Category: church planting

Able to teach: How do we assess?

I’ve been writing a little here about taking a different approach to training and equipping for Gospel ministry. I’ve argued that we need to start by thinking about outcomes, what are the competencies we are looking for in someone who will be planting a church, pastoring, working as an evangelist in the community, involved in… Continue reading Able to teach: How do we assess?

Training for Gospel competencies

I’ve argued that we need a different approach to Gospel training if we are to see workers equipped to go into the neediest areas.  One aspect of this is the need to start from outcomes and think about the types of competencies we are looking for in Gospel workers.  A competency is an area of… Continue reading Training for Gospel competencies

Why we need a radically different approach to Gospel Training

You will know by now, that I’ve been passionately arguing for -and practically working towards a different approach to training for Gospel ministry.  So, I was interested to see this comment recently from church planter, Jonny Pollock. I believe that Jonny is working in a more rural context in Ireland, so it is fascinating to… Continue reading Why we need a radically different approach to Gospel Training

Revitalisation questions – looking to the future, what are the options?

The other day, I shared some questions that I would ask churches when they are looking for help with revitalisation.  So, what next once you’ve answered those questions together.  Well, what I find helpful is to talk through the full range of options that may be open to the church. Hypothetically at least these include:… Continue reading Revitalisation questions – looking to the future, what are the options?

Questions to ask when considering church revitalisation

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in a few church revitalisation initiatives.  Now the word revitalisation is potentially broad in its definition and could it could be suggested that every church will need an element of revitalisation from time to time if it is to stay fresh and relevant.  So, when… Continue reading Questions to ask when considering church revitalisation

Pastors and planters -wives and families

Mez McConnell has written an article for prospective planters where their wives are less keen on the prospect of urban/estate church planting.  What should they do.  Mez’s essential point is that there needs to be complete unity in sharing the calling between husband and wife. I agree with this. In fact, I remember one planter… Continue reading Pastors and planters -wives and families

Healthy giving … healthy receiving

The other day a friend asked a question on social media about financial support for Christian projects.  They asked whether or not it was okay for doners to attach theological strings to their donations.  They then gave two examples of how this might come into play. I was interested by the responses given by people… Continue reading Healthy giving … healthy receiving

Lack of consistency is often the killer

If you are thinking about introducing something new into your church, then before you do, ask the question “Can we keep this up week after week, through the winter and into the summer over the next few years.”  You see, often we rush ahead with a great idea and either we do something as a… Continue reading Lack of consistency is often the killer

How Church in a box might help you

In the summer, I began to put together some resources under the umbrella “Church In a Box.”  I was prompted to do this by two things. First of all, we were engaging in some outreach during the Commonwealth Games, we did not know where people would come from and go back to. We did not… Continue reading How Church in a box might help you