Have any AFF'ers started a church from zero?

[Sister Alvear]

very good advice is given on these threads. Just wanted to add our family is praying for you all.

[Felicity]

We've started from zero and also started with a handful .... yes! 5 (that's a handful I counted them ) ..... of tithe payers so We know what it's all about.

**Big thumbs up** to Pastor Poster who contributed greatly to this thread.

[Old Paths]

PP, very good advice.

I will be praying for Darcie and family.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I've never started a church before but the thought had crossed my mind.
Sister DARCIE I pray that God blesses yall really good.

[chseeads]

I didn't start one, and didn't have zero, but never have figured out how to successfully get a small number to do any growing yet. Often becomes discouraging.

[Rhoni]

I think it take s people with a Passion who know how to motivate others. If you have the passion without the skills to motivate, organize, and delegate...well there you are...you have a vision but no wings.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Nahum]

This thread has been on my mind over the past few days.

Darcie, I remember what it felt like to receive encouragement at just the right junction in our church's development. I also remember what it felt like to need encouragement, and never receive it.

It was in those times that the presence of the Lord was near to us.

Sister, surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate your labor. Allow people to "buy in" to the ministry God has called you into.

I remember feeling akward when checks started coming in from people we didn't even know. People whom God had prompted to give into the founding of the church. People from inside and outside of Pentecostalism. I was almost apologetic when God used others to bless me and my ministry. Checks came at our times of greatest need. Folks from our community would send letters of appreciation, and offers of help, from time to time. We learned to savor that sort of communication.

We communicated our vision to everyone within earshot.

One Sunday, when the power was out on our side of town, the Methodist pastor called me and offered his facility free of charge. At other times the AOG pastor gave in a huge way to programs within our church. A UPC church designated a huge offering to pay off our building.

While I am very appreciative, I no longer am apologetic. I soon realized their giving was not to me, it was to the work of the Lord.

[tamor]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

This thread has been on my mind over the past few days.

Darcie, I remember what it felt like to receive encouragement at just the right junction in our church's development. I also remember what it felt like to need encouragement, and never receive it.

It was in those times that the presence of the Lord was near to us.

Sister, surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate your labor. Allow people to "buy in" to the ministry God has called you into.

I remember feeling akward when checks started coming in from people we didn't even know. People whom God had prompted to give into the founding of the church. People from inside and outside of Pentecostalism. I was almost apologetic when God used others to bless me and my ministry. Checks came at our times of greatest need. Folks from our community would send letters of appreciation, and offers of help, from time to time. We learned to savor that sort of communication.

We communicated our vision to everyone within earshot.

One Sunday, when the power was out on our side of town, the Methodist pastor called me and offered his facility free of charge. At other times the AOG pastor gave in a huge way to programs within our church. A UPC church designated a huge offering to pay off our building.

While I am very appreciative, I no longer am apologetic. I soon realized their giving was not to me, it was to the work of the Lord.

Amen PP! The last sentence wins the prize!

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

This thread has been on my mind over the past few days.

Darcie, I remember what it felt like to receive encouragement at just the right junction in our church's development. I also remember what it felt like to need encouragement, and never receive it.

It was in those times that the presence of the Lord was near to us.

Sister, surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate your labor. Allow people to "buy in" to the ministry God has called you into.

I remember feeling akward when checks started coming in from people we didn't even know. People whom God had prompted to give into the founding of the church. People from inside and outside of Pentecostalism. I was almost apologetic when God used others to bless me and my ministry. Checks came at our times of greatest need. Folks from our community would send letters of appreciation, and offers of help, from time to time. We learned to savor that sort of communication.

We communicated our vision to everyone within earshot.

One Sunday, when the power was out on our side of town, the Methodist pastor called me and offered his facility free of charge. At other times the AOG pastor gave in a huge way to programs within our church. A UPC church designated a huge offering to pay off our building.

While I am very appreciative, I no longer am apologetic. I soon realized their giving was not to me, it was to the work of the Lord.

Yes, I believe the humility to receive is a key lesson to learn, besides, we don't want to rob the gift of giving from someone who has been moved in their heart to give!

[Darcie]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

This thread has been on my mind over the past few days.

Darcie, I remember what it felt like to receive encouragement at just the right junction in our church's development. I also remember what it felt like to need encouragement, and never receive it.

It was in those times that the presence of the Lord was near to us.

Sister, surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate your labor. Allow people to "buy in" to the ministry God has called you into.

I remember feeling akward when checks started coming in from people we didn't even know. People whom God had prompted to give into the founding of the church. People from inside and outside of Pentecostalism. I was almost apologetic when God used others to bless me and my ministry. Checks came at our times of greatest need. Folks from our community would send letters of appreciation, and offers of help, from time to time. We learned to savor that sort of communication.

We communicated our vision to everyone within earshot.

One Sunday, when the power was out on our side of town, the Methodist pastor called me and offered his facility free of charge. At other times the AOG pastor gave in a huge way to programs within our church. A UPC church designated a huge offering to pay off our building.

While I am very appreciative, I no longer am apologetic. I soon realized their giving was not to me, it was to the work of the Lord.

PP I'm glad we are still on your mind, that means we are still in your prayers.