Most of us are convinced that we need to start new churches. The questions remain: Who will start them? Where will we start them? How will we fund them? When will churches begin to start new churches? What do we do to get it all started?
Simple strategy is often most effective. But sometimes the simplicity of a matter is complicated
by overwhelming circumstances that seem to prohibit the possibilities of accomplishing the simple task. Confused yet?
Simple strategy needs to be arrived at by the consensus of the few or the many who will then act upon their strategy to achieve what seems to be against overwhelming odds.
Bottom line is "What is the strategy to start new churches?" The answer is "simply doing it!"
Efforts are being made by great new ministries like Reach America ( www.reachamerica.org) to help churches start new churches. They have a simple strategy. They are simply doing it!
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6 comments:
Oh, but its so easy to just talk about what should be done! Thanks for this exhortation.
Amen, Now go and do it. We need to stop starting "missions" and plant churches. That is the Bible way. Send men out to organize churches by faith. Stop sending men out to start missions "hoping" that God will provide "financial independencs".
at the latest aba survey they asked how many churches had organized a new church. 60% said never or not in the past 16 years.
www.abasurveys.blogspot.com
What I don't seem to understand is that this survey is from an association of churches that boasts and prides itself in its committment, devotion and its denial of anything other than the local church. Maybe we have forgotten what it really means to be local church. Maybe the truth is that we are more devoted to being anti-universal than pro-local. My how the enemy is a crafty deceiver. Like lukasuzuki said!
We need to start being more "for" the work of God than we are "against" the work of Satan. But isn't this really the difference in philosophy between "missionary" Baptists and "landmark" Baptists?
Every guys! One of the sadest things about this subject is that many of the church members in these local churches are ready for change (passion for souls), but "preachers" are holding them back. It is time for "preachers" to become pastors and lead the way!
I understand Mike F's comments, but it made me think...Nowadays, we are so caught up in terminology.
Honestly, I am for planting churches, not missions, but my main concern is not whether you are a "mission" or a "church", my main concern is are you obeying the Great Commission!
Mike F...please do not take this as a slam...it just made me think about how we tag ourselves.
Good thoughts, Bro. David!
Thanx for that clarification, Jason. I am also a "church planter" and am convinced it is the best way to proceed, but it's not about the terminology, it is about the philosophy. Church planting per se lends itself to a much simpler process.
Our team is involved in a very simple process for planting CrossLife. We are focused on equipping and enabling fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vision to see this done is to establish a community of believers gathering together within walking distance of every person in the Memphis metro area. Our three tools to accomplish the BHAG (Bid Hairty Audacious Goal) are LTGs, Small Group Bible Studies, and a Core Group Development. The main entry point to each one of these is personal and relational contacts in natural setings (i.e. gyms, restaurants, baseball fields, soccer fields, market places, etc.)
That is pretty much it. You can't plant a church unless you can start an effective, reproducing Bible study. You can't plant a church unless you can start and multiply an effective LTG. You can't plant a church until you can make disciples who can then make more disciples. PERIOD.
Thanx!
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