Comments on: The Church Planter’s Library (1): Introduction

By: JL

JL — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:19:38 +0000

1. I agree that our Scriptural foundation is most important as we attempt to go about the task of planting churches. After all, how can we plant a church if we have no real biblical understanding of the Church?

2. As we choose books to read, may we read those grounded in biblical truth, not just “effective methodology.”

3. ALSO…let us not limit ourselves to books written by those exactly like us, whose opinions we already hold. We need not be afraid to read widely on these matters–as long as we read critically and hold God’s Word as our measuring stick. After 7 years overseas, I’m much less likely to be shocked at the people God uses and the ways He sees fit to give us new insight into the Work.

I want to encourage anyone serious about CP not to put a book down (especially one recommended to you by someone you respect) at the first hint of poor exegesis–or an opinion that differs from yours. Persevere, examine, question, dialogue with others. The results may be well worth the effort.

By: David R. Crane

David R. Crane — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:43:13 +0000

Thanks Bruce for initiating such a discussion, and for providing such helpful information. I have served with the IMB in E. Africa for 16 years. During that time, I’ve always been blessed to be surrounded by guys who were continual learners. We read each others books, attended conferences together, wrote position papers on topics and then argued over them for hours, taught in each others Bible schools, and recently some of us have even written a chapter for a book together. So you are modeling for these young church planters a practice they need to keep up until they retire. Having said that let me list a few books I wish I’d read before landing on African soil.
1. “Gods of Power” by Philip M. Steyne
2. “Communicating Christ in Animistic Contexts” by Gailyn van Rheenen.
3. “When Charity Destroys Dignity” by Glenn Schwartz
4. “The Mission of God” by Christopher J.H. Wright
Two organizations that maintain websites which contain a number of helpful articles are: http://www.cmaresources.org(Church Multiplication Resources) and http://www.pantataethne.org (Great Commission Initiative). The former was started by Neil Cole. It contains a lot of excellent short articles. The latter was started by Tim Ahlen of Dallas, TX. Search Tim’s site for articles by Jim Slack and read every one of them.
5. Contact Dr. Grant Lovejoy at the IMB’s offices in Richmond and ask him to send you a list of the books and materials he considers must reads on the field of orality and chronological Bible storying.
6. If you are a student at SEBTS, make sure to attend the classes led by the visiting profs John Witte (on Bible storying) and Nik Ripken (L-3 name) on the persecuted church.
Remember, it’s not your ability to quote large chunks of the classic books on C Planting that are ultimately going to enable you to be a successful church planter over the long haul. Rather it’s traits like humility, integrity, hospitality, patience, laser focu on the main things, a sense of humor and a deep love for God and His Word that will see you through.

By: Bruce Ashford

Bruce Ashford — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:31:49 +0000

Sean, great to hear from you. We’ll miss you this semester. But it is a great thing that we’ve had four church plants come out of our little group.

By: Sean Pyle

Sean Pyle — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:59:31 +0000

This group has easily been one of the most beneficial, if not the most, experiences for me at Southeastern. I have grown greatly through the readings and even more through the discussion and sitting around with guys that are much wiser than I am and bring extremely valuable thoughts. One of the best parts about the group is discussing how the gospel is lived out in a community. My thoughts on church planting and the Gospel have developed greatly over the last year and a half. I am excited about the growing interest in NA Church Planting and am very sorry that I wont be able to make the meetings. It has also been encouraging to see three or four church plants come out of our group just in a year and a half. I miss you guys and am excited for the future

By: Bruce Ashford

Bruce Ashford — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:17:39 +0000

Mike Dodson and Mike McDaniel, it is great to hear from you guys. Both of you have been significantly involved in NA CP and renewal. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the second installment. Extra books you’d recommend? Favorite books out of the ones i listed? etc.

Billy, you are right on target. Coleman’s book is a classic.

Sterling, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I’m in the same boat man. I’m 35…which is very close to 40… 15 years away from 50. Shazaam.

By: Bruce Ashford

Bruce Ashford — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:14:52 +0000

Justin, Josh, Tanner, great to hear from you! Hope you guys are doing well. Looking forward to reading the books that you guys write about your own church plants.

Chad, you’re right. Getting in a group and discussing these things and encouraging each other is the best way forward.

By: Tanner Turley

Tanner Turley — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:14:03 +0000

I concur with Justin’s thoughts. Aside from all of theological and practical discussions related to planting, our discussion group has taught me several things regarding the pursuit of learning.
1) The value of critical reflection and application: I often read with the mentality of becoming more knowledgeable without pausing to critically interact with the material and consider its implications for life and ministry. Our purpose for gathering is to push one another to become more faithful missionaries.
2) The value of learning in community: Other brothers from other churches challenged my thinking in a multitude of ways. As Proverbs says, “Iron sharpens iron” (27:17). It is good to gather with men of comparable strength and/or superior strength.
3) The value of good books: It’s not always about reading widely but reading wisely. Some books are a waste of time. Others hold life changing potential. On that note, I look forward to the upcoming posts.

By: Billy Mitchell

Billy Mitchell — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:50:43 +0000

Robert Coleman’s “The Master’s Way of Evangelism” is the number one book I recommend to planters. In my experience if you plant disciples who reproduce you have no choice but to plant an effective church. Plant a church with no discipleship and see where that goes.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:00:33 +0000

These sound like great meetings, the kind that need to be happening across our convention. Men and women meeting to discuss the practical missional outworkings of God’s Word is what will bring about a GCR. Looking forward to seeing the book list.

Matt

By: Josh Reed

Josh Reed — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:57:35 +0000

Looking forward to getting cranked back up. It was a welcomed asset for my first year here…