A year ago Marjo, with her husband and 5 children (with a 6th on the way), moved from the Shetland Islands to a farm near Suonenjoki (in NE Finland), next door to a small declining Adventist church. There (as in the Shetland Islands) Marjo has built a network of friends close to her home. “All the kids… Continue reading
Date Archives → June 2008
Church is the Question
John Caputo says: “The church is not the answer. The church is the question!” This is the question (for church planters as well): How does Jesus’ distance from us illuminate what we must say and do in the different situation in which we find ourselves? (What would Jesus deconstruct? p. 34)
Ministry in a postmodern world
For ideas on ministry in a postmodern environment some may like to check out Ryan Bell’s blog. Ryan is the pastor of the Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church.
B.L.L.E.S.M. – practical discipleship!
The Uniting Church pastor and church planter at Hampton Park (Melbourne), Mat Harry, is experimenting with a simple acronym to cultivate disciples in his churches and groups. Built around the idea of becoming a blessing to their community, it is simple, comprehensive, and biblical, and includes reflection/action learning. Members will explore one aspect of discipleship one… Continue reading
They Like Jesus, Not Church
Check out Dan Kimball’s book They like Jesus but not the Church (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons', unChristian (Grand Rapids, USA: Baker Books, 2007) and the Adventist Review article “They Love Jesus, They Don’t Love the Church”. The Review article gives an introduction – but a thoughtful church planter or leader… Continue reading
Three is Enough Groups!
Three is Enough Groups (pray, grow, serve) are expected to make a big impact for the gospel – all over the world. Check out Todd Hunters blog at http://www.3isenough.org/
Creative Church – youth for youth!
Heritage Community Fellowship is a very new church plant (on the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia) growing from the vision of the Heritage College chaplain – Faye Stothers; teachers and members; and strongly supported by the college principal, Stuart Barons, and area pastor, David Butcher. But two things stand out – first, it is very creative; and second,… Continue reading
McClung’s Church Planting – on mp3
Floyd McClung’s church planting sessions (Crossways, May 31) are on mp3 at Dave Lawton’s blog. Dave says, “They were excellent sessions and would be of value to anyone wanting some input/encouragement in church planting.” See McClung 1 & McClung 2.
Floyd McClung on Church Planting
Floyd and Sally have been visiting Melbourne (Australia) sharing practical ideas on planting a movement of churches. Dave Lawton is putting up a series of posts – with the first being 5 Steps to Plant a Church.
Church Shopping?!
Are you church shopping (or hopping) – going to a different place each week? What could it mean to "be church" and commit to one fellowship or community? Or, is it time to get some friends together to start something new and creative – so you can share your faith with your friends who don't know Jesus? Check… Continue reading