Acts 14:23 says: “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (NASB) Paul appoints elders in the churches that he had started earlier (Acts 13:1-14:22). Can a church be a church before elders are present? The churches Paul Read More
I love small beginnings; I embrace small beginnings because Jesus Christ must act to get things done and move things ahead. As He does this, there is no confusion as to where the credit and glory go. Small beginnings are important 1) Zechariah 4:8-10 – Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Read More
There are many reasons to plant churches – both biblical and personal. Here are three. 1) Too many people are lost and heading into a Christless eternity. Common understanding is this: starting new churches is the most effective way to reach into the harvest. 2) Jesus Christ wants us to start churches, and thus it Read More
Why don’t we start churches in America? 1) Windshield Survey – The Windshield Survey is the general perception I get as I drive around my neighborhood. When I drive, I see a church building on almost every corner. I quickly conclude that we have plenty of churches and don’t need to start new ones. (I Read More
Some people who are involved in a healthy church might scratch their heads when asked about starting a new church. Why would we do that? Our church is a good one, why don’t they all just come here? One thing to consider is this: Do I really understand the nature or essence of the living Read More
A GSE church start is a new church that uses the Gatherer/Shepherd/Elder process. This process is a quick, no cost way to start churches. The process is about two thousand years old. Begin with a Gatherer – a people magnet, someone who engages people easily and well. Team them with a Shepherd and after a Read More