Directions: Each CFC Missionary should post 2 original blogposts as a response to the video segment and then comment on 1 other person's original posts.
We first felt the calling to come to Ridgeland in August of 2008, though we had been seeking God for over a year for His will. My wife and I were driving to church where we attended in FL talking about some people we knew in SC. My wife mentioned that they had to drive about 30 miles to get to church every service because there was not a local assembly for them to attend. At that moment I knew that was where God was calling us to go.
Bro. Joyce, I can relate to the timing of seeking God for His will. After resigning the church I had beenn pastoring, I waiting for over a year. It seemed like 10 years! But I feel God was not only preparing me for the next step, he was also providing a space of time for me to get rest and spiritually renewed before moving back onto the front line of Kingdom work. I appreciate your dedication and your spirit! Glad we are co-laborers in South Carolina!
We had established a new church in the Arkansas District after returning from South America. After several years I began to feel that God was directing me to transition the leadership of this congregation. Over time, I received what I felt were numerous confirmations and I resigned. We moved to work out of a church pastored by a good friend and also where our son attended as a college student. I preached out while waiting on God to open the next door for us. After about one year, we were really getting anxious to get settled again. A mutual friend had given my name to the SC Home Missions Director, whom I had never met. He called me asking me to pray and consider the city of Columbia, SC. I was "really" not interested in starting another church from scratch ... and in a city where I know no one! However, over the next several weeks, I couoldn't get away from the need of this city. During this time I was also contacted about 3 different established churches needing a pastor but nothing felt right. I let them know I was not available to try out. As more time passed, I really began to recognize that God was giving me a genuine burden and calling for the city of Columbia. As I was considering this, one morning in prayer, God brought to my mind the scripture in Acts 18, "Be not afraid ... For I am with thee ... for I have much people in this city." We than began to take appropriate steps to make the move to Columbia. That's my "Why I am doing this."
I really appreciate Bro. Bernard's comment about "always thinking, what can I do to expand the Kingdom of God." I feel our mission and our goal should be to evangelize our cities ... not just establish a church. Even after a home missions church is self-supporting and the pastor could possibly be very comfortable, we should still be thinking, "What can I do ... how can I more effectively expand the Kingdom of God in this city?" I read recently, "In the race for excellence, there is no finish line." I feel we must constantly be praying and considering, "What can I do to be more effective?"
Our calling to Elliot Lake came as a result of a visit on a Saturday afternoon drive 2 hours west of Sudbury Ontario.My wife Sherrie and I were assisting in the work in Sudbury while living in the parsonage, the Sunday school department needed our accommodations to meet the needs of a growing Sunday School.WE were earnestly praying for the will of God for direction.When we arrived in Elliot Lake we both felt such a burden for this unreached city.While we were getting acquainted with the city we noticed a church for sale,I walked around it praying "Lord if it's your will give us this building for your glory".My wife and I started weeping for this city.When we arrived back in Sudbury our Pastor came over and we explained what happened to us in Elliot Lake,to our surprise he started to weep which got us all crying.Our pastor told us of his personal burden for Elliot Lake,he believed we heard from God, which confirmed how we felt. Praise Jesus!We found a house in Elliot Lake and with the help of God we bought that vacant Church now with the help of Jesus we will continue to grow for his glory.
I would like to comment on our kingdom mentality.Paul was certainly kingdom minded,when he wrote unto the Colossians from a Roman jail in Colossians 4:16 Paul instructed that this epistle should be also read also in the Church of the Laodiceans then after the Laodiceans read it they were to pass the epistle on to somewhere else.My point is where ever we can reach out for souls outside of our present location, in Pauls case he was in prison,we will be kingdom minded.
I would like to respond to brother E Heron I am very excited that you have a burden to plant churches.The Lord sees your desire,my suggestion is for you to work very closely with your Pastor and win souls where you are,then when the timing is right in the will of God with your Pastors blessing and direction God will direct you to a lost city for his glory.
I love what Bishop Benard said about being constrained to do the work of the Lord, this is the primary reason we ventured out to start a new work in the city of Detroit. Although there are a number of churches in the city, there are still so many ppl who are not reached. Our church is on the NW side of Detroit, we originally came back to Detroit from overseas and helped in the church over in Okinawa. Here we were serving in another country and our family and friends were not being reached right at home. When we came home, we made it our mission to reach our family and friends with the glorius gospel of Christ, this of course has been expanded to whole city of Detroit. Our church started off as a daughter work of First Church in Sterling Hts, MI (Pastor Hoffman). Thank God for other ppl of God who share in this great vision of reaching the lost EVERYWHERE!
Kingdom mentality is: Not my will but thine be done. Praying God's will be accomplished as we endeavor to do the Lord's work as it relates to winning the lost and discipleship. It is a commitment to reaching out to our community no matter the challenge we face, because we know that with God all things are possible. I agree that we must have a plan, however be flexible and understand that God has the final say, as Bishop Benard states...
E. Heron I agree with Reg Harwood, with the desire you have, in time the Lord will open doors for you...I remember seeking God early in ministry as it related to starting a church, and sought counsel from my Pastor as well. I was offered an opportunity early on however just did not feel the leading of the Lord. My Pastor helped to confirm this. It is so clear to me now that I was not ready then. God opened a door about 4 years ago for us to start a group in the city I was born and raised. It started with a few, after a few years it grew and now God blessed us with a building. We are ministering to ppl who would not go to church if we were not there. It is truly a blessing...
One of the things that really stood out to me was about having a call. Starting a church in Alaska can be a challenging task and even more so when you are off the the road system. One of the things a person once told me was make sure of your calling, because there will be time when that is the only thing that will keep you. I have already in the year and a half of being onsite found that to be true. Thank God for a calling!
the other thing that I really felt was important was the fact that this is God's kindom. This concept is so important and really does keep things in perspective. It is not about me, but it is indeed all about him!
Bro Gann I can also relate about timing. We Pastored for 4 years and had to move back to my home town as my dad was dying of cancer. This was devistating to us and I desired so badly to be doing what I knew I was called to do, but it had to be the right timing and God aligning some things to make it happen! I have to say it seemed as though it was an eternity, but I am so thankful that I did as God had a perfect plan more my family and I as home missionaries in Juneau Alaska!
Good words concerning a calling, Bro. alaskaelmore! One of the most valuable things that we have done has been to record every miracle, open door, and handful on purpose that God has tossed our way. We understand that these things are confirmations of our calling. When the road is rough and nothing feels right, we can look back and read the road that God has prepared for us to get to this point. Those confirmations of the calling are valuable to us in the dark times. The calling will carry us when everything else fades.
I like what Bishop Bernard said about "not operating by isolation." This rugged individualistic mentality that is many times seen in home missionaries (and to an extent can be helpful)is sometimes a killer. We need each other. Fellowship is vital.
Concerning the two elements contained within Matthew 28, I was wondering if anyone wanted to share some of out of the box concepts concerning discipling new converts. One of the approaches we are taking at our church, although we are few, is to take our new converts and pair them up with a mentor. If it's a couple, we pair them with a "seasoned" couple who can answer their questions and be there to provide fellowship for them. If it's a single person, we have another single person mentor them. Just one of the things we are doing. Would love to hear what others are finding to work in their situation.
alaskaelmore and jonathansanders (greetings Jonathan from Jonesboro!), I agree on the necessity of being confident in your calling. When times are tough, as they sometimes will be, it is a wonderful thing to know that I can point to a time/place where I heard a direct word from the Lord regarding His call for our family. What a sweet assurance it brings me.
One of the things Bro. Bernard alluded to is the fact that he had a long-term vision for Austin when he began New Life. I want to make certain that our church has a long-term vision not only for Sanctuary Church, but also for the entire region where we live. When we held our first service, we made sure that the very first offering we took up was a missions offering. We have continued this regularly. I was overwhelmed when a fellow church planter from Arkansas sent us a check for $1000! I remember thinking to myself, "This is a Kingdom mentality in action!" He didn't just preach it to his congregation... He showed them what it looked like. Let me never become so ingrown that I forget to build His Kingdom and not mine.
I appreciate the words of Bro. Bernard concerning the three components to completing our ministry. I agree that we need a plan. We also have to have a deep desire to do what we are doing, but when plans fall short and desire fades, we have to be anchored to the call God placed on our lives. My former Pastor told me a long time ago that a minister will be faced with many things that challenge his zeal and passion for ministry. It is in those times we must rest in the CALL! Thank you Bro. Bernard for reminding me of the call
I liked the language Br. Bernard highlighted to describe calling to church planting: compulsion. It's not something you do without being strongly drawn to do it. Our calling COMPELS us, propels us, keeps us going when church planting wears us down. I'm so grateful for the burden that is on our lives, and it's that passion and drive that keeps our eyes on the long term. I can't imagine trying to do this without such a strong burden--I'm sure we wouldn't still be here today.
Kenneth O'Connell: I also would love to hear ideas for discipleship. In our church, we don't really have move-ins or other established folks who have an Apostolic background to mentor our new folks. Any thoughts on discipleship when you're truly building from the ground up--with folks who are completely new to an Apostolic church?
A kingdom mentality...that is something we have been intentional about developing in our church from the ground up. We are committed to teaching that the church does not exist to serve US, but to reach beyond its walls and serve others in need. From that perspective, folks understand the importance of evangelism, of living what we say and being true to our beliefs throughout the week. Since church planting is hard work for everyone involved, our folks get that ministry is about service. That's a lesson I pray will not be forgotten when we are no longer setting up and tearing down each week. :)
Liked the video. Many things stuck out to me. The one that hit me was that souls are main objective, not a property or building or going "full-time" into the ministry. The bottom line is souls. My wife and I have been breaking fallow ground for the past few years and sometimes we dream of attaining some of those goals, but in the end they are not why we came. It is souls.
We felt a calling on our life to start a Home Missions work in the Coachella Valley in 2007 after a brief visit. As new residents to this valley, we saw a great need for a multiclultural ministry as it is a very diverse valley. My wife and I started an English Home Missions work and we quickly saw the need to start a monolingual church and that has proved to be in God's divine plan. This spanish work has grown under the guidance and experience of the english work and there is a kindred spirit as they work in tandem. We have felt such a strong burden to reach our valley with the Gospel and it has been a daily mindset to be evangelistic kingdom minded. Thank you Bishop for these precious thoughts to strategize and capture every thought to reach souls.
To the Sanctuary and Kenneth O'Connel: I have had effective success by establishing Home Felowship Groups throughout our valley and they have proven to be kingdom builders. Once I start a group in a particular neighborhood, I then immediately look for an assisstant home fellowship group leader to assisst me. After a couple of months I transition the leader to become the primary bible teacher. This is the flow of our home groups: We usually start by having an apetizer and get the people to settle in and get to know new attendees. After about 30 mins of this, we start off with prayer in a circle and then the leader asks everyone to briefly state their name and then the leader would share a scipture or a testimony. Then we sing a couple of songs or hymms (About 10 mins). We then share an ice breaker question and pass out the short bible study outline sheet. As they are passing out the study sheet we ask the children to go into a seperate room with the children's teacher. We then share the word for about 20 mins. We then finish by asking questions pertaining to the bible study or testimonies that pertain to the bible study for about 15 mins. We have grown in church attendance and there are more one-on-one bible studies due to the outcome of these Home Fellowship Groups. I believe the key here is that the home group "adopts" the new visitors and new church members as their new "family" in Christ, and this is early apstolic evangelism as they broke bread from house to house.
To love people and our neighbor is a major key to allow people in our neighborhoods to open their hearts to the Gospel. I am learning daily to apply this in my life.
The call of God seemed so unmistakeable at the time. I prayed about it, talked about it, and waited on it. The waiting process can be very trying. Yet looking back, I am sure God was preparing me in many ways to do his perfect will
After 15 years of pastoring a church in Niles, Michigan, I was led to resign that church, not knowing where to go. As i had only spoken to my wife, an elder mentor called me the next day and confirmed my decision, asking me if I would be willing to help him plant a daughter church in a nearby city. At that very moment i felt that was truly meant for me and felt the will of God. My family and I began to make plans to relocate to the city we would call our home, our calling, Charlotte, Michigan
To Sanctuary: As we began to teach bible studies in some of the homes nearby in our city, and as the people came in, more and more, we began to do group bible studies in our home. Later, I began to take that same group and teach a discipleship class then moved into an advanced class for those interested in leadership. This took about 1 year to complete, but this we found established the people. At the end of each 12-15 week class, I made a big deal out of it by giving each member a certificate of completion. This still continues to this day as the church grows.
I felt the call to Pastor since before I went to Bible College. After graduation we moved to Lincoln, NE to assist in the church my wife grew up in. After living here for 2 years our family purchased our first home. While moving our belongings to the area of town I drove by a row of storefronts and I felt God say I would start a church in that building. After not being able to escape that feeling and burden I began to pray about it. My pastor thought it was a good idea when I asked him about it. I never thought Lincoln would be the place I would pastor. We are in an area of Lincoln completely cutoff from the rest of the city by the airport, so it is very much its own community. We started having a Bible Study in our house and after about a year we held our first service in the local community center. After a year in the rec center we are now in those very storefronts I first felt God's call. I liked what Bro. Bernard said about the kingdom mindset. I have no desire to be in competition with other churches. I hope our church can be a hub for future daughter churches and ministries to our city.
to jonathansanders: I agree with the "not operating by isolation" comment also. We have started having what we call commUNITY rallies in Lincoln with the other churches. This is good not only for us pastors but for our saints as well. This has helped create a common bond to reach our city and not compete.
to ppdap: I like this concept of looking for transition form the start of the group. I have thought that Home Groups would be effective for us but cannot be all things to all men and lead all groups. I like this idea.
In regards to having a kingdom mentality, we have tried to keep this at the forefront in our work. There are two other UPC churches in our city. We started last year holding what we call commUNITY services on those months in which there are 5 Sundays. We gather our congregations together and split up the music, preaching, and other duties. This has helped to form a bond and increase fellowship as well as for the pastors to endeavor to work together to reach our city.
Bro. Bernard's video struck a cord with me. Especially the first part. There have been times that the "plan" has changed slightly but the desire has stayed strong. The main factor in this whole process has been that we know we have a "call". As long as that is there, we'll keep on.
I also appreciate what was said about the "Kingdom Mentality". If we can just understand that there are many different types of people out there. If someone does not enjoy the style of our service but can find what they need down the road... so be it.
to jonathansanders: great point about "isolation". T and I do what we can to stay informed about what is going on in churches around us and we want to celebrate with them. We do this as best we can... sometimes it's the only celebrating that we can do. ha.
We are here to establish a Apostolic Church, not because we want to do so, but because God called us to do this. My hometown has never had an Apostolic Church. And it is our pleasure to be in the center of God's will. This alone may be all that we have at times, if the call is upon you this can sustain you when things are difficult. We are not here for a year to see what happens, we view this more like a marriage. We intend to do our part to build in the kingdom of God.
Bro Gann, I like your comment about the Lord preparing you, giving you rest. He knows exactly how to prepare us for the battles we will face and the giants in our valleys!
Reg Harwood - It is wonderful to hear about how the Lord layed the burden upon you and your wife for your city. It is awesome that Lord worked through your Pastor first and he was behind you. It is apostolic to be sent by your authority. May the Lord do great things in your city
My wife and I were praying for God to give us clear divine direction within 90 days. It was a couple of weeks later that the Lord woke me up in the morning and spoke to me "Go to Portland. They need a church. There is going to be Revival". We love our city and the Lord has given us a plan, a desire and a call for our city. We believe the Lord is going to send a mighty Revival to Portland
I love that Bro Bernard said if we want to have long term success in a city we must not think in terms of "1" mega church, but planting multiple churches in the metro city..
after 15 yrs of pastoring in Niles MI. I was lead to resign,upon my resignation,I was contacted by a Pastor mentor to help him with starting a daugther Church in a near by city.As we drove in to the city, immeditly We knew this was the will of God for us.
I would like to believe that I am a people person, never meeting a stranger, it gives me great energy to witness and share the gospel with others and watch as God changes their lives.
Commenting on "The Sanctuary" I agree agressively, that it is our call that causes us to keep moving, many times I and my wife have reflicted on just that,The apostal Paul even said, he thank God for calling him into the ministry. I truly like the part "Passion," our driving force in reaching the lost.
I was drawn to the team approach. The reason I comment this is how our home mission work went from 15 to 44 in the span of 1 year. It started with the thought that I am not an island on my own. I am blessed to have a fellowship that has the same passion for revival. So I began by submitting to our District Superintendent and that was the beginning of a special kinship. He was experiencing revival in their local church and we had a passion to have revival. We began to share ideas and the evangelist that was there at the time. The result was we had 14 people receive the Holy Ghost and between our churches we organized a once a week revival service open to other home missionary churches. We have been going for over a year and over 100 hundred people have been filled with the spirit some from our church, the bishop’s church, and other neighboring churches. It truly has been a blessing. Understanding that we are limited in funds and resources, we decided we were going to use all the district resource to our advantage and unite with other Pastors and leaders to build a great church for God. The Bishop church was not our mother church but through this new found kinship with the bishop they have become somewhat of a mother church to us. I thank God for being part of a great fellowship that allows this team concept to take place.
I am on the affirmative in regards to the purpose for home mission. In my younger years in ministry I was taught how building mega churches was the way to go. But one day in a message on evangelism my thought process was changed. A certain phrase the preacher said “What we are doing is a drop in the bucket” stayed in my mind. I went home and began to do the math. We are in a population of 60,000. if their were 5 Pentecostal/apostolic churches with 1000 member each we would still be short 55,000 that need to reached by the Gospel. I say we need as many churches in order to reach as many people as we can. Of course having the ethical relationships with other churches is key as Bro Bernard speaks abut this in Team Approach.
Some reasons that have motivated me to plant this church I would mostly contribute to my pastor. He tried various ways to start new works, many appeared to be unsuccessful but it never stopped him from trying. Secondly I believe that God have placed a burden within me, as I began to mature in Christ I wanted to see more churches planted.
The origination of my calling actually started leading me somewhere else than my church Plant. I felt the Lord doing something in my Spirit and than my Pastor confirmed it by saying that Him and I have come to a Place where two paths cross. He didn't kick me out but encouraged me to pursue what God wanted me to do.
I like to respond to ppdap we visited the city we are now Pastoring and immediatley I felt like the Lord wanted us to do something about it. My Superintented counselled me and told me the exact words that you can do something about this. shortly after that we excepted the call.
What are some reasons that have motivated you to engage in church planting? What was the origination of your calling?
I grew up in a Spanish church founded by my Father in Chicago. When I moved to Norfolk, VA seven years ago I realized there was no outreach to the Spanish community of any Apostolic denomination/organization. Upon my arrival to Norfolk, a Hispanic single mother in Bro. Blankenship's church started inviting Hispanics to the services. From there we began a small Bible study. After a few months it was obvious that God was giving us favor and we launched our daughter church (which is now an autonomous work).
Discuss your thoughts on "kingdom mentality" as mentioned by Brother Bernard.
We cannot build the "kingdom of God" on earth without having a "Kingdom mindset". I need to be in tune with God for "His will"for our community and congregation
In response to ernesternestj post on his calling, I would say ours was similar.
We came to Norfolk to help in a different avenue of ministry but when the need became apparent of Spanish ministries the Senior Pastor and I made an agreement to follow what was an apparent open door by God.
We first felt the calling to come to Ridgeland in August of 2008, though we had been seeking God for over a year for His will. My wife and I were driving to church where we attended in FL talking about some people we knew in SC. My wife mentioned that they had to drive about 30 miles to get to church every service because there was not a local assembly for them to attend. At that moment I knew that was where God was calling us to go.
ReplyDeleteBro. Joyce, I can relate to the timing of seeking God for His will. After resigning the church I had beenn pastoring, I waiting for over a year. It seemed like 10 years! But I feel God was not only preparing me for the next step, he was also providing a space of time for me to get rest and spiritually renewed before moving back onto the front line of Kingdom work. I appreciate your dedication and your spirit! Glad we are co-laborers in South Carolina!
ReplyDeleteWe had established a new church in the Arkansas District after returning from South America. After several years I began to feel that God was directing me to transition the leadership of this congregation. Over time, I received what I felt were numerous confirmations and I resigned. We moved to work out of a church pastored by a good friend and also where our son attended as a college student. I preached out while waiting on God to open the next door for us. After about one year, we were really getting anxious to get settled again. A mutual friend had given my name to the SC Home Missions Director, whom I had never met. He called me asking me to pray and consider the city of Columbia, SC. I was "really" not interested in starting another church from scratch ... and in a city where I know no one! However, over the next several weeks, I couoldn't get away from the need of this city. During this time I was also contacted about 3 different established churches needing a pastor but nothing felt right. I let them know I was not available to try out. As more time passed, I really began to recognize that God was giving me a genuine burden and calling for the city of Columbia. As I was considering this, one morning in prayer, God brought to my mind the scripture in Acts 18, "Be not afraid ... For I am with thee ... for I have much people in this city." We than began to take appropriate steps to make the move to Columbia. That's my "Why I am doing this."
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate Bro. Bernard's comment about "always thinking, what can I do to expand the Kingdom of God." I feel our mission and our goal should be to evangelize our cities ... not just establish a church. Even after a home missions church is self-supporting and the pastor could possibly be very comfortable, we should still be thinking, "What can I do ... how can I more effectively expand the Kingdom of God in this city?" I read recently, "In the race for excellence, there is no finish line." I feel we must constantly be praying and considering, "What can I do to be more effective?"
ReplyDeleteOur calling to Elliot Lake came as a result of a visit on a Saturday afternoon drive 2 hours west of Sudbury Ontario.My wife Sherrie and I were assisting in the work in Sudbury while living in the parsonage, the Sunday school department needed our accommodations to meet the needs of a growing Sunday School.WE were earnestly praying for the will of God for direction.When we arrived in Elliot Lake we both felt such a burden for this unreached city.While we were getting acquainted with the city we noticed a church for sale,I walked around it praying "Lord if it's your will give us this building for your glory".My wife and I started weeping for this city.When we arrived back in Sudbury our Pastor came over and we explained what happened to us in Elliot Lake,to our surprise he started to weep which got us all crying.Our pastor told us of his personal burden for Elliot Lake,he believed we heard from God, which confirmed how we felt. Praise Jesus!We found a house in Elliot Lake and with the help of God we bought that vacant Church now with the help of Jesus we will continue to grow for his glory.
ReplyDeleteI would like to comment on our kingdom mentality.Paul was certainly kingdom minded,when he wrote unto the Colossians from a Roman jail in Colossians 4:16 Paul instructed that this epistle should be also read also in the Church of the Laodiceans then after the Laodiceans read it they were to pass the epistle on to somewhere else.My point is where ever we can reach out for souls outside of our present location, in Pauls case he was in prison,we will be kingdom minded.
ReplyDeleteI would like to respond to brother E Heron I am very excited that you have a burden to plant churches.The Lord sees your desire,my suggestion is for you to work very closely with your Pastor and win souls where you are,then when the timing is right in the will of God with your Pastors blessing and direction God will direct you to a lost city for his glory.
ReplyDeleteI love what Bishop Benard said about being constrained to do the work of the Lord, this is the primary reason we ventured out to start a new work in the city of Detroit. Although there are a number of churches in the city, there are still so many ppl who are not reached. Our church is on the NW side of Detroit, we originally came back to Detroit from overseas and helped in the church over in Okinawa. Here we were serving in another country and our family and friends were not being reached right at home. When we came home, we made it our mission to reach our family and friends with the glorius gospel of Christ, this of course has been expanded to whole city of Detroit. Our church started off as a daughter work of First Church in Sterling Hts, MI (Pastor Hoffman). Thank God for other ppl of God who share in this great vision of reaching the lost EVERYWHERE!
ReplyDeleteKingdom mentality is: Not my will but thine be done. Praying God's will be accomplished as we endeavor to do the Lord's work as it relates to winning the lost and discipleship. It is a commitment to reaching out to our community no matter the challenge we face, because we know that with God all things are possible. I agree that we must have a plan, however be flexible and understand that God has the final say, as Bishop Benard states...
ReplyDeleteE. Heron I agree with Reg Harwood, with the desire you have, in time the Lord will open doors for you...I remember seeking God early in ministry as it related to starting a church, and sought counsel from my Pastor as well. I was offered an opportunity early on however just did not feel the leading of the Lord. My Pastor helped to confirm this. It is so clear to me now that I was not ready then. God opened a door about 4 years ago for us to start a group in the city I was born and raised. It started with a few, after a few years it grew and now God blessed us with a building. We are ministering to ppl who would not go to church if we were not there. It is truly a blessing...
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that really stood out to me was about having a call. Starting a church in Alaska can be a challenging task and even more so when you are off the the road system. One of the things a person once told me was make sure of your calling, because there will be time when that is the only thing that will keep you. I have already in the year and a half of being onsite found that to be true. Thank God for a calling!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletethe other thing that I really felt was important was the fact that this is God's kindom. This concept is so important and really does keep things in perspective. It is not about me, but it is indeed all about him!
ReplyDeleteBro Gann I can also relate about timing. We Pastored for 4 years and had to move back to my home town as my dad was dying of cancer. This was devistating to us and I desired so badly to be doing what I knew I was called to do, but it had to be the right timing and God aligning some things to make it happen! I have to say it seemed as though it was an eternity, but I am so thankful that I did as God had a perfect plan more my family and I as home missionaries in Juneau Alaska!
ReplyDeleteGood words concerning a calling, Bro. alaskaelmore! One of the most valuable things that we have done has been to record every miracle, open door, and handful on purpose that God has tossed our way. We understand that these things are confirmations of our calling. When the road is rough and nothing feels right, we can look back and read the road that God has prepared for us to get to this point. Those confirmations of the calling are valuable to us in the dark times. The calling will carry us when everything else fades.
ReplyDeleteI like what Bishop Bernard said about "not operating by isolation." This rugged individualistic mentality that is many times seen in home missionaries (and to an extent can be helpful)is sometimes a killer. We need each other. Fellowship is vital.
ReplyDeleteConcerning the two elements contained within Matthew 28, I was wondering if anyone wanted to share some of out of the box concepts concerning discipling new converts. One of the approaches we are taking at our church, although we are few, is to take our new converts and pair them up with a mentor. If it's a couple, we pair them with a "seasoned" couple who can answer their questions and be there to provide fellowship for them. If it's a single person, we have another single person mentor them. Just one of the things we are doing. Would love to hear what others are finding to work in their situation.
ReplyDeletealaskaelmore and jonathansanders (greetings Jonathan from Jonesboro!), I agree on the necessity of being confident in your calling. When times are tough, as they sometimes will be, it is a wonderful thing to know that I can point to a time/place where I heard a direct word from the Lord regarding His call for our family. What a sweet assurance it brings me.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things Bro. Bernard alluded to is the fact that he had a long-term vision for Austin when he began New Life. I want to make certain that our church has a long-term vision not only for Sanctuary Church, but also for the entire region where we live. When we held our first service, we made sure that the very first offering we took up was a missions offering. We have continued this regularly. I was overwhelmed when a fellow church planter from Arkansas sent us a check for $1000! I remember thinking to myself, "This is a Kingdom mentality in action!" He didn't just preach it to his congregation... He showed them what it looked like. Let me never become so ingrown that I forget to build His Kingdom and not mine.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the words of Bro. Bernard concerning the three components to completing our ministry. I agree that we need a plan. We also have to have a deep desire to do what we are doing, but when plans fall short and desire fades, we have to be anchored to the call God placed on our lives. My former Pastor told me a long time ago that a minister will be faced with many things that challenge his zeal and passion for ministry. It is in those times we must rest in the CALL! Thank you Bro. Bernard for reminding me of the call
ReplyDeleteI liked the language Br. Bernard highlighted to describe calling to church planting: compulsion. It's not something you do without being strongly drawn to do it. Our calling COMPELS us, propels us, keeps us going when church planting wears us down. I'm so grateful for the burden that is on our lives, and it's that passion and drive that keeps our eyes on the long term. I can't imagine trying to do this without such a strong burden--I'm sure we wouldn't still be here today.
ReplyDeleteKenneth O'Connell: I also would love to hear ideas for discipleship. In our church, we don't really have move-ins or other established folks who have an Apostolic background to mentor our new folks. Any thoughts on discipleship when you're truly building from the ground up--with folks who are completely new to an Apostolic church?
ReplyDeleteA kingdom mentality...that is something we have been intentional about developing in our church from the ground up. We are committed to teaching that the church does not exist to serve US, but to reach beyond its walls and serve others in need. From that perspective, folks understand the importance of evangelism, of living what we say and being true to our beliefs throughout the week. Since church planting is hard work for everyone involved, our folks get that ministry is about service. That's a lesson I pray will not be forgotten when we are no longer setting up and tearing down each week. :)
ReplyDeleteLiked the video. Many things stuck out to me. The one that hit me was that souls are main objective, not a property or building or going "full-time" into the ministry. The bottom line is souls. My wife and I have been breaking fallow ground for the past few years and sometimes we dream of attaining some of those goals, but in the end they are not why we came. It is souls.
ReplyDeleteWe felt a calling on our life to start a Home Missions work in the Coachella Valley in 2007 after a brief visit. As new residents to this valley, we saw a great need for a multiclultural ministry as it is a very diverse valley. My wife and I started an English Home Missions work and we quickly saw the need to start a monolingual church and that has proved to be in God's divine plan. This spanish work has grown under the guidance and experience of the english work and there is a kindred spirit as they work in tandem. We have felt such a strong burden to reach our valley with the Gospel and it has been a daily mindset to be evangelistic kingdom minded. Thank you Bishop for these precious thoughts to strategize and capture every thought to reach souls.
ReplyDeleteTo the Sanctuary and Kenneth O'Connel: I have had effective success by establishing Home Felowship Groups throughout our valley and they have proven to be kingdom builders. Once I start a group in a particular neighborhood, I then immediately look for an assisstant home fellowship group leader to assisst me. After a couple of months I transition the leader to become the primary bible teacher. This is the flow of our home groups: We usually start by having an apetizer and get the people to settle in and get to know new attendees. After about 30 mins of this, we start off with prayer in a circle and then the leader asks everyone to briefly state their name and then the leader would share a scipture or a testimony. Then we sing a couple of songs or hymms (About 10 mins). We then share an ice breaker question and pass out the short bible study outline sheet. As they are passing out the study sheet we ask the children to go into a seperate room with the children's teacher. We then share the word for about 20 mins. We then finish by asking questions pertaining to the bible study or testimonies that pertain to the bible study for about 15 mins. We have grown in church attendance and there are more one-on-one bible studies due to the outcome of these Home Fellowship Groups. I believe the key here is that the home group "adopts" the new visitors and new church members as their new "family" in Christ, and this is early apstolic evangelism as they broke bread from house to house.
ReplyDeleteTo love people and our neighbor is a major key to allow people in our neighborhoods to open their hearts to the Gospel. I am learning daily to apply this in my life.
ReplyDeleteThe call of God seemed so unmistakeable at the time. I prayed about it, talked about it, and waited on it. The waiting process can be very trying. Yet looking back, I am sure God was preparing me in many ways to do his perfect will
ReplyDeleteAfter 15 years of pastoring a church in Niles, Michigan, I was led to resign that church, not knowing where to go. As i had only spoken to my wife, an elder mentor called me the next day and confirmed my decision, asking me if I would be willing to help him plant a daughter church in a nearby city. At that very moment i felt that was truly meant for me and felt the will of God. My family and I began to make plans to relocate to the city we would call our home, our calling, Charlotte, Michigan
ReplyDeleteTo Sanctuary:
ReplyDeleteAs we began to teach bible studies in some of the homes nearby in our city, and as the people came in, more and more, we began to do group bible studies in our home. Later, I began to take that same group and teach a discipleship class then moved into an advanced class for those interested in leadership. This took about 1 year to complete, but this we found established the people. At the end of each 12-15 week class, I made a big deal out of it by giving each member a certificate of completion. This still continues to this day as the church grows.
I felt the call to Pastor since before I went to Bible College. After graduation we moved to Lincoln, NE to assist in the church my wife grew up in. After living here for 2 years our family purchased our first home. While moving our belongings to the area of town I drove by a row of storefronts and I felt God say I would start a church in that building. After not being able to escape that feeling and burden I began to pray about it. My pastor thought it was a good idea when I asked him about it. I never thought Lincoln would be the place I would pastor. We are in an area of Lincoln completely cutoff from the rest of the city by the airport, so it is very much its own community. We started having a Bible Study in our house and after about a year we held our first service in the local community center. After a year in the rec center we are now in those very storefronts I first felt God's call.
ReplyDeleteI liked what Bro. Bernard said about the kingdom mindset. I have no desire to be in competition with other churches. I hope our church can be a hub for future daughter churches and ministries to our city.
to jonathansanders:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the "not operating by isolation" comment also. We have started having what we call commUNITY rallies in Lincoln with the other churches. This is good not only for us pastors but for our saints as well. This has helped create a common bond to reach our city and not compete.
to ppdap: I like this concept of looking for transition form the start of the group. I have thought that Home Groups would be effective for us but cannot be all things to all men and lead all groups. I like this idea.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to having a kingdom mentality, we have tried to keep this at the forefront in our work. There are two other UPC churches in our city. We started last year holding what we call commUNITY services on those months in which there are 5 Sundays. We gather our congregations together and split up the music, preaching, and other duties. This has helped to form a bond and increase fellowship as well as for the pastors to endeavor to work together to reach our city.
ReplyDeleteBro. Bernard's video struck a cord with me. Especially the first part. There have been times that the "plan" has changed slightly but the desire has stayed strong. The main factor in this whole process has been that we know we have a "call". As long as that is there, we'll keep on.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate what was said about the "Kingdom Mentality". If we can just understand that there are many different types of people out there. If someone does not enjoy the style of our service but can find what they need down the road... so be it.
ReplyDeleteto jonathansanders: great point about "isolation". T and I do what we can to stay informed about what is going on in churches around us and we want to celebrate with them. We do this as best we can... sometimes it's the only celebrating that we can do. ha.
ReplyDeleteWe are here to establish a Apostolic Church, not because we want to do so, but because God called us to do this. My hometown has never had an Apostolic Church. And it is our pleasure to be in the center of God's will. This alone may be all that we have at times, if the call is upon you this can sustain you when things are difficult. We are not here for a year to see what happens, we view this more like a marriage. We intend to do our part to build in the kingdom of God.
ReplyDeleteBro Gann, I like your comment about the Lord preparing you, giving you rest. He knows exactly how to prepare us for the battles we will face and the giants in our valleys!
ReplyDeleteReg Harwood - It is wonderful to hear about how the Lord layed the burden upon you and your wife for your city. It is awesome that Lord worked through your Pastor first and he was behind you. It is apostolic to be sent by your authority. May the Lord do great things in your city
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I were praying for God to give us clear divine direction within 90 days. It was a couple of weeks later that the Lord woke me up in the morning and spoke to me "Go to Portland. They need a church. There is going to be Revival". We love our city and the Lord has given us a plan, a desire and a call for our city. We believe the Lord is going to send a mighty Revival to Portland
ReplyDeleteI love that Bro Bernard said if we want to have long term success in a city we must not think in terms of "1" mega church, but planting multiple churches in the metro city..
ReplyDeletejjjjjj
ReplyDeleteafter 15 yrs of pastoring in Niles MI. I was lead to resign,upon my resignation,I was contacted by a Pastor mentor to help him with starting a daugther Church in a near by city.As we drove in to the city, immeditly We knew this was the will of God for us.
ReplyDeleteI would like to believe that I am a people person, never meeting a stranger, it gives me great energy to witness and share the gospel with others and watch as God changes their lives.
ReplyDeleteCommenting on "The Sanctuary" I agree agressively, that it is our call that causes us to keep moving, many times I and my wife have reflicted on just that,The apostal Paul even said, he thank God for calling him into the ministry. I truly like the part "Passion," our driving force in reaching the lost.
ReplyDeleteI was drawn to the team approach. The reason I comment this is how our home mission work went from 15 to 44 in the span of 1 year. It started with the thought that I am not an island on my own. I am blessed to have a fellowship that has the same passion for revival. So I began by submitting to our District Superintendent and that was the beginning of a special kinship. He was experiencing revival in their local church and we had a passion to have revival. We began to share ideas and the evangelist that was there at the time. The result was we had 14 people receive the Holy Ghost and between our churches we organized a once a week revival service open to other home missionary churches. We have been going for over a year and over 100 hundred people have been filled with the spirit some from our church, the bishop’s church, and other neighboring churches. It truly has been a blessing. Understanding that we are limited in funds and resources, we decided we were going to use all the district resource to our advantage and unite with other Pastors and leaders to build a great church for God. The Bishop church was not our mother church but through this new found kinship with the bishop they have become somewhat of a mother church to us. I thank God for being part of a great fellowship that allows this team concept to take place.
ReplyDeleteI am on the affirmative in regards to the purpose for home mission. In my younger years in ministry I was taught how building mega churches was the way to go. But one day in a message on evangelism my thought process was changed. A certain phrase the preacher said “What we are doing is a drop in the bucket” stayed in my mind. I went home and began to do the math. We are in a population of 60,000. if their were 5 Pentecostal/apostolic churches with 1000 member each we would still be short 55,000 that need to reached by the Gospel. I say we need as many churches in order to reach as many people as we can. Of course having the ethical relationships with other churches is key as Bro Bernard speaks abut this in Team Approach.
ReplyDeleteSome reasons that have motivated me to plant this church I would mostly contribute to my pastor. He tried various ways to start new works, many appeared to be unsuccessful but it never stopped him from trying. Secondly I believe that God have placed a burden within me, as I began to mature in Christ I wanted to see more churches planted.
ReplyDeleteThe origination of my calling actually started leading me somewhere else than my church Plant. I felt the Lord doing something in my Spirit and than my Pastor confirmed it by saying that Him and I have come to a Place where two paths cross. He didn't kick me out but encouraged me to pursue what God wanted me to do.
ReplyDeleteI like to respond to ppdap we visited the city we are now Pastoring and immediatley I felt like the Lord wanted us to do something about it. My Superintented counselled me and told me the exact words that you can do something about this. shortly after that we excepted the call.
ReplyDeleteWhat are some reasons that have motivated you to engage in church planting? What was the
ReplyDeleteorigination of your calling?
I grew up in a Spanish church founded by my Father in Chicago. When I moved to Norfolk, VA seven years ago I realized there was no outreach to the Spanish community of any Apostolic denomination/organization.
Upon my arrival to Norfolk, a Hispanic single mother in Bro. Blankenship's church started inviting Hispanics to the services. From there we began a small Bible study. After a few months it was obvious that God was giving us favor and we launched our daughter church (which is now an autonomous work).
Discuss your thoughts on "kingdom mentality" as mentioned by Brother Bernard.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot build the "kingdom of God" on earth without having a "Kingdom mindset". I need to be in tune with God for "His will"for our community and congregation
In response to ernesternestj post on his calling, I would say ours was similar.
ReplyDeleteWe came to Norfolk to help in a different avenue of ministry but when the need became apparent of Spanish ministries the Senior Pastor and I made an agreement to follow what was an apparent open door by God.