Today is the official relaunch of my 2008 book The Barnabas Factors: Eight Essential Practices of Church Planting Team Members! Last month, I wrote about the publisher going out-of-business and my plans to roll this book out at a later date.
For those of you not familiar with this work, here is a glimpse into its contents:
Very few books exist on the topic of church planting teams. It was out of the dearth of such resources that I wrote this book. Since many books have been written on general team development matters, I felt that something was needed to emphasize the importance of the personal characteristics and practices of church planting team members.
The book uses Barnabas as an example for contemporary missionaries. Eight practices of his life are found from the biblical text and addressed in such a matter as to assist the reader in thinking through how to apply them today. A diagnostic tool for church planters to evaluate potential team members is also included.
Before teams are sent, before teams are trained, and before teams are formed, the personal qualities and characteristic practices of the candidates need to be understood and compared to the biblical standards. A potential team member may have all the desired knowledge and skills, but the lack of one or more of the Barnabas Factors in his or her life should give the team leader cause to pause before extending an invitation to join the missionary band.
An examination of the life of Barnabas from the New Testament reveals a man who was considered a servant, a teacher, a leader, and an apostle (Acts 14:14). He was described as beloved, a son of encouragement, a good man, and full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He made great sacrifices for the church in Jerusalem and for the spread of the gospel. He was a blessing to others but was not immune to conflict and the sin of hypocrisy.
In this book, the Barnabas Factors are described as:
- Walking with the Lord
- Maintaining an Outstanding Character
- Serving the Local Church
- Remaining Faithful to the Call
- Sharing the Gospel Regularly
- Raising Up Leaders
- Encouraging with Speech and Actions
- Responding Appropriately to Conflict
Whether you are preparing to develop a church planting team or presently serving with a team, The Barnabas Factors will assist you in understanding biblical characteristics for effective missionary service.
If you already have a copy of the book, then there is no need to purchase another one. The content is the same, only the cover has changed. However, by self-publishing this work, I am now able to make it available for Kindle. Check back in a few weeks, for the powers that be are working through the conversion process to make it available electronically.
The book will be available through Amazon in the next 5-7 business days.
However, since this day marks the relaunch of the book, it is available at 50% off the list price–for the next 7 days. You will need to order it HERE and enter the discount code: WCSTE83Q
Please help me spread the word on this book, if you think it will be of value to others within your social networks. I would greatly appreciate it!