Church planting

Forum category

What suggestions, considerations, or resources would you recommend paying attention to in regard to methodology for a new church plant that maintains the health of the "base" church?

Discussion

That’s a pretty broad question, but on the whole, the gang at 9 Marks has been really good on that topic. They’ve got a lot at their website: https://www.9marks.org/search/?q=church+planting

There’s a lot of good stuff also at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary: https://dbts.edu/?s=church+planting

Of course nobody’s always right, but I have a high level of respect for, and confidence, in these sources because of their seriousness and attention to Scripture.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.

What little I've learned about church planting

  • A strong "mother church" that is not too distance (so some strong mother church members can form initial kernel)
  • Plurality of elder model works best
  • Start with a doctrinal statement
  • Undercapitalization is a common problem
  • Evangelism is absolutely key.
  • One must advertise (signage & publications (like community newspaper))

I would like to recommend the book:

The Honest Guide to Church Planting: What No One Ever Tells You About Planting and Leading a New Church

By: Tom Bennardo