Church-Next Training provides the initial training necessary for starting new churches
October 11-15, 2011
Location to be announced.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
CNT - Chapter 1 Q's
1. How does Trinitarian theology inform your concept of mission?
Prior to Trinitarian theology, our idea of mission was to tell people how they were headed for hell unless they pray, pay, and obey. With our understanding of Trinitarian theology now, we are able to show people that the Father truly does love them (always has, always will) and has already forgiven them in Christ Jesus, and that Jesus wishes to help show them a way of life which is truly joyful, both now and forever! We are to simply bring people this good news.
Yes - bring them the good news AND make maturing disciples of them; disciples who also actively participate in Jesus' mission to the world.
4. How does Trinitarian theology inform and affect your goals and plans for church planting?
The core of Trinitarian theology is relationship – the relationship of the Father, Son & Spirit AND our relationship with them (and each other) through our unification with Jesus! So, instead of telling people they need to obey to get closer to God, we show them that they already are connected to God now and help them live in the reality of those relationships. And therefore, as we go forth to plant new churches, we should place our emphasis on the nurturing of those pre-existing relationships and not on condemnation and requiring people to ‘pull their own weight’.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus proclaims that the Father has given him ALL authority in Heaven and on Earth! Then he tells the disciples to go and make disciples. And so the implication for us is to get in step with what Jesus is already doing in people’s lives and to reach out to those whose lives we cross paths with and share his truth with them!
Acts 1:8 We do not have to doubt whether or not we have the Holy Spirit with us – we do! So let us proceed with the confidence of that truth as we witness to those in our communities and to all we come in contact with – both near and far. Yes.
I Corinthians 3:5-15 We need not be overly concerned with what ‘we’ do. We are only servants, and it is God who causes growth. The focus is to be on Christ – who he is and what that means for us – and not on the great things we have done. This also helps to remind us that success should be measured on spiritual depth and not a mere head count.
Ephesians 4:1-16 God is in all people, and he has gifted us all uniquely. Only when we work together as a team, and not considering ourselves as more important than any other, will we be able to mature into the fullness that Christ desires for us. This truth will help build a church plant by causing the planter to help others seek out their giftedness and to place them in a role which compliments their strengths and talents.
8. What changes need to occur in your current congregation in order for it to become more aligned with God’s mission to the world?
Our current congregation needs to remember that much training occurs while one is ‘on the job’ and that continual classroom training will never fully equip one to be able to perfectly ‘do’ ministry. People need to be encouraged to step up and step out of their comfort zone, while remaining in their area of ministry in alignment with their gift-mix. And when/if they make mistakes, they simply need to learn from those mistakes so they can do better next time and not to be removed from duty. In this way they will desire to seek the next level of service, and thus be more likely to reach the world, and their neighbors, with God’s message of love and forgiveness.
Prior to Trinitarian theology, our idea of mission was to tell people how they were headed for hell unless they pray, pay, and obey. With our understanding of Trinitarian theology now, we are able to show people that the Father truly does love them (always has, always will) and has already forgiven them in Christ Jesus, and that Jesus wishes to help show them a way of life which is truly joyful, both now and forever! We are to simply bring people this good news.
Yes - bring them the good news AND make maturing disciples of them; disciples who also actively participate in Jesus' mission to the world.
4. How does Trinitarian theology inform and affect your goals and plans for church planting?
The core of Trinitarian theology is relationship – the relationship of the Father, Son & Spirit AND our relationship with them (and each other) through our unification with Jesus! So, instead of telling people they need to obey to get closer to God, we show them that they already are connected to God now and help them live in the reality of those relationships. And therefore, as we go forth to plant new churches, we should place our emphasis on the nurturing of those pre-existing relationships and not on condemnation and requiring people to ‘pull their own weight’.
Yes and as we do, we keep in mind that the mission is that of the Triune God. Jesus fulfills the Father's mission through and by the Holy Spirit. We participate in what the Spirit is already doing in the world around us. In our union with Jesus, we not only enjoy communion with him, we enjoy being actively engaged in his work. No spectators!
5. Review the following passages and discuss their implications for church planting:
Matthew 16:13-20 If we can help people to see that Jesus is the Christ and that through his incarnational life we now are connected to God, then they will be freed from their guilt and sin and shame and be able to enjoy the fruit of joyful living in the Spirit.
5. Review the following passages and discuss their implications for church planting:
Matthew 16:13-20 If we can help people to see that Jesus is the Christ and that through his incarnational life we now are connected to God, then they will be freed from their guilt and sin and shame and be able to enjoy the fruit of joyful living in the Spirit.
Yes. And our work is "easier" knowing that it is not our responsibility to "grow/build" the church. That is what Jesus is doing.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus proclaims that the Father has given him ALL authority in Heaven and on Earth! Then he tells the disciples to go and make disciples. And so the implication for us is to get in step with what Jesus is already doing in people’s lives and to reach out to those whose lives we cross paths with and share his truth with them!
Yes. And we can do so with great confidence knowing that Jesus has all the power and resources to do the job!
Acts 1:8 We do not have to doubt whether or not we have the Holy Spirit with us – we do! So let us proceed with the confidence of that truth as we witness to those in our communities and to all we come in contact with – both near and far. Yes.
I Corinthians 3:5-15 We need not be overly concerned with what ‘we’ do. We are only servants, and it is God who causes growth. The focus is to be on Christ – who he is and what that means for us – and not on the great things we have done. This also helps to remind us that success should be measured on spiritual depth and not a mere head count.
Yes. Jesus is responsible for the results of our participation in his mission. We are responsible to be available, faithful, responsive and teachable.
Ephesians 4:1-16 God is in all people, and he has gifted us all uniquely. Only when we work together as a team, and not considering ourselves as more important than any other, will we be able to mature into the fullness that Christ desires for us. This truth will help build a church plant by causing the planter to help others seek out their giftedness and to place them in a role which compliments their strengths and talents.
One of the primary roles of a pastor is to equip and release others for ministry. Not only making disciples but equipping them to participate in Jesus' ministry and mission; multiplying ministry leaders, multiplying ministries and multiplying new churches.
7. How is God already at work in your ministry context?
How is He not? God is already at work in every heart out there. We just need to join in with our community – through various culturally relevant contexts – and share the love of God with them, and while walking beside them, help them to see Jesus already living in and through them and to help nurture the growth of that relationship.
7. How is God already at work in your ministry context?
How is He not? God is already at work in every heart out there. We just need to join in with our community – through various culturally relevant contexts – and share the love of God with them, and while walking beside them, help them to see Jesus already living in and through them and to help nurture the growth of that relationship.
As you and others who are in the early stages of discerning your call to start a new church you will need to discern more specifically what Jesus is doing within the focus group or community he is calling you to reach. Matching Jesus' specific work with the specific gifts, resources and passion he has given you will help you understand the particular ways in which you can engage and serve the group or community.
8. What changes need to occur in your current congregation in order for it to become more aligned with God’s mission to the world?
Our current congregation needs to remember that much training occurs while one is ‘on the job’ and that continual classroom training will never fully equip one to be able to perfectly ‘do’ ministry. People need to be encouraged to step up and step out of their comfort zone, while remaining in their area of ministry in alignment with their gift-mix. And when/if they make mistakes, they simply need to learn from those mistakes so they can do better next time and not to be removed from duty. In this way they will desire to seek the next level of service, and thus be more likely to reach the world, and their neighbors, with God’s message of love and forgiveness.
This is a common issue among churches (or just about any human enterprise). It takes faith and courage to release people for ministry - and discernment and grace to know how to deal with the challenges that inevitably arise.
Discussion - Serge's Answers
Discussion Questions Chapter 1: (Serge’s responses)
1. How does Trinitarian theology inform your concept of mission?
While it is not a newly revealed concept, Trinitarian theology decisively serves to focus me on the fact that Christ’s redemptive work for humankind is not specific but rather entirely general. No individual or people group is excluded – all are included. This understanding fuels and excites my personal worldview (which is not really my own but His in me) as having the complete authorization of enlightened Biblical Christian theology.
4. How does Trinitarian theology inform and affect your goals and plans for church planting?
Goals and plans when informed by Trinitarian theology not only allow for but demand that primary emphasis is placed on sharing Jesus with the proposed church-plant constituency. This focus is completely different than one which seeks to impose a specific “church” culture on an un/under-churched/pre-Christian people group. Whatever culture(s) will compose the new church will not be required or encouraged (overtly of subtly) to abandon cultural distinctive that are compatible with Christian theology.
5. Review the following passages and discuss their implications for church planting:
Matthew 16:13-20 The implication here is that the Church (Christ’s body) will be built on Him, the cornerstone, and as head of His church, nothing can destroy its existence. And while the apostles (perhaps beginning with Peter) had authority to structure and build upon what Jesus began, He would continue to serve as its ultimate head.
Mathew 28:18-20 Our mission with Christ is to actively share His message with others within our sphere of influence or opportunity. Additionally, teaching (discipling) is mandated as a means of reproducing others who will understand the missional thrust of serving in a community. A church planted on another premise would not conform to model Jesus mandated.
Acts 1:8 The implication of reaching the ends of the earth has not realized to its fullest extent. It only will by the power of the Holy Spirit as it directs mission oriented individuals and groups to go to those who are either unaware of Jesus’ saving message or that it applys to them specifically.
1 Corinthians 3:5-15 The mission of the Church is not a competition amongst individuals or groups. When the goal is rightly understood then in concert can the goal be cooperatively advanced. Men and women actively serve by participating with the trinity according to the gifting of the Holy Spirit, but God grants successful conversion.
Ephesians 4:1-16 Again, the message here is that the goal of reaching others is accomplished through an understanding in the unity of the body of Christ. Each person is equipped to serve in a certain capacity as per their gifting. Not all have the same gifting. The key to effective cooperation for the purpose of advancing the kingdom goal is in humility. It truly is all about Him. We share with Him (Father, Son, and Spirit) and each other in co-union, and all for the purpose sharing Jesus’ love.
7. How is God already at work in your ministry context?
Half of our tiny congregation consists of folks without WCG history. I have shared Trinitarian-based theology with them in word and deed. I recently became bi-vocation senior co-pastor (three months ago) and have continued at in home Bible studies and worship services to prepare our attendees for fuller understanding of the missional thrust of our existence. Those folks with WCG history who have decided to remain are moving very nicely in the direction of understanding and readiness to participate in outreach with a very different perspective.
8. What changes need to occur in your current congregation in order for it to become more aligned with God’s mission to the world?
Our membership and ministry infrastructure needs solidifying. Concrete steps have been taken towards this end, and I am currently counseling four people for baptism and full membership in GCI. Once this is accomplished (by next month) plans are for intentional and dedicated discipleship and gift determination. Outreach into our city is of primary focus.
1. How does Trinitarian theology inform your concept of mission?
While it is not a newly revealed concept, Trinitarian theology decisively serves to focus me on the fact that Christ’s redemptive work for humankind is not specific but rather entirely general. No individual or people group is excluded – all are included. This understanding fuels and excites my personal worldview (which is not really my own but His in me) as having the complete authorization of enlightened Biblical Christian theology.
4. How does Trinitarian theology inform and affect your goals and plans for church planting?
Goals and plans when informed by Trinitarian theology not only allow for but demand that primary emphasis is placed on sharing Jesus with the proposed church-plant constituency. This focus is completely different than one which seeks to impose a specific “church” culture on an un/under-churched/pre-Christian people group. Whatever culture(s) will compose the new church will not be required or encouraged (overtly of subtly) to abandon cultural distinctive that are compatible with Christian theology.
5. Review the following passages and discuss their implications for church planting:
Matthew 16:13-20 The implication here is that the Church (Christ’s body) will be built on Him, the cornerstone, and as head of His church, nothing can destroy its existence. And while the apostles (perhaps beginning with Peter) had authority to structure and build upon what Jesus began, He would continue to serve as its ultimate head.
Mathew 28:18-20 Our mission with Christ is to actively share His message with others within our sphere of influence or opportunity. Additionally, teaching (discipling) is mandated as a means of reproducing others who will understand the missional thrust of serving in a community. A church planted on another premise would not conform to model Jesus mandated.
Acts 1:8 The implication of reaching the ends of the earth has not realized to its fullest extent. It only will by the power of the Holy Spirit as it directs mission oriented individuals and groups to go to those who are either unaware of Jesus’ saving message or that it applys to them specifically.
1 Corinthians 3:5-15 The mission of the Church is not a competition amongst individuals or groups. When the goal is rightly understood then in concert can the goal be cooperatively advanced. Men and women actively serve by participating with the trinity according to the gifting of the Holy Spirit, but God grants successful conversion.
Ephesians 4:1-16 Again, the message here is that the goal of reaching others is accomplished through an understanding in the unity of the body of Christ. Each person is equipped to serve in a certain capacity as per their gifting. Not all have the same gifting. The key to effective cooperation for the purpose of advancing the kingdom goal is in humility. It truly is all about Him. We share with Him (Father, Son, and Spirit) and each other in co-union, and all for the purpose sharing Jesus’ love.
7. How is God already at work in your ministry context?
Half of our tiny congregation consists of folks without WCG history. I have shared Trinitarian-based theology with them in word and deed. I recently became bi-vocation senior co-pastor (three months ago) and have continued at in home Bible studies and worship services to prepare our attendees for fuller understanding of the missional thrust of our existence. Those folks with WCG history who have decided to remain are moving very nicely in the direction of understanding and readiness to participate in outreach with a very different perspective.
8. What changes need to occur in your current congregation in order for it to become more aligned with God’s mission to the world?
Our membership and ministry infrastructure needs solidifying. Concrete steps have been taken towards this end, and I am currently counseling four people for baptism and full membership in GCI. Once this is accomplished (by next month) plans are for intentional and dedicated discipleship and gift determination. Outreach into our city is of primary focus.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Chapter 1 questions
Discussion Questions
1. How does Trinitarian theology inform your concept of mission?
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit created mankind as a manifestation of the communion that they share with One another, and a deep desire for communion and reconciliation with us, so our mission as God’s ambassadors is to share God’s desire with everyone we develop relationships with.
4. How does Trinitarian theology inform and affect your goals and plans for church planting?
Instead of thinking about establishing one long-standing congregation out of “Christian obligation,” that grows larger and larger, and is filled with programs established to keep the members happy, and in one community, we will seek to establish churches that continually multiply, and spread out far and wide as our members operate in the kingdom building gifts given to all of us by the Holy Spirit to keep adding new and maturing believers to God’s family.
5. Review the following passages and discuss their implications for church planting:
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus is the one who builds the church, so we partner with Him to plant churches where we share His desire for reconciliation and communion.
Mathew 28:18-20
Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations, which is why we work with Him to plant churches.
Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit gives us power to be Jesus’ witnesses throughout the world, so we plant churches with Jesus as a part of that witnessing.
1 Corinthians 3:5-15
We plant and water, but God brings increase, and we are His fellow laborers. Jesus is the foundation on which we plant churches.
Ephesians 4:1-16
God has given us all roles to play that build up the body of Christ that will help us all to mature spiritually, and in planting healthy churches with God, we create spaces where communion, reconciliation, and spiritual maturing takes place.
7. How is God already at work in your ministry context?
God is at work in the plan that He has given us regarding a church plant in our community. Our town is the perfect place to plant a church, because there are a large number of unchurched families who would benefit from learning about God’s desire for relationship with them versus feeling guilted into church attendance because their sin caused Jesus’ death, and to avoid punishment.
8. What changes need to occur in your current congregation in order for it to become more aligned with God’s mission to the world?
Although the Assemblies of God doesn’t espouse Trinitarian theology, the transformative truth embodied in this theology will be the core of the church that God will plant through us. Additionally, our current church needs to be more discipleship and multiplication minded, because that’s the desire of God’s heart. We have been attending our current church for over seven years, and despite continual outreach efforts, there has been very little growth (both numerically, and in the personal lives of the members). With the exception of a couple of people, any new members have been families or friends of people who were already members, and these people were not new believers, but have switched from their church to ours. I believe that if people had more of an understanding of our missional, incarnational, and reconciliatory roles in God’s plan, there would be more of both types of growth – for God’s glory, and not man’s.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ground Zero Church Updates!!
Hey All!
I just wanted to give a little update both personally and from Ground Zero. First of all I'm happily married! I know I know I better be after 12 days :) The wedding went without a hitch... Except the getting hitched part. Both Sasha and I thank God everyday for the union he gave to us.
As for GroundZero we are entering the next phase, which is an absolutely exciting one. For the last 9 months we had been meeting in Broomfield, CO on the Northwest part of Denver at an apartment complex clubhouse. At the beginning part of the year we were noticing that many of the people attending were actually driving from the exact opposite part of the city from where we were at. After lots of prayer and fasting as a team we decided that God was leading us to be closer to the communities where the people were. So we got up and moved 40 miles south east to Aurora, CO to the Sonoma Resort at Saddle Rock apartment complex which is the current location of GroundZero.
One of the many reasons that we chose Sonoma Resort was the demographic of the area. As a leadership team at GZ our average age is 23 and we figured there would be so many people in the same age group and walk of life that many of us were in. Just like many other apartment complexes, Sonoma Resort is full of young adults just beginning their careers, families and lives (just like us) who need the only solid foundation, Jesus, to build their lives upon. We as a church are committed to being so deeply rooted in God's love that our surrounding communities, like Sonoma Resort, will be transformed by the power of His love.
On August 22 we are hosting our first community event in which we are inviting all the people in the 700 units of Sonoma Resort to join us for food, fellowship and fun where we can start to share the love God shares with us.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Aaron
I just wanted to give a little update both personally and from Ground Zero. First of all I'm happily married! I know I know I better be after 12 days :) The wedding went without a hitch... Except the getting hitched part. Both Sasha and I thank God everyday for the union he gave to us.
As for GroundZero we are entering the next phase, which is an absolutely exciting one. For the last 9 months we had been meeting in Broomfield, CO on the Northwest part of Denver at an apartment complex clubhouse. At the beginning part of the year we were noticing that many of the people attending were actually driving from the exact opposite part of the city from where we were at. After lots of prayer and fasting as a team we decided that God was leading us to be closer to the communities where the people were. So we got up and moved 40 miles south east to Aurora, CO to the Sonoma Resort at Saddle Rock apartment complex which is the current location of GroundZero.
One of the many reasons that we chose Sonoma Resort was the demographic of the area. As a leadership team at GZ our average age is 23 and we figured there would be so many people in the same age group and walk of life that many of us were in. Just like many other apartment complexes, Sonoma Resort is full of young adults just beginning their careers, families and lives (just like us) who need the only solid foundation, Jesus, to build their lives upon. We as a church are committed to being so deeply rooted in God's love that our surrounding communities, like Sonoma Resort, will be transformed by the power of His love.
On August 22 we are hosting our first community event in which we are inviting all the people in the 700 units of Sonoma Resort to join us for food, fellowship and fun where we can start to share the love God shares with us.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Aaron
Friday, July 9, 2010
Welcome to Church Planter Forum
Welcome to Church Planter Forum. You have been invited to participate in this forum because on your journey with Jesus you have sensed the Spirit is, or may be, calling you to start a new church with GCI. Wherever you are on your journey, I hope the interaction you experience with others on this blog will help you. I hope you find it encouraging and inspiring as you share common experiences, challenges, trials and victories. I also hope the bonds of friendship you develop will serve you well as you continue to participate in Jesus' ministry according to the unique call he has placed on your life.
Please visit the CMM website from time to time (cmm.gci.org). We will continue to add to this site church planting resources and news updates on GCI church planting developments. The most recent additions to the CMM website include an interview I conducted with Ed Stetzer (pictured left). Ed is president of Lifeway Research and an experienced church planter. He will be one of the plenary speakers at the GCI International Conference in Orlando. In this interview I talk with Ed about God's mission and church planting. There are several short segments you can view as well as the full interview. Some of the questions I ask Ed include: "What are the first steps a church planter should take?" and "What are the most common mistakes church planters make?" Ed will also conduct two workshops in Orlando.
In addition to the resources on the CMM blog, we will provide resources on this blog to meet your particular needs. For instance, you can click the "Videos" button on the Church Planter Forum homepage to view the Stetzer interview. Eventually more resources will be added. Please let me know if you have any ideas for improving this blog or the CMM website.
Thank you for your response to the work of the Spirit in your life. I pray for you all often and look forward to the discussions we have on this blog.
Randy Bloom, GCI Church Multiplication Ministries director
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