Have any AFF'ers started a church from zero?

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Darcie

Thank you for that! I'm going to have to save this post somewhere!

We've had a bunch come and go. But we do have a small solid group that we can truly count on. And we do use them, whenever and wherever we can for sure

I have had alot of experiences with my dad being a home missionary, sis I admire you and your husband. It gets hard, but God has a way of sending you encouragement exactly when you need it.

We started a church nearly three months ago. Started with zero.

We have very few people. One couple comes faithfully. Another couple comes sporatically.

It's only been three months though... so we're not 'expecting' a whole lot.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We grew very slowly. We added five the first year. Five the next year.
A total of 15 after two years. Not your prototypical HM success story, huh?

We lived in the back of the church for six months because I was stupid and sacrificed my family's well-being to purchase a church building.

The building we bought was an old pool supply store. The walls were blue and green. We totally renovated it. It is completely paid for now, and we are about to build a new church.

In our third year we added a Kid's Church program. This is the engine of our church. Since then we have had over 1300 visitors come through our doors. From that we added a sports program for kids. We sponsored little league programs in our city. We give away free school supplies to hundreds of kids each fall.

We OWN the children's ministry market in our town.

I got some stories about the families well being. I'll refrain though 'cause it will come off as complaining. LOL!

[Darcie]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

The most important thing to remember is that instant successes are few. Plan on the work growing steadily, over a period of years - not months.

Next, remember that great sacrifice brings great reward, but be careful what you sacrifice. Your kids need to know you value them. Don't lose them while doing a work for God.

Let's see.... don't worry about purchasing a building right away. People will pressure you big time. Don't rent our purchase any building until there is just no other option and the church can truly afford it.

When people ask you "how many you runnin'?", learn to be vague. Say something like "quite a few" or "the Lord has really blessed us with a great group". Don't fall prey to the numbers game because Sister, your numbers are gonna follow that roller coaster path.

Let God be God. Remember it's His church. Whatever you do, do it excellently. Don't start any program without counting the costs.

Use new converts. Use them everywhere.

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

I got some stories about the families well being. I'll refrain though 'cause it will come off as complaining. LOL!

Well I grew up a PK, so at least I know that side of it!

[Nahum]

We grew by leaps and bounds in our fourth and fifth years. People getting the Holy Ghost all over the place. Baptisms galore. Started a choir.

Oh Darcie, BTW, we have never had our own musicians in seven years. The church has been built without live music. We use computer programs, tracks and occasional guests to fill in the gaps.

[Darcie]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We grew by leaps and bounds in our fourth and fifth years. People getting the Holy Ghost all over the place. Baptisms galore. Started a choir.

Oh Darcie, BTW, we have never had our own musicians in seven years. The church has been built without live music. We use computer programs, tracks and occasional guests to fill in the gaps.

We started off with a BANG! and all of a sudden...

We use the midi off my keyboard and we have two of our ladies singing along with me! Still praying for a drummer.

[Nahum]

We grew to an all time high of 70 in our sixth year. My three kids fell in love with ministry. My daughter is extremely talented and leads our music.

We had two Pentecostal families move in - the first move-ins in our history.

Our kids church was busting at the seams. It became the model for Pentecostals in our area. I, and the church I pastor, was the focus of numerous articles. We were a bona fide success story.

[Darcie]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We grew to an all time high of 70 in our sixth year. My three kids fell in love with ministry. My daughter is extremely talented and leads our music.

We had two Pentecostal families move in - the first move-ins in our history.

Our kids church was busting at the seams. It became the model for Pentecostals in our area. I, and the church I pastor, was the focus of numerous articles. We were a bona fide success story.

Awesome! Can't wait to tell stories like that of our own

[Nahum]

Then the bottom fell out.

Under pressure from peers and leadership, I came down hard on a new "platform standard". It is one of the great regrets of my life. I have begged God to forgive me since.

But the damage was done. When the dust settled, I had lost over half of those precious souls. It haunts me daily.

[Darcie]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Then the bottom fell out.

Under pressure from peers and leadership, I came down hard on a new "platform standard". It is one of the great regrets of my life. I have begged God to forgive me since.

But the damage was done. When the dust settled, I had lost over half of those precious souls. It haunts me daily.

Ugh!