Language is powerful. Language communicates meaning. Language delivers theology. Language is supported by theology and language shapes theology. What we say means something–something more than just words. If I write the word “church,” you immediately have something in mind. This something may be a group of people, the called-out ones. […]
Theology
In the previous post, “Three Things to Keep in Mind when Equipping Planters for Movements,” I addressed beginning with the end in mind and planned role changes (see the two diagrams). In this post, I want you to see how we seek to involve training teams in view of the […]
10 Parts of the Church Multiplication Cycle
I recently posted a photo on my Instagram account noting I was in the process of revising our church’s approach to assessing and equipping U.S. church planting teams. Several of you wrote and asked for a copy of what The Church at Brook Hills has been doing over the past […]
Our Process for Sending Church Planting Teams
Spurgeon rightly warned his students, “Brethren, if you are not theologians you are in your pastorates just nothing at all” (Lectures to My Students, 74). Well said, brother. Well said. While I completely agree, I am compelled to revise these timeless words to include: “Brethren, if you are not theologians […]
The Theological Skew in the Pulpit
The Christian faith is a monotheistic faith. Though Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims tell me I am a polytheist, such is not the case. I am always quick to begin our conversations with the words of Isaiah: “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, […]
Monotheism of Mission
It is that time of the year again. I am about to sign off of the blog for about a month. What is going on with the Payne tribe during this time? Family festivities. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day worship gatherings. I am also scheduled to teach […]
English