Starting a Church
Opening a Disciples of Christ Church
Starting a Disciples Of Christ church is more difficult than you might think.
Thinking about opening a Disciples Of Christ church? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Disciples of Christ Overview
The Disciples of Christ denomination is known by several names, including the Christian Church and the Disciples. A mainline Protestant denomination, the Disciples of Christ places a central emphasis on communion, evidenced through their logo which features a chalice and a cross. But unlike the majority of Christian churches, in Disciples congregations lay elders (rather than ordained clergy) preside over the table.
Disciples of Christ churches are known for maintaining a delicate balance between unity and diversity. With 3,700 congregations and 700,000 members in North America, the Disciples are an established denominational presence in U.S. Protestantism.
Ordination is a prerequisite for Disciples of Christ church planting. The ordination process typically requires a seminary degree, affiliation with a Disciples of Christ congregation and various denominational approvals. For more information about ordination and church planting within the Disciples of Christ tradition, contact the Regional Minister in your area.
Nurturing Ideas for a Disciple of Christ Church Plant
As an aspiring Disciples of Christ church planter, you're probably bursting with ideas for launching and growing a Disciples congregation. Unfortunately, a lot of the ideas harbored by church planters never become reality. Why? Because the church planters lack the skills to nurture and develop their ideas to full maturity.
Over the years, business entrepreneurs have learned the importance of systematically developing great ideas. The process of developing ideas requires patience and persistence. More importantly, it requires the religious entrepreneur and church planter to strategically plan the execution and consequences of their ideas before they leap into action. In many instances, the development process will improve on your initial idea and transform it into a more effective resource for your church.
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Why Profitability Matters in a Religious Organization Startup
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