Planting Healthy Churches Creating this Course 22 authors 11 countries Theory & Practice Models Interviews Essays Graphs Study Guides Bibliographies Dedicated to the unknown Sower of Seed Sessions 1 Why plant healthy churches? 2 Who should plant churches? 3 What does the church we are going to establish look like? 4 What steps should we take to plant a church? Session 1 Why Plant Healthy Churches? Why Plant Healthy Churches? BIBLICALTHEOLOGICALMISSIOLOGICALPRACTICAL PLANTING NEW CHURCHES FOUNDATIONS Objectives The Thesis The Biblical motivation for planting healthy churches resides in the mission of the loving and merciful Triune God (mission Dei), who desires that men and women become disciples of Jesus Christ, whose congregations are signs of the coming Kingdom of God for the praise of his glory. (Dr. Carlos Van Enge) GOD CHRIST HOLY SPIRIT LOCAL CONGREGATION LOCAL CONGREGATION GLORY OF GOD Church Planting Biblical Foundation Theological Foundation 1 Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 John 1:1, 14 Stuart Murray: Laying Foundations 2 Mission Dei John 3:16; Matthew 28 Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24: Kingdom of God 1 Peter 2:9-12 Colossians 1:13 Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church IS The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates Does what it is The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates Does what it is Proclaims, Serves, Ministers The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates Function - Purpose Does what it is Proclaims, Serves, Ministers The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates Function - Purpose Does what it is Proclaims, Serves, Ministers Organizes what it does The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates Function - Purpose Does what it is Proclaims, Serves, Ministers Organizes what it does Plans, Implements, Evaluates, Changes The Church Missiological Foundation Craig Van Gelder: Essence of the Church Essence - Nature IS Announces, Incarnates, Participates Function - Purpose Does what it is Proclaims, Serves, Ministers Structure - Organization Organizes what it does Plans, Implements, Evaluates, Changes The Church Reasons for Practical Foundations New churches reach more people than established ones The population is growing rapidly Established churches tend to plateau New churches help stimulate established churches Planting Churches Dr. Daniel Snchez New churches are more flexible Churches are needed close to where the lost live It is impossible for one church to reach everyone New churches develop leaders quickly Planting Churches Dr. Daniel Snchez Proximity aids discipleship Reasons for Practical Foundations Objections 1. Starting new churches weakens established ones. 2. Its expensive. 3. We may lose many people. 4. We already have so many needs. Objections 1. Starting new churches weakens established ones. 2. Its expensive. 3. We may lose many people. 4. We already have so many needs. 5. We cant force church planting. 6. We wont be able to preserve our doctrines. 7. Planting churches creates denominational competition. Objections 1. Starting new churches weakens established ones. 2. Its expensive. 3. We may lose many people. 4. We already have so many needs. 5. We cant force church planting. 6. We wont be able to preserve our doctrines. 7. Planting churches creates denominational competition. 8. One church for every city is a New Testament practice. 9. Starting new churches wont help my ministry career. A Vision for Church Planting Neither the growth of the church nor the planting of churches is the final goal. Both are subordinated to the theological principle of the advancement of the Kingdom of God. (Stuart Murray) God is already involved in this and He invites us to participate! Reflection Will you participate in this so that it becomes a reality? Session 2 Who Should Plant Churches? Who Should Plant Churches? Objectives Provide a basic profile of some characteristics that a successful church planter should possess. Provide a tool for the planters self-evaluation. Paradigms Two opposing paradigms Formal Education No Preparation Selection of the Church Planter One mandatory principle: The church planter must be called by God. Acts 13:1, 2 Cor. 5:18-20, 1 Cor. 4:1-2 Selection of the Church Planter One mandatory principle: The church planter must be called by God. Acts 13:1, 2 Cor. 5:18-20, 1 Cor. 4:1-2 a.Dispenser (Oikonos) You cant give what you dont have b.Ambassador Represents the Kings interest The Call Divine A Arturo Robles Pallares The Call Confirmed B Divine A Arturo Robles Pallares The Call Confirmed B Divine A Specific C Arturo Robles Pallares The Call Confirmed B Divine A Specific C Fulfilling D Arturo Robles Pallares Successful Church Planters Visionary Self- Motivated Visionary Successful Church Planters Self- Motivated Visionary Involves Others Successful Church Planters Self- Motivated Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Successful Church Planters Self- Motivated Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Successful Church Planters Self- Motivated Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Self- Motivated Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Respond to the Community Self- Motivated Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Use the Gifts of Others Respond to the Community Self- Motivated Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Use the Gifts of Others Respond to the Community Self- Motivated Are Flexible Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Use the Gifts of Others Respond to the Community Self- Motivated Are Flexible Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Maintain Unity in the Church Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Use the Gifts of Others Respond to the Community Self- Motivated Are Flexible Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Adapt to the Context Maintain Unity in the Church Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Use the Gifts of Others Respond to the Community Self- Motivated Are Flexible Dedicated to Holistic Church Growth Visionary Involves Others Practice their Faith Reach Non- Believers Have Spousal Support Adapt to the Context Maintain Unity in the Church Relate well with others Successful Church Planters Self-Evaluation Each person should evaluate themselves. Use your answers as a starting point for discussion with a person you trust, for example a mentor or leader, to help you determine if you really should be involved in planting a church. Two Truths The experiences of various planters, both those who were successful and those who failed, allow us to better define some of the characteristics that God uses to plant healthy churches. Paul said, Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything but only God, who makes things grow (1Cor 3:7). The church can be planted only if we collaborate with God. He will build the Church. Session 3 What Does The Church We Are Going To Establish Look Like? What Does The Church We Are Going To Establish Look Like? Describe some of the essential characteristics of a healthy church, the goal of church planting, with special attention to the kind of leadership needed. First we will look at four vital questions and then their five functions. Objectives Start With The End in Mind What are we shooting for? Toward what end are we working? What does the church we desire to establish look like? What are the key ingredients necessary to have a healthy and growing church? Healthy Church Five Vital Commitments Healthy Church Vision Five Vital Commitments Healthy Church Leadership Vision Five Vital Commitments Healthy Church Leadership Body Mobilized Vision Healthy Church Resources Leadership Body Mobilized Vision Five Vital Commitments Healthy Church Resources Leadership Body Mobilized Vision Text and Context Five Vital Commitments Vision Put on Gods Lenses Having vision means looking toward the future to see what God wants to do through you to achieve his redeeming purposes. Leadership Prof. Aubrey Malphurs Christian leaders are people committed to God (character), who know where theyre going (vision) and who have followers (influence). Example Paul Two Dangers A Messiah Syndrome The know-it-all planter Dr. David Ramrez Four Characteristics of Transcending Leadership The Leader as Apostle The Leader as Servant The Leader as Visionary The Leader as Empowerer and Equipper Leadership Mobilized Body Prepare your leadership to mobilize the entire congregation. Teach about spiritual gifts and the stewardship of talents. Identify the gifts and the areas of interest of each believer in the congregation. Put each member to work in a ministry or area of service. Keep an eye on how the different areas of church life are going & make the necessary adjustments. Resources How do I finance the work? Two important concepts Trust in God Contentment Ways to Finance a Church Plant WAYS Denomination, Mission, Organization Mother ChurchDenomination, etcSupport Group Resources Ways to Finance a Church Plant WAYS Denomination, Mission, Organization Mother ChurchDenomination, etcSupport GroupSale of PropertiesSecond Salary Bi-Vocational Ministry Resources Text and Context A healthy church takes into account its context Geographic location Social and economic factors Cultures etc. Healthy Church E Evangelism Acts 2:41-47 Five Vital Functions 1. Proclamation (Evangelism) The Church announces the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed and invites people to be part of the Kingdom of God. The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed. Hudson Taylor (missionary to China) Engel Scale 1. Proclamation (Evangelism) -8 The person has some knowledge of a supreme being. -7 Finds out a bit about the gospel. -6 Starts to understand the basics of the gospel. -5 Starts to understand the personal implications. -4 Has a positive attitude about the gospel. -3 Considers what making a personal commitment to Christ will cost them. -2 Takes a step of Faith. -1 Finds repentance and Faith in Jesus Christ. + 1 Evaluates their decision to follow Jesus. + 2 Is incorporated into the body of Christ. + 3 Starts a life of discipleship and service. Engel Scale / Regeneration 1. Proclamation (Evangelism) Healthy Church E Evangelism Acts 2:41-47 D Discipleship Five Vital Functions The Church helps people to see God more clearly, get to know his will for their lives and equips them to follow him in all aspects of life. The Four Cs: Conduct Character Content Commitment 2. Discipleship Education Segmented Faith Family Sports Politics FAITH Finance Social Life 2. Discipleship Education Integrated Faith Family Sports Politics FE Finance Social Life 2. Discipleship Education Biblical World and Life View Healthy Church E Evangelism Acts 2:41-47 D Discipleship S Service Five Vital Functions The Church addresses the needs of people in the name of Christ and invites them to be his disciples. Three types of relationship between service and evangelism Only a life in service to others is a life that is worthwhile. - Albert Einstein ResultResult 3. Service BridgeBridgeAccompanyingAccompanying Healthy Church E Evangelism Acts 2:41-47 D Discipleship S Service F Fellowship Five Vital Functions Members help carry each others burdens, showing the love and compassion of Christ. 4. Fellowship - Communion John 17 Small Groups Conflict Resolution Five Vital Functions Healthy Church E Evangelism Acts 2:41-47 D Discipleship S Service F Fellowship W Worship The Church gathers as the family of God to meet with the Father in worship, confession and gratitude, as well as dedicating themselves to service and prayer. Evangelism is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship occupies that place. Evangelism only exists where there is worship. -John Piper 5. Worship Prayer: Practical Steps Begin a practice of private personal prayer. Get a group of people to support you in prayer. Pray regularly with the leaders of the church in small groups. Develop a prayer ministry in your local church. 5. Worship Analysis / Worship Style Example: How Is the Worship style developed in your congregation? In this case the planning is not that detailed, which shows that the worship occurs spontaneously. Spontaneous Planning Detailed Five Vital Functions Healthy Church Acts 2:41-47 E Evangelism D DiscipleshipS ServiceF Fellowship W Worship Session 4 What Steps Should We Take To Plant A Church? What Steps Should We Take To Plant A Church? The church planter must be like a wise master builder who assures a good result. Objectives Before Planting the Church Spiritual Preparation Vocational Preparation Sociological & Demographic Preparation Philosophical Preparation Strategic Preparation Emotional Preparation Daniel Snchez Five Steps to Planting Timothy DeVries Five Steps to Planting Timothy DeVries EVANGELISM Five Steps to Planting Timothy DeVries DISCIPLESHIP EVANGELISM Five Steps to Planting Timothy DeVries MEMBERSHIP DISCIPLESHIP EVANGELISM Five Steps to Planting Timothy DeVries LEADERSHIP MEMBERSHIP DISCIPLESHIP EVANGELISM Five Steps to Planting Timothy DeVries WORSHIP & SERVICE LEADERSHIP MEMBERSHIP DISCIPLESHIP EVANGELISM Chapter 8 Is there another way to plant a church? By Ken L. Davis In this model, the church is started in a place not previously evangelized. The church is started by a planter that does not have institutional support (for example, a mother church or denomination). Once the church is planted, the pioneer looks for a new place to plant a church. Independent Pioneer Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Motivation of the pioneer Loyalty, enthusiasm Opportunities to lead and to serve Freedom to make decisions Independent Pioneer Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Motivation of the pioneer Loyalty, enthusiasm Opportunities to lead and to serve Freedom to make decisions Lack of advice & accountability Strained family relationships Lack of adequate finances Pride and control issues Discouragement Independent Pioneer Model This is the most commonly used method to plant churches. A mother church sends families and leaders to a new place and provides them with economic resources and support. It is a very successful model. Mother Daughter Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Shared ministerial philosophy Available resources Forced development of new leaders Support and supervision May achieve more in less time Immediate visibility and stability AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Mother Daughter Model Shared ministerial philosophy Available resources Forced development of new leaders Support and supervision May achieve more in less time Immediate visibility and stability Much planning, preparation and sacrifice Overdependence Tendency to clone and not be different Difficulties when members are lost to the new church plant This is identical to the mother-dughter model with the exception that the group starting the church moves to a place far away, paying their own expenses, finding new jobs and establishing themselves in a new place. Colonizing Model AdvantagesAdvantages High level of commitment to Christ and the Great Commission Members offer their homes to get things started DisadvantagesDisadvantages AdvantagesAdvantages Colonizing Model High level of commitment to Christ and the Great Commission Members offer their homes to get things started At the beginning, the number of members is small Physical distance makes adequate supervision difficult DisadvantagesDisadvantages An urban church uses the same building at different times for different ethnic groups with their own pastors and autonomous leaders (Anglos, Hispanics, Asians, etc.), where each group contributes economically to maintain the facilities. Multi-Congregational Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Makes sense economically Maximizes facility use Attractive evangelistically Options for language and worship styles Breaks down racism and discrimination AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Multi-Congregational Model Makes sense economically Maximizes facility use Attractive evangelistically Options for language and worship styles Breaks down racism and discrimination Strict scheduling needed leaving little margin for additional activities Congregations must be prepared for challenges diversity brings, different values of things, communication, etc. This model has one single church meeting in several semi-autonomous groups. The satellites have a close relationship with the mother church, although they have a great deal of freedom. Satellite Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Combines the characteristics of large church & cell groups Opportunities for seminary students to get experience teaching and evangelizing. Reproduction, reach and growth is amplified. Satellite Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Combines the characteristics of large church & cell groups Opportunities for seminary students to get experience teaching and evangelizing. Reproduction, reach and growth is amplified. Use of different properties increases expenses. Roles of mother church and satellite churches can become confused. The roles should be well defined from the start. Satellite Model This is the model most familiar to North American Evangelicals. A missionary pastor starts a church with the support of the churches in the missionary agency. As soon as the church is formed and established, the pastor resigns and leaves a leader in charge. Missionary Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Works well in pioneer situations Missionary sent usually has experience Pastor and family have financial support Economic support for the church may allow them to build a sanctuary sooner Missionary Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Works well in pioneer situations Missionary sent usually has experience Pastor and family have financial support Economic support for the church may allow them to build a sanctuary sooner Dependency on sending mission support Missionary pastor often must leave work to go and raise finances Planted church may become dependent Difficulties in transitioning from missionary pastor to a permanent pastor Missionary Model This is the association kind of model. It occurs when many churches unite in a covenant to start churches, uniting resources and sharing their experience in order to do studies, select areas and set goals for church planting. Denominational Model AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages More available financial resources Effective administration Wide network of people and ideas available AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Denominational Model More available financial resources Effective administration Wide network of people and ideas available Little room for initiative and participation at the local level Planter feels limited by established programs Provincialism planters can become focused on one region and not others Cellular Model This is the way of organizing a church using small groups and meetings in homes as the central axis of the churchs work. It anticipates the multiplication of cells and, therefore, of leaders. AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Cellular Model Develops leaders Friendly environment for non-Christians Opportunities for more direct interaction AdvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantagesDisadvantages Cellular Model Develops leaders Friendly environment for non-Christians Opportunities for more direct interaction If the leadership is not dynamic, it tends to stagnate and kill the church Requires large numbers of leaders to develop model It can create resistance to growth because of comfort 11 Accountability Supprt of a Mentor Three Important Ingredients 1122 Accountability Support of a Mentor Three Important Ingredients Accountability Support of a Mentor External or Structural Support Three Important Ingredients