At plantMIDWEST we’re not looking for Rock Stars… we’re looking for men who love Jesus and embody the gospel in their speech and life. In this article that was previously posted by “Church Leaders”, Ed Stetzer unpacks the problem with pastors / planters who fall into the “rock star” trap. A big thanks to Ed and his faithful work in calling men to lead and love with humility and integrity: “The Problem With Pastors as Rock Stars” A lot of … →
The church was fully operational: healthy, growing, and everything was going great. Only one problem remained. It was all still in my head. God first called me to plant a church over nine years before I began. Every time someone mentioned church planting my heart began to race, my eyes swelled with tears, and my mind couldn’t shut it off. Three years in seminary and two in a pastorate proved frustrating as I pursued people to help. Each ended with … →
In the same spirit as a recent post, 5 Questions Potential Church Planters Should Ask, writer, coach and consultant Tony Morgan raises key questions for every Church Pastor-or Planter. While the article is focused on existing church pastors, I couldn’t help but think these questions are for EVERY church planter too. This excerpt can be read more fully here. When was the last time I heard from God? What should our church be known for in this community? Are we really focusing … →
After reading Mac Lake’s most recent email, I found this to be a succinct and accurate litmus test for those who feel “led” to plant churches. It’s worth a read . . . pass it along! If you don’t already subscribe to Mac Lake’s email updates, let me encourage you to do so at http://www.maclakeonline.com/ ENJOY! “I frequently tell young men that church planting is the scariest, riskiest, most challenging, yet rewarding thing you could ever do with your life. … →
It is notable how few conversations among the disciples are recorded in the Gospels. Even more notable is the amount of recorded conversations between the disciples where they are comparing themselves to one another and seeking to climb the ladder of leadership. In stark contrast to their desire to be made much of, Jesus embraces being made less of. At the moment when it would appear He needed to be ministered to by them, Jesus strips to his waist takes a towel … →
And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. A great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet … →
I received this from a pastor in Chicagoland-thought it was worth sharing. “R.W. Glenn is pastor of preaching and vision at Redeemer Bible Church in Minnetonka, MN. He blogs at Red Meat for the Soul. About nine years ago, he developed the following list of prayer requests for his life and ministry as a pastor. Who is your pastor? As leaders in the church, pastors have unique and often more intense temptations (“Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter”). Pray for Me … →
My first experience at church planting was at the age of 7. My dad was a pastor in Chillicothe, Missouri and his church, Calvary Baptist, started a “mission church” in Leon, Iowa. I recall traveling with my dad to Leon as he visited people and led revivals, shared the gospel and conducted vacation Bible School. There is still in fact that same Calvary Baptist Church in Leon, Iowa some 45 years later. Not a large church but one that has … →
As I continue to learn and exercise how to incarnate the Gospel with my neighbors, God often reminds me that the call to missional living is often “messy.” Case in point: Not long ago, my neighbor asked if he might borrow my lawn tractor as he was needing to aerate and seed his lawn. This was not a surprise request as I had offered the use of my tools to him before. I was excited that he had taken … →
I grew up in the town of Muskogee, Oklahoma. In the traditional SBC church my father pastored at there was a board hanging at the main entrance that would show how many people were in Sunday morning attendance, discipleship training, and how much offering was received. I always remember being excited when our little church would exceed 100 in attendance or when a big offering would be given. And honestly, I’m still excited about those numbers today. The attendance board … →
