“The greatest problem affecting church planting strategy today is a theological problem.  And church planters must realize that the missionary task to which they are called requires that they teach the whole counsel of God and allow the cultural expressions to develop from the people over time. An ecclesiological shift is necessary. Not a shift away from biblical prescriptions, absolutely not!  But there must be a shift away from expectations that may shackle new believers to longstanding  preferences that, while near-and-dear to us, are problematic for their sanctification and mission. Let’s do evangelism. Let’s gather the new believers together.  Let’s begin teaching them to obey all that Christ commanded. And in the process challenge them with the question, “Is the Spirit leading you to covenant together as a local expression of the Body of Christ?” … Read More »Something to Consider

This past Sunday, we had a great conversation in the “vision” class for the new church plant about discipleship.  In light of our conversation, I thought I would share a link to a great blog post on the subject.  I would love to hear your thoughts! Click Here to read! “A VISION FOR BEING THE CHURCH” UPDATE Here is a summary of what we have shared so far in the class “A Vision For Being The Church.”  You are welcome to join us any Sunday you can at 10:45 in room 13 below the sanctuary at First Alliance Church, Lexington (www.faclex.com). Key Value 1 –Community: The church is the community of believers who are “called out” to be the physical representation of Christ to the world.  It’s not a building or a service. Key Value… Read More »Simplifying Discipleship

I just came across some interesting statistics produced by the Glenmary Report in 2000 concerning church and religious involvement in Kentucky and Fayette County. * 10% of people in Fayette County attend church on any given Sunday * 47.3% of people in Fayette County “adhere to a religion.” * 27.4% of people in Fayette County are “members of a religious group.” As you might expect, these numbers are slightly lower than the state average (12.8%, 58%, and 33% respectively).  Click here to see the report and the results for all counties in Kentucky.  So what do you think?  Do we need more churches?  Yes…that is a trick question.  Think it through before you respond below! 🙂

I was recently re-reading this paper that I wrote in 2004.  I would highly encourage you to read Church Planting Movements by David Garrison.  However, if you can not find the time, I encourage you to give the arguments laid out in my review some consideration.  It is amazing to me how much God used this class, and specifically this assignment that I worked on six years ago, to shape the vision He has placed in my heart for this new work here in Lexington. I have resisted the temptation to make some minor changes and have left this as it was written in 2004.  I would love to hear your comments below. UPDATE:  A great summary of Garrison’s book is available for free HERE. CHURCH PLANTING MOVEMENTS IN NORTH AMERICA? ________________________ A Paper Presented… Read More »Church Planting Movements In North America?

Hello!  It’s been a while since I last logged in here.  I’ve finished up my stint with FCA and I’m currently on vacation.  I wanted to just shoot you a couple of “updates” that may be of interest to you: “New Church” Orientation / September 26 – October 31 / 10:45PM Lower Auditorium / First Alliance Church Starting on September 26, we will begin walking through the “DNA” of the new work that we are going to be a apart of.  This will orientation will run for six weeks with each week covering a different aspect of of the new work.  We look forward to finally getting to lay out what we sense God is up to in our community!  If you have any interest at all in the “church plant” then we’d encourage you… Read More »Update