Date: Jun 30, 2003 [ 8: 19: 56]
Subject: Summary - Organization
© 2003 BCP Harry Shelton Cole
Subject: Summary - Organization
SUMMARY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH PLANTING LIST
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Moderated and edited by Pastor Harry Shelton Cole
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Introduction: This is a special summary of the gleanings from posts that
centered around the Organization Service. I was thrilled with the responses
and hope that the information is useful to all.
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Lou Long, a friend and missionary sent out by Twin City Baptist Temple in
Lunenburg, had the following to say.
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The last one I attended was in March of '90, when Pastor Burke (TCBT) came
to Chile to organize the church that Alan Cruthers and Ron Ray started and
that we were working in.
Previous to the organization service, the prospective 'charter members' had
already read over and were in agreement with the articles of faith of the
new church. Basically, Pastor preached on the role of the church, it's
mission, and the responsibility of the congregation and especially of the
'members' to take care of the Pastor that they were calling. The charter
members voted to accept the articles of faith, etc, and signed the
constitution which was later notarized and recorded.
As I see it (after all you asked for my input), you should coordinate the
service with your 'mother' or 'sending' church of which you are a mission.
To me the Pastor of that church would be the featured speaker. After his
preaching, etc there would be an official meeting for the members to call
you as Pastor. And of course, don't forget the food and beverage after the
service. You can't organize a Baptist church without FOOD.
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Brother John Waldrip in Monrovia CA, reported observing the following at an
Organization Service.
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The service was presided over by the pastor of the sending Church and was
similar to an ordination service, in that the pastor was charged by the
sending pastor, the charter members were challenged by the sending pastor,
communion was served to those charter members who had been baptized and had
joined (technically they are a part of the sending Church until the new
Church is organized), and the sending pastor pronounced upon them a blessing
and God speed.
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Bob Hines, from Boise, Idaho, passes along this information about the
organization service that has been effective in the church plants that
he has done.
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In each of the churches we have started we have the members of the new
church come forward and sign the church charter during the service. It has
been a memorable experience for them and solidifies the commitment of the
people to the Pastor and the church. We have also had the Pastor of the
sponsoring church (me) preach a charge to the church and to the Pastor. The
Pastor of the sponsoring church can say things to the new church about their
vision and their responsibility to their Pastor that cannot be said more
powerfully by anyone else.
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We did save one of the best for last. BBFI Missionary to the Philippines,
Dennis Ebert, has seen his share of church organizations and shares his
thoughts from a missionaries perspective. I do not see any scriptural
differences between the organization service on the foreign field and the
home field. Customs and traditions make play a role but biblical procedures
should not vary.
Thanks Dennis.
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I don't know if my experience is of any value to you but we have organized a
multitude of Churches. One in the States and I have lost count of the
Philippines. We will be organizing another this coming November. Bro. Rick
Carter is scheduled to be the main speaker at that occasion.
My underlying idea has always been that this is to be a transfer of
authority of function and life. The "parent church" has been the authority
in all aspects of the missions life. The "pastor" of the "baby church" has
been under the authority of the "parent church" and is in effect answerable
to the pastor of the parent church. So he is merely a staff member.
The service that we would call the organization service, is the time that
the baby will take the responsibility for its own existence. We don't
always do things exactly the same but there are some constant ingredients.
1. Prior to the organization service day, there has been in depth teaching
on the articles of faith, either in Sunday School or other teaching service,
and on the organization day those articles of faith are read openly. A
document has been prepared to be read and will be signed by the new members.
It is usually a very large document (perhaps 3' x 4') and will be displayed
in a frame or mounted on the wall in a prominent location, for time. Then
it will be kept for posterity. The document they will sign will also contain
a covenant supporting those articles. This document will also express their
promise to participate
whole heartedly in the work of the organization and their future
participation in loyalty to that organization.
2. There will be preaching to challenge the new organization to complete
service for the Lord. This may or may not be the pastor of the parent church.
3. There will then be a challenge from the sending pastor, if he didn't
preach the message.
4. There will be challenges from every pastor present. There will always
be many. Usually their remarks are short and pertinent.
5. A dedication prayer is lead by the one designated.
6. Since the one who has been leading the baby church has been literally a
staff member of the parent church, the parent church pastor will then lead
the new baby church in "calling" their new pastor. Of course, it is
normally the one that has been leading them until that time. However, there
could conceivably be a time that it would be another man. (the man under
training of the missionary, etc.)
7. This may the most important for some. There is a time of eating and
much eating and more eating, mixed with good fellowship. Of course the
order of service, the ingredients such as music, praying, announcements,
etc., will vary with the leadership. Normally, a typical service will last
about 3-4 hours, not counting #7.
In my mind, the important part is simply transfer of authority and the call
of the Pastor. Maybe this will give you some ideas.
2003 BCP HOME PAGE
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Pastor Harry Shelton Cole Moderator
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