“But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself; and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations, and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way, not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.”

Nick: I’m not “disillusioned” with the IC (I attend one now); I’m just wanting to learn more about what it means to do church planting. Plus, the whole goal–AGAIN–is that a house church becomes sustainable on its own and in essence becomes a IC.

I don’t really understand how this could not make sense. In my consideration I have given much thought to the ecclesiastical issues at hand while pondering deeply upon my ability to sheperd a flock. It is something ultimately that will be successful through trial and error, but with the leading of the Spirit I believe it can be done.

Honestly, I have no idea when I could be in the field. It could be next June or next decade; I just don’t know. I do know from mobilization resources that I must familiarize myself with the tools for being a successful ambassador of Christ. Ultimately, the goal and end of missions is to start a church movement in unreached people groups that is self-sustainable; so, I want to see what that looks like here. I’ve heard it said that if you’re not evangelizing and discipling people in the U.S. things are not going to “click” when you go overseas. This is a testing ground and a testing time for all these ideas.

About worship. Did I say I limited creative forms of worship? No. I do believe however that the NT is clear in the mode and manner to which worship should exist inside of the church body. That is why I make a stance on the “traditional” as opposed to “contemporary” mode of worship.

Again, this is just my thesis. I don’t know what will come of it; but I at least want to get the ball rolling on these ideas. So, are you on board?

I would just really pray about it and be sure that it where God is leading you, not something that you are doing because it makes sense to do it.

We started a church plant in Scotland out of necessity( 35 street kids became Christians, and when we tried to plug them in to the local churches we were working with– they didn’t like it because they were totally unchurched and causing fights etc. And they didn’t know what to do with them…), but even then..it was very hard because we did so many things wrong at first– and it was hard because we definitely did not have enough workers. Starting a church is not a light thing– and something that takes massive commitment, responsibility, and prayer– not to mention the right people to come alongside of you and help.

And also, don’t limit more creative forms of worship. Worship through song is just one aspect of worship…