Toby DeHay

Common Methods Churches are Begun

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Church Planting & Replanting: Models, Biblical Examples, and Practical Steps

Church planting and replanting take different forms, each with unique strengths and challenges. Below, we explore six church planting models—Stamp, Single Sending, Several Sending, Sole Starter, and Splant—along with church replanting. Each includes biblical examples, pros and cons, and ways churches can be involved. Each may take the form of a traditional plant with a building or utilize the house/organic/cell model of meeting in homes or third places like a coffee shop or restaurant meeting room.

Church Planting Models

“Stamp” Planting (Campus Model Planting)

In this model, a church multiplies by launching new campuses that mirror the mother church in doctrine, leadership, and structure. These campuses often share a teaching team and resources.

Biblical Example:
The early church in Jerusalem influenced the gospel’s spread to new regions (Acts 8:14, Acts 15), with apostolic leadership maintaining doctrinal unity.

Pros:

Consistent teaching and leadership
Shared resources reduce financial strain
An established “brand” fosters trust

Cons:

Less local autonomy
Risk of becoming overly centralized
Dependence on the mother church’s health

Church Involvement:

Pray and provide financial support
Develop and send leaders to new campuses
Encourage members to commit to new locations

Single Sending Planting (One Church Raising Up and Sending a Planter)

A single church trains and sends a church planter without external partnerships.

Biblical Example:
The church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3). Antioch invested in them and supported their mission.

Pros:

Strong doctrinal consistency
Deep relational support
Clear accountability structure

Cons:

Financial burden on one church
Limited support network
High pressure on leadership

Church Involvement:

Identify and train church planters
Create a church planting fund
Provide pastoral support and accountability

Several Sending Planting (Churches Partnering to Plant Together)

Multiple churches pool resources, leadership, and support to plant a new church.

Biblical Example:
Paul’s ministry was funded by multiple churches (Philippians 4:15-16, 2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Churches in Macedonia and Achaia partnered to advance the gospel.

Pros:

Shared financial and logistical burden
Broader leadership support
Greater unity in the body of Christ

Cons:

Potential for theological or leadership conflicts
Slower decision-making
Can become overly bureaucratic

Church Involvement:

Form a church planting network
Support a planter financially and prayerfully
Help establish doctrinal alignment

Sole Starter Planting (Not Sent by Anyone, Parachute Planter)

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A Sole Starter moves to a new area and plants a church without being officially sent.

Biblical Example:
Philip’s evangelistic work in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8). He wasn’t formally sent but was later affirmed by the apostles.

Pros:

Flexible and responsive to God’s leading
Can reach unreached areas
Not hindered by denominational structures

Cons:

High risk of burnout or theological drift
Lack of financial and relational support
No built-in accountability

Church Involvement:

Offer mentoring and theological oversight
Provide financial and logistical support
Encourage connection with a network

Splant Plant (Church Plant from a Church Split)

A splant occurs when a group leaves a church due to theological, leadership, or cultural differences and starts a new congregation. Please don’t do this one! I include it in the list because they happen. It’s rare that leadership in a church splant will call it what it is. They have often been hurt, and it’s easier to explain a traditional plant than a splant. While not all splants need to be affirmed by you or are biblical, the individuals involved need love, care, and biblical guidance.

Biblical Example:
Paul and Barnabas split over John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Though painful, both continued fruitful ministry.

Pros:

Can allow for doctrinal or cultural alignment
Creates space for healing and refocusing
Often driven by strong convictions

Cons:

Often rooted in conflict rather than mission
Can cause lasting division in the body of Christ
Risk of repeating past issues

Church Involvement:

Seek reconciliation before separation
Encourage healthy leadership transitions
Promote biblical unity in disagreements

Church Replanting

Church replanting focuses on revitalizing dying or declining congregations by restructuring leadership, vision, and outreach.

Biblical Example:
Jesus’ call to the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-3). He urged them to strengthen what remained and return to faithful ministry.

Pros:

Preserves an existing church’s legacy
Utilizes existing facilities and relationships
Immediate opportunity for gospel impact

Cons:

Resistance to change from existing members
Can require significant leadership restructuring
The emotional weight of letting go of past traditions

Church Involvement:

Identify struggling churches and offer assistance
Support replant efforts through leadership and resources
Help build a new vision while honoring the past

Next Steps for Churches Considering Church Planting or Replanting

Pray Intentionally – Ask God to raise up church planters and replanters.
Disciple Future Leaders – Invest in members with pastoral gifts.
Partner with Others – Collaborate with like-minded churches.
Support Financially – Set aside a budget for planting and replanting.
Encourage Participation – Challenge members to be part of the work.

By choosing a model that aligns with your church’s strengths and mission, you can play a vital role in spreading the gospel and strengthening the Church. Pastor/Elder/Staff, what are your next steps in leading your church toward planting? I suggest regular prayer, investigation/education, and a beginning conversation with leaders and highly capable disciple-makers. Let me know if I can encourage you!

“So Moses rose with his assistant Joshua…”

So Moses rose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up ^linto the mountain of God.
Exodus 24:13

Here’s an example of a “cleaned-up” version of my morning time with the Lord. 🙂

In Exodus 24:2, God commands Moses to ascend Mount Sinai alone to meet with Him. While Joshua isn’t explicitly mentioned in the initial command (Exodus 24:1), the broader context reveals his role. He’s assisting Moses and leading the Israelite warriors (Exodus 17:9, 14). This seemingly small detail points to a significant principle: God desires His people to develop as leaders, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibility to the next generation. Evidence of this intentional leadership development is seen in Exodus 17:14: “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua.”

This passage lends itself to a broader conversation and provides some key principles for disciple-making.

First, leaders are entrusted with specific, non-delegable tasks (Exodus 24:2). While Joshua went with Moses, Moses alone was permitted to come near to God. Sometimes, you can take the person you disciple with you, but you need to take care of business, not them.

Moses alone shall come near to the Lord, but the others shall not come near, and the people shall not come up with him.
Exodus 24:2

Second, leaders must intentionally disciple emerging leaders (Exodus 17:14; Exodus 18:17-21). In general, believers should disciple other believers. I was talking with a brother the other day, and he said, “We don’t really have to ask the Lord if He wants us to disciple others. He’s already told us!” The same is true of leaders. If we want healthy leaders, we must be intentional about asking the Lord who has these characteristics and disciple them toward growing in this way.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
Exodus 17:14

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone….Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
exodus 18:17-21

Third, leaders should pass on relevant and applicable history to their disciples. This knowledge transfer equips future leaders with wisdom and understanding. How often have you thought, “Well, if I’d known about that tidbit of history, I wouldn’t have made that mistake!” I’ve done it plenty!
Finally, effective leadership development involves modeling godly behavior within a close relationship with the Lord, demonstrating practical application rather than mere theory (Exodus 33:11). While God specifically called Moses up the mountain, Joshua’s presence and role suggest he was an implied guest. Make the potential leader you are discipling your ‘implied guest.’ Ask them to do ministry with you. Watch as they lead.

My prayer for you is the same one I wrote during my quiet time, as the Lord taught me this morning:

“Lord, thank you for these lessons. Please help me to walk in them. I want to do better modeling what You teach me. Help me lead and teach with patience and grace. Amen!”

Explore What I Am Currently Reading: Insights and Reflections

Intentional: Living Out Eight Principles of Disciple Making

The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, and Smarter

Pinker, S. (2014). The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier and Happier. Random House Canada, 378 pages. ISBN: 978-0307359537

In this interesting book (audiobook for me-Hoopla is amazing!), developmental psychologist Susan Pinker examines how face-to-face social connections fundamentally impact human health, happiness, and longevity. From scientific research and real-world examples, Pinker demonstrates that direct human contact remains essential for well-being despite our increasingly digital world. She explores communities like Sardinia’s Villagrande, where strong social bonds correlate with exceptional longevity, and examines how in-person interactions affect everything from child development to immune system function. The book offers practical insights for maintaining crucial social connections in modern life, making it valuable for academic and general audiences interested in human development, health, and social psychology. I encourage group leaders and pastors to be encouraged by Pinker and her studies. She appears to be agnostic at best but uses examples of religious communities throughout her book.

Next Door as It Is in Heaven: Living Out God’s Kingdom in Your Neighborhood

Ford, L. & Brisco, B. (2016). Next Door as It Is in Heaven: Living Out God’s Kingdom in Your Neighborhood. NavPress, 224 pages. ISBN: 978-1631464973

In this thoughtful exploration of Christian community engagement, authors Lance Ford and Brad Brisco examine how modern life has eroded neighborhood connections and offer a theological framework for rebuilding the local community. The authors argue that genuine neighborliness is a biblical mandate and a path to spiritual growth. Drawing from Scripture and contemporary social research, they analyze how technology, individualism, and busy schedules have contributed to social isolation. The book provides practical strategies for Christians to meaningfully engage with their neighborhoods, suggesting that authentic community involvement is essential for personal faith development and effective ministry. Through real-world examples and biblical principles, the authors present a vision of neighborhood life that bridges the gap between spiritual practice and everyday relationships. As I read this book, I’m encouraged to be more intentional in getting to know and build relationships with my neighbors.

The Titus Ten

Smith, J. J. (2022). The Titus Ten: A Pastor’s Guide to Developing Leaders in the Church. Grace Theological Press, 176 pages. ISBN: 979-8985529807

In this practical guide focused on church leadership development, J. Josh Smith examines the ten qualifications for church leaders outlined in Titus 1:5-9. Drawing from his pastoral experience and biblical exposition, Smith provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, developing, and deploying church leaders. He breaks down each of the ten qualifications, offering practical insights for current church leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles. The book combines theological depth with actionable guidance, addressing how these ancient qualifications apply to modern church contexts. Smith emphasizes character development alongside competency, arguing that both are essential for effective church leadership. The work is a valuable resource for pastors, elders, and ministry leaders involved in leadership development within their congregations. I am meeting with a group of four men once a month and we are reading a chapter each month. We are using the principles from each chapter as discussion starters.

Do You Think To Pray: How to Listen and Talk to God Every Day about Everything

Kendall, R. T. (2009). Did You Think to Pray? How to Listen and Talk to God Every Day. Charisma House, 240 pages. ISBN: 978-1599797618

In this practical exploration of prayer, R.T. Kendall addresses the often-overlooked aspects of developing a meaningful prayer life. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience and biblical teaching, Kendall examines why many Christians struggle with consistent prayer and provides insights for developing a more intentional approach to communication with God. The book combines theological understanding with practical application, addressing common obstacles to prayer while offering specific strategies for making prayer a natural part of daily life. Kendall particularly emphasizes the importance of both speaking and listening in prayer, challenging readers to move beyond mere petition to develop a deeper, more conversational relationship with God. Through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, he demonstrates how regular, thoughtful prayer can transform one’s spiritual life and relationship with God.

Catcher in the Wry

Uecker, Bob, and Melvin Durslag. Catcher in the Wry. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1982.

Bob Uecker’s Catcher in the Wry is a humorous memoir recounting his baseball experiences. I love reading baseball books! I often read works like this in the evening right before bed or on my day off enjoying a coffee while exploring a new coffee shop. Examining works on sports humor and comparing it to other baseball autobiographies provides a broader framework for understanding Uecker’s style; which is humorous, sarcastic, and odd-but in a good way!

The Bible in a Year

In February I started in Exodus. I generally read three chapters in the morning and listen to a Psalm or two and work through the Prophets a few days a week as I drive (I use the Logos Bible app and listen as I drive). A few years ago Craig Keener and RT Kendal inspired me to read my Bible more. I followed Keener’s example in 2022/23 and read ten chapters of the NT a day to read it once a month. I did this for ten months or so. It was life-changing!

Disciple Making Principles: Barnabas, Son of Encouragement

7-8 minute read. Audio version is found here.

As I read the book of Acts, I’m always encouraged when Barnabas’ name comes up. Recently I created a Passage List regarding Barnabas in my Logos Bible platform and wanted to share the principles of this amazing disciple-maker.

The Encourager

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
Ac 4:36

The first mention of Joseph, also called Barnabas, is in Acts 4. The church is beginning to grow in Jerusalem rapidly, believers are speaking the gospel boldly, signs and wonders are accompanying the preaching, and those in Christ are filled with the Holy Spirit. Writer Luke is sure to include Barnabas’ nickname, Son of Encouragement. Bible scholar John Polhill (footnote below) said, “He was the encourager, the advocate, the paraklete par excellence of all the characters in Acts.”

The Humble Giver

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Ac 4:36-37

Barnabas recognized he had something to give and wanted to provide for the needs of his new brothers and sisters. He didn’t make decisions on where the money was spent. He took the sale proceeds and brought it humbly to the apostles. I always think about my late friend Ronnie when I think about humble givers. He was not wealthy, but he was a humble giver. Ronnie was the guy who liked to buy the lunches of others when they were not looking. You would try to pay only to find out someone had already taken care of it. Chances were it was Ronnie. He would have emptied his gas tank to get you to town, paid for the late utility bill, or made sure the widow’s lawn mover was in working order before his yard was mowed.

The Introducer

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Ac 9:27–11:22

Being an “Introducer” is key to being a solid disciple-maker. The Introducer vets people. In Acts 9, Barnabas is the man who lets the apostles know Paul had an in-person experience with the Lord. He shares with these men how he came to Damascus to persecute the church but left a believer who was preaching boldly in the synagogue. As an Introducer, sometimes my job is to try to get the right people together for a growing disciple-making relationship. Other times a disconnected believer simply needs new friends. The Introducer makes it their job to care pastorally for the new or immature believer by making sure they know other believers.

When we moved to OKC, we joined a Community Group at our church and one of the elders became an Introducer for me. Each Sunday he asked if I had met this man or that one. He slowly made sure each of the other elders had met me. The Introducer is not concerned about you moving in on their friend group. They are confident in the Lord and want to see others faithfully growing within the community.

The Delegate

The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
Ac 11:22–25

The Delegate is a trusted believer who can be sent to look into things. In Acts 11, the church has begun to grow into the Gentile world (11:1). As he did with Paul, he verified these believers were coming to Christ through the preaching of the gospel. And…” When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” (Acts 11:23) The delegate has the authority of others behind him. Disciple-making Delegates are often those who willingly head into hard situations and confidently speak the truth in love. The Delegate is a trusted, mature believer who understands those of other cultures/viewpoints. Barnabas was a native of Cyprus and was likely fluent in Greek. When he arrived in Antioch, he did not arrive with a critical attitude but was ready to see the grace of the Lord over those who’d just received the Good News in their community.

The Reproducer

So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people.
Ac 11:25–26.

Waylon Moore said believers needed to look for those who are Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Barnabas saw Paul as a FAT (I’m now using the acronym AFTr-available, faithful, teachable, and reproducible) believer and sought him out. He brought Paul to Antioch and helped him sharpen his skills in gospel preaching, apologetics, and teaching. The Disciple Maker is always looking for other leaders who are trainable (footnote below).

Every believer needs to be a disciple maker, but some are Makers of Disciple Makers. Characteristics of this person include:

Humble
FAT (Faithful, Available, Teachable)
Leadership Ability
Reproducible
Evangelistic
Kind/Loving/Caring
Respectful
Long-Suffering
Genuine

The Trusted One

And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Ac 11:30

“Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). ²⁹So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. ³⁰And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” Ac 11:27–30.

In Acts 11:27-30, Barnabas demonstrates his role as a trusted leader in the Christian community through several key qualities:

1. Spiritual Discernment and Credibility:

The church in Antioch was receptive to Barnabas’ leadership when he oversaw the delegation of aid for the impending famine predicted by the prophet Agabus. His presence suggests that he is seen as trustworthy and spiritually discerning, capable of managing important matters on behalf of the believers.

2. Commitment to Generosity and Unity:

Barnabas facilitates a response of generosity from the Antioch church to their brethren in Judea. His leadership underscores his dedication to fostering unity and care across different Christian communities, reflecting his role as a bridge-builder.

3. Dependability in Mission:

The church entrusts Barnabas and Saul (Paul) to deliver the collected aid to the elders in Judea. This assignment indicates confidence in Barnabas’ integrity and ability to execute missions reliably, even in the face of potential challenges.

4. Partnership in Ministry:

By partnering with Paul for this task, Barnabas shows his collaborative spirit and willingness to share responsibilities with others for the greater good of the Church. Their partnership highlights his humility and commitment to collective leadership.

Through these actions, Barnabas exemplifies the qualities of a servant-leader who is trusted to manage resources, unite believers, and fulfill critical missions in the early Christian community.

Polhill, John B. Acts, vol. 26, The New American Commentary: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Moore, Waylon B. Multiplying Disciples : The New Testament Method for Church Growth. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Navpress. 1981.

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Disciples of The Way: Straight Street, Damascus, Syria

7 min read time. Photo by Alena Koval on Pexels.com

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ²and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Ac 9:1–2

Acts 9 starts with Saul, soon to be called Paul, so incensed about the preaching of the gospel that he is threatening murder and seeking warrants to look for disciples/followers of The Way in Damascus. It ends with him escaping his former persecuting partners in a basket over the wall.

Paul intends to enter Damascus zealous to begin rounding up followers of The Way, yet has an undeniable encounter himself with the risen Lord.

As I read through Acts again, I’m reminded that language is important. In the two verses above, Saul is breathing murder against the disciples of the Lord and those belonging to The Way. In scripture, these designations mean something. There are implications attached to following as a disciple or being recognized as a person “of The Way.”

Disciples of the Lord

Paul was going after disciples. Those who followed. Had he arrived at the synagogues and shared his mission, the rabbis and congregants would have known exactly who he was looking for. It’s a bit sobering to think how the terms “Christian,” and “believer,” and “disciple” today have taken on an almost nebulous meaning. Depending on who you ask, any of these terms could mean any number of things except what they are intended to mean.

But words do have meaning.

A disciple is a student, pupil, or learner. In the New Testament it is used for Jesus’ followers.
J. Barry, Lexham Bible Dictionary

Jesus was a different rabbi. He called His own disciples.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Mt 4:18–20

Those who wanted to be changed came to Him by faith, not by their own intellect or power.

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
Mt 9:2

The disciples have a changed heart due to the gospel. They die to themselves and follow the Lord.

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Mt 10:38

Paul was not seeking those who had a passing interest in Jesus. He sought those who may have suffered persecution at his hands in Jerusalem (Acts 8:3; 26:10) and fled to Damascus. In fact, they had a specific designation.

Belonging to The Way

Luke gets more specific in describing the disciples by using the phrase “followers of The Way.”

“The Way” is explicitly mentioned in Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:22; and possibly in 16:17; 18:25–26; 24:14. Craig Keener believes this title to be Semitic in its context as it does not seem to have been used by the Gentile church. He also correlates The Way with the narrow door of salvation, the way of peace and righteousness seen in Matthew, Luke, John, and Acts.

The movement is related to the narrow “door” of salvation (Luke 13:24–25; cf. Matt 7:13–14) and to “the way of peace” (Luke 1:79), the Lord’s way prepared by John (1:76; 3:4), “the way of God” (20:21, despite the speakers), and “the way of righteousness” (Matt 21:32; cf. Acts 13:10; 16:17).
The “way” was the right moral path or lifestyle in which the upright would walk.
Craig S. Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary & 2: Introduction and 1:1–14:28, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012–2013), 1626.

As a descriptive phrase for disciples, “Belonging to The Way” would be appropriate for believers (disciples) to call themselves today.

Damascus Christians in Acts 9

The city of Damascus, located in Syria, is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to the 16th century BC.

In Acts 9, we learn that Saul (Paul) was on his way to Damascus with letters “to the synagogues at Damascus so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2) To understand the significance of how zealous Saul was to crush this threatening movement known as The Way, please remember that Damascus was a six-day walk from Jerusalem. Saul was zealously going after The Way. One commentator uses the phrase, “searing rage.” Anger might cause us to veraciously pound our keyboards and write behind the safety of a screen name. Searing rage may cause us to walk SIX DAYS and use our relational and communal connections to hunt people we don’t even know AND THEN haul them SIX DAYS back!

As he approached the city, the Lord struck him blind and his companions brought him by the hand into the city. Luke tells us where Paul ends up: on Straight Street, at Judas’s home.

Craig Keener has an interesting take on the word “Straight.”

Why does Luke specify the particular street in this case? Elsewhere, revelations might include sufficient directions for travelers to find their way (cf. Acts 10:6)—“Judas” was, after all, a common name and hence could hardly specify the house’s location in Damascus by itself. But the street’s name in this case may have also supplied Luke a fortuitous opportunity for a literary connection: those who twisted God’s “straight” road (13:10) must be blinded (13:11), but the kingdom mission of true prophets entailed straightening that road again (Luke 3:4–5). Saul has turned to the Lord’s right path, to “the Way” (Acts 9:2).
Craig S. Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary & 2: Introduction and 1:1–14:28, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012–2013), 1653.

Acts 9 truly shows the Lord’s kindness to Paul.

His traveling companions lead him by the hand to the city.
He finds accommodations and rest in Judas’s home thanks to Jewish hospitality.
A godly man (Ananias) in the city was praying and listening to the Lord. (9:10)
Paul was welcomed into the believing community (The Way) in Damascus and strengthened by the disciples. (9:19)
Instead of singling out followers of The Way in the synagogues, he preached Christ. He increased in strength and confounded the Jews. (9:20-22)

These disciples, or followers of The Way, provided a biblically solid ground for which the newly converted Paul would begin his ministry. These disciples showed Paul the following insights that we would do well to instill in new disciples from day one:

Faith and Obedience: The disciples in Damascus, like Ananias, demonstrated unwavering faith in Jesus and obedience to His commands. Ananias, despite his initial hesitation and concerns, ultimately obeyed God’s instruction to lay hands on Saul, trusting that God had a divine purpose.
Community and Support: The Damascus community appears to have been a supportive and interconnected group. They were aware of Saul’s previous persecution and likely shared a common understanding of the gospel. Their willingness to welcome and accept Saul, despite his past actions, speaks to their love and compassion.
Perseverance and Resilience: Given the context of early Christianity, the Damascus disciples likely faced significant challenges and persecution. Their continued commitment to their faith and their willingness to gather and support one another demonstrate their perseverance and resilience.
Spiritual Growth and Development: The Damascus community seems to have been a place of spiritual growth and development. Their interactions with Saul and their experiences of God’s miraculous work likely contributed to their own faith journeys.

Though the narrative of Acts 9 is primarily centered around Saul’s conversion, the brief glimpses we have of the Damascus disciples reveal a community of believers ready to listen to the Spirit, obey His commands, and make new disciples.

Creating Margin in Ministry: Jesus’ Example and Practical Tips

This article takes about 5 minutes to read. Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels.com

³⁰The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. ³¹And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. ³²And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
Mk. 6:30-32

In Mark 6:1-32, we learn that Jesus was busy! He was rejected: Despite performing miracles, Jesus is rejected by his fellow townspeople, who are surprised by His wisdom and power. He appoints the Apostles: Jesus appointed twelve apostles to accompany Him and spread His message. He provided instructions for ministry: Jesus gives His apostles instructions for their ministry, including warning them about the dangers they will face. Jesus healed people and exorcised demons: Jesus continued His ministry of healing the sick and casting out demons. He ministered to and fed the five thousand: Jesus performed a miracle by feeding a crowd of 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish.

Jesus taught the twelve, extended His teaching to the crowds, corrected the religious leaders, had the crowds pressing in everywhere He went, and more! And yet He still modeled rest.

“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”
Mark 6: 31

Jesus modeled for His disciples the necessity of getting away and resting for a while. As disciples of His, we too should take regular days off. We should use our vacation/PTO time. We should create margin throughout our day. As I write this post, I’m specifically thinking about creating margin throughout the day.

I have found that the biggest key toward intentionally creating margin includes these three components: 1). Remembering my own limitations 2). Respecting myself and others 3). Setting appropriate boundaries.

Create Margin by Remembering My Own Limitations

We are all limited and each of us in different ways. Some limits may include time, health, family care, or physical ability. I’ve had to learn that I’m limited to the number of meetings I can say yes to throughout the week (and the weekend). There are only so many projects I can take on at any given moment. There are only so many stressful conversations I can have in a day. Understanding my limitations helps me know how to build margin into my day/week/month so I can keep leading healthily.

Be sensitive to your spiritual, emotional, and physical health. At times you may be focusing a little more on one or two and need to take some extra time throughout the day to care for yourself.
You might have small children at home or be caring for a family member. These are limitations to work or ministry but take precedence.
Seasonal limitations: Summer, holiday, and allergy/asthma seasons all present limitations to what I can and cannot do. I’m working to better understand each of these to be able to create the appropriate amount of margin in each unique seasonal situation.

Create Margin by Respecting Myself and Others

I’m rereading John Mark Comer’s Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with the staff at our church. Comer is reminding me that creating margin shows that I respect both myself and others. I don’t fill my day with one meeting after another. This leaves me tired, unable to complete tasks to the best of my ability, and no time within the workday to think critically. I respect others by having margin as well. I’m better able to show up on time. I can respond to messages in a timely manner. I remember that they are likely trying to do the same thing as me. They do the best they can, with the gifts they have, within the allotted hours in their workday. I’m learning to respect myself by:

Using a calendaring service (Calendly). This has been amazing! No more going back and forth by text to establish a meeting time, date, and place. I have options for coffee, different meals at varying locations, and times to meet me in my office. The service sees what is open on my calendar (which I set the rules to), reminds those making the appointment, and gives me the ability to create margins/buffers before and after each meeting so I’m not rushing off to another one if I am unable.
Remembering that I am a special creation of God who needs to spend time with the Father throughout the day.
Becoming more Unoffendable when others don’t share my values and use invasive, intrusive, or guilt-laden tactics to rob from the margin I’m creating.

Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels.com

Create Margin by Setting Appropriate Boundaries

Henry Cloud wrote a book called Boundaries that was updated in 2017. Boundaries was not groundbreaking information, but it provided words and tools toward creating healthy boundaries in my life; particularly my ministry life. I’m learning to do this by:

Creating boundaries around my day off. I generally tell people, “that day is unavailable. How about these other two options?”
Creating soft boundaries around the weekend. I only leave one slot open to outside dinners/lunches on Friday-Sunday (with Christy’s agreement) and usually say no to coffee meetings on those days. On the rare occasion I schedule a work lunch or dinner on the weekend, Christy and I will redeem that time with a weekday breakfast together, or an extended neighborhood walk during the week.
Learning how many meetings a day/week is healthy for me and sticking to that. I’ve learned to use my calendar to help me say no. As soon as I’ve hit my early morning meeting limit (or any other), Calendly does not allow anymore and I usually block off the time visually so I am not tempted to say ‘yes’ when I need to say ‘no.’

Conclusion:

By acknowledging our limitations and intentionally creating margin in our lives, we not only respect ourselves but also foster healthier relationships with others. Through practices like careful calendaring, prioritizing self-care, and setting appropriate boundaries, we can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling existence. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, but rather about making conscious choices that honor the Lord and our well-being, and contribute to a healthier life.

Maine/Massachusetts July 2024

Christy and I took a late July vacation to Maine and finished the trip visiting family in Massachusetts. While in ME, we saw many new places and sampled some amazing local food! We spent time in Ogunquit, Wells, York, and Portland followed by a few days with our family in Carver MA (Plymouth). We failed to get any pictures from our night at the Ogunquit Playhouse, but it was fun! We saw Kathleen Turner in a production of A Little Night Music.

Above is a screenshot of the Sayward/Wheeler House in ME. We toured this 18th century home for $10 each. It was amazing! It sits overlooking the York River and had one family (their descendants) living in it from 1719-1977 when it was given to the historical society. Inside the home is furniture, photos, and other items that were there before the American Revolution.

Inside the fort looking toward the guns and harbor

Christy indulged my interest in history a few more times throughout the trip. The above pictures are of Fort McClary. This fort has protected the approaches to the Piscataqua River and the southern end of ME (Kittery) for over 275 years. It was active through five wars and is named after Revolutionary War hero, Major Andrew McClary, who died at Bunker Hill.

The fort has huge pieces of granite scattered about that show where the defensive wall would be had it been finished.

We spent time hiking…

Visiting beaches…

Visiting lighthouses…

Visiting Plymouth…

And spending time with family…

This was an amazing trip! Christy spent so much time researching where I could eat (due to my allergies) and Maine offered so many GF options. If you ever go, be sure to research which airport you want to fly into. There are several around Boston and it might be worth it for you to fly into one like Manchester in NH or Providence RI. We opted for Manchester this time. It was straightforward to navigate and we found the car rental place easily.

Lessons Learned from a Public Confrontation: Encouragement and Reflection

9-minute read

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Ps. 141:3

I had a conversation the other day with a friend in a coffee shop. I shared some sensitive things about myself and thought, “I wonder who can hear me right now?”

This reminded me of a time when I got yelled at in a restaurant in Kentucky. As I thought about that time, I thanked the Lord for what He taught me in that experience. I decided to write my thoughts down because I’m hoping to accomplish a few things:

I want to encourage others with what I’ve learned and challenge you to think about how the Lord is growing you through conflict.
This one is selfish. I want to look back on my thoughts and remember what happened as I’m prone to making the same mistakes.

As you read this post, it’s my hope that you resonate with my story, but in a grace-filled way. As you read you might agree with me that the young man in the following account misbehaved. You probably have a story like this too! Maybe someone misbehaved and yelled at you or maybe you’ve done it to someone else.

A few years ago while working with the Baptist Convention I was having lunch with a Director of Missions (DOM) friend and two pastors at the local Mexican restaurant. We sat side by side in a booth by the window and had been meeting for several months in varying representations of the group working to help a pastor and the dying church he served work toward health. We had reached the portion of working through some language in the guiding documents when I looked up and a young man was standing at our table. He was not our waiter and he was visibly agitated.

Before we could say anything to him, he told us he had been sitting in the booth behind us and was listening to our conversation. His displeasure over our conversation was evident in his tone, choice of words, and posture. He was unhappy that our conversation did not include enough prayer. He was disappointed in the way we spoke about these new documents. His displeasure also included the perceived spiritual tone of our conversation. (Not enough spirituality and too much business.)

When he finished, I tried to respond with kindness and grace. I asked him his name and where he attended church. He gave us his first name, but not his church. I then told him that what he heard was a snippet of all we had been doing. I explained that there had been much prayer throughout this process and that these documents were necessary for this church. I explained that as he listened to only a portion of our conversation, he was ignorant of the context of the situation, and our relationships to one another. I told him that it was not fair of him to share his opinion unsolicited, and since he stated he was a Christian, he could have given us the courtesy of telling us where he went to church. We weren’t enemies and I was trying to make common ground. After he left, we stared at each other and asked, “What just happened?” We stopped, prayed for the young man, and continued meeting.

As my DOM friend and I recounted our experience, neither of us thought what we said was offensive, out of the way, or sinful. We did have some takeaways that informed our next work-related restaurant meeting as well as good reminders that I try to remember when in public:

People listen whether you want them to or not. They might be eavesdropping on purpose or maybe they can’t help it because you and your friend are inadvertently louder than you realize. Something else was going on in this guy’s life and he used the opportunity to lash out at us. But as my friend and I thought about it, we decided to always look for the most empty area in the restaurant moving forward. We asked ourselves, “Were we in sin? Did we say anything that we should not have said? Were we insensitive to others?” I have a friend who prays the gospel as he asks the Lord to bless his food at the restaurant. He said, “I’m not sure if anyone is listening, but if they are, they’ll hear the Good News!” People are listening. Let’s not sin in our conversation or cause them to sin in listening to it.
Sometimes other people sin against you and you might not know why. Give them grace and learn where you can. What causes someone to insert themself into another’s conversation unsolicited? I don’t know! While in Massachusetts last month my friend’s daughter asked how old we were and some dude stopped and started asking us all our ages and then just walked off. WHY!?!?! So weird. I think a better question was one my DOM friend asked. “What is going on in that young man’s life that would cause him to say those things in that way? We need to pray for him and his heart. He is probably going through a lot right now and we need to give him some grace.” I’ve had plenty of people angry with me. Most justified and some not. The older I get, the better I am at listening to the anger and trying to apply what I can so I don’t make the same mistakes. Remember, there’s usually a kernel of truth behind what people say in their anger or rebuke of you. Find the truth and learn from it.
Keep sensitive conversations private. This one was not sensitive. I had a 100 like it in my time with the Convention and never had another person rebuke me for doing my job. Sometimes conversations are best had in private, in the back booth with no one around, or in hushed tones. Ask yourself, “Am I in sin by even having this conversation?” “If someone were to overhear, would I cause them or someone else to sin?”
Jesus calls us to kindness, compassion, and care. We lovingly (also a little shocked) listened to the young man as he shared with us. We didn’t yell back. No one got up in their preferred fighting stance (I like the bobbing video game character). I also believe it was caring for me to let him know that his comments were unwarranted and unwelcome. As we prayed for him, we talked about how we had no idea what kind of hurt he experienced in his church life. We were ignorant of his walk with the Lord and his maturity level. We asked the Lord to care for him, to allow his heart to receive forgiveness and love. Sometimes being kind and compassionate in public is not saying everything that comes to mind. I love jokes, puns, and sarcasm, but what are others hearing outside of my immediate context? What does our vocal tone say to others who may be listening in?

I think about this young man from time to time. I hope he is healing from whatever or whoever hurt him. I thank the Lord for that experience. I certainly wouldn’t ask for it, but it provided me with a good reminder that others are listening to what I say in public. What about you? Have you had an experience like this? Even if you were wronged, how did you use the experience to grow in your love for others and the Lord? How did you go about redeeming a bad situation for His glory?

Disciple Making and Kids with Terrance Shay

It Takes a Church to Disciple Kids (podcast link)

23-min listen

I took the transcript of Terrance’s message and inserted it into ChatGPT, and out came this summary! I love his premise that both the home and the church are needed in the healthy discipling of kiddos. Check out the entirety of the podcast at your convenience.

The article emphasizes the importance of family discipleship in a post-Christian, social media-saturated culture. It identifies two types of churchgoers: “Program Pete,” who relies entirely on church programs for discipleship, and “Parochial Pat,” who prioritizes family happiness over church involvement. The article argues that effective discipleship requires a partnership between the home and the church, as both play crucial roles.

The home is the primary environment for discipleship, where parents are irreplaceable in their roles. The church complements this by offering community, support, and intergenerational relationships, which help both children and parents grow in their faith. The article calls for intentional disciple-making that is personal, relational, and aligned with the Great Commission. It suggests that churches need to equip and encourage parents, and build a culture that reflects gospel values through training, counseling, and family involvement in church life.

In summary, the article advocates for a vibrant partnership between the home and the church to effectively disciple young people, emphasizing that both environments are essential for nurturing faith and spiritual growth.

ChatGPT generated the summary content, I approved and the highlights are mine. OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com/c/8d2fb136-2591-482f-932d-d23997ed69b8

Rhythms for Rest: 5 Ideas to Encourage Community Group Leaders Toward Health

¹⁷Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.
Ex 18:17–18

While living in Kansas City, MO, we practiced house church with a group of believing friends. For the first several years, we held the meeting in our home, cooked a meal each week, and took care of all the preparations for our gatherings. However, we eventually realized that we were not effectively utilizing our group members to share the workload.

Quickly, group members began hosting in their own homes and inviting their friends. We utilized events such as the Super Bowl and July 4th to invite friends who wouldn’t typically attend our group and provide points of rest from our regular rhythms. We discovered that others were eager to help and were invested in keeping the group healthy and intact.

Reflecting on our Wellspring house church and the lessons learned over the years, I compiled a short list of five ideas for group leaders to implement to maintain health and reduce the stress of leading week after week.

Enlist a Co-Leader for Your Group

If you’re leading a group alone or with your spouse, consider enlisting a co-leader or a couple to co-lead with you. Begin by asking the Lord to highlight people who have demonstrated leadership capabilities and faithfulness. My wife and I co-lead with another couple, and it’s been amazing! We bounce ideas off each other, share leadership responsibilities, and grow closer as friends while strengthening our relationship.

Utilize as Many Homes/Meeting Places as Possible

Preparing your home for guests every week can become tiresome. My wife and I recently started rotating the hosting duties to our home. My wife remarked, “This will help keep the kitchen table free from clutter!” I couldn’t agree more. However, the stress mounts when it’s a weekly occurrence, and life’s pressures collide at the most inconvenient times. Guests might not always be as gracious as you hope, or work commitments during busy seasons could make it challenging to host.

Utilizing another home or a third place (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) can alleviate some of this pressure. Sharing the hosting burden also demonstrates love and care for those who lead and teach. Group members often forget the effort involved—cleaning the home, preparing discussion questions, selecting songs, and reaching out to absent members. Meeting at a different location for even a month could alleviate some of this pressure.

Develop Disciples/Leadership Apprentices

Whether you have a co-leader or are praying to find one, developing disciples or a group apprentice should be a priority. In our group, which operates with co-leading couples, our goal is to develop leadership apprentices. We aspire to see new groups formed and neighborhoods impacted by the gospel. Encouraging members to take on teaching responsibilities helps hone their skills and lightens the load for us.

Build-in Breaks (seasonal, planned, group activity, holiday)

Plan breaks around holidays, group activities, fifth weeks in a month, or even designate a month off during the summer. Leaders can step back by pouring into disciples who can lead in their absence, inviting guest speakers, or arranging for another group to provide leadership assistance. Strategically planning these breaks throughout the year can offer much-needed respite.

Practice Personal Spiritual Disciplines and Healthy Home Practices

When my regular time with the Lord is interrupted due to mismanaged schedules or disrupted routines, I find myself more susceptible to stress. This added pressure doesn’t help when it’s group night, and I know I haven’t been setting the best example.

Donald Whitney and Richard Foster have been invaluable resources regarding spiritual disciplines. While it’s essential to learn, it’s even more crucial to put that knowledge into practice, ideally within a supportive community. Take time to assess your personal spiritual health and commit to growth in specific areas this year.

Additionally, consider your home practices, including family and work schedules, morning, evening, and weekend routines, and regular indoor and outdoor chores. Automating tasks such as bill payments and using delivery services can save time and streamline responsibilities.