Evangelicals often talk about church planting. However, given the way most people speak about church planting and apply such methods to the field, I wonder if a great deal of evangelicals either prefer to avoid biblical guidelines when it comes to this ministry or simply do not know of the […]
ecclesiology
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
The language of the Church exists in two locations: 1) within the established contexts; and 2) within the pioneer fields. One is the language of age-related maturity, structure, great organization, highly educated leadership, and comes with time. The other is the language of new believers who recently self-identified as a […]
When Speaking of Ecclesiology…Remember the Context
The most critical issue in church planting circles today is an ecclesiological issue. How you answer the question, “What is a church?” will affect everything you do on the field. It will shape your methods, strategy, team, leaders, goals, and how you measure effectiveness–to mention a few matters. It was […]
Most Critical Issue in Church Planting
Complexity is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be. In the West, disciple making, church planting, and pastoral ministry are complex matters. But they do not have to remain in this state. Whenever I speak to pastors, denominational leaders, academics, and agency leaders, they all share the desire […]
Diet of Complexity
I read today that a Zaxby’s restaurant had a grand opening in Statesboro, Georgia. I bet they have some good deals on chicken this week. I also see that Pieology Pizzeria in Huntsville, Alabama is scheduled to have their grand opening later in April. My guess is that some great […]