Church Planting

Starting a new church or ministry is one of the most rewarding and fruitful things that you can do to advance the kingdom. It can also be very challenging at times. After personally planting multiple churches and youth outreach centers, I can tell you that you will need all of the information and support you can get. The topics covered here are only a starting point, but are very important when considering a new church plant or ministry. [more]

You must have a solid foundation

If your spiritual foundation isn’t strong it will be easy for the devil to get the best of you and destroy what God is desiring to do through you. Let me put it this way, make sure your marriage and relationship with God is strong and being cultivated before you start any ministry. Here are a few things to consider: [more]

Set up an office

In the beginning stages you will often have to work from home. As soon as possible you should lease an office space until you find a permanent facility for the church or ministry. Try to set regular office hours so people will know where and when they may contact you. You will need to get a computer if you don’t already have one, then design your stationary, business cards and flyers for the opening service. Also make sure you have a local phone number and a post office box. [more]

Pray, and then pray some more

Jesus said, “No one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first bind the strong man” (Mark 3:27). “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). No great work has ever been accomplished for God outside of much time in earnest prayer. [more]

What does it take to be an effective church planter? Dr. Charles Ridley conducted a study of church planters in the United States and Canada. Based upon his research and subsequent field testing, he developed a list of thirteen characteristics that define effective church planters. [more]

Churches, particularly in the United States, have experienced tremendous change in the last few years. We’ve seen a move from traditionalism toward a more casual approach in both worship and dress. The church has also entered heavily into the electronic entertainment arena, where in some cases attending church feels more like your are attending a major Hollywood production. [more]

Written by Dr. Paul E. Paino

1. Make changes slowly.
2. Announce office hours, then be there.
3. Promote preaching series on pertinent subjects.
4. Develop important contacts outside the church. [more]

A small church building in Austria

How can we grow a small church? In spite of what we see on television the majority of churches in America are under one hundred members. The following tips apply to really small, struggling churches as well as average size churches that may have reached a plateau. Pastoring small churches can be a challenge, but there are a few simple things you can do to help your church grow. [more]