If a problem persists, pray for wisdom as James said. Also, if a community rejects the Lord Jesus Christ, He commands us to 'shake the dust' from our feet (leave). Make sure first that what folks reject is not an irrelevant way of evangelizing or worshipping. Some workers fail to love the people enough to respect their local culture, and force seekers to follow man-made rules that violate both Scripture and culture. This is common among workers who enter other cultures, and it violates Paul's command to "be all things to all people" in
1 Corinthians 9:2.
Do all the ministries that are required by the New Testament. A church
planter's job is done when all vital ministries are being practiced by a new flock. This
brief chart provides a progress checklist or 'menu' for starting churches and training
Avoid trying to push camels through a needle's eye...
Jesus warned it's easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for rich
folks to enter his kingdom. Work with poor folks who want change, and 'shake the dust'
(leave) where folks fail to respond. Avoid the lure of materialism.
Develop edifying communication and interaction in small groups and between churches.
Avoid state control of churches, ruinous effect, including in democracies. State Control
Use the Church Planter's Checklist. Like pilots before takeoff, church planters use a
checklist of vital activities, briefly reminding them what to do.
Develop the Five-fold Ministries of Ephesians 4:11-12.
Helps, including a skit, to introduce ministries.
Believers use their God-given spiritual gifts in different ministries.
Help believers to discern their gifts, comparing themselves to Bible characters that
Children, young folk take a serious part in worship and church life: Kids in Worship
Essentials, universally part of a spreading renewal movement:
I've got a problem and I don't have time to read all these documents!!!
Vitamins for a Vigorous Church Body
Escape the Rut and Resist the Devil's Counterattack
Did you know this?
- Many whom God has used to foster a movement for Christ have to"shake the dust'' (leave non-receptive people they were trying to evangelize).
- However, few need to move to a new area; they simply focus on a lower educational and economic segment of the population. This shift, in obedience to Jesus' advice to shake the dust, has led to many breakthroughs and church planting movements.
- The apostle Paul often shifted from Jews to Gentiles, before new flocks began to multiply; the same happens today when God's workers shift their focus onto fields that are 'ripe for harvest'.
To enjoy RENEWAL, select documents
below that fill gaps in your church
Start a simple church or satellite cell group: easy steps