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. … →
This morning, I had the rare occasion to hear a good friend and colleague share a devotional in our weekly chapel service. As you would expect, his thought was centered on Christmas . . . but with a twist worth sharing. I will do my best to capture the main points, and share my takeaways. Thanks to Chase Abner for sharing God’s message for me today.†I trust this blesses and convicts you as it did me! As we consider the … →
Scripture for reflection and preparation “In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.” John 1:1, 3 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in … →
In recent days, I have been impressed by the story found in John’s Gospel account of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. Many of you know it well, but in John chapter 4, we read of how Jesus engages a Samaritan woman. Too often we read this story without meditating on the deep implications found there. So, if you will indulge me, take a moment and reflect on those truths that have gripped my heart and echoes “Get … →
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 … →
