We’re Not Planting A Church
by John Kimball, CCCC Director of Church Development
At first glance, this title might appear to be a contradiction to Ron’s lead article in this issue, but it’s not. Some may think that I have decided to abandon my passion for a revitalized American Church, but that would be incorrect. You see, our response to God’s beckoning us to Central Florida is both consistent with my ongoing passion for Church Development and is also an expression of the very things we teach in our LifeFlow Process.
The truth is, a new church (or perhaps even a movement of churches) is indeed the expected result of our labors northeast of Orlando; however, that is not our primary focus. We are not going there to plant a church — we are going there to make disciples! And we know that, as the number of healthy disciples the Lord raises up through us multiplies, a church will be born.
Churches and pastors working through the CCCC Church Development Process understand that the primary emphasis is to make healthy, reproducing, Christ-centered disciples. We strive to help people grow deep in Jesus, more fully devoted to Him, to His people and to His mission. This is precisely what we will be doing in Florida. Our team will build discipling relationships among the 112,000 souls in our ministry area that are either unchurched or “de-churched.” You see, a large percentage of these precious people have left the church disillusioned, wounded and angry. They have encountered way too many congregations that are stagnant, dysfunctional, overly political or even abusive. The opportunity for us to work with the Father to birth something with healthy “DNA” from the beginning is so exciting! And the thought that many people who have been estranged from Jesus, as well as those who have never met Him, might find something real, sacred and redemptive through this new work is nothing short of awesome! Our “prime directive” is to make disciples.
Church planting has been at the heart of the CCCC for two decades. It’s not only one of our three main emphases as a Conference, but it is also one of the primary outcomes we seek from successful Church Development. Healthy churches multiply by making disciples.
Kathryn and I are so thrilled to be taking on this new adventure. We are joined by a growing number of team members — nearly 20 at the writing of this article. We appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare for the work, as well as raise intercessory and financial support. Wondrous things are on the horizon for the CCCC — and for Central Florida!
