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What is a church plant?

I often get this question. What does planting a church mean? How do you do it? Isn't it taking a long time? How do you get paid? And the biggest question is why?

I don't have all the right answers to those questions. I only have the answers to the way we are doing it. I'll answer the last question first, why. God told us to, that's why. It wasn't audible. It was gradual for us, but it is an undeniable task. This isn't easy. Our situation isn't ideal. We need a worship pastor, we need more funding. But this IS what we are supposed to be doing.

We are starting a new church in Pine Bluff. We see a need for people of all colors, races, and ages to worship the One True God together. And not just worship together. But to become disciples of The Lord Jesus Christ. And to make more disciples. We don't desire for people to come to Delta Baptist Church and just stay there. We desire people to come to DBC and go out into the(ir) world and make His name known.

Yes, it is taking a long time. Our original thinking was to start the church by using a certain strategy and that didn't work. So we changed strategies, and that didn't work either. So we're trying another one, and it seems to be working. Whew! 

I'm not high maintenance. My house does not have to be spotless or clutter free. I am not in the least bit OCD. And it turns out all of those qualities (or lack of) serve me well in this endeavor. 
Our house is small. Our kitchen is small. Not just small, but very small. I've not complained about the size of our living room and kitchen on here, I am grateful. But we live in a very small space. 

So you get the picture? Small! Well, we have people over all the time. Sometimes just one or two people, sometimes 17. And we eat. People sit on the floor, they sit on folding chairs, kids eat outside. And you know what? Not once has anyone suggested going anywhere else. It's comfortable, it's loud and fun, and God meets us in our crowded home. I love it.

But I also love the quiet after everyone leaves and the kids are asleep. Stephen and I sit in the living room and smile at each other with satisfaction. Not satisfied that our work is done, but satisfied in knowing that we are in Gods will. 

This isn't what I thought I would be doing in my life. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Do you have any questions? I'd be glad to answer them.

Comments

corsarfam4 said…
I'm proud of you guys! We just left the church plant we were involved in to head off to seminary. Being in the center of God's will is the greatest place to be. We'll continue praying for you guys and for God's name to be made famous among those you minister to! Much love my sister in Christ!
Anonymous said…
I really feel that we missed the boat for years as far as how we "do church". Stephen and you are doing it right ! No frills, just people getting together and honoring Jesus and not caring what color the carpet is or dumb stuff like that. GO GET EM BEAVERS BUNCH ! Yo Daddy

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