The concept of church multiplication movements is often discussed in missiological circles. Kingdom citizens desire to see “the word of the Lord. . . speed ahead and be honored” (2 Thes 3:1) and for new churches to be taught the “whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Nathan Shank is my […]
Strategy
The most critical issue in church planting work today is an ecclesiological issue. Theology affects field practices. A team’s understanding of biblical ecclesiology shapes everything accomplished in the present and for years to come. Across the world, many church planting teams, partnering churches, and mission agencies are attempting to plant […]
Plant the Church that Is, not the Church to Come
I have been thinking about the contents of this post for several months. With all of the needs in the world, where should we begin our disciplemaking activities? Asking and responding to this question is a matter of Spirit-guided, Kingdom stewardship. Over the years, evangelicals have considered this question and […]
Only 400 People Groups to Go?
A few weeks ago I presented a paper at the Southeastern regional meeting of the Evangelical Missiological Society. My paper’s title: “Educating Today’s Pastors Toward an Apostolic Imagination.” After spending eighteen years (and counting) in the academic setting and the same amount of time (and counting) in pastoral ministry, I […]
Training Pastors Toward an Apostolic Imagination
Music and art have been near to my heart for years. I think this is partially because I used to play in a band and teach at a music store. While I know I am not alone, my list of channels on Pandora includes some of the most unusual and […]
Arts in Mission
What would happen if a mission agency started advertising their mission statement as: to plant churches among the world’s most reached people groups? Would you lead your church to other countries to pour the overwhelming majority of your evangelistic efforts into serving reached people groups, knowing 6800 unreached people groups […]