Church planting

Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully
New Church Planting Conference
Bethany Theological Seminary
Richmond, Indiana
May 20 - 22, 2010

I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
1 Corinthians 3:6

Read a summary of the 2010 conference, enjoy church planting conference photos, or see paintings by David Weiss with meditations (Word doc).

Listen to podcasts from the conference (MP3 files):

Belita Mitchell, pastor of the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren provides the message during the opening worship service of Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully.

Pastor Rose Swetman and author Jim Henderson discuss their experiences as church planters.

Author and keynote speaker Jim Henderson engages in a dialog with two atheists Shane and Willis, who were hired to visit local Church of the Brethren congregations.

Jim Henderson discusses his book Jim and Casper Go to Church, the conversation between Jim and his atheist friend Casper after attending multiple churches together.

Lidia Gonzalez preached at the closing worship service on Saturday, blending Spanish and English to offer a word of challenge and encouragement.

The 2010 church planting conference featured worship, prayer, keynote addresses, workshops, small group conversations, networking, and community outreach experiences. For the first time this year we offered a complete workshop track for Spanish speaking planters and leaders, along with translation of keynote addresses and general sessions.

Conference sponsorship

The conference is sponsored, planned and promoted by the Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries church planting emphasis and the New Church Development Advisory Committee. The committee is:  Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, convener; Lynda DeVore, district apostle for Great Harvest Church Planting, Illinois Wisconsin District; Don Mitchell, director of new church development, Atlantic Northeast District; Steve Gregory, district executive, Oregon Washington District; David Shumate, district executive, Virlina District; Ruben Deoleo, director for Intercultural Ministries, Church of the Brethren.

Bethany Theological Seminary is a partner agency providing meeting space and additional leadership and logistical support.

Financial support is provided through the domestic emphasis of the Emerging Global Mission Fund of the Church of the Brethren. This fund receives gifts from individuals, congregations, and mission supports. You can now contribute online to the Emerging Global Mission Fund!

Additional expenses are covered through Congregational Life Ministries budgets of the Church of the Brethren core ministries.

Visit often for more information, and join the church planting interest group to receive updates.