NewChurchLife

Reflecting on church planting in the secular Dutch society, Rudy Dingjan - church planter and planting coordinator for the Netherlands, says: ‘Don’t do church to plant one!’ He writes, ‘Secular people are not interested in denominations or church buildings. To reach them, we have to get out of our comfort zone and meet them where [...]

It seems rare to find denominational leaders with a clear vision. There are so many challenges in keeping inherited systems operating – and, for some, maintaining structures is their mission. However, Glenn Townend, leader of the Adventists in Western Australia (and church planter) has fostered an environment for the growth of a movement. The vision [...]

This week’s article by Rebecca Walker is on spiritual formation – and, among other models, references the Four Fields of Mark 4. Check out Spiritual Formation – also available as a PDF.

In the midst of a very public political ‘meltdown’ in Australia this week over climate change solutions, a caller to a radio-talk program mused over political leaders who have made him proud. Those he mentioned came from diverse political parties! It got me thinking about Christian leaders. Most denominations produce administrators – but true leaders [...]

Rebecca Walker, a resource writer for The Salvation Army’s Australia Southern Territory attended a recent equipping weekend – and has put some of the ideas we explored into a very succinct and readable form – Planting Churches that Multiply. (It is also available as a PDF.) Thanks Rebecca.
Also, the Baptist Union Victoria has posted a [...]

Steve Addison reports on my recent return to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) where in the 1970’s we were involved in planting a bunch of churches. But, it started earlier!
Towards the end of my first year in ministry (1971), my State leader (Pastor Clive Barrett) suggested I start a new church in Condoblin (central NSW, [...]

Last week I was asked about discipling resources for new believers, following their baptisms. For some time now I have been suggesting a very specific schedule of Bible reading – using the five small group questions (anything new? anything I don’t like? etc). I find this works better than suggesting ‘discipleship courses.’ Encourage each person [...]

Check out Steve Addisons website Movements that Change the World and see what he means when he says -
1. Without multiplication we lose.
2. Without a global perspective we lose.
3. Without the gospel we lose.
4. Without an army we lose.
5. Without mobility we lose.
6. Without a lack of resources we lose.
7. Without faith we lose.

Thirteen friends were baptized into Jesus Christ at the Revive plant on the weekend. Here is a sample of some email exchanges this week –
• Amanda: ‘It definitely was the best day at Revive ever. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. Just wanted to say I’m really thankful to have been a part of [...]

Vive Café has experienced significant growth since opening its doors one year ago – serving 30 meals in an evening at the beginning, to upwards of 120 now! Vive Café provides a wholesome community meal, prepared by the community for the community. Vive Café seeks to break down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ barriers – and [...]