A number of years ago I developed a program for denominational teams on fueling church planting movements. We met six times over two years for two to three days each time. Each time we met for two to three days and tackled a topic related to applying church planting movement principles: vision for church planting [...]
Category Archives: Leadership
Apostolic ministry
17 June, 2011 – 6:29 AM
Sixteen years ago I wrote my Doctor of Ministry dissertation on Apostolic Ministry. The project got me thinking about Movements. Every now and again I get a request for a copy. Usually someone has heard Alan Hirsch referring to it. One day I’ll rework it and turn it into a book. Meanwhile if you want [...]
What did Paul do between Sundays?
14 May, 2011 – 11:23 PM
Before you print “Apostle” below your name on the business card, you had better read the job description. Paul was at different times in differing roles, sometimes simultaneously: cross-cultural missionary traveling from region to region, evangelist in a city, pastor of a local congregation, counselor, coordinator of the affairs of churches in an interregional framework [...]
Everyone a missionary? I don’t think so.
14 January, 2011 – 1:30 AM
We may say “every believer is a missionary” but our behaviour proves otherwise. So how do you motivate people? You don’t. You can’t. There is only a small percentage of people ready and willing to take up the challenge of reaching a lost world. Your job is to find them, get them started, keep them [...]
Getting people excited about CPMs
16 December, 2010 – 11:25 AM
A question from Ray: Hi Steve I’m starting to get a feel for the extent and potential for church planting movements (CPMs). Do you have any suggestions on how to excite an existing church and transition them into a church planting church? Ray My answer: Hi Ray Thanks for the question. It’s an important one. [...]
Exceptional leadership
30 March, 2010 – 6:40 PM
Most denominational systems have a Glenn Townend. Someone who breaks the mould and sees the gospel spread, disciples made, and churches planted. Normally they are regarded as an exception. Most denominational systems don’t know what to do with someone like Glenn. This is what I’d do with him. . . First, I would leave him [...]
Why the exception?
29 March, 2010 – 8:47 PM
One hundred and ten people turned up for an Adventist church planting summit in Western Australia recently. Up from forty-five the year before. Two new churches have already been started since the summit. They’re not just starting individual churches, whole networks of new churches are popping up. Among indigenous people, immigrants and Aussie battlers. Another [...]
Plain sailing
27 January, 2010 – 8:55 AM
Never mind the manoeuvres, just go straight at ‘em. Horatio Nelson Nelson was of the opinion that in war no captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy. According to Edgar Vincent, his method for evolving plans was not analytical. He despised “pen and ink men”. He relied [...]
Liz’s question
7 December, 2009 – 9:02 AM
This question just came in from Liz. Hi Steve, I’m reading your book at the moment and I get the impression that you are against theological education. What do you think? I will say that when I studied Church History at Bible College I found it boring. Thanks for making Church History interesting. Liz Here’s [...]
When “nice” is a health hazard
4 December, 2009 – 1:58 AM
I recently encountered a group of denominational leaders who held views on biblical authority and sexual ethics that were diametrically opposed to the vast majority of their members and churches. How is such a situation sustainable? Easily. Most of the members are unaware of the views shared by their denomination’s leadership. The conspiracy of silence [...]
