Okay, sorry the blog's suffered through a rather mild winter so far.  But guess what?  God is up to amazing things!  Keep checking back . . . seriously . . . I'll try not to hibernate again . . . and watch for the latest pics from some of our brand new 2020 church plants!

The New Year is always a good time to reflect.  So here's just a glimpse of what God's been up to in the ERC's 2020 Initiative, since it began in 2009: 

• in 2009 the “2020 Initiative” of a multiplication church planting movement came to life!
• in 2010 we had 4 planting projects get off the ground . . . with more on the way!
• in 2011 one of those plantings – ExponentialChurch.tv - had more than 140 faith decisions!
• in 2011 we had 4 more planting projects get started with at least 8 others in process for 2012!
• in 2011 we started our own internal planter assessment process, saving us more than $16,000!
• in 2011 we saw God expanding our mission field to Raleigh, NC, with 3-5 projects in the works!
• in 2011 we adopted a new church plant in Hilton Head, SC – Resurrection Church - with the dream of it being a multiplication center for our expansion into the Southeast!
• In 2011 we trained 3 more interns in our Planting internship program for a total of 7 future leaders being equipped and trained since beginning our Enkindle internship project in 2009!
• in 2011 we approved funding for our first-ever Latino ministry center – to train Latino pastors!
• in 2011 our first-ever Planting Field Directors - Mike Smith and Justin Meier – continued to expand our church planting ministries in New England and throughout our local churches!
• in 2011 we continued to see generous financial giving to church planting as our Plant A Church Sunday and Church Planting Dinners provided more than a record $20,000 to help fund planting!
• in 2011 we had the privilege of honoring Jim Moss with our first-ever “Apostle Paul” award, and Hanover and Chambersburg FCOG’s as our first-ever “Legacy churches!”

In 2012 we continue to expect God’s plans to far surpass ours (Eph. 3:20), with the start of our own church planting Boot Camp training program, a new media campaign that will tell the “2020 church planting stories,” and the development of a new major “Legacy giving” campaign that will help us to continue to follow God’s vision of a church planting multiplication movement!

Oh, and now God is up to something in . . . well, check back and see!

Back with Alan Hirsch:

"We are perfectly designed to accomplish everything we are currently achieving."

4 Levels of the church in Scripture:

• local
• city
• region/global
• symbolic-invisible church - "we"

the systems we have been perfectly designed by pastors and teachers - a great didactic system

his new book is "Faith of Leap":

• we've become risk-averse
  • we're at our worse when we're most comfortable
    • take people on missions trips
  • John Kotter: lack of urgency most hinders change
• we've got to learn from failure
  • Thomas Edison discovered 800 ways not to make a lightbulb

some identifying characteristics of the church:

• Jesus
  • Cole: if you can define the church without Jesus, you can do church without Jesus

Q&A with Neil Cole and Alan Hirsch:

strong challenges to our present-day "professional clergy" form of doing ministry

great movements in the past, not led by professional clergy, experienced explosive multiplication:

• Methodist/Great Awakening
• China with and after Mao - to present day

organic house church planting most likely is done best without funding and paying the planter . . . although with future growth this may change

Stetzer: after 4 years, 1/3 of churches (not house churches) are 3c (self-sustaining, self-governing, self-propagating), 1/3 are struggling, and 1/3 have died

Cole: you don't need an assessment process if you develop disciples that make disciples and release them to plant

Thanks Ed, Bob, Alan, and Neil for a great conference!

CPLF church planting conference in Nashville: 

Second session with Neil Cole:

Dependency kills movementum

• connect people immediately to Christ: immediate obedience
  • we tend to make information through us/pastor the first step to disciple-making

structure never produces life (it is important though)

movementum grows from micro to macro:

• start with 2-3 people (most important - gives DNA) - LTG (Life Transformation Groups)
• then 12-15 disciples (great for care and family, poor for leadership) - Simple church
• 25-75 (best size for equipping) - GH: Regional leadership equipping
• 120-150 (12-15 churches) - this is your tribe/people you are closest too (the maximum amount of people that you will invite yourself to sit at their table when seeing in public - Dunbar Study) - a simple church network
• 300-500 (the best size to cast a vision to and see them spread it): special gathering/conference
• unlimited multitudes - books, websites, and publications

***leadership team is best done with a group of 4-7

Jesus modeled this:

• Jesus sent out in pairs
• Jesus had a leadership of team of 4-5
• Jesus had a group of 12 disciples
• Jesus had the 70 to send out
• Jesus had 120 left
• Jesus appeared to 500
• Jesus did miracles in the multitudes

 Accountability in place (sample questions):

• Has your thought-life been pleasing to God?
• Have you given into an addiction this week?
• Have you viewed pornographic materials and entertained lurid thoughts?
• How have you treated your neighbor?
• Have you been biblical in your financial dealings and exchanges?
• How have you treated your spouse?  kids? co-workers?
• What do you need to confess?

Another challenging question: Does the Bible teach it, or is a tradition of man we've passed on?

Movementum starts with an Apostolic foundation:

5-fold gifts: Ephesians 4: APEST:  AP = Start/Go; EST: Stay/Grow

• A: I can do this
• P: I hear God
• E: I love people
• S: Everyone's important
• T: I hunger for truth

Others will confirm these gifts in you - many times as you've been knowingly or unknowingly functiioning in them

"Ideal" scenario (but never going to happen): Apostles and Prophets should go and start churches, and raise up Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers . . . and then go and take other Apostles and Prophets with them and go and start more churches.

Apostles are the architects of wineskins - prophets are focused on the wine.  When they work well together it is incredibly powerful.  However, they can easily conflict too.

Don't operate from positional authority.  Operate from relational and spiritual authority.

Cole's caution: a lot of house churches are starting with "disgruntled" Christians - and they'll never grow, or last very long.

Day 2 of our CPLF sessions in Nashville.  Starting off the morning with Neil Cole:

Neil Cole:

the power to multiply is found in the heart!

started planting orgnanically practicallky by accident

went to coffee shops: drank coffee, joined in, and listened

one of the problems in ministry today: pastors not being trained to listen

"only multiplication provides movementuum!"

The first thing God said in Genesis: go and multiply!

unfortunately our current capacity in ministry is set up for arithmetic

church multiplication is NEVER:

• gathering and assimulating Christians from other churches to form new ones
• church planting without multiple generations (planting daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, etc. churches) - multiplication happens with a minimum of 4 generations (2 Tim. 2:2)
• a centralized leadership development system that starts many churches
• a big, fast start (it starts slow and small)

Movementum is most vulnerable at the beginning:

• seduction of addition in early stages
• corrupted DNA in the Disciples
• driven by poor motivation
• human dependency issues
• a lack of apostolic/prophetic foundation

 DNA: Divine Truth, Nurturing Relationships, Apostolic Mission

DNA should be the driving life-force within every cell in the body = a disciple in relation to others!:GET DNA IN YOUR DISCIPLES, NOT YOUR CHURCHES

 all churches are organic - not just house churches

"there's lot of house churches that are 'honey, I shrunk the church!'"

"if you can't reproduce disciples, you'll never reproduce leaders.  if you can't reproduce leaders, you'll never reproduce churches.  if you can't reproduce churches, you'll never see movementuum."

our churches do not need a church transition, but a church transfusion:

• develop a "skunkworks" operation on the side
• pour yourself into the healthy ones
• let the rest go as usual
• provide blocking for new stuff
• don't expect everyone to join the cause
• don't try to force people to be motivated . . . run with those who will run

"Don't plant churches, plant Jesus!" 

What kills movements are leaders who are insecure - we must be willing to give everything away

The evening session featuring Alan Hirsch:

writer of many great books including: Forgotten Ways

One of the primary responsibilities of a leader is to define reality

talking about APEST = Apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, teacher

teaching from Ephesians 4:1-16:

• vs. 1-6 = Unity
• vs. 7-11 = APEST
• vs. 12-16 = Maturity

aren't verses 1-6 and 12-16 for today and all time?  then how would we limit vs. 7-11 to a specific time (not today) and usually with the APE roles not being recognized in many churches?

• Jesus' ministry exhibited the "5-fold" form of ministry
• notice, it's for all the people of God - not just leaders
• it's functional, rather than used as a title (which can lead to problems with power)

-beginning of explosive missionary/planting movements typically start with APE's leading the way. . . declining churches usually only have ST's leading them

"Missio" (latin) comes from "apostolic" (greek)

"Apostle" means to be sent, plants churches, and (through their letters) creates networks

"Prophet" hears from God, and is more concerned with God than anything (uber urgent and sometimes an irritant)

 "Evangelist" communicates Good News, and recruits to a cause

"Shepherd/pastors" loves community and creates connectivity

"Teacher" brings wisdom and understanding (no urgency)

APEST implications for church planting:

• all are called for the 5-fold ministries - not just leaders
• leaders are called within the 5-fold ministries
  • need pathways to leadership
• the 5-fold ministries are necessary for a healthy church
• typically APE's disturb equilibrium
• from "in church" to outside, the order would be T/S (inside)  E (doorway) P (some distance out)  A  (out reaching others)

 Logan: APE's have much more of an outward focus

 Ed Stetzer, Alan Hirsch, and Bob Logan:  

More from Bob Logan: continuing on his theme: Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples

in the NT: the outgrowth/result of disciple-making was starting a church

Referencing Hugh Halter: (in this order) Engage culture, form communities, establish and multiply churches

all different types of churches: decentralized (Cole), monthly gathering, weekly gathering (cell celebration)

Multiplication:

 Ferguson model:

• I do, you watch. We talk.
• I do, you help. We talk.
• You do, I help. We talk.
• You do, I watch. We talk.
• You do.  Someone else watches.

What is the path/process to moving to incarnational living and planting?

Leave people in the parking lot if that's where they want to stay.  Who wants to be forced to go where they don't want to go.

Orientation shouldn't be the whole picture - just the "what they need to know now" session

Implementing:

• Journey One: Incarnational living
• Journey Two: Make disciples
• Journey Three: Multiply leaders
• Journey Four: Multiply churches
  • DNA of the church is found in the Gospels - incarnational living and disciple-making
  • the chances of a church planting a church after the third year is practically nil - churches become institutionalized in years 4-7
• Journey Five: Multiply movements

Planters and pastors should spend 7-10 hours a week working on ways to help their people become more healthy and disciple-makers

Planting organizations should spend a day a week working with/thinking through ways they can develop a more organic/incarnational/disciple-making eco system

Bob Logan: "We should be helping people live like Jesus, become like Jesus, and help make disciples that . . . "

Our second CPLF meeting of the year in Nashville - a gathering of the church planting organizations in this country.  Tremendous presenters are here: Neil Cole, Alan Hirsch, Ed Stetzer, and the grandfather of American church planting: Bob Logan. 

Here's the continuing notes:

Bob Logan:

changes in church planting over the last couple of decades:

• the advent (and tension) of attractional and incarnation planting strategies
• movement from rational to experiential culture

sacrificial service - transformation - authentic relationship (loop around in circular form):

TO: Love God, Love others, and make disciples

• funding moving towards a bi-vocational strategy:

a true planting explosion is going to happen through bi-vocational, lay-driven planting

Hugh Halter: (Lessons from the crucible of experience): planting missionally by making disciples

Bob Logan:  Jesus starts the church, and our job is to make disciples

• recruiting - developing
  • we should develop our own planters from our own disciples (who weren't Christians)
• from developing leaders and being disciple-makers

What do we need to focus?

• We need to focus on farm systems
  • developing the next planters, who don't even know Jesus now
    • 90% will not be trained through a formal educational process
    • leadership, not money is our limiting factor
• We need to focus on transforming communities
• We need to focus on the poor
  • (Read The Barefoot Church)
• We need a new scorecard
  • much more than just numbers of people, and $ of giving

How do we - organized planting structures/organizations - do this?

• repent for not being committed to making disciples
• re-read the Gospels for what God wants and what breaks God's heart
• pray about who to invest in and start pilot projects - realizing you may not see tangible results for several years

Hugh Halter: has not seen a sustained, productive house church movement in America

***attractional churches can live out incarnational strategy through their small groups - who will intentionally decide to live incarnationally (although this is hard for them to do).

Bob Logan: evangelize, and start discipling before you launch - during pre-natal stage - and multiply these groups.

I'm thrilled to be part of a faith community/tribe - the Churches of God, General Conference - that has a vision for a church multiplication movement. Our Executive Director - Ed Rosenberry - has been casting this vision from "on high" the last couple of years and hopes to see our denomination of 320 churches double in the next few years!  http://www.sent2multiply.com/

Here's an exerpt of Ed casting vision to our local churches about planting and multiplying. 

Two weekends ago we drove to the Latrobe area to celebrate the first anniversary of the Underground Church with Pastor Jeff and Sherri Keys and the congregation. This church plant is a daughter of our Latrobe First congregation, who supported the vision for the plant and without whom the plant would not exist today. Latrobe is about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh and possesses a population of about 9,000 with another 60,000 in the greater area. I share these numbers because I’m convinced any community or area with a solid population base like Latrobe could and should have multiple CGGC congregations of all kinds (Old First, maybe Old Second, storefront assemblies, suburban school house plants, city missions, house churches, marketplace gatherings, etc.).

Thanks Ed for leading us forward into building God's Kingdom outward and upward!

5 of us from ERC church planting are out in Las Vegas attending the Vault Conference - being led by Vince Antonucci, John Burke, and Will Mancini

http://vaultconference.com/

The conference is being held at Vince's Verve Church in Las Vegas.  Like Vince's church, the conference is for church planters wanting to plant a church for people who don't like church.  Here's some pics and highlights:

Antonucci on lost people:

• 8 million less people going to church in this country than 30 years ago!
• no county in the country growing in church attendance

Mancini on vision:

• in 10 words or less: why is your church unique?  (this is why God wants you to plant)
• vision leaking is more important than vision casting - i.e, have it leak through you all the time
• The Vision Frame: What are you doing?  Why are you doing it? How are you going to do it?  When are you successful?  Where is God taking you?

Burke on creating a "Come as you are" culture:

• "If your churches aren't looking messy, then there's a problem":
  • 1 out of 3 women have had an abortion
  • 1 out of 4 women have been sexually abused
  • 1 out of 5 people struggle with substance abuse
  • 1 out of 2 people live together before marriage
  • 1 out of 2 marriages fail
• *create a grace-giving culture (Rom. 7:15, 8:1)
• "Come as you are but don't stay that way!"
• Missiion of Gateway: Love God, love people, build character, and be the Body!

These 10 lessons I’ve learned have been how God has changed lives that in turn impacted a neighborhood, and now influence a city and the world.

1. People Matter Enough to be Reminded
2. Never Waste a Gathering
3. Tell Stories to Shape Values
4. Connect Others Constantly
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Have a Big “Ask”
6. Serve Well Together
7. Be Generous with Praise and Encouragement
8. Ask, “Who’s Next, What’s Next?”
9. If Your Un-churched Friends and Neighbors are not Becoming the Church, You’re Ineffective
10. Don’t Do This Without God

Find out more insights into these "top 10" here:

https://www.elichurchplanting.com/2011/10/10-lessons-from-john/?utm_source=planteremailoct&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=planteremailoct

Congrats to planter/pastor Mike Schooley and the Higher Hope Church family in Horseheads/Elmira NY, who are celebrating their 5th birthday this Sunday!  Way to go everyone!

Here's their latest E-news, that will give you a glimpse at all God is doing!

 HIGHER HOPE CHURCH

"LEADING PEOPLE TO ABUNDANT LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST"

This past week we celebrated 5 years as a church.  I wish I could tell you the whole journey of the last 5 years.  It’s more than I could ever share in an email. There have been some incredible Highs and some very frustrating lows… But God has been good throughout the history of Higher Hope.

 Our goal has always been “To lead people to abundant life in Jesus Christ”. Over the last 5 years we have seen God work in our church as people have committed their lives to Jesus Christ and have grown in their faith. 

 There is a lot we could celebrate.  The many lives that were transformed, the difference we have made in the community, the many people who serve in different ways, the number of baptisms we have been able to celebrate, the way the youth ministry has grown, seeing our children excited about going to church, experiencing incredible worship with the worship team, celebrating Christmas eve at the barn, and the many other special worship services we have had.  We have had some incredible events as well.  Free movie nights, chicken barbecue’s, block parties, Amazing Races, Ice skating as a church, and so much more. We have seen the church grow from a few families to what it is today.  

 It’s a great journey!  I can’t wait to see where God takes us next.  My hope is that we will continue to work at “Leading people to abundant life in Jesus Christ.”

 We have a bunch of small groups starting in the fall.  Please pray about these small groups.  And if you are interested in being part of one please email me.

 THINGS THAT ARE COMING UP:

IMPACT 365

PACKING BACK PACKS – This Wednesday from 4 – 5:30 pm at the Southern Tier Food bank we will be taking time to pack back packs for kids who need food over the weekend. Feel free to meet us there to start packing these backpacks.

CHICK CHAT

We're reintroducing this no pressure, "girls hanging out for no reason other than to chat" (the thing girls do best!) ministry at Higher Hope. REALLY! No agenda. Just girls gathering on a Friday night at Panera with a beverage of choice, getting to know one another. The first Chick Chat will be on September 30 at 6:30. Can't wait to see you! 

MEN’S BREAKFAST

All men are invited to come to the Old country buffet on Saturday at 8 am for a MEN’S BREAKFAST.  We would love to have you join us for a great time to share and eat.  

 LADIES BOOK CLUB

Thursday, October 6^th, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, the Ladies will be discussing their next book from the book club at Panera.  “Life in Spite of Me” by Kristen Jane Anderson! Hope to see you there! 

 CHILD DEDICATION

This fall we are planning a child dedication where we pray for and ask God’s blessing on your kids.  It is also where parents can commit themselves to raise their children in a way that would please God.  If you have never had your child dedicated and would like to this fall please let Pastor Mike know.  It will be a special time for you and for your child.

 APPLE PICKING @ REISINGER’S

This Sunday we want to invite you to Reisinger’s Apple Farm for a casual time of picking apples, catching up, and enjoying a fall afternoon together.  We will meet at the farm in Watkins Glen at 4 pm and spend a couple hours together.  Anyone is invited; feel free to bring a friend or a family with you.

HIGHER HOPE SMALL GROUPS

MEN’S MINISTRY SMALL GROUPS

MEN’S FRATERNITY: WINNING AT HOME AND AT WORK

Tuesday's, 6:00 - 7:30 AM (earlier if needed)

For most men happiness and satisfaction in life are locked up in two words - Work & Home. These areas absorb most of a man's time, talent, energy, effort, and creativity. The good life that our Lord has created for us relates to winning in both these areas. Community Wesleyan Church, Grand Central Ave, Horseheads

 MEN’S BREAKFAST

8 am on the First Saturday of every month.

On the first Saturday of every month at Old Country Buffet. Have a good breakfast, get to know other guys at the church and their story, and grow in your faith. Next Breakfast is Saturday October 1^st.

 MEN’S DISCIPLESHP

Tuesday or Friday morning

A great way to grow in your faith, is to study together. As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. On Tuesday or Friday mornings we have a few guys meet to grow in their faith, and challenge each other. Starts first week in October.

 WOMENS MINISTRY SMALL GROUPS

A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study:

Meeting on Monday nights at 6:30.

Author Jen Hatmaker introduces a refreshing way to learn and laugh while forming a deeper relationship with God's Word. This book will make you laugh out loud as it transforms the academic nature of personal Bible study into a fresh format that will radically change the way you interact with Scripture.

 Crash Course on the Bible

Meeting on Tuesday nights at 6:30.

God's Word can be an overwhelming and daunting book when you first begin reading it. This course will help you become more comfortable, knowledgeable, and interested in the Bible. We will explore what we need to know about the Bible story, and how God wants us to use his story to change our lives.

 Captivating

Meeting Wednesday mornings at 9:30 and online

This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be.

 Heart and Hands

A once a monthly ministry where women can kick back, form friendships, build faith, and serve the community while working together on a project. This group will meet on Friday mornings at 9:30 and Friday evenings at 6:30. Choose one or both to attend. The project will be the same.

 Chick Chat

We're reintroducing this no pressure, "girls hanging out for no reason other than to chat" (the thing we girls do best!) ministry. REALLY! No agenda. Just girls gathering on a Friday night at Panera with a beverage of choice, getting to know one another. The first Chick Chat will be on September 30 at 6:30.

 Journeys

Sometimes life throws us a curveball. Sometimes we have questions about faith. Sometimes we need someone who's walked in the shoes of motherhood, marriage, career.... All of us could use a friend during those times. Journeys is a ministry where women walk with women through seasons of life experiences. If you'd like to be paired with a woman in our church in a caring and supportive relationship, please contact Donna Henry or email higherhopegirls@gmail.com.

 Sacred Influence

If you're sick of all the ways you've tried to bring about change in your marriage---the silent treatment, nagging, one-way discussions, or pleading---it's time to set aside those broken methods for a Christ-based approach. This book demonstrates how women can inspire, influence, and help their husbands move in positive directions. Replacing your plan of action with God's leads to a marital transformation where both partners are moving in sync, the way God intended. Meeting Friday mornings (2nd and 4th) from 9:15-11:15. Childcare is available.

OTHER SMALL GROUPS:

COUPLES SMALL GROUPS

Meets every Wednesday night.

Do you want to get together with other couples who understand what you are going through? Do you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Then think about being part of this small group.

 MARRIAGE MATTERS

Meets Thursday nights at 6 pm

Would you like a fresh breeze to blow in your marriage? Do you long for a marriage where intimacy and communication are a reality instead of a dream? We will examine God's design for marriage, with practical instruction to help you make your marriage what God desires it to be.

 REAL WORLD PARENTS

Meeting Tuesday night for 6 weeks.

Culture expert and veteran youth pastor, Mark Matlock, will help you become a proactive parent when it comes to the faith of your children. Rather than trying to raise kids who are “good Christians,” you’ll find the tools to help you live out a faith that allows your children to see what it means to live as a Christian. As a result, your kids will learn about real faith by living it out with you. Starting October 4^th.

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

OLD TESTAMENT STUDY –

Meets Every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.

What is the OLD TESTAMENT all about. Most of the time we just skip over it or ignore it. But the Old Testament is the foundation of the New Testament. Come get acquainted with what the first 5 books of the Bible are all about. Starting September 28^th.

UPCOMING EVENTS

*Friday – CHICK CHAT

*Saturday -Men’s breakfast – 8 am @ Old country buffet

*Saturday- FLAG FOOTBALL – 9:30 am @ Maple Shade park

*Sunday – FAMILY APPLE PICKING @ Reisingers in Watkins Glen – come enjoy an afternoon out – (If we have good weather)

*September and October – Small Groups will be starting up again!

PRAYER REQUESTS

*Pray for Lynn June – as she waits for surgery

*Pray for Andy Hughson – who has a blood clot in his leg

*Pray for our HIGHER HOPE CHURCH – pray for the direction of our church, the Fall as we prepare for what God wants to do here, and pray that God uses Higher Hope to impact our community.

*Pray for the Leadership team at Higher Hope that God will guide them to go in the right direction.

*Pray for the people you are going to invite to come with you this Sunday to church.

This Sunday we are starting a new sermon series called “KNOWING GOD”  Over the next few weeks we will look at who God is and How do we get to know Him.  I believe this series has the potential to impact people’s lives.  We hope you will come and bring someone with you that you have been praying for.   We hope people will come and experience God in a whole new way this weekend.

 Pastor Mike Schooley

www.higherhopechurch.org

607-377-2991

Found on the Easum/Tenney-Brittain blog: http://churchtalk.tv/live/

Here's a good blog article http://churchtalk.tv/live/ on how your church may want to connect on the best community-connecting day of the year: Halloween!

Using Halloween to Reach Your Community

Session Description

Whether you're for it or against it, Halloween is one of the most influential holidays of the year. In the US, only Christmas sees more money spent on decorations and sweets. In this episode, Drs. Kris and Bill explore how to use Halloween's popularity to reach and touch your community for Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer

We recognize that in some churches and in a number of tribes, the topic of Halloween is at best controversial. We want to acknowledge these churches and their positions. However, a number of other churches have opted to use Halloween as an opportunity to "use" the holiday to reach out to their community in hopes of building relationships that lead to meaningful spiritual conversations. Although some of the following suggestions may be useful to the former churches, a number of them may be specific only to the latter.

Session Outline

Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year - and the trends seem to be increasing: 

• 63.8% of Americans celebrate Halloween
• $5.8 billion was spent for Halloween in 2010
• $1.63 billion was spent on Halloween decorations, doubled from 2005
• Adults 25-35 spend on average $60/year
• According to the National Candy Association, more is spent on candy for Halloween than any other holiday (Easter is second)
• There were an estimated 41 million trick-or-treaters in 2010
• However, there are many reports that indicate the number of trick-or-treaters are declining

Churches that want to use the national Halloween celebration to effectively connect with their community have three choices: 

• Provide a trick-or-treating option
• Provide an alternative to trick-or-treating
• Provide a combination of the two

. . . more on the website/blog

Here are some highlights of yesterday's ERC 2020 church planting launch of Power of One Community Church in Crofton, Maryland (9/11/11).  Also, enjoy this article from the local web paper, the Crofton Patch.

we've got to think differently in regards to credentialing ethnic planters and pastors.  Rather than holding them to an Anglo model of licensing/credentialing, how can we release and empower Latinos and other ethnicities to plant and pastor?

essentials for a movement: recruitment, assessment, leadership, visionizing, renewal, coaching, training, resourcing, farming, and parenting.

Stetzer: Recruitment Process: Assessment, Bootcamp, and Coaching

 A national church planting recruitment strategy is essential . . . we provide the tools

Seminaries are not the place to develop entrepreneurs - however, they can help develop skills (i.e. they don't focus on developing planters)

-therefore we need to create partnerships by promoting church planting awareness and enlisting partner churches and recruiting churches to plant churches.

Church planter recruitment:

• resource and discovery seminars  - are you a church planter? (see UMC's Bob Crossman New Church Leadership Institute: http://www.arumc.org/newchurch/index.html )
• national church planting vision - why you should be with us
• national focus of emphasis
• tools that point to planting
• learn from others - what's working for them

Recruitment Opportunities: churches, districts, colleges, seminaries, and conferences