For the case study development assignment I am envisioning a new church plant in my hometown of Holland, Michigan.

            Holland is a very conservative and largely Christian community. There are literally churches on every corner (sometimes two). This is of concern to my church plant. All the other churches are well established and have been in the community for many years. However, the older churches are made up of almost all baby-boomers. These baby-boomers are very kind and caring people who want to do some good in the world. But I’m afraid that they have not been equipped and empowered about how to do this. Most of the current churches in Holland are very self-serving. The majority of the tithing money goes right back to serve the church. There is not much missional drive for the church members. It is not their fault, they just don’t know any better. As for the many baby-boomer children and grand children, they do not have the same affinity for the conservative, well established churches. Many of them are bored with this kind of faith, and they are beginning to feel a pull to look beyond their own congregations to the poor of the community and the poor of the world. But again, this group is has not been well equipped, empowered, or informed about how to do this. There is a desire for something new in Holland.

            For my church plant, I would like to emphasize the kingdom of God and the way of Jesus as much as possible. I believe this is where transformation will take place. If my church can do this faithfully I think Holland will become a hub of missional Christians who actively seek transformation in the world. The people here are already good people. They are intelligent, generous, and loving. They just need to be pointed to the best place that they can use their kingdom characteristics for the good of the world. I can see Holland breaking down cultural barriers between white and Hispanic. I can see joint worship services and service projects involving the rich and the poor, the old and the young, the reluctant and the passionate. I can see interdenominational networking and a community united together for the redemption of the world. I truly believe Holland has the potential to be a community that other Christian communities look to for ideas and support.

            Now to foster the kingdom of God in our church plant my community will need to begin by helping the poor and outcast; the migrant Hispanic families. We can serve them by helping with their groceries, childcare, finding them affordable housing, and better jobs. We also need to partner with the public school to help improve our children’s education. We can volunteer at the school, set up tutoring and mentoring programs, and support the kids in extra-curricular activities. It will also be necessary to work with the established ministries who are already doing good work in Holland. The Teen Pregnancy Clinic, the men’s shelter, and the hospital all provide great services for the community. We would also need to share love with the elderly in the community who live in houses or in the nursing homes. It is important to not forget about the people who established Holland and made it the city it currently is. (More ideas to come next week!)

            Starting a church that operates holistically and passionately is something that will not happen over night. It will take time, hard work, and a team of people committed to this goal. 

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