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Mid-November greetings! It's time for an update on the SENT NE Network. But before that, I want to take a moment and respond to a common question I hear when it comes to the planting of new churches.
Often I am asked- "why new churches?" The question then typically flows toward either the notion that there are already enough churches, or that the dollars spent on planting a new church should be used to help revitalize existing churches. My answer to the question is: "yes!" Yes, there are already enough churches that are ineffective in their mission. If they do not go through revitalization, they will eventually die. Statistically, many do die. That however does not mean that we should not seek to help failing churches become successful in Christ's mission.
But having said that, new churches have a definite advantage in mission. For starters, new churches are often more appealing to those on the fringes of culture. As an example, there are several young adults in the church I lead that are pierced and or tattooed that would probably never step foot in a traditional church. Yet as they search for God, they would consider something new. Church plants also possess an advantage because they can from the start create ministry that bypasses years of tradition. It's not that tradition is wrong, but simply less meaningful to successive generations. So while many of our church traditions have significant purposes, most un-churched people simply don't get them. New churches don't have traditions and therefore don't have to focus their energy on traditions or overcoming them to reach lost people.
Ultimately new churches are not the end all, but they have been used by God as His primary method of reaching lost people since the inception of the church.
SENT NE UPDATE
Things are progressing well as we prepare to launch in January. The most exciting thing about recent weeks is both the interest and support I am receiving at this point in the journey. Already God is moving in ways beyond my ability to comprehend.
Last week I was in Cortland NY. I grew up in Cortland. It was once, like so many cities, a manufacturing community. Very little industry remains today. While I was there, I met with a small group of people potentially interested in a new church coming to the area. I am excited about the possibility. Now to look for a potential planter!
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| SENT NE & 2020 Initiative Assessors at a recent training event |
Later this month I will be meeting with our team of assessors to finalize our assessment process. Planter assessment is an important part of the planting process as it helps identify calling, strength & weaknesses of potential planters before they launch a new church. Assessing also helps us know how to better mentor & coach church planters.
PRAYER
Here are some things to pray about on our behalf:
- Finalization of network details
- Development of prayer partners
- Recruiting of potential planters
- Partnerships with existing churches
- Raising of funds for potential plants
FINALLY- Considering planting? Watch this video before you do!
