Powered by Gottalife
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
-
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.
-
Permalink Reply by Shawn Wagstaff on -
Thanks Larry. That reply was encouraging. I sent you a friend request. Let's keep in touch.
-
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.
Music
Badge
Gottalife Links
Latest Activity
I'm glad the Frank Viola quote is in there, because I would have recommended it if it wasn't. I have found his *experienced*explanation to be one of the best/easiest to present for people to understand.
But in a sense, you could answer your friend's…
Thanks for that Jeff.
How difficult is letting our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" - "no" ? Very difficult today. Authenticity is simple but very rigorous. Breaking it down, it involves the putting aside of self and the fear of what others may think about us (me). Sounds lik…
(via Centrl)
I don't really know the answer to that, Miguel. I would suggest a leadership reading or "Church Turned Inside Out" by Alan Karr and Linda Bergquist.
How then, does a church that IS institutional in it's method and structure, become organic?
Birthdays
Birthdays Today
© 2010 Created by Gottalife
