What kind of Baptist Church would you start?

[Bronconagurski]

My son just started Bible College this semester and wants to be a Pastor. I have impressed upon him the need to get a Masters Degree at minimum, and a Doctoral degree would be better. The college he now attends stresses the need to start a church, not take over an established one. That leads me to the question in the OP:

What kind of Baptist Church would you start?

Independent, Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist are 3 possibilities that come to mind. What would be wrong with starting a non-denominational church as far as the name goes, but be strong in Baptist doctrine? Does anyone know of a Baptist church that went dropped Baptist from the name, but kept Baptist doctrine?

 

[OldRegular]

I would not. I don't think any person should start a church! I am not even sure that a group of people should start a church without spinning off from another church body.

I have said on this Forum that I live among dispensationalists with whom I don't agree. I also believe in the Doctrines of Grace; some dispensationalists do and others don't. I have thought about trying to get a like minded group together to start a worship service but??????

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

My son just started Bible College this semester and wants to be a Pastor. I have impressed upon him the need to get a Masters Degree at minimum, and a Doctoral degree would be better. The college he now attends stresses the need to start a church, not take over an established one. That leads me to the question in the OP:

What kind of Baptist Church would you start?

Independent, Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist are 3 possibilities that come to mind. What would be wrong with starting a non-denominational church as far as the name goes, but be strong in Baptist doctrine? Does anyone know of a Baptist church that went dropped Baptist from the name, but kept Baptist doctrine?

What Ive seen in New Jersey is that people drop the name baptist because they want to attract Roman Catholics & are fearful that the RC wont consider them because of the Baptist Banner. Then they become very liberal, never discuss doctrine & slide into a secular & apostate state of operation....ie the Entertainment Church (without lots of theology). Sadly that is the norm in NJ these days.

 

[Bronconagurski]

I would not. I don't think any person should start a church! I am not even sure that a group of people should start a church without spinning off from another church body.

I have said on this Forum that I live among dispensationalists with whom I don't agree. I also believe in the Doctrines of Grace; some dispensationalists do and others don't. I have thought about trying to get a like minded group together to start a worship service but??????

Thanks for your input. I guess Paul is the ideal in mind by starting churches, as he wanted to preach the gospel and start churches where no other man had preached. So a degree in missions would also be necessary, it seems. Can you imagine, like Paul, going out and preaching the gospel and then engaging the new converts to start their own church and become self-suffiecient? That seems exciting to me, not impossible. My son and I have even talked about my helping him, Lord willing, should he get the opportunity to try and start a church. There are places all across this country, I am sure, that have no real gospel witness available to them.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Thanks for your input. I guess Paul is the ideal in mind by starting churches, as he wanted to preach the gospel and start churches where no other man had preached. So a degree in missions would also be necessary, it seems. Can you imagine, like Paul, going out and preaching the gospel and then engaging the new converts to start their own church and become self-suffiecient? That seems exciting to me, not impossible. My son and I have even talked about my helping him, Lord willing, should he get the opportunity to try and start a church. There are places all across this country, I am sure, that have no real gospel witness available to them.

What kinda church would you start?

 

[Sminasian]

If your son is baptist, then he should train at a baptist church under a seasoned, baptist preacher. Then if it is Gods will, not the colleges will, he can pursue that road. But again, if he is baptist, why would he want to " drop" " baptist" from the name of the church? If someone is convicted enough in their faith, and beliefs, they should honor it as such. Calling yourself other than baptist, if you are baptist, is trying to be " politically correct". Thats not what baptist christians are about. We are to be IN the world, not OF the world

 

[Bronconagurski]

What kinda church would you start?

My dad impressed upon me, even though he was a Baptist, that non-denominational churches should be the ideal. I am a Baptist because they line up with doctrines that I believe the bible teaches better than any other denomination. I think I would start an Expository Bible Church, if there is such a thing, or a non-denominational church. I don't like the baggage that IFB, SBC, and Reformed bring in this day and age, as so many have pre-conceived ideas about what you are gonna teach. To me, expository preaching is the key to building a church. I think it would be exciting to teach the bible, line upon line, precept upon precept, to a group of people that were previously unchurched. Salvation, followed by baptism, would be necessary for church membership. I belong to an Independent Baptist Church, and though we aren't like the IFBxers, we are defined by them at times.

 

[Bronconagurski]

If your son is baptist, then he should train at a baptist church under a seasoned, baptist preacher. Then if it is Gods will, not the colleges will, he can pursue that road. But again, if he is baptist, why would he want to " drop" " baptist" from the name of the church? If someone is convicted enough in their faith, and beliefs, they should honor it as such. Calling yourself other than baptist, if you are baptist, is trying to be " politically correct". Thats not what baptist christians are about. We are to be IN the world, not OF the world

I agree with that to a certain extent. But let me ask you, are you an Independent Baptist? Is so, do you agree with all the perverts that are being exposed in these churches. And what about the SBC, who has churches like Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, that allows heretics to preach? What you are saying is that I should be a Baptist first and that is not correct. Besides, I didn't say my son wanted to drop Baptist, I was asking that question. It would not be to be politically correct, but to be free of stigma.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

My dad impressed upon me, even though he was a Baptist, that non-denominational churches should be the ideal. I am a Baptist because they line up with doctrines that I believe the bible teaches better than any other denomination. I think I would start an Expository Bible Church, if there is such a thing, or a non-denominational church. I don't like the baggage that IFB, SBC, and Reformed bring in this day and age, as so many have pre-conceived ideas about what you are gonna teach. To me, expository preaching is the key to building a church. I think it would be exciting to teach the bible, line upon line, precept upon precept, to a group of people that were previously unchurched. Salvation, followed by baptism, would be necessary for church membership. I belong to an Independent Baptist Church, and though we aren't like the IFBxers, we are defined by them at times.

How then to you teach Sotorology? Yes some will come that are unchurched, still others, who come from Reformed, IFB & SBC would come with their own ideas. I would tell you that you will not have a blank slate sooooo would you turn people away?

 

[Yeshua1]

My son just started Bible College this semester and wants to be a Pastor. I have impressed upon him the need to get a Masters Degree at minimum, and a Doctoral degree would be better. The college he now attends stresses the need to start a church, not take over an established one. That leads me to the question in the OP:

What kind of Baptist Church would you start?

Independent, Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist are 3 possibilities that come to mind. What would be wrong with starting a non-denominational church as far as the name goes, but be strong in Baptist doctrine? Does anyone know of a Baptist church that went dropped Baptist from the name, but kept Baptist doctrine?

Most important thing for your son would be IF the Lord has actually 'called" and gifted him for the ministry!

Assuming that is the Will and plan of God, would say that the masters degree will be fine, as the DR degree, or actually the Phd, would ONLY normally be required for him to become a professor/teacher at a seminary/college!

feel free to check out our church statement of beliefs at Stony creek church, as we do not use the actual name baptist, due to the founder and many of the members were ex catholics, anfd baptist leaves a bad taste in our Communities mouth!

 

[preachinjesus]

I'm a big fan of church revitalization.

We have a lot of churches with good facilities that are lingering on the edge of obscurity and shuttering their buildings. The right leader can do a work of ministry that really glorifies God. Seeing an established church that has begun to decline suddenly begin to grow is always a powerful thing.

That said it is appropriate to point out that it's always easier to give birth than raise the dead.

We support several church planters as part of our larger ministry. Church planting is a vital function of church growth. Frankly, we need more new churches. They attract new people at higher rates. However, church planting is very hard and has a higher rate of failure.

If you're going to think about church planting I'd encourage anyone to get connected with an established church, learn how to do ministry, talk with planters across many regions, and develop a support network. That leads to a higher success rate. I also encourage folks to go SBC because there is more money and a large network of support there. (you gotta pay the bills at some point)

Of course one alternative that is highly successful is being a campus pastor for a multi-site church. That is a growing field that is seeing some great stuff.

 

[Sminasian]

I agree with that to a certain extent. But let me ask you, are you an Independent Baptist? Is so, do you agree with all the perverts that are being exposed in these churches. And what about the SBC, who has churches like Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, that allows heretics to preach? What you are saying is that I should be a Baptist first and that is not correct. Besides, I didn't say my son wanted to drop Baptist, I was asking that question. It would not be to be politically correct, but to be free of stigma.

Yes I am IFB. Like any faith, there are those who spoil it for so many others, and totally dishonor the Lord.... Fortunately, there hasnt been any issues of immorality at the church I go to. Never heard of Elevation church, so I have no idea what you are talking about. Do you mean greensboro baptist church? The luny bins that are anti EVERYTHING? Well, that comes with being independent, a church can either choose to honor the Lord and teach the correct doctorine, or dont, . In the end , everyone has to answer for their actions and how they led the flock. Perhaps you didnt say your son wanted to drop " baptist", in the type of church he leads, if called to do so, but you implied it. I simply answered your question the best I could and with the best intentions. If you took it another way, thats on you.

 

[preachinjesus]

And what about the SBC, who has churches like Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, that allows heretics to preach?

You have brought this up in a couple of threads now. I'd encourage you to go and directly confront the leadership of the church rather than talk about them.

What recourse does the SBC have, in keeping with Baptist distinctives, to do anything about this?

 

[Yeshua1]

How then to you teach Sotorology? Yes some will come that are unchurched, still others, who come from Reformed, IFB & SBC would come with their own ideas. I would tell you that you will not have a blank slate sooooo would you turn people away?

Think that it can be done, but need to have saints willingly to accept each others viewpoints as being different than their own!

need to strive to keep the unity of the Body, and really be people of the book,prayer, and of the Spirit!

 

[Bronconagurski]

How then to you teach Sotorology? Yes some will come that are unchurched, still others, who come from Reformed, IFB & SBC would come with their own ideas. I would tell you that you will not have a blank slate sooooo would you turn people away?

I would teach Soteriology from the bible. The doctrine of salvation isn't defined by the name over the door, but by what the bible says. Others always have other ideas, but why would I turn them away? They will be the ones that have to decide whether they like the teaching or not.

 

[Bronconagurski]

Most important thing for your son would be IF the Lord has actually 'called" and gifted him for the ministry!

Assuming that is the Will and plan of God, would say that the masters degree will be fine, as the DR degree, or actually the Phd, would ONLY normally be required for him to become a professor/teacher at a seminary/college!

feel free to check out our church statement of beliefs at Stony creek church, as we do not use the actual name baptist, due to the founder and many of the members were ex catholics, anfd baptist leaves a bad taste in our Communities mouth!

If I thought that he wasn't called by God, I wouldn't have agreed to pay for his college. What kind of dad and Christian do you think I am? That is the first thing I counseled him about when he told me he was called to the ministry. I have seen too many Daddy called and Mama sent that don't last.

I will look at your church's beliefs. I am from the old school that believes the Pastor should be one of the most educated persons in the church, if possible. Not that all have to be, as God uses many lay people to do His work.

 

[Bronconagurski]

I'm a big fan of church revitalization.

We have a lot of churches with good facilities that are lingering on the edge of obscurity and shuttering their buildings. The right leader can do a work of ministry that really glorifies God. Seeing an established church that has begun to decline suddenly begin to grow is always a powerful thing.

That said it is appropriate to point out that it's always easier to give birth than raise the dead.

We support several church planters as part of our larger ministry. Church planting is a vital function of church growth. Frankly, we need more new churches. They attract new people at higher rates. However, church planting is very hard and has a higher rate of failure.

If you're going to think about church planting I'd encourage anyone to get connected with an established church, learn how to do ministry, talk with planters across many regions, and develop a support network. That leads to a higher success rate. I also encourage folks to go SBC because there is more money and a large network of support there. (you gotta pay the bills at some point)

Of course one alternative that is highly successful is being a campus pastor for a multi-site church. That is a growing field that is seeing some great stuff.

Thanks for your input as you gave many things to consider. I can definitely see the value of revitalization.

 

[Bronconagurski]

You have brought this up in a couple of threads now. I'd encourage you to go and directly confront the leadership of the church rather than talk about them.

What recourse does the SBC have, in keeping with Baptist distinctives, to do anything about this?

The church has their codes and could care less what anyone thinks. They call people like me haters and are arrogant about it as well. I am simply calling a spade a spade. If what I say isn't true, then show me where I am wrong. I didn't mean to offend you, but I am appalled by the heresy that is preached in that place. Why would the SBC do anything? I understand that they planted the church. I don't know what the SBC could do since I am not in the organization.

You want to see first hand the arrogance of Furtick, their Pastor? Look at his eyes and demeanor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCW9-MglCsw

 

[saturneptune]

What recourse does the SBC have, in keeping with Baptist distinctives, to do anything about this?

I would be all for our local church voting to withdraw from the SBC and stay in the state and local assoications. This last circus with the Calvinism-free will argument is an embarrasment. Can you imagine what our local churches would be like if the SBC had governing authority? A local church is quite capable of keeping Baptist distinctives.

 

[Alive in Christ]

Hmmm. I have I never heard ot that "furtick" guy but I watched the "hey haters" vidio. (I assume he is the pastor)

That horrible, nauseating noise (Rap style of talking) made it almost unlistenable, but I listened.

I was able to decifer it, and I agreed with everything he said.

But he desperatly needs to drop the rap noise. It cheapens the message tremedously.