"There are probably more Nobel Laureates who are people of faith than is gen...
MISSION 3/3 - CHURCH PLANTING
1. MISSION [3/3] ‘On the Doorstep’ Matthew 16:18 II will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it
2. Planting Churches David Stroud Church planting is not simply a matter of getting a number of individuals ‘saved’; it is about the advance of God’s community in the earth.
5. The Church of Jesus Christ Ordinary people gathered in local communities Like an army, like athletes in training, but a family Worshipping together, learning from one another Being disciples of Jesus and making disciples Led by the Spirit, reaching the poor and the lost
6. Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
7. What are we aiming for ? Healthy church …a Family on God’s Mission
8. What are we aiming for ? Healthy church …a Family on God’s Mission Being Disciples … and Making Disciples
9. What are we aiming for ? Healthy church …a Family on God’s Mission Being Disciples … and Making Disciples Extending God’s Kingdom … loving ‘the lost’
10. What are we aiming for ? Healthy church …a Family on God’s Mission Being Disciples … and Making Disciples Extending God’s Kingdom … loving ‘the lost’ Working with other churches … building unity
11. What are we aiming for ? Healthy church …a Family on God’s Mission Being Disciples … and Making Disciples Extending God’s Kingdom … loving ‘the lost’ Working with other churches … building unity No Compromise … Community Transformation
This is the final installment in our current short series about our involvement in the Mission of God.Ken Matthews gave us some insight on involvement in World Mission and the value that can have for a local churchPaul spoke about National Mission, and that we live in a Post Christian Culture that needs to be re-evangelized, and it is the responsibility of churches in out nation to play a serious part in a serious problem.If you have not heard these messages, please listen to them, these are important messages and well preached.Today I am speaking about Mission on the Doorstep, Mission where we live, our involvement in the community that surrounds us.When we have talked about this in the past, we’ve done so by using the phrase Community Transformation.
In Summer 2009 David Stroud, wrote a book on Church Planting. He had previously led 3 church plants through to a real measure of health here in the UK.This is a quote from the book.
Looking for some good Metaphor for a local church Cruise ShipDo I like the musicDo I like the Captain and his crewIs the service goodAre my needs metIs the cruise pleasantIs it comfortableDo the kids like itBattleshipIs the ship on a clear and noble missionDoes the Captain submit to a higher authorityAre crew members being equipped to succeedAnd able to contribute in significant ways
I came to the conclusion that if the church was a ship it was probably a hospital ship in a time of war equipped with Life BoatsThis is the Cullercoats life boat based on the North East coast near to SunderlandLets see them in action.
God is in the business of taking ordinary people transforming them into his children and then growing them up into maturity in Christ.The Word of God uses its own metaphors, military life, training for sporting events (like the Olympics) – but says we are a familyNeeding to learn from each other.Following the commands of Jesus and becoming disciplesAnd together being involved in reaching out to people who don’t yet know God.Some people like to sidestep being part of a local congregation by insisting that they are part of the Universal church.They can very easily make it sound spiritual, but it is the will of God for every Christian to be an active part of a local congregation.There are only two references to the church in the Gospels. Both times from Matthew’s Gospel. Both times spoken by Jesus.Interestingly the first is a reference to the Universal church which I used on my title slide this morningThe second is clearly a reference to life in a local congregation.Lets look at it
Jesus only reference to a local congregation of believers focuses on how to handle relational difficulties … you kind of get the impression that Jesus knows what churches might be like.But then again, as he did create human beings, I guess we should not be too surprised!I was thinking about this Read out notesThere are times when church is great, and we want more of that!But there are also times when it is frustrating and hard, and we need to dig in deep and get through it.Last week Paul spoke about our responsibility to mission in our Nation. Stunning.It won’t be long until he Helena and the family go to Cornwall – we recognize the call of God on them and are sending them to plant a church there.I know some of you will be disappointed because it seems that as we grow people up, we just send them away. It is our call.But it is also our call to grow a big church here and be involved in planting other churches as the Holy Spirit leads us.
Finally, how is this going to happen?Through us being committed to growing more like Jesus and loving one another enough to help each other change … even when we might not want to.Everyone here has a story. If you are a Christian, you know your life has come into contact with God … and already certain things have changed because of that.God wants to work through you to help and change others … let me show you what I mean.