Pastor, It Could Be Worse…
Church attendance is down & looking at stats can be depressing when thinking about faith in North America, BUT it could be worse, & it actually has been much worse in the history of Christianity. For instance, I recently read the great book How the West Won by Rodney Stark & he records the conditions of the reformation era churches in Germany:
In 1525, the newly reformed church put together a research arm & began making systematic observations & interviews of churches. Here’s some of what was in the reports:
- “You’ll find more of them out fishing than at service… those who do come walk out as soon as the pastor begins his sermon.”
- “A pastor testified that he often quits his church without preaching… because not a soul has turned up to hear him.”
- “Absenteeism from church on Sunday mornings was so widespread that the shod debated whether the city gates should be barred on Sunday mornings to lock everyone inside. Evidence from elsewhere suggests that this expedient would not have helped.”
- “Those who come to services are usually drunk… and sleep through the whole sermon, except sometimes they fall off the benches, making a great clatter…”
- “During church there is such snoring that I could not believe my ears when I heard it…”
- “People make indecent gestures at members of the congregation who wish to join in singing the hymns…”
- “The play cards while the pastor preaches, and often mock or mimic him cruelly to his face…”
- The researcher notes: “I have selected only such instances as could be multiplied a hundredfold.”
even Martin Luther admitted that neither the tidal wave of publications nor all the Lutheran preachers in Germany had made the slightest dent in the ignorance, irreverence, and alienation of the masses. Luther complained in 1529, “Dear God help us! The common man, especially in the villages, knows absolutely nothing about Christian doctrine; and indeed many pastors are in effect unfit and incompetent to teach. Yet they are all called Christians, are baptized, and enjoy the holy sacraments…”
And let us not forget that a small group of uneducated fishermen & the likes overcame the Pantheism of the Roman Empire with the same message & the same power of God that we have access to today. Be encouraged that the Gospel we preach has overcame incredible odds over & over again in the history of the world. And it can happen again.
What’s Happening in Louisiana Baptist Missions?
Tuesday, was the Louisiana Baptists Executive Board meeting, which means the Louisiana Missions Support Committee & State Missions Offering Committee met as well. These two teams are made up of members of Louisiana Baptist churches & they get to oversee church planting & missions work & the spending of missions $$ in our state. Always a lot of fun to sit in on these meetings! A few big takeaways from this week:
- The Mission Support Committee approved 20 new churches, 3 new compassion ministries, $725k in cooperative funding between sponsor churches, associations, North American Mission Board & the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
- In the current recording cycle, Louisiana Baptist churches have given $4 million to Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions, $2.1 million to Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions, $174k to the World Hunger Fund, & $1.6 Million to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions.
- and this team gets to give away the $1.6 million. Allocated: $200k for first unit buildings for church plants, $828k for church planting supplements, $410k for special mission projects, $125k for the Mission Builder Program, $95k for scholarships, $224k for missions training & promotion.
- We reported 18 new churches started so far in 2015. 3 in north Louisiana, 15 in south Louisiana, & 13 multi-ethnic & non-anglo. 60% to our goal of 30 for the year.
- We also broke ground on the Georgia Barnette Conference Center, which will be a state of the art gathering space for missions training & more at Tall Timbers Conference Center in central Louisiana.
I’m humbled to be a part of the process of starting churches, raising & dispersing resources through the work of Louisiana Baptists. Grateful for the generosity of Southern Baptist Churches in Louisiana who continue to give that the gospel may be shared, disciples made, & churches started for the people of Louisiana & beyond.
Keep up with the work of Louisiana Baptist Church Planters on our Facebook Group. And follow events & happening throughout the Louisiana Baptist Convention at LouisianaBaptists.org.
“In every apple there is an orchard” #churchplanting
I-10/Acadiana Basic Training for Church Planting Recap
Finished up another Basic Training for Church Planting yesterday in SW Louisiana. Excited about the teams that made it to this training.
- Bayou Life Church in Cottonport – Life Point in Mansura has targeted the communities with no SBC church & little evangelical influence across Avoyelles Parish, which is the northern fringe of cajun country. Cottonport is one of those comunities & they have tapped Louisiana church planting legend, Louis Cherrier for the task of planting there.
- Broadmoore Hispanic in Shreveport – Planter Daniel Hernandez. Hispanic population has grown to near 300,000 in Louisiana. Grateful for Pastor Daniel & his team.
- Christ Church – Lafayette, Opelousas, & now Abeville. Christ Church has added three locations in around 12 months. Excited about the heart that Pastor Brandon Nealy & Exec Pastor Joe Garner has for multiplication. May their tribe increase.
- Crosspoint Church in Galiano – Planter John Boss, & Associate Pastor Noah Blackburn who’s looking to plant in the future. Great work going on in the hard to reach bayou communities in southern Jefferson, Lafourche, & Terrebone Parishes.
- Redeemer City Church in Lafayette – Planter Aaron Schamp. Meeting in downtown Lafayette & reaching out to millenials & young professionals. They’ve done a great job in year one. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the team at Redeemer City.
- St. James Baptist Church in Bunkie – Planter Reginald Arvie. One of Louisiana’s oldest evangelical congregations (St. James Baptist in Chicot – started by Joseph Willis in the early 1800’s) & one of Louisiana’s newest congregations Life Point Mansura are teaming up to start a new work in Bunkie. Actually cranking up ministry tomorrow night! This is going to be good!
- The Cross Church in Lafayette – Planter Emmanuel Kuada . Brand new project. Looking fwd to what shapes up in fast growing Acadiana.
Several yet to be determined projects as well as several Revitalization projects were also represented. Our next Basic Training will be in north Louisiana at Camp Harris in Minden. Register & get more info here: http://louisianabaptists.org/basictraining2015.
How Much Does it Cost Your Church to Reach One Person for Christ?
Got an interesting question that has me working the calculator this morning. How much money does it take to reach a person for Christ in the average SBC Church? So many factors could be thrown in to the equation here, but just some quick figuring in a few major population areas in Louisiana.
- A sample of 66 churches in one city spent $40,845,337 in 2013.
- The same 66 churches reported 503 baptisms in 2013.
- So it took this group of 66 churches $81,203 to baptize one person.
- Looking at the new churches in this group of 66, the total spent per baptism went down to $21,276.
- I’m guessing, it will go up for the age of the church, but more study will be needed.
How much does it cost your church to baptize one new convert? is this a good question to gauge our effectiveness? What do these figures tell us about our churches?
When God Gets Personal
This past Sunday at our church, we were blessed to witness the baptism of four new believers. Baptisms marks a new beginning in a persons life with God. A personal declaration is being made that as Jesus died, was buried, & was resurrected by the power of God; God has done that work in my heart as well. I’m now dead to my old way, my sins are buried with Christ, & I’m raised to walk a new way (Romans 6:3-4). Every believer will have this testimony.
And it also marks the beginning of God’s work of sanctification in a person’s heart & life. A work that he promises to finish.
Philippians 1:6 – “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
What does God do in our hearts? I love what Peter says about God’s personal work:
1 Peter 5:10 – “Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, WILL PERSONALLY restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.”
Peter’s testimony was that, when God gets personal four things happen:
1. We’re RESTORED. The word means mended, as in fishing nets that are tattered & torn. It can also mean equipped or put in order, or fully trained. So the image is of something that was rendered ineffective due to sin, is now being made useful, because of God’s personal work.
2. We’re ESTABLISHED. The word means made to stand. It’s used in terms of planting a plant deep enough that it cannot or will not fall over or vacillate. It also has to do with inner determination. Part of the work of God is to plant in us a determination to get back up, when we fall & we will.
3. We’re STRENGTHENED. This word has to do with mobility. God give us the ability to go farther, faster, & longer than we could before. It has to do with effectiveness & purpose. In Christ, we’re going somewhere, for some reason. For his glory & the good of others. And we’re now backed by his power. God’s strength is like a wind in our sails.
4. We’re SUPPORTED. Meaning we’ve been given a strong foundation, that cannot be quickly washed away. This is the same word Jesus used in his story of the Two Foundations in Matthew 7:24-27. A foundation on the sand gets washed away by wind & storms. A foundation on the rock withstands wind & storms. And it’s knowledge of & obedience to God’s word that gives us this support.
Of course, Peter is giving a personal testimony of what God did in his own life. He was tattered by sin & by failure as a follower of Christ. He fell asleep is Jesus’ hour of greatest need, he reacted in anger & tried to murder a man when Jesus was arrested, & he denied he even knew Jesus as he was facing an unjust trial. He needed mending. He needed to be firmly planted. He needed to be strengthened for a purpose. He needed a foundation that wouldn’t quickly wash away when tested. And these are the things that God gave him, shaping him from a failed follower to the leader of the early Christian movement.
What is your personal testimony? What is the work that God has done in you? Have you allowed God to get personal in your life? Can you say you’re restored, established, strengthened & supported by God? Hopefully you can give a testimony of God’s work. I’ve written mine down on a site called WhatIValueMost.com. Read my story & write your own here: http://whativaluemost.com/Testimony.aspx.
Basic Training for Church Multiplication, April 27-28 @ Acadian Baptist Center
If I had a bumper sticker it’d say, “I’d Rather Be Planting Churches.” Blessed to be able to work with those planting churches in Louisiana & one of the ways I get to do so is through planning training events. Our next Basic Training for Church Multiplication is April 27-28 at Acadian Baptist Center, near Lafayette. Register here: http://ow.ly/LHbKX. Overnight housing & all meals included.
>> Our Basic Training Workshop works through all the major systems needed for a church to grow no matter the model.
>> Church planters in Louisiana who have attended some type of Basic Training event have experienced 50% higher attendance & 65% more baptisms. Not sure if that’s because of our great training or the teachability that attending training exemplifies.
>> Facilitators are men who have successfully planted churches in Louisiana. This session will include: Andy Tribe from The Bayou Church – Youngsville, Jacob Crawford from Life Point Church, & Joe Garner III from Christ Church.
>> The training is offered free, thanks to gift from Louisiana Baptist churches to the Cooperative Program & Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.
>> More info at LouisianaBaptists.org/basictraining2015 or give me a call at 985.373.2748.
Four Words that Test My Faith in Christ
Last Sunday, our church wrapped up a long study of the New Testament book of 1 Peter called Tested, with FOUR WORDS that sum up Peter’s message & that can serve as a test of our faith in Christ:
1. CHANGED: Has there been a change in my life? Simon became Peter. A fisherman & failed follower of Christ became leader of the Gospel movement b/c of his relationship with Christ.1 Peter 1:3. You’ll not come in contact with Jesus & not be changed in some way.
2. SUBMISSION: Can I say that selflessness & servanthood toward God & others is part of my identity? 1 Peter 2:13,18; Matthew 20:28. Peter was known in the Gospel for his assertiveness & brashness. But he learned that in Christ, SUBMISSION was the greater value.
3. SUFFERING: If following Christ cost me something, would I still do it? 1 Peter 4:1. Suffering & Christianity are inextricable linked. Why? Peter reminds us that we’re not of this world, so we can expect to rub this world the wrong way. And we’re going against the flow of our fleshly nature & cultural norms, so sparks will fly when our identity in Christ meets these two.
4. READINESS: Am I ready with everyday discipline in my Christian life (1 Peter 1:13)? Am I ready to share the Gospel with others (1 Peter 3:15)? Am I ready to face temptation & the tempter who desires my destruction (1 Peter 5:8)?
Peter was concerned about READINESS b/c of his own failures:
- In the Garden of Gethsamane he slept when Jesus as him to pray, so he tells us to “Stay awake” 1 Peter 5:8.
- When Jesus was arrested, he reacted by trying to commit murder, so he tells us to “Be sober” 1 Peter 1:13.
- He denied Christ three times even though he said he wouldn’t, so he tells us to “Be ready to give an answer” 1 Peter 3:15.
Great study & great book for our generation to study as we face more & more pressure because of our faith in Christ.
Find most of the messages at http://bridgenorthshore.podomatic.com/ or on our Itunes account.
7 Steps to Establishing Your New Church as a Legal Organization
Guest post by Scott Cheatham, Church Planter with The Way Church in Denham Springs. Scott is one of the facilitators for the Admin Session of our Basic Training for Church Multiplication Workshop in Louisiana.
As church planters, we get excited about the task, but often neglect administrative details. To start with integrity & assure long term success, we must take care of legal issues that can serve as future threats to the health of our organization if neglected. Here are seven steps that new churches need to take to become legal & maintain organizational integrity:
STEP 1- Secure Your Name
Once you have chosen a name for your church, you have to determine whether it is available for use. To do that, go to: www.sos.la.gov/Pages/default.aspx. Go to the “Start a business” tab and search for business filings. Look for the business name in the directory. If it is not already taken, then you can use it. If it is being used, then you will either have to add something to distinguish it, like your city or community. (i.e. Calvary Baptist of Denham Springs) or change the name. Once you have found a name that can be used, you can move on to the next step.
STEP 2- Writing Your Articles of Incorporation
The next step in the process is writing your Articles of Incorporation. I recommend using a lawyer. These documents can be complicated and difficult. Information you will need to have to write your articles: Who are the officers of the church? What is the mailing address? How will your church make decisions and function legally? It would be a good idea if you have some by-laws to present to the lawyer so he can get a clear understanding of the polity of your church. Once the Articles of Incorporation have been written, they need to be filed.
STEP 3- Filing Your Articles of Incorporation
The Articles of Incorporation have to be filed with the Secretary of State. You can either go to the office to file personally or you can file online. Your lawyer should be able to help direct and/or file for you. To file, there is a $75 fee. The Secretary of State also requires you to file an annual report. This can be done online as well. This process only takes a few minutes and insures that the church stays in good standing with the state. Once you have filed, you can then go to step four.
STEP 4- Tax ID Number
Churches need an EIN (employer identification number) or what is referred to as a tax identification number. This number is used to file your quarterly tax reports. This number can easily be obtained by going to the IRS website and filling out the appropriate form. Go to this link and follow the appropriate steps: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/. Once completed, you will have your EIN. Print a copy and keep in your records. You will need this for conducting business.
STEP 5- State Tax Number
Louisiana churches also need to have a state tax number. This state tax number will allow you to file your quarterly state tax forms. This can be obtained online as well. Go to: http://revenue.louisiana.gov/Businesses/BusinessRegistration. Follow the instructions to apply for a Louisiana taxpayer identification number. Once you have been emailed this number, print it and keep for your records.
STEP 6- Open a Bank Account
Now it is time to open a bank account. You will need to bring all of the above-mentioned documents to the bank and open an account. There are a few things that you need to know when you arrive at the bank. Who will sign checks? Do you want a bankcard? What is the mailing address for the church? Knowing these things in advance will expedite the process of opening an account.
STEP 7- Bookkeeping
Step seven is very important. This step involves setting up a good record keeping system. There are several good systems that are available. There are systems designed just for churches. You can go online and find one to match your needs. Quick Books is another option as well. This may require a little experience with bookkeeping, but is user friendly. Another option is to hire a local CPA or Bookkeeper to keep your books. This would insure that you are filing timely and proper tax forms. These firms will also pay bills and do payroll. The expense is usually minimal.
These steps will insure that God’s church is started and operated legally and with integrity.
Other articles about getting started on the church planting journey:
When We Can’t Go On: Scenarios for a Church in Need of Radical Revitalization
Many churches are experiencing dwindling numbers, changing communities, & the need for drastic change. Sometimes the picture gets so dim that the remaining faithful are forced to make hard decisions about the future of their church. Here’s a spectrum of scenarios that can bear fruit for the kingdom when a church can’t go on as it is.
1. Closing the Doors, for Now
All living things have life cycles & we should not see churches as an exception. Closing the doors of the church often is seen as a failure, but it shouldn’t be. In reality, it’s having the courage to recognize that the life cycle of the current ministry has run its course & it’s time for God to use His kingdom resources in a different way. And remember, God sees death differently than we do (Psalm 116:15; John 12:24). With God, death is never final. And when a church decides to close the doors, the resources will be utilized to birth something new and the legacy of the former members who made that hard decision will be alive forever. This may be the best scenario for a church if the area has experienced considerable population decline & the location may no longer be viable for a church.
2. Replanting the Church
Planting a new church is an exciting venture that begins with a church planter & a core group or launch team seeking God’s will & dreaming of reaching new people for Christ & then designing ministry with the community in mind. So replanting would mean taking a step back to core group or launch team phase & re-dreaming & redesigning with a fresh look at how to reach the community. Most likely, one of the reasons for the decline of the church is the lack of fresh vision & ideas for reaching the lost. As church plants often begin with a sending or sponsoring church & infused resources from the denomination & association, there may be opportunity for a replant to develop these partnerships as well. This may be the best scenario for a church that still has some financial means & people who are willing & able to restore the systems of the church with the help of partners.
3. Merging with a Healthy Congregation
The scenario that is gaining the quickest turnarounds in Louisiana is the merger of a declining church with a healthy, growing congregation. In this scenario, the church in decline essentially gifts its building(s), assets, & autonomy to the growing congregation, who then multiplies their healthy DNA & church systems onto the property. We’ve seen churches with a dozen attenders reaching hundreds within one year as a result of a congregational merger. And, in many cases, remaining members of the declining congregation stay on, faithfully serve, & enjoy seeing the fruits of their giving & sacrifices over the years, increased in fruitful ministry to new generations. Without a doubt, the decision to move your church toward drastic changes like these will not be easy. Don’t think of it as the end, but as the decision to extend the influence & legacy of your church for future generations. How do we begin the process:
- Pray & ask God for wisdom & direction as you seek what’s best for the future of your church & the community.
- Contact your local Director of Missions for help with next steps, legal issues, & potential partners.
Check out some of my other posts that may help on your revitalization journey:
- Do We Need A Church Revitalization Plan?
- Tools for Revitalization: Church Systems Analysis
- Scenarios for Church Revitalization: Diagnosis
- Scenarios for Church Revitalization: Restructure or Restart
- Scenarios for Church Revitalization: Refocus and Re-Energize
- The Solution for Church Health and Revitalization
- 5 Attributes of a Church in Decline
- Revitalization Story: The Grove
- Church Revitalization: Merging & Multisite
Links I Liked and Learned from this Week
- Don’t be a bachelor: Why married men work harder, smarter and make more money – Washington Post. Great article on the benefits of marriage for men.
- 10 Simple Changes You Can Make to Help Boost Weekend Worship Attendance – Carey Neiwhof. Practical steps you can began applying immediately.
- Making Mother’s Day More Meaningful – Outreach.com. Great “ideas for showing the love of Jesus to moms and other women in your community.”
- Photo: Bobcat Catches Shark in the Surf – Field and Stream. Yay for Bobcats! (Pic below)
- 7 Things You May Not Know, but Need to Know About Your Wife – Ron Edmondson
- How to Feed a Crowd and Not Go Broke – Mary Hunt
- How to Get the Most Out of Family Dinners – ArtofManliness.com – “All great change in American begins at the Dinner Table” ~ Ronald Reagan
- Updated my Reading List!
Lane Corley 