FGBC World randomly contacted Grace Brethren pastors to learn their thoughts on church planting. Read their complete responses online at fgbcworld.com.
If you (or your church) have been involved in planting a church, what blessings have you experienced?
Our church has experienced the blessing of watching God provide leadership for the church plants we have attempted. We’ve also seen how God has allowed these efforts to reach new people for Christ in a way that the “mother” church probably couldn’t have done. We’ve been pleased that the Lord has also provided believers in the Body of Christ who have “stepped up” for those who
have left to be a part of the church plant. – Ohio
Our church planted a daughter church ten years ago. The first fulltime church planter remains on our staff leadership team while still leading the church plant. He and the members of the new church are a blessing to us and we to them as we serve and participate together at many levels. – Pennsylvania
How would you evaluate the need for new Grace Brethren churches in your region?
I believe the real issue is that there is a lack of Christ-honoring, creative churches in our area. Grace Brethren churches can provide that spiritual answer for this region. – Ohio
Only if targeted to different forms; or, to a targeted demographic, e.g. campus ministry. – Pennsylvania
Strongly needed in the region, not so much in the immediate area. – Indiana
What would be a catalyst for pastors and churches in your region to network together to plant a church or churches?
The right church-planter with passion and gift mix. – Ohio
A renewed vision and passion for the goal: to make Christ known to the world. – Pennsylvania
I’m personally working on restarting the Heartland District church planting efforts. – Indiana