

B&W Questions Only (63 pages),

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missionSHIFT: Introducing Hugh Halter

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:40 GMT

Hugh Halter will be speaking at the missionSHIFT conference this summer at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina on July 12-15. Hugh is the national director of Missio, a ministry team committed to training, developing, and apprenticing Incarnational leaders for the church. Within Missio, Hugh co-directs the MCAP, an online collaborative training environment for Incarnational leaders, pastors, and church planters. Hugh is also lead architect of Adullum, a local movement of incarnational communities in Denver, CO. As co-author of The Tangible Kingdom, and the accompanying Tangible Kingdom Primer, Hugh is an advocate for disoriented God seekers and loves to inspire and re-orient leaders around the mission of God. I was happy to write the foreword for his next book, AND...the Gathered & Scattered Church coming out through Zondervan/Leadership Network/Exponential in April. At the missionSHIFT conference Hugh will unpack the sotry of Adullam to help you think beyond the normal church plant methods, funding options, and kingdom results. The key focus will be on decentralizing incarnational communities and holding the congregation together through non-consumer gatherings.

Ed: Tell us briefly how you came to the work with Adullam and what all fills your days?

Hugh: Adullam happened by accident. We share the story in The Tangible Kingdom but essentially, we showed up in Denver as a small missionary team, began engaging culture and trying to model some DNA of the kingdom (inclusive community/communion with God/blessing) and we found that the kingdom started to become tangible to people. Eventually, the house was full of a lot of spiritually disoriented God seekers, some coming to faith and some just coming with us in community and we had to figure out how to hold a growing network of incarnational communities together. That's what we call Adullam, a "congregational network of incarnational communities."

I don't really have a typical day anymore. Since our story came out, I do spend a few days a week traveling and training leaders, but when home, I still try to give my time either to leaders or people trying to find our story both Christian and non-Christian. Adullam is about 300 people but we don't have any full time staff so we've learned to centralize a few things, but mostly we're all out with people during the week. I do oversee our villages (our communities) and do a lot of coaching, and I also spend a few hours preparing for our weekly gathering.

Ed: What do you see in the church that is giving you hope that we are doing better at engaging in God's mission?

Hugh: The biggest hope is in the conversations that are going on. It used to be a fight to ask people to consider moving away from purely attractional forms of church, but a much greater percentage want to move forward. What's most exciting is how the existing church is not only in the conversation, but is asking for help and now innovating some really cool movements of incarnational community. For instance, I was blessed to train 300 of Austin Stone's small group leaders through our TK primer and we're hearing some great stories of moving small groups into missional/incarnational communities.

Ed: You recently published "Tangible Kingdom." Tell us about the book.

Hugh: Like I said, it's just our story. We do try to unpack words like "missional" and "kingdom" by giving stories so that leaders and Christians can actually see themselves living our story. We don't bash attractional church, but we do try to encourage a "sub-structure" of church we call an incarnational community and we show that it has a much greater ability to dive deep into culture, deliver the gospel, and make disciples than the existing church structures. The new book "AND...the gathered and scattered church" will be out in April with Zondervan/Leadership Network/Exponential and will help both church plant and existing churches find a balance of scattering their people into incarnational communities while retaining functional gathered structures that don't pander to consumers.

Ed: Obviously, the word "missional" is spoken of, used by, and claimed by many groups. Instead of giving another definition for the word, can you tell the readers an example of where you and your wife are seeking to live missionally?

Hugh: Sure, missionality for us is just giving up our home, our time, our kids, and our own schedules so that sojourners have access to us all the time. My son has severe epilepsy so we've always had to center ministry out of our home. We're open for business three to four times a week, and the house always seems like grand central station. For instance tonight is the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics so Cheryl sent out an Evite to many friends and many sojourners. We're tired, but we allow God to "send" us as a family for God's mission.

Ed: In terms of missionSHIFT and the Missional Manifesto, what would be a great end-game in your mind for this event and process?

Hugh: I think if we can continue to unite both mega and micro into some similar DNA and processes then we'll be on good footing together.

Are you registered for the missionSHIFT conference? You don't want to miss it. Register here.

UMC - Part 3

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:45 GMT

As I continue to think about the future of the United Methodist Church, I’m hopeful that the UMC (and other mainline denominational churches) will attract and retain more young leaders.

To do so effectively would take many fundamental changes. One might include re-evaluating the ordination process.

When I was a UMC pastor, I was an un-ordained “local pastor” for three years, spent four years in seminary (while serving full time at a church) and had two more years before I’d become fully ordained as an elder.

While I appreciate the education and accountability, many younger leaders want to be “in the game” more than they want to leap through lots of denominational hurdles.

Today’s emerging Christian leaders are eager to make a difference—now. Many have already been around the world on mission trips and certainly have a more global and missional mindset than my generation did. If they are tied down to cumbersome process that delays their opportunities to make a difference, they are likely to do ministry elsewhere.

Spiritual Warfare: An Unforgiving Spirit

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:05 GMT

This week we continue to answer the following question: How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting and derailing them from being involved in God's great mission?

As we survey Pauline literature we will discover fourteen tactical strategies that the enemy will use to come after God's people along with specific antidotes in addressing that problem. See the introduction to this series to receive an overview of this subject.

4. An Unforgiving Spirit

"Forgiveness and restoration are two difference acts. Forgiveness can lead to restoration but restoration is not hinged to forgiveness." – Gary Rohrmayer

Text: II Corinthians 2:7-11 - Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Problem: “Satan can use lack of forgiveness and, failure to receive one who repents, to control a church situation." J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: “Accept those back who God has forgiven and who have shown genuine repentance.” J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

What is the difference between forgiveness and restoration?
How can an unforgiving spirit harm the life a follower of Jesus? (Ephesians 4:25-32)
How can an unforgiving spirit harm the mission of the local church?
How can a forgiving spirit help the life of a follower of Jesus?
How can a forgiving spirit aid the advancement of the mission of local church?

Prayer: Father in Heaven, protect my soul and your church from an unforgiving spirit; teach us to forgive as you have forgiven us with compassion and completeness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit enable us to put away unwholesome talk concerning the offender. Teach us to use language that will build up the church, promote peace and exemplify the gospel. Teach how to remove the roots of bitterness, explosive rage, unchecked anger, abusive and malicious words. Teach us how to put on kindness and compassion towards those who have offended us so the world will see your forgiveness in action and believe that You sent Your Son into the world as a ransom for sin. I offer this prayer in the name of my God and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Next: Deceptive Leaders with Slick Teaching

Crowdsource Your Design

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:08 GMT

A church planter I'm working with turned me on to Guerra Creativa. According to their site: “Guerra Creativa is a global community for design services. It provides a playful platform where start-ups and small businesses can crowdsource their logos, web designs, stationary, business cards, flash and 3D. Enjoy exploring the battlefield of Guerra Creativa and launch a contest easily for affordable and custom made designs by our creative soldiers.”

It's pretty simple. You submit a “contest” that includes your design needs and a little about your organization. You also put out an “award” or dollar figure on how much you would like to spend. Comparatively its pretty cheap. Several artists then submit designs trying to win the “contest”. For each design, you have the ability to rank it 1-5 stars and provide the artistic community feedback. Artists can then submit revisions.

This is a great way for a new church to get design done. It's cost effective and you will get several options from talented artists.

Suggestions For My UMC Friends (Part 1)

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:45 GMT

A leader from the United Methodist Church asked me if I’d write a few suggestions for the denomination. I was very honored by his request and thought I’d share a few thoughts.

My family attended various Methodist Churches in Texas and Oklahoma. I did my undergraduate work at Oklahoma City University (a UMC school). After graduating from college, I entered ministry as an associate pastor of First United Methodist Church in downtown Oklahoma City.

Amy and I planned on serving God in the Methodist Church for our full ministry. After experiencing other styles of ministry, God gave us a vision to do church in a different way. We asked for permission to plant a new UMC church. Since I was only ordained as a “deacon” and not an “elder,” church planting, for us, was not an option as a UMC pastor.

Our burden to start a church became greater than our loyalty to a denomination. We left the UMC on good terms with fond memories and many great relationships.

This week, I’ll post six suggestions for my UMC friends. I offer them humbly and in love. I hope one or two ideas are helpful.

Let’s start with the use of Financial Resources. Not long ago, the UMC launched a $20 million advertising campaign called “Rethink Church.” While I wholeheartedly applaud the church’s aggressive efforts to reach people, I don’t think advertisements that promote a denomination are the best plan.

Today’s generation wants to join a cause, not an organization. I would have suggested investing $20,000 each into 1,000 UMC church plants across the United States. Starting new churches is easier than revitalizing old churches. Once a new movement begins, revitalizing the old becomes much more doable.

My thought on this: People are more likely to join a new mission rather than an old denomination.

Meet a Church Planter: Michael Davis

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:05 GMT

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

After working at a church doing youth ministry for a few years in the late 90's, God began the work of breaking my heart for His church. I loved the kids, but I could not say that of the church. I was convicted and inspired by Paul's words in Ephesians 5:25 - "Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her..." I wanted to love what Jesus loves! Over the next season of life (ministry & seminary), God's call on my life to plant a church began to take formation. I am thankful that as I began to understand God's call on me to plant a church, that it began with a deep love for what Jesus loves - that was and remains to be crucial!

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

A few years back, I was looking to go to a conference with some solid teaching that would challenge, sharpen and encourage my soul. I came across a conference being held at Mars Hill Seattle in which Mark Driscoll, John Piper and CJ Maheny were speaking. I learned about the network from the conference and the rest is history.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

The process that GENESIS went through to be planted was painful at times, but God used that to sharpen and prepare me as well as the community. There were many evidences of God's grace throughout the discernment process, but none more clear then the many men and women He raised up to be part of establishing GENESIS as a brand new church. God has been more then generous to our community which has led to a community learning how to be generous in response to God.

For more information on Acts 29 Church Planters click here!

Neil Cole on Disciple-Making and Movement Makers

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:47 GMT

Neil Cole is the founder and executive director of Church Multiplication Associates, an organization that has helped catalyze the start of more than a thousand churches around the world. He is seen by many to be one of the key founders of what is known as the organic or simple-church movement. Cole is the author or coauthor of several books, including Organic Church, Search & Rescue, and Cultivating a Life for God. He lives in Long Beach, California. Neil dropped by COMMUNITY's Yellow Box to talk about planting seeds, planting churches, making disciples and becoming movement makers. The following are some of the highlights of our time with Neil Cole:

Begin by asking "What does the Bible say about church planting?"
We make the mistake of trying to plant churches instead of planting "seeds".
Don't plant churches, plant Jesus.
If we go about making disciples then churches will be planted.
Must reproduce disciples, leaders, churches and then a movement and it must be in that order.
We have churches that are productive, but not reproductive.
Every follower of Jesus has the DNA of a movement within them.
Baptism is the first action of a Christ follower; stop baptizing and we weaken the imprint of Jesus on the new disciple.
The Bible commands us to be "baptizers"; if we do not baptize we can not fulfill the great commission.
God has a mission and He is letting us join him on the mission.
It's all about trusting "seed-planting"; it's not about a model.
If the leadership has the need to control it will not work.
The greatest sin of the American church is self-preservation.
A church that is willing to risk and fail is the church that is the healthiest and most alive.
Don't operate from positional authority; it's the weakest expression of power; always defer to relational authority.
When it comes to leadership don't invest in potential, invest in proven-faithfulness.

My Night at the Strip Club!

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:25 GMT

I spent Saturday night outside a strip club, praying in the car with two elderly women and a fellow church planting wife. It was amazing...

I got involved in this ministry only a few weeks ago. It's an established ministry that goes into strip clubs on a regular basis. 4 women go into the dressing room and throw the girls a party. They provide food, decorations, cards and presents. I went to a packing event last week. The gifts they give these women are beautiful.

I was part of the prayer team in the parking lot. It was so exciting. A few minutes before I left my house I met a woman from one of the mission teams that came to help Verve. Her and her husband started a church in IN and she just started ministering to women in strip clubs in IN. She had a lot of questions and really needed some advice and direction; I told her to come with me.

It was so cool to see God work in this situation. All her questions got answered, her concerns were met with encouragement and she left feeling re-energized about her ministry.

I'm really excited about this new ministry opportunity. The sex trafficking issue is still heavy on my heart; this is a tangible way I can begin to get involved. How cool!

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Stuff spinning around in my head these days

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:20 GMT

The "M Blog" is described as one missionary's thoughts, experiences and lessons learned. What goes on in the head of a missionary-church planting strategist? I can't speak for fellow M's, but can share the kinds of disjointed work-related thoughts that are bouncing around in my head these days...

wanting to restart in our home a house church to test some of the new concepts we are currently using in our training...problem is, we don't have a free night during the week
Neil Cole's new book, "Church 3.0" and how some of his thoughts might be integrated into what we are currently doing
how to personally contact the 100+ people we are currently training to encourage them and show interest in the details of their new church starts
identify key people who we can pour ourselves into to help us train a second wave of 100 church planters who are already in the wings waiting
how to raise badly needed money to finance the multiple missions/church planting projects going on, and yet doing so without creating dependency
ideas for fine-tuning our current nightly training sessions
the need to make time for more quiet, uninterrupted prayer and listening to God
planning a weekend retreat with the team to do a crash course in using the new training materials; who needs to be there, where to go, what dates, how to pay for it all
desperately needing to sit down with several key leaders to talk doctrinal issues and concerns and clear some of the piling up debris and misconceptions
setting up March, April, and May meetings with key leaders out in the coastal provinces
keeping the ten2b prayer virus alive and spreading
the kind of leaders we need, and the kind of leader I need to be to others
urgent "To Do" list: multiple print jobs needing done yesterday, burning 1500 music CDs for trainees, finding someone who can fix the broken copier and video projector
finding time to make all the pending phone calls and visits
all the stuff pending around the house, emails needing responses
planning this week's CP training out in the Galapagos Islands
sitting down with the host of the Alcance Ecuador TV show to plan a series of upcoming TV interviews, and suggesting we use an assortment of the people currently being trained in starting simple churches as those we interview

So, who cares about the kinds of things circulating within this particular M's head? Where is all of this leading? What is the point?

Proverbs 27:3 "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” We are what we think about. Kind of scary, huh?

I share all of this to say, for me, blogging helps order my thoughts. Writing is a valuable tool helping me connect random ideas into more meaningful and effective ministry. Loose ends--like those described above--often have a way of eventually coming together as blog posts. Clarity comes as I struggle to put something down in writing.

What kinds of things are spinning around in your head? Maybe I'll add them to my own list above!

Trends in the Global House Church Movement

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:00 GMT

Victor Choudhrie, who has facilitated a massive house church planting movement in India, has described his thoughts on what God is doing today around the world. This is a very inspiring read (as well as challenging)!The Decade That Changed The...

Gospel Community Mission - GCM Collective

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:47 GMT

The increased conversation about ‘being missional' is exciting. Recently over 2,000 church leaders gathered in Austin (Verge) to discuss missionality. In the tweets to follow, there still were several who are convinced they want to be missional but aren't quite sure how to do this.

Enter the GCM Collective. Launching in March as a collective (originally comprised of Soma Communities, The Crowded House and Kaleo Churchat ) it will centralize resources to help communities exchange ideas, resources and encouragement in a move to being the church as a community, centered on the gospel on mission to the world.

1. Sign-up at GCM Collective to be informed of the launch.
2. Join the FB page and follow GCM on Twitter.

We're excited to see the idea exchange about creating a people on mission, discipleship, training missional leaders, forming a community on the gospel and much more…..stay tuned!

Meet a Church Planter: Darren Casper

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:11 GMT

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

This Fall, we are transitioning from "community" groups to LIFE groups.

The big change is that the groups will be started and focused around doing mission. We believe that "community" will naturally form and come out of the groups that way. It's much easier to go from mission to community than to go from community centered groups which do mission. We are excited about this. Matt Carter's video and thoughts on this helped us to make this decision.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Networking, Theological and Missiological Agreement - these are greatest benefits and joys of being in the network.

Read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Meet a Church Planter: Jason Johnson

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:06 GMT

Planter Profile:

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

He has called me His own. He now allows me to be a spokesman for Him. He allowed me to marry a girl that looks so much more like Jesus than I do. He has brought great people around His vision for what Woodlands Point Community Church is called to be. He has provided all that we've needed at just the right times for us to get off the ground and be sustained as a community.

How can we pray for you?

Wisdom and discernment to be a shepherd of people that reflects the heart and character of God.

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

Community is the means to effective mission. Mission acts as the organizing principle of our community. We seek to cultivate environments of encouragement, rebuke, training and sending out for the purpose of advancing the Gospel within the context of community.

Practically, we ask that each group organize themselves around a cause, task, purpose or mission that draws them out into the community at large with the Gospel.

Read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Spiritual Warfare: Unmet Sexual Needs in a Marriage Relationship

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:09 GMT

3. Unmet Sexual Needs in a Marriage Relationship

"A successful marriage is built on spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy. To neglect any one of these could make your marriage vulnerable.” – Gary Rohrmayer

Text: I Corinthians 7:3-5 – “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Problem: “Satan can gain inroads into the life of a married person when sexual needs are not being met.” J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: “Keep lines of communication open in a marriage relationship, concerning sexual needs.” J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

On a scale of 1 (extremely frustrated) to 10 (extremely satisfied) how would you rate your sexual relationship with your spouse?
Could you share that number openly with your spouse?
How could the enemy manipulate the frustration you are experiencing?
What area of your sexual life would he specifically attack you with temptation?
Is there someone in your life that you can share these frustrations?

Prayer: Holy Father, You are the creator of the marriage union. May Your desire for oneness be fulfilled in our emotional, spiritual and physical relationship. Merciful Father, help me to be open and receptive in my conversations with my spouse. Protect me from being rigid and defensive. Righteous Father, grant me the courage to speak truth in love to my spouse concerning our relationship at every level: emotionally, spiritually and sexually. Loving Father, let the higher values of love drive my life and not the base values of gratification control me. I come to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Next: An Unforgiving Spirit

Church Plant Website

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:51 GMT

Monk Development has partnered with Park Community Church in Chicago to give an amazing website to a church planter.

If you are a church plant that needs to establish a solid web presence and don’t have the resources or finances to make it happen, this is an opportunity for you to get a solid web design and 1 year of support and hosting with Ekklesia360.

To enter, simply leave a comment at Tim Schraeder's blog, sharing a bit about who you are, where your church is/will be, and the vision of your church.

We’ll be accepting entries now through Friday, February 26. Tim and I will pick the winner and announce them on his blog on Friday, March 5.

The Team

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:10 GMT

In over 530 blog posts to date, I have never blogged on "the team" we work with! Of course their stories have been shared and referred to many times over the years, but never have I actually blogged about the entire group of men and women that make up our church planting team.

In the above photo, taken yesterday, six of our team are missing. Marcos was outside working on his car when the picture was taken. Mercedes was at home recuperating from an eye surgery. I don't know where Juán was. Manuel and Esperanza are out doing evangelism in the southern part of the country trying to start a new church near the Peruvian border. Fabiola couldn't be there today (she is our prayer coordinator), and Linda (my wife) was at home teaching our daughter in home school.

Linda, Barbara, and myself are all from Texas. The rest of our team are Ecuadorians. Except for Julieta, all were either won to Christ through discipleship and church planting efforts, or were trained in one of our church planting training schools.

We have been meeting every Monday afternoon for many years now. Over time, some have moved on, and others have taken their place. Approximately 80 churches have been planted to date by the individuals pictured above. When taking into account all the people trained by those in the photo, the number of church plants swells into the hundreds.

Click on the linked names below for a related story about the person(s). All of these are great stories and worth clicking on to read (at least I think so!)

Our team leader is Geovanny. He is the tall young man standing to my right. I personally do not know of a more gifted church planter/trainer and sold-out believer to Jesus Christ than this dear brother.

Barbara is the other Texas missionary here in Guayaquil, third to the left, who has served for 23 years with the IMB. She has a ministry working with women engaged in prostitution.

On the far left is Julieta. She served ten years as a church planting missionary in Asia, but is currently working as our mobilizer to mobilize Ecuadorians into missions, and in charge of our Guayas Para Cristo project.

José met Zarai (standing to the left of Barbara) in Peru last year. In Nov/09 they got married, and are now preparing to go back to the jungles of Peru to work as a newlywed couple with the Ashenika, an unreached, indigenous People Group.

Marlene is one of the most gifted evangelists I know. She has been used to disciple many people to the Lord and start new churches. Two of her disciples are Medardo and his wife Mónica. I have written many stories in the past couple of years about these two. Currently, they are working with five different house churches started in their neighborhood, and on weekends travel to the neighboring province of Manabí for a new church plant they started near the town of Paján.

Felipe, Bladimir, Pedro, and Juán are all church planters and trainers. Three of the four have begun working out in the provinces on weekends starting simple churches in areas where there is little or no evangelical work.

Marcos, along with his wife Tania (she is the one holding the little girl) are very engaged in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

Mariana was part of the very first house church training school we did back in July 2000. She has been faithful all these years to travel every weekend out to a small village where she started a church. She continues to evangelize and disciple those in the village.

There are so many stories that could be told about each of these. All are my "heroes" and I have the greatest admiration and respect for each member of our team.

Which story linked to an individual did you like the best? I would love to share with our team some of your comments about their stories. It would thrill them more than you can imagine!

Would you take a moment to just pray over us all? Gracias!

Meet a Church Planter: Justin Hyde

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:11 GMT

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

We believe that the Christian faith is a call to Proclamation. Therefore, as we experience transformation through the Gospel, we are compelled to share God's story with the world, always pointing people to the sacred Scriptures as the final authority for faith and life.

We believe that the Christian faith is a call to Service. Therefore we submit our lives to Jesus as His servants and seek to imitate Jesus by serving others whom we value more highly than ourselves.

We believe that the Christian faith is a call to Community, not individualism. Therefore we embody the Gospel by living a shared life of intimacy, hospitality, and generosity as we establish a family of pilgrims on a journey of faith together.

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

My purpose and our church's purpose is to serve as a witness (martyr) for Christ's glory. We pour our lives out as witness in three primary ways: Proclamation, Service, and Community. We open our mouths to speak and proclaim God's goodness with every opportunity. We open our homes and our lives and embody the Gospel through service to our neighbors. We also live out the ramifications of the Gospel through life together which is marked by trust, intimacy, honesty, and love. Darrell Guder noted these as the Saying, Doing, and Being of our Gospel mission.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

I am keenly aware that every breath I'm able to take in and exhale is a gift and grace from God. I have found favor with God and have been given an irreplaceable helper in my wife, Brandi. God has rewarded me richly through the birth of my three children. God has, by his grace and mercy and according to his pleasure, included me in his unstoppable work of proclaiming his goodness throughout the world. I am thankful and humbled and honored that I am able to serve in God's church. I am thankful and unworthy of the blessing of pastoring even a single soul.

Read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

Building News!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:29 GMT

The picture on top is our building before construction started. The one on the bottom is about one week into construction.

This whole process is so intimidating. Construction has to be complete by our opening Sunday on March 14th...please pray!

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Meet a Church Planter: Kevin Galloway in Michigan City, IN

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:11 GMT

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I was called to help lead a large existing church into and through the deep change needed to help transform it into a missional church.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

The biggest challenges faced were that of folks resisting changes to an established 30 year old church. Many of those folks ultimately left to attend churches that offered them more of what they were used to, thus making room for people coming to faith for the very first time. This addition of new believers in contrast to membership shifts and transfers has forced us to a deeper discipleship and formation praxis for new believers as well as those who have known Jesus for years.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

I became familiar with A29 as I have followed Mars Hill and The Resurgence on the web. The Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago allowed me to meet and speak with Tyler Powell and other A29 pastors which led to a phone call with Scott Thomas and a subsequent trip to Seattle to meet with Scott and Tyler. They have been such a great help to me and the Countryside community already!

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

First and foremost-Jesus is first. He always has been and always will be. Make sure He is first in your decision to plant. If not-it won't last. I would ask the question, "Are you confident in your calling and has this calling been affirmed?" If not, run away because this role can kill you, your marriage, and the church you are trying to lead. I would advise the young men to seek opportunities to serve under an older gospel-centered pastor previous to their "going out" to plant. The mentoring and ongoing relationship with a man like that would be invaluable in years to come.

How do you pastor your family?

My family is my ministry. I try to shepherd and disciple my wife and children through the teaching and sharing of the word, prayer, and time together. We share openly about God in our home and we share about our lives together. Our entire family is involved in the mission of the church allowing us to serve God and others together.

Church Website: Countryside Church

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

The mission of Countryside is realized in community, discipleship, and mission. We hold all three in high regard and teach everyone at Countryside to engage each one. Community is realized in church membership, small groups, and mid-sized groups that we call Interchange. Interchange is a theological learning discussion that takes place in different areas of our communities such as restaurants, pubs, coffee houses, and church buildings. These groups are led by pastors and elders. We believe that community occurs as we help each other in discipleship and as we serve together.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

We've been through so much as we have led Countryside through deep change. In that, we have lost friends and relationships. God has provided so much strength and grace to lead us and confirm God's calling in our lives. He has surrounded us with wonderful elders and staff to partner and endure with. To be honest and not cheesy-Acts 29 is an evidence of that grace.

How can we pray for you?

Pray that we make much of Jesus in all we do....

Read more on Acts 29 Church planters here!

Meet a Church Planter: Jared Ayers in Philadelphia, PA

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:12 GMT

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

I had been a staff pastor in mega church settings for 8 or 9 years. For the last couple of those years, several wise mentors and friends encouraged my wife Monica and I to consider planting churches in a center city context. We spent a couple of years praying, wrestling, discerning, seeking guidance, doing research, interviewing church planters, and seeking input from others. As of the summer of '07, we had a settled sense that God was calling us to plant a church in a center city context, probably in a city in the northeast or northwest (as these are the least Christian places in the US). But we had no timeline, destination, or plan.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

Money- right before moving, we had a church that was going to give us $70,000 pull out. God has been faithful, and we've moved ahead and seen the church bear fruit, but even now we operate on a shoestring budget and are in need of some more financial support.
-Transience- because of our center-city context, we see people moving around a lot. We've already lost a couple of people even in our first few months to job changes/transfers
-Family in the city- my wife is not from an urban background, so that transition has been hard for her. And most of the people who live where we're planting are single professionals and hipsters. So there are not many other families around.
-Myself- my heart is naturally an idol factory, and I am constantly prone to pride, selfishness, foolishness

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

I have a few friends who planted with a29, and were drawn to the twin commitments to gospel and mission. The network here in Philadelphia has been nourishing while we've ventured into something, which is often isolating and lonely. The diversity of churches in the local network (center city, gentrified neighborhoods, blighted neighborhoods, blue collar neighborhoods, and Indian neighborhoods) has been a great apologetic for the unity the gospel creates.

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant?

-pray, pray, pray
-be growing in, love, cherish, hang tightly onto the gospel
-bring your wife into the conversation, and don't force your dreams on her
-get input from wise followers of Christ who love God and love you enough to be honest with you
-the miracle of your own conversion should give you hope that God can and will save anyone he wants
-get a coach
-develop a team, invest deeply in leaders and lost people
-don't plant until you're absolutely convinced that if you do plant and it doesn't "succeed," Jesus will still be more than enough for you
-think honestly about why you're doing what you're doing

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

We try to orient our community around the gospel, expressed and embodied in neighborhoods.

Since our "home meetings" are oriented around the gospel, we try to cultivate welcome to non-Christians, honesty, confession, transformation, and multiplication.

Since they're oriented around neighborhoods, we challenge people to connect with a home meeting in their particular neighborhood, so they can worship Jesus, serve Jesus, etc. with people in their own 'hood.

How do you pastor your family?

I strive, by the grace of God, to model and teach the gospel to them. so i repent to them, we talk about the gospel together and try and integrate it more and more into the life of our family. we pray together, talk about Jesus together, etc.

we also try to practice the rest the gospel gives us together. One day a week, I cease work for us to enjoy God and each other.

Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting?

Relational networking- we challenged our launch team people to intentionally integrate their friendships with each other and the people they lived with, worked with, etc., and to pray for and seek opportunities to share the gospel.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

-Seeing a few folks come to faith in our first few months
-God's provision in surprising and unlikely ways
-his sustaining power in our family life and marriage through this whole venture
-his provision of facilities and resources for us that we could not have anticipated

How can we pray for you?

Pray for: growth in grace and faithfulness for Monica and I; many people to be drawn to Christ here; boldness for our church in proclaiming the gospel; new connections with lost people; financial resourcing- we still need more support

Church Profile:Liberti Church

Launch Date: 3.1.09

Mission, Vision, Values of Church

We desire to be a part of a movement of the gospel in and for the city of Philadelphia.

We seek the renewal of the city of Philadelphia through the gospel by expressing:
-worship
-community
-mercy

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

We try to orient our community around the gospel, expressed and embodied in neighborhoods. Since our "home meetings" are oriented around the gospel, we try to cultivate welcome to non-Christians, honesty, confession, transformation, and multiplication.

Since they're oriented around neighborhoods, we challenge people to connect with a home meeting in their particular neighborhood, so they can worship Jesus, serve Jesus, etc. with people in their own 'hood.

Read about more Acts 29 church planters here!

What is Project Management for Church Planting pt. 2

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:26 GMT

Rookies in Nascar have a yellow stripe on their bumpers. Yellow in Nascar is symbolic of caution. It tells the other drivers, “Watch out! Rookie driver.” The majority of church planters are rookies. I find that most church planters only start one church. Like rookie drivers, they are inexperienced and can have trouble navigating unfamiliar territory. For rookie drivers, a good crew chief and a good spotter are essential. The crew chief coaches the driver through the race. The spotter gets a bird's eye view and tells the driver what's coming up so that they can avoid wrecks. A project manager functions much like the spotter. They have been around church planting for a long time and can help the church planter navigate through the tough spots. They can also alert the driver to what's coming up and any red flags along the way. OK enough Nascar analogy.

The Project Manger helps the church planter create a plan that will accomplish the vision for the new church. Because the project manager has been a part of planting several churches, they have a unique insight into the planning process and what it takes to plant a healthy church. Then the project manager oversees the plan and lets the church planter know what key tasks need to be worked on when. For example, every church planter knows they need to purchase equipment. But few know when to purchase it and where to get the best deals. The role of the project manager is to understand that if the church is starting in September and the first preview service is at the end of August then equipment needs to be purchased in June, assembled at tested at the beginning of August. To do that a facility must be chosen in May and an equipment list developed. To do that the church planter must network in the community and do demographics to determine the best meeting locations. The project manager also is responsible to find the right solutions at the best prices from trusted vendors.

Remember the mission of a project manager: Keeping church planters focused on people.

Thought-provoking one liners from India

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:28 GMT

Indian gems from Felicity Dale´s Simply Church.

--------------

The following are some thought-provoking one liners from the pre-conference sessions at the World House Church Conference in India. They are from talks given by the leader of a church planting movement that baptized more than 300,000 on the Day of Pentecost in 2009. Worth taking note!

Jesus never said, "Be baptized." He said, "You baptize."

You disciple--you baptize.

Jesus baptized Peter--but only his feet.

You will not see a movement without signs and wonders. Ninety five percent of our house churches have signs and wonders.

Apostolic teaching is the teaching to GO.

There are 19 commands of Jesus to be found in the New Testament. All lead to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Hospitality is the secret to precipitating a movement.

Sit and soak, and you stagnate. Eat and chat and you will multiply.

Goat prayers are "meeee" prayers. They focus on me and my needs, my family and my situation.

Use the newspaper headlines as your prayer list.

Theologians think, not from Genesis to Revelation but from genetics to evolution.

We need a problem-based theology. In our house churches we solve problems--finances, sickness etc.

It's Guerilla Time!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:03 GMT

Vince's new book, "Guerilla Lovers" is officially out! If you're planning on buying it, would you buy it on Amazon.com today?

Thanks!

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If you make disciples, church happens

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:02 GMT

We are entering our third week of evening trainings for new church planters. Actually, we are discipling groups of men and women on becoming true followers of Christ, and not just "evangelical pew-sitting Christians." Currently, we are training four different groups to go out and "make disciples". It is our conviction that as you make disciples, church happens.

The following comes from a post by Gary Snowden who quotes Allan Karr, a missions professor at the Denver campus of Golden Gate Seminary at the recent Forum 121 Gathering. "If you make disciples, church happens."

Allan outlined a series of shifts needed to achieve a viable 21st Century ecclesiology and expressed them in terms of respiration, breathing in and out.

1. Breathe in - From extrabiblical traditions to biblical minimums.

2. Breathe out - From institutional church-based to Kingdom of God based ecclesiology.

3. Breathe in - From a regional focus to a neighborsphere/local community focus.

4. Breathe out - From an organizational maintenance focus to an incarnational community transformation focus.

5. Breathe in - From hierarchical structure to shared leadership.

6. Breathe out - From "going to church" to "being the church."

7. Breathe in - From a focus on a main gathering to "doing life together."

8. Breathe out - From "right belief" to living out sound biblical doctrine holistically.

9. Breathe in - From efficiency-driven strategies to collaborative relational efforts.

10. Breathe out - From strategies of the flesh to a reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are You Ready?

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00 GMT

You know that verse in 1 Peter that talks about being prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have? Well, I just want you to know that I totally agree with Peter (you can breathe easy now). You never know when you're going to get bamboozled!

I was sitting at my desk at work on Tuesday afternoon minding my own business. All the sudden my co-worker comes into the office, sits down and says, "Does your church follow the 10 commandments?" I nearly choked on my Diet Coke! I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "Like do you follow them as rules? Does your church stand up for them?" I began to answer when he interrupted me, "And do you drink alcohol? How do you feel about baptism for the dead? Are black people cursed because of Cain?"

Oh snap, it was on!

I tried as best as I could to answer his questions, all while praying feverishly for wisdom! He shared with me all kinds of things the Mormon church believes and wanted to know my opinion about them. He drilled me for about 20 minutes then got up, walked out, and went back to work.

He's done this kind of thing a few times before. He'll ask questions, we'll talk, and then weeks will go by before he talks about it again.

I'm super open about my relationship with God, but not pushy at all. Everyone knows we're starting a church and most people have agreed to try it when we launch. People ask me questions about our church and God; it's super cool!

In fact, Vince got together with one of my co-workers last weekend to talk about evidence for the Bible. It went as well as it could have; the guy is all about aliens and conspiracy theories so it got a little weird at points.

I don't know about you, but I often don't feel prepared. There are so many questions that I don't know the answer to and some of their questions are just plain crazy! The more I think about it, the more I feel like the answers aren't always the "goal" of the conversation. It's about giving people our attention and respecting and loving them. I don't always have answers for my co-workers, but they always come back.

The second section of the verse in 1 Peter says, "But do this with gentleness and respect..."

Once again, I agree with Peter (Ha)! What a smart guy!!!!

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Changes to IRS Application for 501c3 Exemption

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:11 GMT

The IRS form 1023 is what we use to file for a church or nonprofit's 501c3 exemption. As of January 4, 2010, there are two big changes:

The submission fee was increased to $850 (from $750)
They are creating an online submission system that will only cost $200. Only it's not ready yet.

Sign up for the IRS Newsletter to be notified when they finally get the cyber assistant up and running. If you need to file soon but can wait just a bit, you might be able to save $650. Of course, we probably shouldn't count on the IRS to do anything quickly except cash your check.

featured on newchurches.com

What is Project Management for Church Planting pt. 1

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:11 GMT

When New Life Christian Church started their first multi-site campus, Lead Pastor Brett Andrews sat down to formulate the plan. He had a compelling vision for what the new campus would look like and how they would effectively reach pre-Christians. But then came the details. Brett and his team quickly learned that there were all sorts of details that needed to happen in order for the new campus to be started. Brett was left wondering why every time a church was started were we recreating the wheel. Out of this frustration, project management was born.

When starting a new church, there are several things a church planter must do that are one time only tasks. A good example is filing all the legal paperwork (Articles of Incorporation, EIN, 501c3, etc.) Because the church planter isn't an expert in these tasks and has had no formal training it takes them a long time to figure out resulting in less time spent on evangelism and discipleship, which results in a smaller impact. Our project managers are experts in the one time only tasks for starting new churches. Our mission is simple: Keep church planters focused on people. That's why our blog might not be the most exciting, controversial, though provoking blog out there. But hopefully you find the posts will save your time and money allowing you to spend more time with people.

Prayer

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:42 GMT

I’m in the middle of Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free” study. I’ve done it a ton of times and each time it hits me differently. I was reading today about prayer and was really convicted about my lack of prayer. Here’s what she said...

“Prayer matters. The Spirit of God released through our prayers and the prayers of others turn cowards into conquerors, chaos into calm, cries into comfort. The enemy knows the power of prayer. He’s been watching it furiously for thousands of years. In preparation for this lesson, I searched for all the uses of the word pray in its various forms from Genesis to Revelation. I nearly wept as I saw hundred of references.

Abraham prayed…Isaac prayed…Jacob prayed…Moses left Pharaoh and prayed…So Moses prayed for the people…Manoah prayed to the Lord…Samson prayed…Hannah wept much and prayed…So David prayed…Elijah stepped forward and prayed…Elisha prayed, “O, Lord”…After Job had prayed for his friends…Hezekiah prayed to the Lord…Daniel got down on his knees and prayed…From inside the fish Jonah prayed…Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed…Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed.

If Christ sought to have the divine life strengthened in Him through solitary times of intimacy with the Father, how much more should I? I am hopeless to live victorious life without prayer.”

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Our Enemy's Tactics: Sexual Temptation & Substance Abuse

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:01 GMT

2. Sexual Temptations, Abuse of Christian Liberty & Addictions

"Sexual temptations are lurking around every corner in our lives today! Resisting the temptation to gratify the flesh is a full-time job." - Gary Rohrmayer

Text: I Corinthians 5:5 – “When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?”

I Corinthians 6:12-20 - "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Problem: "Satan can destroy a life by controlling a person through immoral sexual addiction along with other additive substances such as food, alcohol, medication, etc." J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: "Avoid situations that can lead to sexual addiction and frequently ask the question 'Am I being controlled by these substances, sexual impulses or the Spirit of God?'" J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

If the enemy of God were to attack one area of your life do you know what area he would try to exploit?
What are you actively doing to release the stress build up in your life?
Are your actively crossing a moral line in your thought life? (Mathew 6:27-30)
When is the last time you did a rigorous spiritual inventory of your life?
Have you ever said “I really need...” or “I really deserve...”?
Have you ever attempted a “spiritual fast” to break “bonds of wickedness” in your life? (Isaiah 58:6)

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I praise You for not only redeeming my soul but for redeeming my body as well. Through the death and resurrection of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, my body is now a temple for Your Holy Spirit to reside. Holy Father, grant me the courage to deal with sin in my flesh and in the church rigorously. Righteous Father through the power of the resurrection help me to seek want is beneficial and not what is simply permissible. Loving Father, I surrender my desires and sexual impulses to You as I seek to honor You with my body. Father, I desire to treat my relationships with the opposite sex with caution, care and in an honorable way. Heavenly Father You are my master and I desire to be controlled by You and Your desires alone. I come to You in the strong name of Jesus, Amen

Next: Unmet sexual needs within a marital relationship

Redeemer City to City and Missional Stuff

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:37 GMT

Redeemer City to City is the new name and new look for Redeemer's Church Planting Center. Check out the new web site. What you may not know is that one of the many wonderful people that have featured on my blog for the last . . . shoot . . almost a decade . . . is the incredible and hairless Sasa Flek from Prague, Czech Republic. Sasa, who was the "scribe in our basement" when we lived in Prague has now completed his Bible translation into Czech and is setting up an apostolic base [if i can call it that] in Prague. And more to the point, Sasa is now officially connected to Redeemers family of church planters. Lucky them!

Tim Keller (pictured) also lacking in hair, is the leader of Redeemer and one of the most liked Christian leaders in USA. He has some great thoughts on the concept of being "missional".

Speaking of the word "missional", there was some interesting discussion last week on the subject, kicked off by Brent Thomas, that I apparently missed during my exodus out of Europe and into Africa. Ed Stetzer has the skinny, as does Bill Kinnon. Love to hear your thoughts.

missional

When our theology gets in the way of obeying what Jesus said to do

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:44 GMT

Tuesday-Friday of this past week we began Week #1 of a 12 week training for starting house/simple churches. We are training 4 groups of "70". These are then responsible for training five others as they themselves begin to plant their initial house church. Busy week!

Yesterday, Saturday, I drove to a neighboring province to train legacy church pastors and leaders in our COSECHA (Harvest) evangelism, discipleship, and church planting materials.

COSECHA is based upon Jesus instructions given to the 70 in Luke 10:1-9. We literally take each of the commands and seek to implement them in starting new "kingdom outposts" (house churches).

Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers...
Go...I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves...
Carry no purse...
Greet no one on the way...
Say, 'peace be to this house'...
Do not keep moving from house to house...
Eat what is set before you...
Heal the sick...
Say to them, 'the kingdom of God has come near to you'.

Pretty straighforward commands, right?

In verse 9 Jesus commands, 'heal those...who are sick' and say to them, 'the kingdom of God has come near to you.'

After my teaching on how to implement these two commands, a pastor stood, and took it upon himself to interpret Jesus words for us. He felt Jesus instructions needed to be clarified. What did Jesus actually mean by 'heal those who are sick'?

First, these words were addressed to the 70, not to us today.
Second, 'heal the sick' means heal their soul by preaching the Gospel to them.
Third, why waste time healing, when they'll just get sick again?

Up to the time of that pastor's well-meaning intervention, people had been excited, motivated, and eager to get out and, in faith, implement Jesus words. After the pastor's explanation, people were staring at the floor, doubtful, and no one knew what to say.

When the microphone was given back to me, I responded, kindly, but firmly, "brother, the argument is not with me, but with Jesus. He is the one who instructed this command. If you have a disagreement with his telling us to heal the sick, please take your case and argue it out with Jesus."

I may not fully understand some of Jesus words, but to take clear, imperative instructions, and seek to reinterpret, negate, and dismiss them is simply bewildering to me.

Is it any wonder so many churches continue to struggle, seeing only a handful of new converts per year, and live powerless, sub-normal Christian lives?

Not only do we disobey, we don't even believe Jesus words!

Do we really think our ways are better than the Master's? Do we know better than Him? If our ways are so great, where is the harvest? Where are the results? Where's the beef? (as the old Wendy's commercial used to say.)

The point of all the above?

It almost seems as if we first come up with our theology, and then have to make Scripture fit that theology. When Jesus words do not align themselves our theology, we are forced to reinterpret and reword them until they do fit our theology.

What is your take on this? Does our theology too often get in the way of obeying what Jesus said for us to do?

Al Mohler Tops the Religion Blogs

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:01 GMT

Dr Albert Mohler is a big man on radio, behind the pulpit, in the classroom, in the biggest office of one of the biggest Seminaries in the world, and also on the blogosphere. In fact he has just topped the blogosphere with the leading religion blog according to Technorati rankings. I know this because I am running right behind him at number 2.

Al Mohler deserves to be on top. He writes good content and a lot of people read it. Christianity Today called Al Mohler the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” And of course a lot of people link to his content which is what Technorati notices - esp. since the changes last October in trying to reflect the dynamic nature of the blogosphere and how blogs are ranked. Since Technorati changed the way they rank blogs, all those years worth of permanent inbound links dont really count unless they were recently added. Or in other words, if you dont write compelling content that gets linked by websites and bloggers, and not the same bloggers all the time, your blog will not rise to the top.

But Al is more than a blogger and theologian. He is also a journalist and an apologist with knowledge of how to use media. Thats a unique ability. Al was recently appointed to the Francis Schaeffer Chair of Cultural Apologetics at the World Journalism Institute at The King’s College in New York City. Thats impressive!

I have never met Al Mohler face to face but I think i saw him speak at a Southern Baptist Annual Meeting some years ago. Back in 2006, Al and I both had articles on new atheism at the same time. Al's article outranked mine but both of our posts sat on the front page of the google search results for "new atheism" and I felt a little like we were in the same fight together. Which should not be surprising because we are both Southern Baptists - he on the more conservative, suit-and-tie-wearing, institutional side and me on the more experimental edge previously known as both "postmodern" and "emerging" but now probably best thought of as "missional."

Anyway, allow me to introduce you to Big Al, a better blogger than I. Blog on, Al Mohler!

al mohler

Will Your Church Take a Special Offering for Haiti?

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:13 GMT

One thing we have never done at Mars Hill Church is take a special offering. However, that will change this Sunday when we take a second offering for the mission of Churches Helping Churches in Haiti.

Many pastors have been contacting us, saying that they too want to take a special offering this Sunday. We rejoice in your willingness to help those who are suffering so greatly. I would like to specifically invite my brothers in Acts 29 and our pastor friends at The Resurgence to do the same.

For those of you who, like us at Mars Hill, have not ever taken a special offering, the following tips were coaching points Pastor James MacDonald gave me on our return flight from Haiti.

Why You Should Take a Special Offering

It is biblical. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

If you want the people in your church to be generous, then be an example for them by being a generous pastor. If your church does not give regularly and generously to such things as mercy ministries and church planting, then it is hypocritical to ask your people to be generous.

As ministry leaders, we need to give voice and bring clarity to the tragedies that people are processing through the news. By instructing our people biblically on how we intend to help, and then inviting them to participate at whatever level they are able, we guide them in working to help with what breaks their hearts rather than simply grieving it. God ignites a passion within a leader, who then takes that torch of passion into their church and sets their people aflame for the cause. Simply put, people follow the passion of their leader.

for use in your church: [Hi-res DVD ISO download here] [720p MV4 download here]

How to Take Your Special Offering

Notify your entire church of the special offering at least a few days before the service. Such thing as email, the church Web site, church blog, and social networking tools (e.g., The City, Facebook, Twitter) should be used to notify people in advance so they come prepared to give generously.

Keep your first offering in its usual place.

Put your second offering at the end of the service. Begin by inviting the ushers forward and allowing them to stand. This will provide time for people to prepare their offering. Use this opportunity to show multi-media to inform your people. If you like, you are welcome to use any of the photos, videos, blogs, and so on that we have provided at www.ChurchesHelpingChurches.com. When the offering is being taken, it is generally not a time for corporate singing, but rather a time for the performance of a special musical piece while the people are led in prayer by their pastor for the needs in Haiti.

Harvest Bible Chapel gave the firstfruits of the mission of Churches Helping Churches. Their people gave generously and were very joyful at the opportunity to give. As I witnessed their offering, I could see that the Holy Spirit had moved their hearts to give generously and their church leadership served them well by helping them to be obedient to God’s call.

When your church takes its special offering, you can forward the money to www.ChurchesHelpingChurches.com in one of two ways:

You can add up your church’s entire special offering and simply make one contribution through PayPal on the Web site.

You can mail one check on behalf of your church to:

Churches Helping Churches
P.O. Box 6558
Elgin, IL 60121-6558

Lastly, we hate that we even need to say this, but in our day it is a legitimate concern. Neither Pastor James MacDonald nor myself will receive any monies from Churches Helping Churches, as we serve in this ministry on a volunteer basis.

[hi-res m4v download version here]

[hi-res M4v download version here]

Will Your Church Take a Special Offering for Haiti? Please retweet, share, and pass on.

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:01 GMT

Download this video for use at your church this weekend
or download the DVD ISO

Download this video for use at your church

For those of you who, like us at Mars Hill, have not ever taken a special offering, the following tips were coaching points Pastor James MacDonald gave me on our return flight from Haiti.

Why You Should Take a Special Offering

It is biblical. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
If you want the people in your church to be generous, then be an example for them by being a generous pastor. If your church does not give regularly and generously to such things as mercy ministries and church planting, then it is hypocritical to ask your people to be generous.
As ministry leaders, we need to give voice and bring clarity to the tragedies that people are processing through the news. By instructing our people biblically on how we intend to help, and then inviting them to participate at whatever level they are able, we guide them in working to help with what breaks their hearts rather than simply grieving it. God ignites a passion within a leader, who then takes that torch of passion into their church and sets their people aflame for the cause. Simply put, people follow the passion of their leader.

How to Take Your Special Offering

Notify your entire church of the special offering at least a few days before the service. Such thing as email, the church Web site, church blog, and social networking tools (e.g., The City, Facebook, Twitter) should be used to notify people in advance so they come prepared to give generously.
Keep your first offering in its usual place.
Put your second offering at the end of the service. Begin by inviting the ushers forward and allowing them to stand. This will provide time for people to prepare their offering. Use this opportunity to show multi-media to inform your people. If you like, you are welcome to use any of the photos, videos, blogs, and so on that we have provided at www.ChurchesHelpingChurches.com. When the offering is being taken, it is generally not a time for corporate singing, but rather a time for the performance of a special musical piece while the people are led in prayer by their pastor for the needs in Haiti.

When your church takes its special offering, you can forward the money to ChurchesHelpingChurches.com in one of two ways:

You can add up your church’s entire special offering and simply make one contribution through PayPal on the Web site.
You can mail one check on behalf of your church to
Churches Helping Churches
P.O. Box 6558
Elgin, IL 60121-6558
Lastly, we hate that we even need to say this, but in our day it is a legitimate concern. Neither Pastor James MacDonald nor myself will receive any monies from Churches Helping Churches, as we serve in this ministry on a volunteer basis.

Download this video for use at your church

5 Biggest Church Planting Mistakes

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:31 GMT

Biggest Church Planting Mistakes:

1. Rushing ahead

2. Underestimating the cost

3. Violating the Sabbath

4. Hanging on too long

5. Not having a coach

From "Most common mistakes church planters make" by Shawn Lovejoy and David Putnam, both of ChurchPlanters.com

HT: iGod, AndrewSD is a Vineyard pastor who blogs. The Vineyard UK are preparing for their National Leaders Conference next week. YEAH! Vineyard is still kicking and growing, despite what some people have said.

church planting, vineyard

Our Enemy's Tactics - Part 1 - Relational Viruses

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:45 GMT

Over the next couple of months we are setting out to answer the following question: How does God’s enemy come after His people and His leaders for the sole purpose of distracting, disrupting and derailing them from being involved in God's great mission?

1. Relational Viruses or Relational Strife

"Suspicion is like a cankerworm that slowly eats away at relationships."

Text: Romans 16:17-20 – “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (NIV)

Problem: "Satan upsets Christians’ inner life attitudes, taking away peace due to divisions in the church." J.Robert Clinton

Antidote: "Strive for unity and maintain inward peace, as God works through your relationships. Learn to speak the truth in love. Look behind the divisions. Surround yourself with people of spiritual wisdom and discernment." J.Robert Clinton

Reflective Questions:

Who in your church are you having negative thoughts about? Members? Leaders? Staff?
Are these negative thoughts based in reality, rumor, personal bias, or cultural prejudice?
Are these negative thoughts being generated out of some sense of insecurity on your part?
What are specific action steps that you can take to change these negative thoughts and feelings into peaceful thoughts and feelings?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the inner strength and mental toughness to fight for the unity of the church, relational harmony and the progress of the gospel. Help me to live securely in Christ who is greater than my insecurities. May I continue to walk in the spiritual blessings that Jesus Christ has achieved for me through His death, resurrection and defeat of the evil one. Grant me the ability to admit when I am wrong, speak the truth with love and promote peace even when it involves personal sacrifice. Grant me the courage to take positive steps towards protecting my relationships with my spouse, my children, my partners in the gospel and within the church. Father of Peace we rejoice in your victory over the father of lies. Amen.

Next: Sexual Immorality & Addictions

What A Roller Coaster Year!

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:25 GMT

On Saturday we celebrated our one year anniversary in Vegas. I can't believe a year has gone by. So much has changed in 12 months. God has done some amazing things and it's been so cool to be here to see it all. It's been such a roller coaster year!

On Saturday we got the final approval for the building we're hoping to lease. Never in a million years did I think Verve would have a building. The only time Vince has worked in a church with a building was when he did his internship in 1994. We've always been part of "portable" churches. The thought of actually having our own space is exciting and a little overwhelming!

Vince signed the lease today and got the key. Thank you SO much for praying for this and for financially supporting us. We appreciate it so much!

As I look back on this year I am overwhelmed and awed that God has chosen us to start this church. As hard as this year has been, I KNOW God has called us here and I am so thankful!

P.S. Thanks for praying for Marissa's EEG. Everything came out normal. Dawson had a CT Scan today for his migraines. I'll keep you posted on the results.

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Who Will Help the Churches in Haiti?

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:14 GMT

Who Will Help the Churches in Haiti?

The images streaming in from Haiti are disturbing. We feel pity, sorrow and a sense of helplessness at the extent of their plight. The waves of humanitarian aid are washing ashore in Haiti and beginning to meet this massive need but little if any of this medicine will soothe the sores of the suffering church. The country will be rebuilt in time, but so little of that aid will go to the pastors and congregations who are decimated and broken.

Who is helping the Haitian churches and the pastors? While so many agencies will be focused on the immediate social needs, the local communities of faith are devastated as well. These local bodies of Christ can also contribute toward meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the local people who are burying their family members and are seeking comfort, counsel and guidance.

Churches Helping Churches, initiated by Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald is calling on the North American church to help restore the ravaged church in Haiti. MacDonald writes, “Without question the priority of the ‘church helping the church’ is commanded by Paul in scripture and modeled by Paul in his crisis care for the Corinthians and the church in Jerusalem. If Paul were alive today there is no doubt his first concern as a church planter and leader in the body of Christ would be for the family of God in Haiti.”

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

Mark and James are going to Haiti early next week to see the needs first hand and assess what can be done to meet the needs of the church in the toughest areas. They will take a team to help them capture this story so they can report on the hope the North American church can bring. They hope to get some great stories on video about what God is doing in Haiti to help encourage God’s people around the world to be generous and help those in need. They are seeking to provide great photos and other video footage to give away online, to give to Christian agencies who could use it to help expose the need of the church, and to give to mainstream media outlets showing the difference the church and God’s people are making.

Acts 29 Network is asking you to consider helping the churches in Haiti so they can continue to contribute in the recovery when other agencies have moved on from the devastated land. Please ask the members of your congregation to contribute financially this week or next to unite as Churches Helping Churches.

Donations can be directed to the following website:

Meet a Church Planter: Jerry Funston in Ohio

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:14 GMT

Meet Jerry and Megan Funston! They planted The Journey Fellowship in Sunbury, Ohio, last spring, out of the ashes of another church. We are excited to have them join our Network and hope you will be in prayer for them and their new church.

Acts 29: Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church.

The Journey is actually a replant. Shortly after arriving at a 3 year old church plant as the second staff person, the lead/planting pastor failed morally, devastating the church.

After praying for a period of time with my wife we felt called to take the failed church plant and start over in a new and healthy way.

Acts 29: What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

Replanting is hard, in many ways the stink of failure has to be aired out and eradicated. Helping people see that the Gospel is the key as opposed to the latest fad or marketing technique. We have also faced a real need to effectively separate from the broken, failed church, this is an ongoing challenge.

Read Jerry and The Journey Fellowship's full profile. To read more about Acts 29 church planters, check our our profile section.

To hear more about church replanting or revitalization, check out this interview with Acts 29 Church Planter, Jason Martin, as well as this interview with Acts 29 Church Planter, Matt Adair.

Pros and Cons

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:36 GMT

When I was pregnant with my first child, Dawson, I was really sick. Not your average run-of-the-mill- pregnancy sick, but throw-up-literally-every-5-minutes-of-every-hour-of-everyday-for-the-first-16-weeks kind of sick. I had to be hospitalized multiple times. I had to wear a backpack full of milkshake-fluid that fed me through a tube that was attached to my heart through a PIC line. The only relief I got from throwing up was by taking a chemotherapy drug, but that didn’t start working until after my 16th week.

As if the pregnancy wasn’t bad enough, the delivery was awful too. Dawson came out blue, with the umbilical cord wrapped around his head. I had third degree lacerations. They thought Dawson had a heart condition (which he didn’t) and kept him in NICU for several days. Once we finally got home I started getting terribly sick and was readmitted to the hospital. After almost dying, they realized they left part of the placenta inside me. Oops…

When the decision came to have another child we were warned that it would just as bad, if not worse. They weren’t kidding.

The puking started, the PIC line was inserted, hospitalizations occurred, etc. If I thought I was miserable with Dawson, I was twice as miserable with Marissa. The vomiting was twice as bad and to top it off I got a yeast infection in my PIC line, which caused me to be re-hospitalized and for the rest of my pregnancy I had to see an Infectious Disease Control doctor every week. Good times…

Even the delivery was worse than Dawson’s; I had one push to get Marissa out or she literally would have died. At least I didn’t have any lacerations!

When I share this story with people they always say something like, “WHY did you have another child? You knew it was going to be horrible. You are insane!” Honestly it wasn’t really much of a decision for us. We knew we wanted to have another child; we knew the pros and cons and made the choice to endure the horrible times because the amazing times would far outweigh them. And I’m so glad that we made that decision because I can’t imagine my life without Marissa. Was it worth the pain? Of course!

Deciding to plant a church is a lot like deciding to have a baby. It’s a major decision with plenty of pros and cons. When we planted Forefront it was pretty much a no-brainer. We thought, “Of course we will start a new church!” Much like my first pregnancy, we didn’t know what was in store for us. It was incredibly difficult. Sometimes I felt like throwing up every 5 minutes! It was stressful, exhausting and depressing at times. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Was it worth the pain? Of course!

When we started feeling like God was telling us to start another church it wasn’t such an easy decision. We knew that it would be just as bad, if not worse, especially given the fact that it would happen in Sin City. We thought, “Do we really want to start a new church again?” But, like with my second pregnancy, we knew what we were in store for and made the decision to go ahead anyway. We made the choice to endure the horrible times because the amazing times would far outweigh them. I’m going to be perfectly honest with you…it’s been really difficult this time around. But, do you think it will it be worth the pain? Of course! (I hope)!

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New Jersey in the House!

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:59 GMT

I’m in New Jersey for my sister’s baby shower. She’s a few months shy of 40 and ready to pop with my niece. She has two boys from her first marriage. I haven’t seen her since her wedding last Valentine’s Day. My nephews are 7 and 9; I can’t believe how much they have grown in a year.

Being here is making me sad because it’s reminding me that the decision to move to Las Vegas is not without its consequences. When we lived in Virginia Beach I would see my sister 2-3 times a year. Now that I’m on the other side of the country, the times we see each other are few and far between. Knowing that my nieces and nephews are growing and changing and I’m only going to see them once a year saddens me. Knowing that my kids won’t ever have the chance to be close to their cousins makes me want to cry, especially because none of my family are Christians.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s not like we lived in the same town or even state. It’s just that it was a lot easier and cheaper to see each other.

So here’s my question for you: How do you connect with family who live far away from you? Do you have any advice or creative ideas to share? I’m sure I’m not the only one, so any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

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Africa Mission Update

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:15 GMT

Mike Gunn, Acts 29's International Field Director sent this update from Africa this morning and I wanted to share the blessings with you.

Scott

The Nairobi Church Planting Foundations [boot camp] went well! We didn't have as many as expected due to a transportation strike, but we had 25-30 planters come (Many of whom walked miles and slept on the church floor). We spent the whole day yesterday assessing dudes and travelling to their ministries, including going to the Masai tribe. It was pretty amazing!

Dave [Fandy] and I believe we have 3-4 solid guys to work with and possibly one catalytic leader to begin a network. He's planning on starting a reformed bible college, which he would love us to teach in and help create the church planting curriculum, which we will be doing w/Arjuna [in India] too.

We're in the Congo now and will be teaching 60-70 church planters in Gabriel's bible college.

Hope all is well. Just a quick update.

Mike

GCA Church Planting Conference

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:51 GMT

I'm going to be presenting two sessions with Timmy Brister at the GCA Church Planting Conference January 26-28th 2010 in Orlando. If you are a church planter, this is a highly valuable conference to attend.

Planting in a Post Christian World: The culture is changing and therefore there new methods of church planting are required. This session will help you learn how to effectively minister in a post-Christian context. Come learn the key values of this Post-Christian generation, the idols that enslave them and effective ways to communicate the eternal and unchanging gospel message.

The Internet and the Sovereignty of God: God has used major technological and cultural shifts to bring sweeping change. As our culture moves increasingly online, this session will help your church effectively use the internet to be missionaries to unbelievers, gather the unchurched and connect with your community. Come learn how to use this powerful tool to change the community in which you are called to plant a church.

Spiritual Dependency: Prayer - Part 1

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:25 GMT

Over the next couple of months I am going to write a number of posts on spiritual dependency that will work in harmony with those I am writing on spiritual warfare.

One of the values I have sought to live as well as promote thoughout our movement of churches is: We are prayer warriors who advance on our knees!

A book that made an impact on my prayer life this summer was Dutch Sheets’, "Watchman Prayer." In this book he gives an excellent explanation of the mysterious partnership we have with God through prayer.

He writes, "This is the God and family synergistically working together for the good in the earth. Second Corinthians 6:1 says, ‘And working together with Him’. Working together is the word sunergeo, from which we get the English word ‘synergism’ or ‘synergy’. Synergism is the combined action of two or more which have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects. I’ve been told that a rope made of three strands woven together is 100 times stronger than one strand. That’s synergism. Can you imagine God saying there is a synergistic effect when we work together with Him? All the multiplication of power must come from His strand."

He continues by telling a story reported by Rusty Stevens of Virginia Beach, Virginia. "As I feverishly pushed the lawn mower around the yard, I wondered if I’d finish before dinner. Mikey, our six year old, walked up and without even asking, stepped in front of me and placed his hands on the mower handle. Knowing that he wanted to help me, I quit pushing.

The mower quickly slowed to a stop. Chuckling inwardly at his struggles, I resisted the urge to say, ‘Get out of here, kid. You’re in my way’, and said instead, ‘Here, Son. I’ll help you.’ As I resumed pushing, I bowed my back and leaned forward, and walked spread-legged to avoid colliding with Mikey. The grass cutting continued, but more slowly, and less efficiently than before, because Mikey was ‘helping’ me.

Suddenly, tears came to my eyes as it hit me: This is the way my heavenly Father allows me to ‘help’ him build his kingdom! I pictured my heavenly Father at work seeking, saving and transforming the lost, and there I was with my weak hands ‘helping’. He chooses to stoop gracefully to allow me to co-labor with Him."

We desire to see a spirit-filled synergy at work amongst our churches…but first we must see a synergy take place within our relationship with God. May we be a movement of prayer warriors who advance on our knees.

Check out more prayer resources on Inspirational Prayer Quotes

EEG Update

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:24 GMT

Marissa's EEG was this morning. Thank you so much to those of you who prayed. She did great and stayed awake just like she was supposed to. We have an appointment in two weeks to get the results.

We're not sure when Dawson's CT Scan is. We're waiting for the office to call us for an appointment. I'll keep you posted!

I'm headed to New Jersey tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing my sister and parents. I'm not looking forward to the weather...BURR!!!!

Vince has a new book called, "Guerrilla Lovers" that's being released February 1st. We got a copy today! I am so proud of him. I promise I'm not being biased, but it's amazing; it's hard to believe but it's even better than his first book. I'm so excited for you guys to read it and see what God does in your life!

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