Is it “Church Planting?”
Or is it really “Corporation Planting?”
Or “Denomination Planting?”

Can’t seem to find “church planting” in the Bible.

Did Jesus ask “His disciples” to “plant churches?”

When you hear words that are not in the Bible?
don’t you wonder why we use them?
and where they came from?

Isn’t it challenge enough understanding?
the truth of the words that are written?
How much harder word’s that we make up?

Doesn’t the Bible warn us about;

The commandments of men?

The doctrines of men?

The philosophies of men?

The traditions of men
that make the Word of God
of non effect?

Making the word of God of none effect
through your tradition…
Mark 7:13

Hmmm? A simple word, “church?”
What do most people understand
the word “church” to mean?

Building with a steeple on it?
Is that in the Bible?

Pastor in a pulpit preaching to people in pews?
Is that in the Bible?

That’s what the world thinks, the unbeliever, isn’t it?

Isn’t that what the so called “local church plants”
has accomplished with four buildings on
four corners in a lot of “local towns?”

Haven’t we deceived the people
we’re supposed to be reaching out to?

How many will know that “The Church of God?”
The ekklesia of God? The called out one’s of God?

Are the habitation of God?

The redeemed of the Lord?

The body of Christ?

The Israel of God?

And Jesus is the head of the body, “the Church?”

Does God dwell in buildings made with
the hands of men? Or does He dwell in people?

Did Jesus shed His blood for;
a building, a denomination,
an institution, an organization, a corporation?

Should “disciples of Christ” call a corporation, “The Church?” ;-)
The IRS does. Oy Vey!!!

Will people know that “The Church of God?”

Are kings and priests unto God?

The bride of Christ?

The servants of Christ?

The sons of God?
Led by the spirit? – Or led by man?

Disciples of Christ?
Learners and students of Christ?

Ambassadors for Christ?

How many will know, in the Bible,
no one ever went “to church?”

How many will know, in the Bible,
you become “the Church?”

And hear His voice? And follow Him?

Out of heaven he made thee to hear “his voice,”
that he might instruct thee.
Deuteronomy 4:36

And other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring,
and they shall hear “my voice;”
and there shall be one fold,
and one shepherd.
John 10:16

One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.

If Not Now, When?

In His Service. By His Grace.

I have decided that the “unifying vision of the religious imagination” you are in search of is the Kingdom of God. It is the rule, or Administration of Jesus Christ in the here-and-now on earth. When and where Jesus reigns “spirituality, religion, culture and social issues”–of which you write–are fully embraced, cleansed, redeemed and transformed from within, by Christ Himself. I would also add to that list even the more righteous elements of America’s of Rebulicans and Democrats. “New life forms’, so to speak, come alive. All is transcended. Satan’s authority is removed, and life as it should be blossoms. Everything changes. It is not unlike what happens in revivals or awakenings. And it most clearly demonstrated when cultures, previously untouched by the gospel, receive it and go forward in it.

Consider this as well–not even the Kingdom of God can fully describe everthing that is in Christ Himself. The Kingdom is Christ Present, but Christ is actually even greater than the presence of His rule. and so ultimately–and unfathomably–Christ is unifying, first Principle of all that is–and should be.

Again…wow…By the way, where are african-american church planters…I am one…but I don’t meet alot of them…most of them have churches given to them…I had that option in Shreveport, LA…but God decided otherwise and I am in New Orleans, LA…go figure…Praise be unto God…I need some church planter friends that I can tell them inside jokes and plans…you can find me on twitter and facebook. Peace and keep fighting planters…God will reward…

10 things to think about before beginning a church plant

1. It’s harder than you think. So don’t start without realizing that it’s impossible for you to succeed. However, nothing is impossible for G-d.

2. Its more fun than you think it’s going to be. Enjoy the process of beginning a work for G-d’s glory. Remember, if you fail its ok G-d still loves you and His grace is sufficient for you.

3. There are people who don’t want you to succeed. Identify these people and ignore them.

4. There are people who desperately want to you to succeed. Identify these people and seek them out …

5. It is not easy to figure out who are #3 people and who are #4 people.

6. Don’t let the weather discourage you, just grab a hot chocolate or cappuccino and start preaching people out of hell.

7. You will always schedule a meeting that no one will show up for. Take the opportunity to pray and study the bible.

8. This is not your church plant its G-d’s.

9. Remember you will always find people who don’t have the chutzpah to leave their spiritually dead churches. Some people enjoy the company of zombies.

10. Don’t take anything personally. People will come and go. Some will be committed and others will simply die insignificant lives.

Rev. Dr. Peter L. Riquelme
Church Planter/Senior Elder
Grace Community Chapel
Brooklyn New York

Actually, I’ll say five things:

#1: I didn’t right the article I referenced, so your plural use of the word “boys” is misguided.

#2: I don’t believe the author of the aforementioned article is a boy. So, you shouldn’t refer to him as such.

#3: Both of us are already planting churches.

#4: Lighten up a bit. It will be good for you and the Gospel you are most likely smothering to death.

#5: Have a great day. Seriously. I mean it.