One of the strengths of a Baptist Church is also one of its main weaknesses – the autonomy of the local church. Baptists do believe in the local church gathering together to discern the mind of Christ and to engage in mission where they are located. However, Baptists are also part of a family and it would be foolish to either ignore or hold at arms lengths the immediate Baptist family and the wider Christian family when it comes to starting to meet in a new location.
Contact with the Regional Baptist Association is crucial as most Associations are looking strategically at their Association and help facilitate people within the area sharing together and supporting one another. Your Regional Minister will also be able to advise on the grants that may be available from Home Mission to 
support church planting. The ‘Incarnate Network’ is a network of church planters primarily within the Baptist Family and whatever type of church plant one may be involved in, someone else within the network will be in a similar situation and there is no point re-inventing the wheel when others are around to encourage, help, support and guide you through whatever the issue may be.
For the sake of good order and good relationships in your community talk to the local grouping of churches about what you may have in mind. Our calling is to grow kingdom (not ‘build empire’) so when starting something new, as a minimum, others ought to know about our plans. There is so much that could be done there is no point duplicating what is already happening. In addition and for the sake of openness, talk to the local Council and other community stakeholders. When people are told what is happening much of the suspicion and antagonism that could arise (especially so in today’s climate) will be dissipated.
What's next?1. Introduction |
