Blog
Creating a Church Planting Network in an EPC Presbytery(s)
You may be the stated clerk of your Presbytery, the chairman or member of a Presbytery Church
Development Committee or, a ruling or teaching elder interested in seeing new churches planted
in your region. Let me begin with a disclaimer. Church planting networks aren’t the only way to
plant churches. EPC polity correctly identifies the local church, the Presbytery, and General
Assembly, all with authority to plant new churches. Even so, the past 25 years has seen a steady
increase in the number of effective CP networks in both denominational and non-denominational
evangelical churches both nationally and world-wide….
By: Shane Sunn
The Role of Lead Pastor in Creating a Church Planting Culture in an Existing Congregation
So, there’s a lot of talk out there about church planting. You hear it at Presbytery and again at
General Assembly. Meanwhile, you might feel a bit annoyed by all the CP buzz because it
sounds like another thing you need to add to your already overloaded schedule. “I’m already
exhausted just trying to keep up with everything that’s already on my plate, why would I add
something else?” Or you might think, “That’s for the larger churches to figure out and lead
because my congregation is small and at best will play an insignificant role in the greater cause
of church planting.” Or “I know where this is headed, in 15 minutes they’ll be asking for money,
and we don’t have any.” So, when the CP conversation comes up yet again, you slip out for
another cup of coffee and scan the foyer for someone to talk with about the weather. I’m sure
this doesn’t describe you, but let’s face it…
By: Shane Sunn
Initial Steps in Becoming a Church Planting Congregation
I’m sometimes asked by pastors and leaders of congregations, “How do we become a church planting
congregation?” On the surface, the answer seems obvious, “Plant a church!” However, experience tells
me the answer is much more nuanced. Here are a few considerations to help you get started…
By: Shane Sunn