So I’m in Cape Coral Florida meeting with friends from Founders Ministries to talk about church planting. I know many of my readers do not know much about the guys at Founders, especially if you only know them via their more scholarly and theological works. But they are probably not like some of you might expect. I showed up late last night after dinner and within 15 minutes of my arrival I heard Fred Malone sing some crazy bluegrass while playing the guitar, Tom Nettles sing “Trouble” from The Music Man, Ken (Director of Music Ministries at GBC) sing and play some John Denver, and eventually witnessed Tom Ascol performing the moonwalk. Yes I’m serious, and I can testify that no beverage alcohol was present or consumed. Tom’s daughters changed our direction and sang “Wonderful Counselor,” and then we all wound up singing and worshiping together. It was a great time.
But today a few of us spent several hours discussing church planting movements and networks, the theological foundations and missional character of such ministries, and the need to see more churches planted. It is exciting to see the passion these guys have for starting new churches that are confessionally solid while allowing room for diversity in non-essentials, and unique cultural expressions.
Well, I’m off for a prayer meeting and fellowship. Maybe tonight Tom will do the “robot.”
I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship; husband to Jen; Dad to Katherine, Elias, Madeline, and Kilian. If you're in town you can probably find me in the local coffee house or running through the neighborhoods.
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Joe … funny and interesting … and good to see you didn’t leave your camera behind. Listen up and take lots of photos.
Joe,
Next time you come into Chicago, I’d love to catch some time with you to talk about church planting and take some shots. Have a blessed time in Florida and try soak up some sun for the rest of us.
Grace.
If not the robot, how about the worm? After all, isn’t that what we were before God?
Anyway, Joe you know how pumped I am about what you guys are going. Only the Lord knows what will come of this in the future, but one thing is for sure, God is definitely moving upon the hearts of many people to come together for spreading the gospel and planting confessionally grounded churches. I will be praying that the Lord continue to move the hearts of men and women towards that end.
Maybe we kind find some more funds for new works with Tom moonlighting for GEICO!!
I’ve never personally met those guys but I know people who know them. What you witnessed should be a video on YouTube. Really.
Joe -
I would be interested in hearing what you guys come up with. I have been interested in church planting for some time, but often discouraged by typical SBC avenues and support.
Having met you briefly, and the guys you mentioned also…I am still grinning as I picture the sight! And yes…envying the Godly fellowship & worship that followed.
I had no idea that Fred Malone could do that. He teaches at our local Founder’s Fraternal. I’ll insist that next time he bring his guitar.:)
Brad
If you really want to get a bluegrass guitar player stirred up show up with a reformed banjo picker…I mean if thats all you want to hear for the rest of the meeting.
Joe it sounds like you all had a great time.
Josh
“…the word of God is not bound.”
–2 Timothy 2:9
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