Pastor, Church Communications Guy, Church Website Designer & Blogger
I grew up white, middle class, and in the mid-south. My high school was diverse, but not peacefully so. Tensions ran high between races, classes, and groups, which was to some degree a reflection of the entire community. I very well should have grown to adulthood with all kinds of prejudice. But God, in His grace, showed me a different … [Read more...]
This past Sunday made the fourth week in a row we've worshipped in a local movie theater with January 15 being our official launch. We didn't intend to launch in a theater. I fact, we spent a great deal of time looking at retail spaces, but eventually landed at the Malco because of space, price, and availability. There's a part of me that … [Read more...]
I remember Shawn Lovejoy telling the story of how, when they had their opening service at Mountain Lake Church, he totally forgot to take up the offering, and they couldn't meet the following two weeks because of ice. I love guys that are real who pour themselves into others, and that's Shawn. He and his team host an annual conference for … [Read more...]
There are four elements necessary for a church planting movement to succeed: assessment of potential planters, ongoing training, partnership with existing churches, and personal coaching. Bobby Minor has a unique idea for creating a truly mutual partnership between his church plant and existing leaders, while also providing coaching from … [Read more...]
Obviously, I'm passionate about church planting. On the blog of the Acts 29 Network is a great article that echoes my heart about the matter. It's an adaptation of a writing by Tim Keller, and it really reflects the reason why we're planning on planting out of Grace Hills as soon as possible. The vigorous, continual planting of new … [Read more...]
I've become convinced that healthy churches reproduce and unhealthy churches don't. I'm also convinced that the key to fulfilling the Great Commission throughout the world is church planting. Therefore I can say with certainty, regardless of your denominational tradition, that your church should be directly involved in planting other … [Read more...]
We have a big, God-given vision for Grace Hills Church. It includes loving and reaching the least, the last, and the lost of northwest Arkansas with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It includes restoring broken families and healing wounded souls. It includes becoming an essential and integral part of our community because we love the cities … [Read more...]
There various viewpoints on the best church planting model. Some launch fast and large to attract the masses. Others launch slowly and intentionally with more of a one-on-one disciple-making mentality. There are probably cautions with any approach to planting, and one of the cautions I would raise is simply don't neglect the power of … [Read more...]
I don't know if Seth knows what church planting is or not, but his post yesterday should be memorized (it's short - that's Seth) by every church planter in the world. I'll quote it in its entirety because of its brevity... There's nothing wrong with having a plan. Plans are great. But missions are better. Missions survive when … [Read more...]
Angie and I have spent ten years talking in hypothetical terms about planting a church. We've spent the last several months gathering with a group of dedicated launch team members talking about the biblical foundation and core values of Grace Hills. And we've spent weeks preparing for our first preview service. All of this is, of course, … [Read more...]
