Church Planting

01/26/2021

I’m sure many would agree that American culture places a high value on accomplishment. Many would also agree that constant “doing” comes with a price: most often, relational erosion. We can lose an awareness of God, of others, and even of ourselves. Add stressful events like an election, COVID uncertainty, racial tensions and stresses at home, and life can quickly feel exhausting with little capacity to be attentive to important relationships....

I’m sure many would agree that American culture places a high value on accomplishment. Many would also agree that constant “doing” comes with a price: most often, relational erosion. We can lose an…

12/08/2020

This is a realistic yet encouraging article about church planting during COVID and the social environment that characterized 2020-21
https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2020/december/2020-no-harder-and-no-better-time-to-start-church.html

05/29/2018

See new blog on Evangelism

01/25/2018

https://stephenvandop.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/evangelism-is-a-process/

Evangelism is more often a process than an event. Experience and scripture demonstrate that four things are stimulated by the Holy Spirit in this process: Interest – a growing curiosity about Jesus…

12/21/2017

Please use this link to see part one of a series on church planting and money.

It takes money to get things done in churches. In order to keep the resource of money flowing in your church the lead pastor needs to build a culture of generosity. Many pastors feel uncomfo…

07/22/2016

Check out Stephen's new blog - Living Like a Missionary: Targeting Your Community.

One of the hardest disciplines for church planters is effective fishing for souls. Every planter needs to be open to all kinds of people and any opportunity to meet people and invite them to the ch…

03/04/2016

Living Like a Missionary: Making Your Mark https://t.co/dXPIfLlI95 via

What is your specialized contribution to the Church? How are you participating in the Mission of God? Most of our activity for god falls into two categories: motion without momentum or making your …

03/04/2016

Had a talk with Steve Nicholson today. The topic concerned the length of time it takes to plant in a non-suburban or rural setting. Steve's comment was, "longer than we think." When planting in the forgotten mid-size cities or inner city contexts plan on a longer period than the typical two year plan. Stephen Van Dop

02/26/2016

The Vineyard Columbus Church Planting Residency Program starts it's 4th cohort this weekend. Pray that God will prepare these participants for the calling to plant churches in the next 18 months.

02/26/2016

Living Like a Missionary: Working Together with Others https://t.co/Tsec42anko via

Several years ago my wife and I spent a couple of weeks in Italy. During that time we visited the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in Rome and marveled at the magnificent ceiling paintings by t…