Jospeh, in Latin America we often referred to “the back door” of the church (building). We needed to somehow close off that back door or those who came in through the front door figuratively would stay a while and then leave by the back door. Discipleship is a key element in keeping people a part of the emerging fellowship. Getting people…

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Eunice, a good observation. It is one thing to Go (evangelize). It is another thing to make disciples. Disciple making has a purpose– to form new believers into a cohesive body which we call the church. Disciple making– together with evangelism– is one of the key elements in church planting.

Philip you are not alone. Many have done the exact same process. We learn from our errors, and God’s grace is sufficient to see us through and onto the right path for planting a healthy church.

Yes, Patrick. Unfortunately, the Church has perhaps over-emphasized evangelism and assumed that those who came to faith would then have the full knowledge and behaviors of a believer. We forgot that these converts are babes in Christ and need to be nurtured through discipling. Once discipled, they need to come together as the local church. Some…

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Patrick, can you explain how your view of a church has changed since going through this session?

Philp, what struck you as new or impactful in the 10 ingredients of a healthy church?

The first time I was introduce to this, I was taken aback by the emphasis on worship as a key (vital) function of the church. Yes, I participated in worship, but I probably did not see this as a direct result of my coming to faith. What Piper said is so true: that evangelism exists where there is no worship, since it is through this conversion…

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I believe all 13 characteristics are essential. So did Dr. Ridley. For this reason, if a church planter does not exhibit the 13, then we ought to consider whether this person is truly called to plant a church. What do the rest of you think?

Patrick, I’m not sure I understand your question. Could you please say more?

So true, Philip. Churches have their own DNA, their own “personality.” They will attract certain people who have not found a home in other existing churches. There is no such thing as a “cookie cutter” church where the shape and form and interests of a church are exactly the same as other churches in a community. I remember as a church planter…

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To all participants in this course, I have entered as a student to be able to see what you see, which is sometimes different from what Wally and I see as the administrators of this course. I also believe that we are “teachers among teachers and students among students,” so I will learn from you as a fellow student in this adventure of…

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Joseph, it is true that some people planter churches as they see this as a source of income. There are those who see “church” as a business and not as a calling. Nevertheless, there are faithful servants of God who sense the call to see unbelievers come to faith in Jesus and to form them into a community of faith which we call the church.