The journey for me over the last few months in particular in the realm of church planting has been a stretch.  I am a basic small groups/Sunday School kind of guy.  I have a huge amount of respect and appreciation for the pastors and families who boldly step out to create and begin church body life, literally where none existed before.

I am also grateful to those who have been patient in explaining processes and joining in the journey along the way.  Some of those resources are linked below.  I have found insight and help from our local Baptist association, particularly our Director of Missions, Dr. Harry Black.  He has good direction on steps and establishing good works, and I appreciate his enthusiasm.

Capital Baptist Association

Another great help along the way has been the staff at Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.  Their help as listed ranges from the personal direction I’ve received to specialized training.

BGCO

Finally, the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention has a great planting outlet through their website at the church planting village.

Church Planting Village

Also, it goes without saying that each of the above entities make financial contributions to church plants that help these young starts get vital resources to thrive.  I still have so much to learn, but I am thrilled with the opportunity already to watch the Lord do amazing things!

 

Oct
04

Church Planting Part 3: Bylaws

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Godly Passion.  Excitement.  Pioneering spirit.  When church planting is considered and even launched, these are common responses.  There is a zeal and a robust attitude when some large work is being considered.  But as I have learned, and had affirmed at a recent church plant conference, that energy and momentum will not take you far without some very solid roots.  One area to take time to research and implement relates to foundational structure.  Constitution, bylaws, tax issues, risk management, insurance, etc are not flashy topics, yet in a flash, if overlooked all the passion in the world can come to a screeching halt.

One very helpful contact and resource is a friend of mine here in Oklahoma, Steven Lewis.  His work on bylaws in particular could be of great benefit to any planter.  You can find out more information about Steven and his ministry at the following link.

Church Excellence

One final post on church planting on the way…

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Sep
30

Church Planting Part 2: Mark IV

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Admittedly, one of the reasons I have this site is to point to resources I have found.  My prayer is that there are others on the same journey, and I certainly appreciate learning from others where the trails are.  One slightly hard to find trail relates to church planting, that is healthy church planting.

After traveling in September to a church planting conference, I came across a few resources that could be of benefit.  One is from the leader of the conference, Bill Agee, who serves as the church planter at his home church.  Currently they sponsor 17 healthy plants!  Obviously he hosted the conference for their church, but he also is the leader of his own ministry outlet related to church planting.  Follow the link below for more information. To be continued…

MARK IV ministries

Thanks Bill for your heart and direction in planting healthy churches!

Sep
13

Church Planting Help

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The Lord continues to bless and stretch the work at my home church.  One of the ways is through opportunities to see new churches begin.  This is a new venture for me; not in understanding the passion and vision, but more so the practical plan help a church plant launch.  This is beyond mere financial help, or other resource development, but an entire plan to help a church thrive.

Over the past couple of days I have attended a very beneficial conference at First Baptist Church Woodstock, Georgia.  This Church Planting School has at its heart a focus of not just starting church plants, but seeing church plants thrive.  Bill Agee, seasoned church planter and specialist from FBCW, reinforced a strategy to help church plants begin by starting out with strength, not simply survival.

The key is the plan.  Bill and his team supply you with the plan, both in transparent personal testimonies from the field, but also a strategic planning guide to help steer needs and resources.  I would highly recommend this conference, which also capitalizes on the value of networking, with ample time set aside to visit with other planters and pastors launching new works.

One bonus for me was two of the main presenters, church plant pastors in Arizona, are Oklahoma Baptist University grads.  OBU is poised to continue to strengthen Kingdom work locally and globally.  Check out their mission strategy at the Avery Willis Outreach Center.

Have you found any strong resources to help in planting churches?

May
13

Accountability for Men

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As a pastor, individual, dad, friend, perhaps you are looking for a resource to help you with personal integrity and accountability, and/or resources to share with others. Men’s ministry is an interesting animal, and there are many different angles and approaches. So any time I come across something that could be a new tool for your ministry toolbox I want to pass that along.

At a recent men’s Rewired retreat at Falls Creek OK, I heard a testimony from a leader of a new organization in our area of OKC that specializes in a unique ministry area for men.

The name of the ministry is Men Living Up. Check out their site, but also be aware of a specific time for training at a workshop designed to help you strengthen men in their daily walk and in their relationships.

Check out the details here: Men Living Up Workshop

Be blessed today!