Disappointments and the Pastor’s Heart

Human beings disappoint us. Every single one of them will eventually; that is, if they haven’t already and probably many times over. Just give it enough time and it is bound to happen one way or another. Disappointment seems to be part and parcel of being in a relationship with anyone. To love and trust deeply means to allow myself …

How to plant a church with $375

Is it possible to plant a church with a budget remarkably lower than normal? I’ve done it–twice. Before I share that story, a brief look at church planting in North America over the past 20 years. Church planting has entered contemporary church practice as an attractive and practical way to address decline. Globally, church planting in countries like China or …

5 Steps for Creating a Discipleship Pathway

Here in upstate NY we have this beautiful region for climbing called “The Gunks”. The Gunks come to mind when considering discipleship. They are one of America’s premier climbing areas. It’s just minutes from New Paltz, a funky college town, and 85 miles from New York City. Climbing here is characterized by huge rock roofs that shoot over the trails, …

Beyond Colorblind

I sat down for lunch with a young woman from my church the other day. She’s a Sociology major with a growing heart for justice. As she shared with me about her classes this quarter she articulated a frustration that I think many feel. She had been learning about racial inequality, systemic injustice and ethnic brokenness and it was breaking …

Three Keys to Leading Your Church Plant to Read the Whole Bible

I am a goal setter. New Year’s Day is always a day of possibility and hope and typically involves setting annual goals. I love the idea of a clean slate with a fresh new calendar year and striving towards something with intention. This year I invited my church to read through the Bible with me. I declared 2018 “The year …

Church Planters: What Would Help You Most in 2018?

At the V3 Movement, we’re committed to providing tangible resources that will help you make disciples, plant churches and start a movement. These days, there is A LOT of Church Planting material out there. It can feel like drinking out of a firehose. The only problem is, some of it is better than others. Some of it might not be …

Six Tips for Recovering the Awe and Wonder of the Holidays

We are heading into what for many church planters is the busiest time of the year. Halloween, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas are almost here. What is meant to be an exciting celebration of the awe and wonder of Christ’s coming in human form to dwell amongst us, has instead become a season of overwork, exhaustion, and burn …

How V3 Supports Women Planting Churches

A toxic approach to gender is having tangible effects on our culture. Recently, we’ve seen Hollywood shaken by a widespread and ignored sexual assault scandal. Some voices are pointing out that this problem will never go away as long as men hold the primary places of power as producers, studio executives and directors. It would be naïve to think this …

Here’s What Happened at Praxis 2017

  Stop scrolling. Think about if your #ChurchPlanting is like Jesus. @dreamawakener pic.twitter.com/5cENEKV6G2 — The Praxis Gathering (@Praxis_2017) September 21, 2017 If you’re too busy proclaiming the Kingdom & not working to bring it to reality, don’t expect a lot of fruit today. @dreamawakener #Praxis17 — The Praxis Gathering (@Praxis_2017) September 21, 2017 When I go to support groups for …

Apply Now: Pastoral Opening in Miami

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills in a missionally focused, movement-minded church community? Rhythm is a non-denominational Christian church in Miami, Florida that has partnered with V3 since they began. They are currently seeking to fill a role on their pastoral staff. Here’s how they describe themselves: There are a few key things that define us. …