I see this as a gray area in the COG. If you’re in favor, you could likely do whatever you want, then inform the state offices, and get their blessing. Some AB’s might want you to go through the state program for church planting. I’ve heard of a few favored sons leaving, planting independent, then bringing their church into the COG.. I’d at least communicate with your AB and get a feel for where you stand________________———My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/theB3
How many ministers are there that don’t have a church to pastor?What if all of them planted one?The only issue I see is if you plant one too close to another church – not sure how many miles that is ( I am sure that is debatable – depending on the size city you are planning in – NY City could have many and not draw from the same pool of folks.)If you are in a city (or country) that doesn’t currently have a church – then by all means – get your permission from God alone.Just my o________________
it used to be that a new church could not be planted within 5 miles of an existing church without permission from that local church/pastor.That has since been done away with. Permission is still necessary as a courtesy and unless there is a compelling reason the permission will be granted and in fact the new church plant will get every resource available to help it become a viable church.Here is our bylaw referencing new church plantsSection 6. New AssembliesThe planting of new churches shall be a priority goal of The General Council of the Assemblies of God. Resources at all levels shall be aligned to accomplish this purpose. Initiative for establishing new churches and the oversight of those churches may emanate from local assemblies, sections, and district councils. District presbyteries, sectional committees, or the authorities within a district charged with the responsibility of approving new churches shall not prohibit the planting of new churches unless a compelling reason exists. If it is determined that a compelling reason exists, a minister or local church desiring to plant the church shall have the right to appeal to their district presbytery or authorities within a district charged with the responsibility of approving new churches, and the decision of the district
I guess my thoughts are : why wouldn’t you want the blessing of leadership? I think most AB’s would celebrate the organization of a new work. That’s assuming the “new†work is not simply an “old†work moving 2 miles down the road to borrow members from existing churches. That’s not a true church plant- that’s simply a migration of the flock. Those dubious practices would be the ones an AB would frown upon IMHO.
You just described how many churches are planted.If I wanted to plant a church, I’d go ahead and do it, get it going, then tell HQ. But I would bring it in as an associated congregation________________
Don’t ask …just do it!!Dr. Mark Williams told me one time, go & plant as many as you possibly can.I made a separate thread about planting churches in California where we need you guys really bad out here. We just spent 3 intensive days about the subject of planting churches in the west.If you’re interested please drop me an email________________Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing …introducing people to Jesus!
13 years ago I ran into brother Stoval in Indianapolis. I told him Deb and I had bought a church building in Oakley, had bought a house and had moved here to plant a church. He welcomed us, but it could have gone the other way. We came out of calling and left the rest upto God. I knew I could be told no and would have to do it without the COG blessing. I do think boundaries should be respected, but not sure how you do it. If you set a distance half the Churches around Cleveland would have never started________________
don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness laterAnd based on your experience, if you have a church and they want the congregation – but not you – choose the people every time – not an organization________________
I see this as a gray area in the COG. If you’re in favor, you could likely do whatever you want, then inform the state offices, and get their blessing. Some AB’s might want you to go through the state program for church planting. I’ve heard of a few favored sons leaving, planting independent, then bringing their church into the COG.. I’d at least communicate with your AB and get a feel for where you stand________________———My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/theB3
How many ministers are there that don’t have a church to pastor?What if all of them planted one?The only issue I see is if you plant one too close to another church – not sure how many miles that is ( I am sure that is debatable – depending on the size city you are planning in – NY City could have many and not draw from the same pool of folks.)If you are in a city (or country) that doesn’t currently have a church – then by all means – get your permission from God alone.Just my o________________
it used to be that a new church could not be planted within 5 miles of an existing church without permission from that local church/pastor.That has since been done away with. Permission is still necessary as a courtesy and unless there is a compelling reason the permission will be granted and in fact the new church plant will get every resource available to help it become a viable church.Here is our bylaw referencing new church plantsSection 6. New AssembliesThe planting of new churches shall be a priority goal of The General Council of the Assemblies of God. Resources at all levels shall be aligned to accomplish this purpose. Initiative for establishing new churches and the oversight of those churches may emanate from local assemblies, sections, and district councils. District presbyteries, sectional committees, or the authorities within a district charged with the responsibility of approving new churches shall not prohibit the planting of new churches unless a compelling reason exists. If it is determined that a compelling reason exists, a minister or local church desiring to plant the church shall have the right to appeal to their district presbytery or authorities within a district charged with the responsibility of approving new churches, and the decision of the district
I can’t see an AB in his right mind not wanting a new church in his state________________
I guess my thoughts are : why wouldn’t you want the blessing of leadership? I think most AB’s would celebrate the organization of a new work. That’s assuming the “new†work is not simply an “old†work moving 2 miles down the road to borrow members from existing churches. That’s not a true church plant- that’s simply a migration of the flock. Those dubious practices would be the ones an AB would frown upon IMHO.
You just described how many churches are planted.If I wanted to plant a church, I’d go ahead and do it, get it going, then tell HQ. But I would bring it in as an associated congregation________________
Don’t ask …just do it!!Dr. Mark Williams told me one time, go & plant as many as you possibly can.I made a separate thread about planting churches in California where we need you guys really bad out here. We just spent 3 intensive days about the subject of planting churches in the west.If you’re interested please drop me an email________________Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing …introducing people to Jesus!
Yes you do.But fortunately for you, the Apostle of Actscelerate was on hand to grant permission.Go forth and plant!
13 years ago I ran into brother Stoval in Indianapolis. I told him Deb and I had bought a church building in Oakley, had bought a house and had moved here to plant a church. He welcomed us, but it could have gone the other way. We came out of calling and left the rest upto God. I knew I could be told no and would have to do it without the COG blessing. I do think boundaries should be respected, but not sure how you do it. If you set a distance half the Churches around Cleveland would have never started________________
don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness laterAnd based on your experience, if you have a church and they want the congregation – but not you – choose the people every time – not an organization________________
Good tule of thumb ________________