Following my post on Raising a Family here’s another family tree. This one from an AOG in Melbourne. Does Pareto’s principle (the law of the vital few) apply here? 80% of the new churches will be planted by 20% of the existing churches. I’m doing some thinking about a trend of flagship churches spawning church planting movements. Hope to have something to say in a few days. Meanwhile study this family tree. Maybe your church is one of the 20%.
“A thoroughly readable description of the dynamics of missionary movements, as well as how to initiate, maintain, and extend them.”
—Alan Hirsch
“I had to read it through in a single sitting.”
—David Garrison
“Steve identifies the core characteristics of movements in a way that enables all of us to understand.”
—Bob Roberts
“Steve synthesizes his vast amounts of experience, wisdom, and research into an easy-to-read book.”
—Neil Cole
“Every so often a book comes along that fuels the flame that was started in my heart years ago. I love this book!”
—Floyd McClung
“I couldn’t put it down till it finished rearranging my mind. This is a keeper!”
—Ralph Moore
“Steve taps into the heart hunger of the growing number of us that want to see God do something great.”
—Ed Stetzer
“Practitioners and thinkers with a passion for mission will want to read and re-read this book.”
—Martin Robinson
“An important book for our times...”
—Bob Logan
“...filled with stories that keep the pages turning with a message that is both simple and profound...”
—Roger Thoman
“Thanks for rewarming our hearts and revitalising our minds and spirits about what needs to be done, and how it should be done.”
—Bill Muehlenberg
“...an excellent popular introduction to the concept of movements...”
—Justin Long
7 Comments
Steve,
My Church is Newcastle Christian Centre, formally known as Hamilton AOG or Hamilton Christam Family Centre, I believe it rates a mention as a flagship church having planted any churches in the Hunter Valley
That is really really good. inspiring what can happen, there would have been endless excuses for Richmond not to plant churches (got to look after home soil and so forth), I’m so impressed
Steve, it was good to see that map, I had never seen it before. I was Asst Pastor with Tom Rawls at Moorabbin, and I planted Mordialloc, South Melbourne and Gateway. Gateway was responsible for planting Korrumburra and they planted a couple of other Churches. It really is great to see the family tree!
GBYAY
John, great to hear from someone close to the action. What have you learnt about the characteristics of healthy parent churches?
What a great tree!
Having been involved with Harvest/Destiny church for so many years it is disappointing to see that of the 9 church plants only 3 survive.
Richmond AOG has always been a great place to fellowship ever since the “temple” days.
Tom Rawls was such a great pastor. He should never have left.
Thanks. 3 from 9, that’s tough. Although it’s way ahead of those churches that never took the risk. Wondering what we could all learn from the ones that did and didn’t get off the ground. It would be a great topic for a student essay at Harvest Bible College!
You’re right Tony, Tom Rawls still is a great pastor, I can understand why you’re disappointed he left. But we’re delighted that he is now leading an awesome church in Norwich, England!!