When one considers the enormous task of church planting in rural North America, the logistics seem insurmountable. Where will the pastoral families come from; and how will they be trained? The demand is far greater than the supply. Bible colleges are ever increasing their focus on urban ministries. Large-venue (or, possibly menu) churches along with their executive-style pastors are catching the eyes and excitement of the generation Y crowd. And, for those that end up in rural places, they are often met with the stereotype that they're a second-rate pastor serving in a third-rate church. Of course, you already know nothing could be further from the truth. How does a person become involved in perpetuating the flow of quality, well-trained and prepared workers in small-town North America? Easy, I believe. I think we need to follow the biblical pattern of modeling/mentoring. I'll spare you the sermon, but I will point out one verse:
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).
The word commit is παρατίθημι. It means to "set beside/before someone" or "to make a deposit". It is really a TRANSFER of that which you've been given to the LIFE of someone else so they may be able (sufficient in ability) to PERPETUATE the process. So, how is that process coming in your life? How are you strategically working to perpetuate the role of preparing workers for ministry? Would you like to?
Almost weekly, I speak with young couples/individuals regarding serving with RHMA as interns. I can assure you of a couple of things. First, they are not looking for "exposure" to rural ministry--they're looking for "field experience" that will equip them to serve where God has called them. Second, they want to roll up their sleeves and learn the mechanics of living and serving God in rural places. They want someone who will TRANSFER the knowledge they've been given, to them. They are not looking for a three month stint on a dude ranch. They want to see the power of the Gospel at work in rural America!
This generation of church planters are looking for authenticity that moves beyond the ideals of the classroom...to the realities of the field. They want God's Word applied to life. The only way they'll learn that is through others--like you--who are willing to apply the type of mentoring demonstrated by Paul and Timothy.
What would happen if you decided to pour your life into a young ministry couple? Could you imagine the joy of following their ministry over the years, and watching them flourish in the fields where God plants them?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Church Planting Stages
Here are four stages of rural church planting that I've been thinking through and developing over the past several months. Although I find it hard to confine ministries to pigeon holes, and the lines are often overlapping, most church plants will progress in a similar manner.
1. Upward Stage: This is the vision stage--where it all begins. The upward stage includes the survey of the field, developing the vision and goals, raising support, and moving to the field. It begins with the call of God to plant a church and ends with establishing a residence on location. In agricultural terms this would be parallel to tilling the field.
2. Forward Stage: This is the action stage. It is a move from planning to planting. This is time when the first seeds of the gospel are sown. Relationships are built, Bible studies are held, sinners are saved. If the first stage was to design the ministry, this stage is to deliver the message.
3. Inward Stage: This is the focus stage. Here, we're moving from planning and planting...to people. New believers are growing in grace and maturity as they're watered by the word of God. Discipleship. Leadership is being identified and developed. Practical considerations (such as a meeting place) to a growing body are being considered. Biblical community is happening in a scriptural sense (think Acts 2). Often, this stage is a prolonged and difficult process. It takes time for the crop to grow and mature.
4. Outward Stage: This is the intention stage. We are beginning to bring this process full-circle. Now, as a functional body of believers, we are looking at our purpose or intention...duplication. The expansion of the gospel is moving believers to new areas where the harvest will continue. There is an emphasis on moving the message from Jerusalem to 'the ends of the earth'. Faithful followers of Christ are being developed and sent.
Each of us probably has a favorite area of church planting. They're all important, but I like the outward stage best. I enjoy forming relationships with people, sharing the gospel, and getting people on-board. Where do you best see God using you in this process? Are you the analytical type that enjoys thinking through strategies and developing vision? Or, do you like the long days of developing leadership and unity in the body? Where are you now (as a church), and what are you planning to accomplish this year? One thing I've noticed after 15 years of church planting is that one of the stages is not called the Neutral Stage. We're always going somewhere!
1. Upward Stage: This is the vision stage--where it all begins. The upward stage includes the survey of the field, developing the vision and goals, raising support, and moving to the field. It begins with the call of God to plant a church and ends with establishing a residence on location. In agricultural terms this would be parallel to tilling the field.
2. Forward Stage: This is the action stage. It is a move from planning to planting. This is time when the first seeds of the gospel are sown. Relationships are built, Bible studies are held, sinners are saved. If the first stage was to design the ministry, this stage is to deliver the message.
3. Inward Stage: This is the focus stage. Here, we're moving from planning and planting...to people. New believers are growing in grace and maturity as they're watered by the word of God. Discipleship. Leadership is being identified and developed. Practical considerations (such as a meeting place) to a growing body are being considered. Biblical community is happening in a scriptural sense (think Acts 2). Often, this stage is a prolonged and difficult process. It takes time for the crop to grow and mature.
4. Outward Stage: This is the intention stage. We are beginning to bring this process full-circle. Now, as a functional body of believers, we are looking at our purpose or intention...duplication. The expansion of the gospel is moving believers to new areas where the harvest will continue. There is an emphasis on moving the message from Jerusalem to 'the ends of the earth'. Faithful followers of Christ are being developed and sent.
Each of us probably has a favorite area of church planting. They're all important, but I like the outward stage best. I enjoy forming relationships with people, sharing the gospel, and getting people on-board. Where do you best see God using you in this process? Are you the analytical type that enjoys thinking through strategies and developing vision? Or, do you like the long days of developing leadership and unity in the body? Where are you now (as a church), and what are you planning to accomplish this year? One thing I've noticed after 15 years of church planting is that one of the stages is not called the Neutral Stage. We're always going somewhere!
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