How to Start a Church

How to Start a Berean Church

We've collected some good advice that is perfect for entrepreneurial folks who are thinking about starting a Berean church. Read this advice before you open up shop.

Thinking about opening a Berean church? We tell you what you need to know to get started.

Berean Church Planting Essentials

The word "Berean" is a descriptor for independent Christian congregations that emphasize Scripture and biblical teaching. It is derived from a passage in Acts 17:11 where the people of Berea responded to the teaching of the apostle Paul with the daily study of Scripture.

Bereans staunchly adhere to the Reformation concept of sola scriptura, i.e. that the Bible alone is the sole source of revelation about God and Jesus Christ. Although many other Christian traditions also believe in sola scriptura, few are as adamant about it as the Bereans.

Berean church planters obviously need to know their Bibles. The people who will be drawn to your new church will be extremely knowledgeable about Scripture and unless you are equally knowledgeable, you will quickly find yourself in over your head.

Nearly all Christian faith traditions value Scripture, or more accurately, their own interpretation of Scripture -- and the Bereans are no different. Subsequently, religious entrepreneurs in the Berean tradition need to not only know Scripture, but also the way it is commonly interpreted in Berean church circles.

Surviving the First Year of a Berean Church Plant

In small business circles, there is a lot of emphasis placed on surviving the first year. In a business, the initial startup stage is challenging and many companies don't make it past their twelve-month anniversary. Berean church plants are similar -- getting through the initial startup phase may be one of the most challenging things you will ever do.

The keys to surviving the first year are a well thought out plan, deliberate execution and patience. It's also helpful to review the first year survival strategies small business owners use to break through the first year into long-term success.

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