How to Plant a Local Church

© Copyright 2006 J. Daniel Harris.

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DEDICATION

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

WHO SAVED ME BY HIS GRACE

AND CALLED ME INTO HIS

SERVICE, AND ALLOWED ME

TO WRITE THIS BOOK OF

FACTS, TRUTH, AND EXPERIENCE.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:31

IN APPRECIATION

I want to express my gratitude by saying thanks to those who were instrumental in helping me put together these writings. To my wife, Ruby, who spent many weary hours correcting my mistakes. To my sisters, Loraine, Marie, Ola Vay, and Barbara, along with friends from Missouri. To my friends from Walker Springs Baptist Church, Jackson, Alabama, who gave financial assistance so that my book could be published. To Gloria Griggs, who gave many hours of her time, along with Dr. Joseph Kennedy, and Tom and Jane Nichols, for their contribution by helping me with the cover for this book. To Robert Thornton, who, in his judgement, encouraged me to publish this book. And lastly, to Stephania Epps, who labored in applying the finishing touches before going to the publishers.

J. Daniel Harris

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Junior Daniel Harris, and I was born 5-22-26. I grew up on a farm, and at the age 17, I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country. I was there through the duration of the war. I was wounded while in service and received the Purple Heart along with 4 stars from 4 major campaigns. After my discharge in 1946, I found the girl that I later married. My wife and I have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. We have been blessed indeed.

The Lord saved me in 1959, and I was called to preach the Gospel about two months later. Then, in 1963, I entered Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri along with my wife. I graduated with a degree in Theology.

After graduating from school, we then moved back to Gadsden, Alabama, where we now live. We started 4 churches, 3 in Gadsden and 1 in Jackson, Alabama where we stayed until my wife’s breakdown in 1986 which forced me to resign my pastorate and full-time ministry. But, at the age of 80, I am still active in the Lord’s work.

By J. Daniel Harris

FORWARD

I praise God for the discipline and commitment of Reverend J. Daniel Harris, a church planter/pastor. Bro Harris did not plant churches according to academic learning. He was called of God and sought God’s wisdom to start churches. His book How to Build the House of God is filled with Godly wisdom for anyone desiring to start a church today. Using the word of God, he tells it like it is: it is hard work. He is transparent about what worked and what did not work. The book, saturated with scripture, is easy to read. It would be a great tool for any pastor and especially church planters to have in his library. Though brief and easy to read, the content will bring you back time and again to digest the deeper meaning revealed by the writer.

Robert E. Thornton, former Pastor, Director of Missions and presently serving as Mission Service Corp Mission Mobilizer.

CONTENTS

Dedication

In Appreciation

About the Author

Forward

Introduction

1 Getting to know God

2 The Call of God

3 A Stirred Spirit

4 A Gathered People

5 An Established Altar

6 An Obedient Life

7 Setting Up The Finances

8 Unity

9 Revival

Summary

Books and Other Sources

INTRODUCTION

I am writing this book in response to a suggestion which created a desire in me to put in writing what I have learned about church planting. This suggestion came from a very good friend of mine, Bro. Al Crawford, the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Grove Hill, Alabama. His suggestion was that I should share my experience with others who have a desire to follow Christ and that I might be of some help to those who receive the same calling. He told me to step out in faith and to follow the Lord. By sharing what I have learned, I hope to be an encouragement to those who serve God. Webster says Experience is knowledge learned from personal observation.(1) Also the words of Laban, And Laban said unto him(Jacob) I pray thee, if I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry, for I have learned by experience that the Lord hast blessed me for thy sake.(Genesis 30:27)(2)

Because of the discipline which I knew would be involved, I was unwilling at first to undertake such a task. But after some delay and much prayer I have decided that regardless of the cost I am determined to do my best and share what I have gleaned from church planting. First of all, there must be a call from God to plant a church. If there is no call, do not undertake this task because many have tried and failed in their efforts. Anyone who proceeds without God’s anointing on his life will also fail.

Unless a man has a burden for this type of ministry, he should back off and make sure of his standing before God. There is a big difference in pastoring a church than being infatuated with the ministry. He who goes without being sure does so at his own risk. He has no armor to protect himself from the enemy. It pays to wait and weigh the evidence to make sure of being on the right track. If there is a feeling of uncertainty about the move, one should stand still until he is absolutely sure.

Many have started out without seeing any results of their labor and never accomplished what they set out to do. They set out without making sure of their calling. Making sure of one’s calling is an absolute necessity. Many young men have failed because they did not wait on instructions. It takes a man who is committed to the Lord and has counted the cost of what is involved in starting a church. It takes a man of faith and one who is willing to attempt difficult tasks. It will cost more than some are willing to pay. It is a humbling experience to fail, therefore a man should be certain about making an announcement about his call into the ministry.

Following the Lord leads through deep waters and over rough roads and it takes a person with determination and unfailing faith to see it through because there will be many enemies along the way to hinder one’s efforts. However, it is rewarding to those who follow Christ. Jesus Himself said For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him.(Luke 14:28,29) Walking with the Lord is a more elevated walk than walking with man. Things of this world dim in relation to the things of God. To walk with God requires a person to walk in faith. That means trusting completely in His ability to keep one safe and in His will. This walk will mature and strengthen a man for the job that he has to do.

Many have started out without realizing what is involved in building a local church. It is not as easy as it looks. There are many obstacles to overcome, but the Lord uses these things as stepping stones on the road of faith. As a result, one’s resolve as well as his faith will be strengthened and tested. Starting right will determine whether one succeeds or fails. There must be a firm foundation to build upon as the Apostle Paul says, According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.(1 Corinthians 3:10-11) Make sure that this is the foundation that the scriptures speak about before the foundation is laid.

We should keep focused on