Church Planting Guide
Becoming A Ripple Church: Why and How to Plant New Congregations
If you polled Americans asking them if there was a need for new churches the overwhelming "No" would probably be the response. Since America is said to be a "Christian" nation, why is there even a need to have more churches here?
The answer is, that even though America once began as a Christian nation, it no longer is. Therefore the vast majority of American's have heard of God and perhaps even Jesus Christ, but for the most part they do not follow Him as their Lord.
Going to church and doing good deeds doesn't make you a Christian or even a believer. The Bible tells us that all men know how to do those things. Being a Christian means a whole lot more, and doing things differently than the world would do.
My husband and I have been church planters since 2000, but have given financially into planting churches around the world for over 30 years. Knowing how and why to begin a new congregation takes wisdom, knowledge, dedication and direction. If God is calling you to become a church planter, this book by Phil Stevenson will be quite helpful. It should be something in every pastor's library as it is ours.
Even though this gentlemen is not of the same denomination as we are, his calling for souls is. Therefore, we can gain much by learning from others who have gone before us in the task of planting a church for Christ.
About the Book
Many years ago my husband preached on "Becoming the Wave" in the Body of Christ, the "Ripple" effect is similar to what he taught.
The book or process of planting new churches anywhere is divided into three practical areas:
Part 1: Why Parent Churches
Part 2: Preparing to Parent Churches
Part 3: How to Parent A New Church
Within each section is the actual "meat" of the involvement of a base church. It could be an existing church or a relatively new one. No matter the church, it is our responsibility to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus to make followers of Christ. The most massive way of bringing people into the Kingdom of God is to create new congregations. Phil explains the reasoning and information behind this theory.
Mr. Stevenson walks a congregation (no matter the size) through the process of doing this, gives reasons according to scripture, applications and sample questions a church may have for parenting another church other than their own.
Some of the information to be gained from this book is the "Go and Make" mission of a church, multiplication of a flock, the New Testament Imperative, evangelism, empowering leaders, hindrances, barriers, financial responsibility, timing and following through with action to manifestation of the new church plant.
Stevenson's 205 page book is an easy read and will assist an individual or existing church in walking out the call of God to "compel, exhort them to come." It is my recommendation for those who are led in this field, that they read this work along with many others before venturing into the ministry of church planting.
An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries, Inc. Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. #62 Created/Published December 18th, 2013. Do Not Copy. Photos are property of Pastor Cher except where noted as google royalty free images. Scripture from the KJV or NKJV by Bible Gateway.
The Great Commission from Jesus to His Church
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
(Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)
Church Planting Information, Insight and Guidelines
I have not met these individuals, but they may have material that could assist you in starting a new church. Please listen to each one of these to help you gain insight to things you should and should not do. Issues to recognize are how dedication can turn into idolatry if it is not pursued correctly.
Marriages can become fragile, suicide, emotional and physical affairs, positioning for the church and much more are discussed among these leaders in church planting.
Before you can plant a new congregation, we must learn how to become a healthy church.
Before stepping out in church planning, you need wisdom.
Get instruction from others who have gone before you.
Matthew 16
Why church planting is not just for pastors, but the entire Body of Christ.
Understanding that Jesus is the starter of the church, but we plant what He started. How to build on what Christ began. Planting the Jesus church.
Run your own race in the church plant God has set for you. Don't try to mimic someone else's church; God has the one He wants especially designed for your personality.
Don't let church planting become your idol so that it destroys the home. Things to beware of when you plant a new church so that you don't end up in crisis. How to recognize emotional affairs before they turn into physical ones.
Understanding the difference between a new congregation or a church split. Don't steal someone else's congregation to build the church God has called for you to build.
Becoming A Ripple Church on Kindle.
Are you a church planter or considering it?
*Note: The "You may also like ..." items are not mine, nor posted by me and are not necessarily endorsed by me.
Done/FTL 8/15
© 2013 Pastor Cher
