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Dealing with isolation in church planting.
Hi my name is Shawn. I live in Goderich, ON, Canada and am a house church leader who is looking to start a house church network/movement in my area. I am currently connected with the Starfish house church network here in Canada and am in the process of joining DOVE Canada-another house church network. The problem is that there has been a lack of connectedness as I seek to join with these movements. Leaders in the network are busy people-it but would it would be nice to connect with others who share a vision for house churches. There is really no one here in Goderich who I can relate to about these isssues. As a matter of fact, there has been a lack of support from my old home church as far as planting house churches. I met with the senior pastor and found out that he and the local church board would not support me in my efforts at establishing house churches here in Goderich. Planting churches is a huge challenge-pioneering, starting from scratch ect .. The house church movement is a relatively fledgling movement in Canada and it seems that some more traditional denominations and churches are wary of this movement. It's easy to feel isolated and misunderstood. I am hoping to connect more with others who are involved with house churches here in Canada. The internet is one way of doing this. If anyone would like to connect with me-my email address is shawnmwagstaff@yahoo.ca or you can find me on Facebook under my name-Shawn Wagstaff. May God bless you!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Larry Cornell on -
I am a long ways from you on the map but if I can offer any encouragement please contact me. We can discuss anything you wish. You should not be surprised that the institutional church is going to lash out at the home church movement. They are not going to like something they cannot control so I would not expect much support from the leadership of any denomination. 'Pagan Christianity' though not perhaps intended this way is like a declaration of war on the modern paradigm of doing christian church and most pastors are going to see that right off.
Stand strong, the Lord is allowing all these things for a purpose. May He ground you in His word more and more each day and strengthen your will like iron to fulfill the purposes He has purposed for you.
God bless.
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Permalink Reply by Shawn Wagstaff on -
Thanks Larry. That reply was encouraging. I sent you a friend request. Let's keep in touch.
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Permalink Reply by Scott on -
I have not started any house churches but am praying for the Lord's leading and strategy..
What I understand from reading on the net and the book "Getting Started" which I would highly recommend; prayer is one of the key aspects of starting churches. It is the Lord that builds the true church.
Another key aspect is encouragement which we can get here.
My paraphrase
Daniel 12:3 ~those who have insight will bring many to righteousness, because they shine brightly as God shines in them.
PS I am further away but the Holy Spirit is with us.
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Permalink Reply by Terry Johns on -
Hi Shawn
We have all learned that leadership has nothing to do the the badges that people have, its about gifting. There are many organizations around that offer great advice but most lack experience and gifting. The New Testament church was established through a move of the Holy Spirit and facilitated by anointed apostolic ministry.
You started your post stating that you are a leader, so my question is "what is God saying to you" In the end its about hearing from God and moving out on His word. Without a clear word from the Lord we are all in danger of moving the flesh. As has allready bben started, "unless the Lord builds the house the workers work in vain"Blessings
Terry
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Permalink Reply by Shawn Wagstaff on
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I agree with your comments Terry. I believe God has given me a vision for my community-but during dry times its always tempting to quit and not stay the course for the long haul. And that's what church planting is-a long haul. Sometimes God moves sovereignly and powerfully and we just sit back and watch Him work. Other times we co-labour with Him-and we need perserverence to stick with the vision-especially during periods where things seem to be going in the opposite direction of our vision. The apostolic network I have recently joined has a long history and lots of experience and mature, anointed, godly people lead the movement. I think it's good to seek encouragement and confirmation from other leaders in the Body of Christ. Also let's remember that the enemy opposes church planting and evangelism at every turn. So I believe we need help from the wider Body of Christ during periods of intense spiritual warfare. I am a leader and in many ways a pioneer-but I don't subscribe the the view that there should be any lone ranger in the Body of Christ-regardless of our individual callings. Thanks for responding to my post- I don'tget a lot of activity from this online community and it's always nice to connect with other believers. Where do you reside Terry? Are you involveed ina house church at all? Blessings. Shawn
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Permalink Reply by Terry Johns on
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Hi Shawn
I have attached some info about us, you can also visit our websites. I am presently working with an OHC in Ottawa. We are from Red Deer, Alberta.
www.freechristianbook.ca
www.goministries.ca
www.terryjohns.ca
Blessing
Terry
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