Dutch culture has changed since the seventies. For one thing, we changed from a semi-Christian society into a secular society. But not only that! The way we reason, think or adapt also changed dramatically. From a society in which logic, tracts and proofs made people alter their lives, we became an experiential society. We only… Continue reading
Date Archives → November 2009
Don’t do church to plant one!
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… Continue reading
Denominational Vision Gains Momentum!
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… Continue reading
Discipleship – spiritual formation!
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.
Leaders to be proud of!
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… Continue reading
Resource Ideas
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… Continue reading
Where it started!
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… Continue reading