Patrick O'Connell

10 Reasons Why I Believe in Church Planting

At lunch last week a friend asked me why I think church planting is a good thing. His question got me to thinking. I identify myself as a church planter and have some firm convictions about it.  But I not sure I've ever took the time to write down WHY I believe church planting is a good thing. Here goes:

• I believe in church planting because I found my way back to God at a church planting church.
• I believe God uses church planting to draw new believers to Him.
• I believe a new healthy church glorifies God.
• I believe church planting is the best way to contextualize the gospel in the 21st century.
• I believe church planting offers people an opportunity to be on mission.
• I believe church planting is the hope of the church because it keeps the mission on the edge.
• I believe church planting is the best way to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
• I believe church planting brings renewal to the Body of Christ.
• I believe church planting is an authentic expression of faith. 
• I believe church planting draws the skills and talents of the body of Christ in unique ways.

What about you? Why do you believe church planting is a good thing?

A Visit to New City Church

Last Sunday I visited New City Church in Shawnee, Kansas. Matt Miller is the lead pastor and a great friend. Chris Moix is Matt's right hand and together they are leading a great new church. God is truly opening doors for them.

They've had opportunities to serve apartments communities and public schools in the community. During these early weeks of the church they have laid clear vision that they are going to be a church that does everything they can to bless the community.

They believe that people experience community in small groups. During my visit, Matt spoke about connecting with each other in groups to experience life transformation.

All I can say is WoW! The Sunday I visited was awesome. David Gallagher led a powerful worship experience up front. Chris inspired the congregation to get into small groups and connect as a community. Matt spoke on love and that our love stories are still being written.

Matt finished a leadership residency with us at Restore almost a year ago. Since then he's been focused on planting and launching New City. I miss having Matt as part as our staff. But experiencing New City was my proof that God is doing a new work in Shawnee through him and his team.

 

 

Asking Questions

I met with my friend Jeremy last week to catch-up. We talked church planting and family and calling. I found myself asking him question after question about his experiences with his church plant.

After Jeremy arrived back home he emailed me and thanked me for asking him so many questions. I am not sure what benefit he received from my cross-examination.

That's the way I need to do it. I want to stay learning. I've been involved with seven church plants in the past 4.5 years and you might think I have it figured out. But I don't. 

It was great catching up with Jeremy. I hope we have the opportunity to work together again soon. And I am grateful to Jeremy for his willingness to share his expereinces with me.

What it Means to Be Mobilized

We rightly cite Ephesians 4:12 when calling people to action:

[12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
(Ephesians 4:12 ESV)

But I think there is a big difference between equipping and mobilizing. I may get in trouble with the Greek scholars here but I am certain that mobilizing is a better 'lens' for us to use when thinking about mission.

Mobilizing is a miliatary phrase.

Equipping is part of mobilizing

But mobilizing also connotes 'awakening.'

So when you're thinking about equipping your saints, ask yourself if mobilizing isn't a better filter.

Church Redo...

Using the word 'church' can be dangerous when you're trying to move to the fringe and lead a community of Jesus followers.

People get this word confused. You say it and immediately a mental image comes to mind. Some of those images are inspiring. Most are lame.

Of course church is the English version of the Greek word, 'Ecclesia,' the called-out ones.

That's why you should still use it. Jesus' followers are the church. Jesus started THE church and calls his followers to BE THE church.

If you're going to plant a church then you had better understand the difference between a Sunday morning show and a church.

We don't need anymore shows.

Foundations

I was reading in Corinthians yesterday and inspired by Paul's words. I found them relevant to what we are doing in Liberty. I am praying that we never forget the foundation upon which we are building this thing.

10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:10-11) ESV.

Some Changes

Our son Declan was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes this week. This means we will need to help him regulate his blood sugar levels. Counting carbohydrates, injecting insulin, testing his blood, are all now part of our daily routine. If we don't do this, bad things can happen.

We are also launching a new campus in Liberty this weekend. My friend, colleague, and brother in Christ, Nate Williams, is the Campus Pastor.

There are some other pretty cool things happening in my life. It's definitely a season of change.

All of these 'changes' have inspired me to write. I am going to try and do most of it here. (At least that's the plan.)

Restore is Launching in Liberty this weekend!

Troy sent out this message to the Restore community. I can't wait until Sunday.

This weekend at Restore Community Church will be one of the most significant in our two year history.  From the very beginning we have dreamed about being a church that is focused on reproducing leaders, artists and churches that help people find their way back to God.  This Sunday that dream will continue to come to life as we launch Restore in Liberty, MO.  We will be meeting at 10am at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S Withers Rd, Liberty MO.  If you live in Liberty or have a friend that lives nearby, I encourage to attend and bring someone along with you.  If you have any questions, just email Nate Williams at nate@restorecc.org.

The challenges of transition

I left the business/corporate world to be a part of the Restore team. This transition has been challenging and so I thought I'd share some of the things that I've been learning:

• My sense of value is no longer driven by monetary gain nor promotion. I've had to trade my scorecard in for another.
• I've needed to measure my daily productivity differently. No longer can I sit back at the end of the day and tally my work. Results in ministry tend to take longer to appear.
• I've needed to exercise some discipline in setting some office hours. I office from home. At the beginning of this project I was having difficulty knowing when to quit for the day. (I a m better now.)
• Instead of "producing", I am now planting and growing relationships.
• I no longer have the mission field of work and so I need to be intentional about finding people to meet.
• I can't do everything myself and therefore have learned to trust people to do their part.
• Reproducing myself, my ministries, etc.In the corporate world we simply hired more people.

Despite these challenges, the journey has been wonderful. Restore is doing well and I am feeling more and comfortable everyday in my new life.

I suppose what I am saying is that I've come to TRUST GOD and he's not failed me.

You church planting blogger you

If you are a church planter and a blogger I encourage you to check out this post 'Dear Church Planter' from Perry Noble. Below are the Do's but you must read the entire post because there is much to avoid!

Do
Write about what God is teaching you.
Write about life change at your church
Be honest about your struggles.
Talk about your vision and where God is leading you.