I’ve been writing a few articles on things like mission and vision statements. There is the risk that such things can feel corporate, slick and fluffy. However, if a mission statement is really simply “Matthew 28:19-20 with a date stamp and a postcode” then what we are doing is helping the church apply God’s word… Continue reading What does your church value?
Tag: urban church planting
Please keep praying for Bearwood and Smethwick
Whilst we are moving on and excited about what God has in store with us next, there has been some sadness as we’ve said goodbye to our home and community in Smethwick. We spend 12 years here and grew to love the area. Bearwood and Smethwick will also have a significant place in our hearts.… Continue reading Please keep praying for Bearwood and Smethwick
Bradford, city of culture 2025, needs church planting
Yesterday, my home city, Bradford one the contest to be the UK city of culture 2025. The City of Culture designation is given to an area every 4 years and lasts for the year. The place hosts cultural events and receives significant investment. I’ve written before about Bradford’s bid and about both what the city… Continue reading Bradford, city of culture 2025, needs church planting
It couldn’t be me
I’ve written and spoken quite a bit about the need for people to come and help get churches planted on our estates and in our inner cities. I’ve also talked about the possibility of people starting to do this whilst benefitting from training for Gospel ministry. One thing I’m mindful of is that a lot… Continue reading It couldn’t be me
Planter speed up – the core team isn’t coming
Dan Steel has written on the Acts29 site encouraging church planters to slow down and work more on building a healthy core team before they plant. I’m loath to disagree with Dan, he’s an experienced pastor and planter who knows what he’s talking about. I also think that there is much in his article to… Continue reading Planter speed up – the core team isn’t coming
The Fragility of Church Plants
Over the past decade, there has been a renewed interest in church planting. It’s something I write about quite a bit with a particular focus on reaching urban contexts. Since we moved to the West Midlands, we have been linked with an initiative first known as 2020 Birmingham and now as The Birmingham Collective. The… Continue reading The Fragility of Church Plants
When is the right time to plant a new church?
This is one of the big questions for churches and individuals looking at church planting. Usually answers given will talk in terms of the pre-requisite health requirements of the existing church. Is it numerically strong enough to send people out? Does it have enough people covering existing ministries? Is its leadership team robust and healthy… Continue reading When is the right time to plant a new church?
Approval
A little while back I wrote a little on the way that we can be tempted by three types of idol: approval, comfort and security. Now one of the things about idols is that they tend to be parasitical on things that are genuine needs and in and of themselves, in context, within boundaries are… Continue reading Approval
Church planters wanted
This is one of my occasional/regular reminders that I’m on the look out for people who are interested in getting involved in urban mission/discipleship to help plant churches. I’m particularly on the look out for people who would be interested in becoming part of planting teams to reach inner city and estate contexts in the… Continue reading Church planters wanted
Local Church Matters
I’ve just been reading a few things about the importance of local churches serving their communities and the benefit of being part of a church which gathers within walking distance of your home. There’s nothing controversial there and I’m not seeing any body arguing for non-local church. I’m not about to attempt to make that… Continue reading Local Church Matters
Faithroots 