Protestantism

» TNPolarbear - Church Growth

After reading Brian Tubbs' article on Church Growth, I was reminded of a misconception about all of the "crowds" that we see with Jesus in the Gospels. Jesus did not seek out the crowds, the crowds sought Him. As Brian stated, Jesus spent most of His time with the few devoted disciples. People were attracted to Him by the things they saw and heard Him do and so when He did stop to speak, the crowds followed. The models of the early church all point to smaller gatherings, not regular gatherings of thousands. I think this misunderstanding of the Scriptures has been used to validate the Mega Church model which is so popular today. I would argue that the most effective model is a smaller church that is growing and therefore constantly planting other churches.

-- posted by TNPolarbear

» Brian Tubbs - Church Growth

In response to Church Growth posted by TNPolarbear:

I agree that a small church (and I define "small" as under 250 or so) planting other churches is every bit as significant and/or as 'valid' (if that's the right word) as a church that itself grows to several thousand members. In fact, as you point out, the small church planting other churches is - in some ways - better. A large church can become complacent in its size and prideful in its numbers. Not a good thing.

» Migisi - Church Growth

In response to Church Growth posted by BrianTubbs:
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the small church planting other churches is - in some ways - better.
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Is there competition between churches? A tendancy to want to outshine, or outdo, each other? I assume there's not supposed to be, as all are 'brothers', but does this competition exist?
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How does one church 'plant' another one? Does the planted one become a 'branch' of the first?

-- posted by Migisi

» pink101 - First, Second, Third, Etc.

In response to Church Growth posted by Migisi:
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Churches don't compete much with each other.
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The way Baptist churches have grown, historically, has to do with a faction splitting off for some doctrinal or other dispute with the old stream. Maybe the splinter group didn't like the old preacher? For a while, there may be some tension; but, generally, not for long. Pretty soon, a group from the old church will visit the new church to show their solidarity in some way.
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They start up a new church that grows because it is new blood while the old church maintains itself and gradually gets back to its original size. Then, it splits again on some new issue.
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And, on and on.
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The seeds drop off and new growth pops up; but, never far from the parent church. I think other protestant churches grow the same way. First Presbyterian, Second, Third, Etc. .
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-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - answering Migisi

In response to Church Growth posted by Migisi:

There's friendly competition, which can be a healthy way to keep people accountable to goals. And then there's the unhealthy kind that leads to pride, selfishness, etc. - and that is certainly condemned in the Bible.

As for planting, that's just a term. It just means that one church helps start another church.