Category: church planting

Training revisited

I recently exchanged some correspondence via Evangelicals Now’s letters to the editor with John Brand, the Principal of Edinburgh Bible College). You can read his original letter here, my response here and his comeback here. I was tempted to respond in detail  and in fact, drafted something but realised there was little benefit in a… Continue reading Training revisited

More thoughts on why you might have already planted more times than you realise

The other day, I suggested that it may be that you have already planted, more than once at he same church. I thought it might be helpful to say more about this which might in fact turn this challenge into an obstacle. The other day, I noticed that IX Marks had published an article about… Continue reading More thoughts on why you might have already planted more times than you realise

You may have already done more church plants than you think

The church where we currently serve started as an additional site for a city wide, larger church. Then, in 2019, the sites were launched out as autonomous churches with their own elders.  Of the three smaller churches, one struggled for various reasons through the pandemic season and sadly had to close, one saw a lot… Continue reading You may have already done more church plants than you think

The cost

Jesus famously said that those considering following him should first count the cost. His point was that they were going to face persecution and have to be willing to give up their life. They would lose friends and influence for the sake of the Gospel but the Gospel is worth it. Jesus’ words were not… Continue reading The cost

What competencies are we looking for in urban planters/pastors?

One of my aims is to find potential urban church planters and then to support and equip them through training, mentoring and coaching.  Coupled with my concern to see new churches  or revitalised churches in communities where there currently isn’t much of a healthy gospel witness is the desire to see many more people equipped… Continue reading What competencies are we looking for in urban planters/pastors?

What can we really learn from Rochdale?

Last week, firebrand politician George Galloway was  elected  back to parliament in the Rochdale by-election.  The election campaign had been marred by controversy with the Labour Party withdrawing support for their own candidate after he made antisemitic comments. My friend Steve Kneale has written here about the result and lessons that the church might want… Continue reading What can we really learn from Rochdale?

Revitalisation questions

As promised, here are some follow up thoughts from my article about how to help churches without pastors.  In that article, I suggested that it is likely that you will find yourself in a wider conversation about the need for revitalisation.  Whether the conversation starts with an intentional request for this kind of help, or… Continue reading Revitalisation questions

What are the first things you should do when considering a church plant?

The simple answer is get to know the area where you are considering planting.  First of all, get to know the wider area.  A good way to start would be by going and spending a few days in the area.  A good way to get a feel for a city is to get on public… Continue reading What are the first things you should do when considering a church plant?