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Maybe you are considering planting a new church and would like to know if this is a calling from God. Or, maybe you have an interest in becoming a church planter and want to know if you should take the next step in that direction. If your answer is yes to one of the above statements, read this blog for some advice or encouragement as you seek discernment from God and others.
Maybe you are considering planting a new church and would like to know if this is a calling from God. Or, maybe you have an interest in becoming a church planter and want to know if you should take the next step in that direction. If your answer is yes to one of the above statements, read this blog for some advice or encouragement as you seek discernment from God and others.
Today I learned that my dear friend and book mentor, Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus in glory. For much of my ministry life, I have read his books and articles, listened to his podcasts, and occasionally sat under his teaching. Dr. Malphurs taught at Dallas Theological Seminary for some 38 years where he influenced thousands who have served the Lord around the world. He was also the founder and leader of the Malphurs Group, a church consulting ministry. In honor and in memory of Dr. Malphurs, I want to recommend to you a few of his many books that have helped shape my ministry and expand God's Kingdom. Discover these great resources in this blog.
Every church pastor and leader needs to frequently ask and answer three big questions of their churches. The big three are no strangers, for you might even have preached on one or more of them recently. These questions rise up from the pages of Scripture like giant pillars of polished granite truth for the church and all followers of Jesus. They are applications of Matthew 22:34-40 and Matthew 28:18-20. Let me share the questions with you so you can apply your answers.
n consulting with many churches over the years I've come across some that need to pause, celebrate with thanksgiving what God has done over their existence, then send their members out to other churches and ministries with a blessing and close their doors. Here are some signs that they should do just that.
Most churched people in North America and maybe around the world attend or are being ministered to by small churches. I am defining a small church as one that has fewer than 125 in face-to-face, average attendance during worship services. These churches and their leaders need not apologize for being small and seemingly insignificant. In fact, they are the churches that may have the greatest impact for the Gospel in their communities. They matter! This blog offers some reasons why, so keep reading to find out why the small church matters to God and to its community.
When coaching someone, there is power in using a "what if" question. In this blog, I want to encourage you to use the "what if" question as you coach others and seek to help them assist others to come up with solutions to the problems they might face in life, leadership, and ministry. Read on to discover more about using this helpful "tool."
The church planting proposal is a document that serves as the "business plan" for the new church. It generally covers the first two years of new church development. In the proposal, the church planter puts into writing what God is laying on his heart. It spells out the initial vision or dream, the initial ideas of the culture of the new church, and its launch strategy. Keep reading to find out what content is needed in your proposal.
This blog is devoted to something I have observed over many years of ministry to potential and active church planters. I'm sure there are many more but I'll start the conversation by listing five signs you might make a good church planter.
Today my wife and I celebrated our 48th anniversary. It was a quiet celebration. We went out for dinner tonight at Olive Garden. The restaurant even helped us celebrate by giving us a free slice of cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce. It was yummy. During our celebration, we reminisced over a delicious Italian meal and desert about our early life as a married couple. (That's food for another blog post, but don't look for it anytime soon.) As I write this, I am once again reminded about the importance of celebrations in the life of the church. Read on to find out more about celebrations in your church or church plant.