In Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop's book The Compelling Community, they offer a list of questions for pastors and church members to work through as people consider whether or not it is the right decision for them to join with a new church plant. We have lightly adapted those questions and reproduced them here. If you are considering this decision, we hope that this is a helpful resource:
- Why are you considering joining the plant? You should do so for positive reasons and not to escape something or to avoid guilt.
- Do you agree with the ministry philosophy and theology of the church you’re considering?
- Is the new church one you can bring non-Christian friends to?
- How are you doing spiritually? If you’re growing quickly, you should probably stay where you are. If you’re not doing well, you should probably stay too and work through that. If you’re doing fine spiritually but not unusually attached to your church, you’re a good candidate for a plant.
- Is the new church a better fit with your situation?
- What kind of ministry do you have in your current church? Be careful if a significant ministry depends on you. However, if you’re not already doing some ministry, don’t think that changing churches will automatically change that.
- Is there a particular church planter you want to support?
- Do you live near your church?
- What state are your church relationships in? Don’t leave a church to avoid dealing with broken relationships.
- What do you want? How is God shaping your desires? Praise God for our freedom in Christ.
If you would like to discuss these questions or just want to talk further concerning whether or not committing to Peace Bible Church might be the right decision for you at this time, please reach out and we will be in touch.