Church Planting – Reach a Higher Altitude

He's No "Jack Preacher"

I worshipped with Pastor Ben Barfield and the Common Ground Church in Sahaurita, Arizona today.  What a great blessing!  Over 200 people in a church that is only 18 months old - a baptism of 6 people - and 2 baby dedications!  I didn't think the morning would be any better - then I had lunch with Pastor Ben, his family, and a couple in the church who just buried their 18-month-old daughter just 2 weeks ago.  I won't forget Danny and Danielle.  Their testimony of God's blessings, presence, and comfort overwhelmed my spirit.  Daughter Bobbi was buried on Friday and Danny gave the "Welcome" on the following Sunday.  Two added facts:  one of the babies that was dedicated today (July 27) was born 2 weeks ago - when Danny's baby was buried.  Danny said at the welcome time to the church:  "The Lord gives -Baby Justus - the Lord takes away - little Bobbi.  Blessed be the name of the Lord!"  Now folks - Who else but God can give strength like that!  Oh, and by the way:  2 years ago, Danny was a professing athiest.  He never thought he would meet a "real" pastor until he came across Pastor Ben.  Danny told me at lunch today, "Ben is the real thing.  He showed me Jesus by just being real."  Thanks Ben for loving Jesus and loving people.  You are the real thing!  You're not a "jack preacher."

Books

Spin-Off Churches by Rodney Harrison, Tom Cheney, and Don Overstreet

Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger

Essential Church by Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer (Release September 2008)

Transformissional Coaching by Steve Ogne and Tim Roehl (Release September 2008)

Planting Fast-Growing Churches by Stephen Gray

Good To Great In God's Eyes by Chip Ingram

The Shaping of Things To Come by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch

The American Church in Crisis by David T. Olson

Walking with God by John Eldredge

 

1 Thessalonians

I don't know how many time I have read 1 Thessalonians.  It has become one of my favorite books of the Bible.  Three church planters (Paul, Silas, Timothy) are related to this church and city through some incredibly rich relationships and experiences.

Read the five chapters without stopping to analyze, exegete, dissect, word study, or any other activity of our trade.  When you complete your reading ponder this question:  What was so special about this church?  I think your answers will deepen your love not only for the Thessalonian church, but also for your church.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

• 1:1 = Three church planters - where did they come from?  (See Acts 16-17)
• 1:2 =  Prayer life of the church plant team
• 1:3 = Results of ministry through the church; notice the use of faith, love, and hope.  By the way, 1 Thessalonians was written from Corinth.

Time could be spent on the following progressions:  work produced by faith; labor prompted by love; endurance inspired by hope.

Questions for small-group discussion:

1. What is the difference between "work produced by faith" and "faith produced by work?"
2. Are other motives present which may prompt our labor in and for God?  If so, are the motives healthy?  How do these motives influence your labor?
3. What keeps you going for Christ?  Does your hope enable your dreams to exceed your reality?
4. Every sermon and Bible study can be shaped by asking two questions:  So what?  Now what?

In the beginning . . .

Those first words in Genesis come to mind in my first blog.  Well, actually verse 2, "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface. . ."  Right now those are haunting words - but light will appear and good will surface.

Welcome to my blog:  Higher Altitude for Church Planting.  I am the "Church Planting Specialist" for Lifeway Christian Resources.  Lifeway and church planting - proof that opposites attract?  Not really.  Lifeway has never been opposite church planting or any other Bible-based ministry.  Our commitment is to offer Biblical solutions for churches that are 150 years old or 15 minutes old.

"ChurchWorld" is changing in good 'ole USA.  Some christians are beginning to catch on that God is on mission taking church to the world and I believe Lifeway is planning on staying with the Mission of God.  I also believe taking the church to the world requires a "Higher Altitude" than before - one which enables the church to rise a little above ground to see the horizon, get a better view, catch the wind and join God at work.

Please understand my blog will be a little different - it won't be about me.  As you can surmise from my BIO that I have difficulty getting away from my educational bent.  That's who I am and what I do.  I believe in working from one's strengths and spiritual giftedness, so blogging won't be an exception.  I am a teacher, pastor, encourager - and when God chooses, accompanied with a discerning mind and heart.

The "Categories" will reflect what I think to be helpful to church planters.  Missional Church will provide information and ideas - some will be controversial - in some circles.  I think it's important to examine most things from 360 degrees.  I'm not jolted by disagreements or opinions.  Listening fosters learning.

Sermons and Bible Study will provide very simple outlines and questions for small-group discussions.  New church plants may need to focus financial resources in other areas, so feel free to utilize at no cost.  Less intensive studies can be a good way to begin small groups and/or use with your Leadership Team prior to launching the church.

Developing Leaders will offer leadership training ideas and guidance.  Just email me and specific issues can be added.  This will be an important area to help church planters working with their teams, small-group leaders, and training new leaders.

Spiritual Formation - to some that's called discipleship.  However, I want more of a focus on the personal life of church planters and the challenges to one's faith and call to ministry.

So go ahead - check out the blog and my prayer is that it helps church planters to a "Higher Altitude," to see more of the horizon and take in a better view.  If you can't see you'll miss the parade!  I think Zacchaeus taught us that much!  The wee little man influenced a higher altitude!  So, go ahead and finish the song that's in your mind right now:  "For I'm going to your house today...For I'm going to your house today."  Go higher!