I used to run our own version of a church planters’ “bootcamp”. We’d gather for a few days with some teams and some butcher paper and brainstorm vision, values, mission. We’d look at demographics and needs in the community. We’d outline ministry models and draw up people flow diagrams. And yes, some goals would be set.
I’m older and wiser now. If I was running a bootcamp now, we’d spend the first couple of days reading the book of Acts. In Acts, the risen Lord, continues his ministry through his disciples empowered by the Holy Spirit. The unifying theme of the book is the spread of the dynamic Word of the gospel which results in new disciples who form new churches.
So I’d ask this question,
In Acts, what were the obstacles to making disciples and planting churches, and how were they overcome?
The learning that comes from asking this question will help ensure you don’t just plant a church, but spark a movement.
One Comment
That sounds good Steve. Here in India, planters are quite Biblically focused. Often, the type of organizational and leadership knowledge that is common in the west is quite uncommon. My aim has been to try to give them the nuts and bolts of what to do and how to approach the plant and to keep them reminded of the Biblical mandate.
This seems to be an upward battle for us. We have good people, but getting them (their minds) organized to think creatively to reach their community is a daunting task. Appreciate this blog. Keep up the good work Steve.
Alexi