© 2008 Church Planting Dynamics Why Are You Here? Session 1

© 2008 Church Planting Dynamics© 2008 Church Planting Dynamics

Why Are Why Are You Here?You Here?

Session 1Session 1

Why Are Why Are You Here?You Here?

Session 1Session 1


Why are you here?Why are you here?The person who knows “HOW” will

always work for the person who knows “WHY”.

Before we answer HOW we must address WHY we plant a church. Any ideas?

The person who knows “HOW” will always work for the person who knows “WHY”.

Before we answer HOW we must address WHY we plant a church. Any ideas?


WHY we plant is a mind-set that permeates everything we do.

WHY we plant is a mind-set that permeates everything we do.

Our thoughts (why we do what we do) affect our beliefs, and beliefs affect our behaviors. Our behaviors determine how we “DO” church.

“Mind-set is that thinking process which I allow, feed and nurture. Ultimately this process

captures my mind and works its way through the volitional and emotional part of my being,

determining both what I say and what I do.” George Delamarter

Our thoughts (why we do what we do) affect our beliefs, and beliefs affect our behaviors. Our behaviors determine how we “DO” church.

“Mind-set is that thinking process which I allow, feed and nurture. Ultimately this process

captures my mind and works its way through the volitional and emotional part of my being,

determining both what I say and what I do.” George Delamarter


The church has become what it is today through our mind-set.The church has become what it is today through our mind-set.

Our mind-set has determined and influenced: Our traditions Our environment Our church culture Educational systems

Our mind-set has determined and influenced: Our traditions Our environment Our church culture Educational systems


Consider this…Consider this… “We do not attract that which we want. But that

which we are.” James Allen

Our outward behaviors (our character) is the complete sum total of all our thoughts.

We are what we think!

“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” Prov 23:7

The size and health of our church, or lack of it, will be the direct result of our thinking.

“We do not attract that which we want. But that which we are.” James Allen

Our outward behaviors (our character) is the complete sum total of all our thoughts.

We are what we think!

“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” Prov 23:7

The size and health of our church, or lack of it, will be the direct result of our thinking.


Think on this…Think on this…

What do we think about the mission of Jesus to the world?

“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matt 19:13

If that is his mission, what is our co-mission?

This is not an issue of style. Not a battle between traditional and contemporary.

What do we think about the mission of Jesus to the world?

“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matt 19:13

If that is his mission, what is our co-mission?

This is not an issue of style. Not a battle between traditional and contemporary.


Bottom line…Bottom line…

If you don’t understand WHY, then HOW doesn’t

really matter.

If you don’t understand WHY, then HOW doesn’t

really matter.


God has blessed all kinds of styles and theologies.

God has blessed all kinds of styles and theologies.

God poured out his power and Spirit upon John Wesley, as well as John Calvin. Yet both of these men should in sharp contrast to each other.

No one can deny the power of God on Billy Graham’s ministry or upon the charismatic movement. Yet both of them stand on opposite ends of the spectrum.

God poured out his power and Spirit upon John Wesley, as well as John Calvin. Yet both of these men should in sharp contrast to each other.

No one can deny the power of God on Billy Graham’s ministry or upon the charismatic movement. Yet both of them stand on opposite ends of the spectrum.


God HAS blessed churches using traditional

methodologies as well as contemporary and even

postmodern styles of worship.

God HAS blessed churches using traditional

methodologies as well as contemporary and even

postmodern styles of worship.

Major Question!Major Question!

How can God pour out his inexhaustible resources on men and styles that seem stand in contradiction to one another?

How can God pour out his inexhaustible resources on men and styles that seem stand in contradiction to one another?


The AnswerThe AnswerGod seems to be infinitely more concerned about WHY his church exists than splitting

theological and stylistic hairs.

God pours out His Spirit upon everyone whose ministry and life-style models the imperatives of the holy life and the Great Commission.

God seems to be infinitely more concerned about WHY his church exists than splitting

theological and stylistic hairs.

God pours out His Spirit upon everyone whose ministry and life-style models the imperatives of the holy life and the Great Commission.


Everything we do in church must have a “SO THAT…”Everything we do in church must have a “SO THAT…”

We do worship, so that… We Give money so that… We do outreach so that… We serve others so that… We have committee meetings so that… We build buildings so that… We plant churches so that…

We do worship, so that… We Give money so that… We do outreach so that… We serve others so that… We have committee meetings so that… We build buildings so that… We plant churches so that…


The Church exists so that…The Church exists so that…

Sinners might be savedThe body of Christ might be

built upBelievers might be discipledGod might be glorified

Sinners might be savedThe body of Christ might be

built upBelievers might be discipledGod might be glorified


If we don’t start with WHY…If we don’t start with WHY… We will not have a proper foundation for

the churches existence.

We will plant churches with a mind-set of gimmicks and plans.

Much of what we do will be built around our own likes and dislikes, rather than on an understanding of who we are trying to reach and why.

We will not have a proper foundation for the churches existence.

We will plant churches with a mind-set of gimmicks and plans.

Much of what we do will be built around our own likes and dislikes, rather than on an understanding of who we are trying to reach and why.


PrayerPrayerHoly Spirit, teach me. I am open to learn

from you and willing to set aside my preconceived notions and desires to hear

from you. I will do whatever is necessary to be on a co-mission with you. Help me to keep my mind open and help my attitudes

to reflect your mind-set in all I do. If I need to change or I need to check my rebellious

spirit,, I am open to your Holy Spirit’s prodding.

Holy Spirit, teach me. I am open to learn from you and willing to set aside my

preconceived notions and desires to hear from you. I will do whatever is necessary to

be on a co-mission with you. Help me to keep my mind open and help my attitudes

to reflect your mind-set in all I do. If I need to change or I need to check my rebellious

spirit,, I am open to your Holy Spirit’s prodding.

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© 2008 Church Planting Dynamics Why Are You Here? Session 1