For the week of October 10, 2005

Get People Involved in a New Church Start
By: Paul Nickerson
The old image of a new church start was a “parachute”. A new church start pastor was “parachuted” in, under the cover of darkness, without any neighboring congregations having any idea this was happening. Resentment often followed, and the new church effort was damaged. The better image today is one of an “umbrella”. Invite surrounding congregations to assist in the planning, research and prayer for a potential new church start. Make allies instead of enemies. Not only will the new church have a better opportunity to flourish, but long-standing churches will be re-energized for their ministry and mission.