Dec 19, 2013
Church Planting, Southwest Style
by Bob Peet
Kingman, Ariz.
Here is the good news: Jesus is our Savior. Jesus commissioned us to make disciples of all nations, and that includes Kingman, Arizona.
That’s exactly what we have been doing. In just seven months, the Kingdom of God church has grown to 70-80 regular parishioners here in Kingman. We are in the process of knocking down some walls to double the size of our sanctuary. The Lord has truly blessed this body of believers.
I didn’t come from a Seventh Day Baptist background. I had no presumption on “the right way” to do things. I have not read any books on church planting. I’ve never done this before. Yet we are growing by leaps and bounds.
I’ve been asked by many SDB members, “How did you do it?” Well, I didn’t—Jesus did.
Here is the story of part of our journey and what’s coming next. You can help us with more church planting in Arizona.
Step #1.
I didn’t go out looking for Sabbath-keepers. I looked for sinners.
I teach them Jesus, repentance and obedience, which includes the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath.
Step #2.
Our main service is on Sabbath at 6:00 p.m. This is a normal service time out West for many larger churches; it is also an easier time for most people to attend.
I’ve seen many SDBs cringe at this. “But we have always had our services at 10:30” I’m told. I then ask, “By having a 6:00 p.m. service, would you have more souls in the pews?”
Six in the evening is more convenient for most people. Remember you can’t teach them if they are not there. I say keep the 10:30 a.m. service and add a 6:00 p.m. service. Make it fun and friendly, and teach about Jesus!
Step #3.
ABC: “Always Be Closing.” I keep our church business card with me whenever I go out. Like it or not, getting new members into your church is a “numbers” game. If you invite zero people to church, zero will show up. If you invite a lot, some will show up.
I talk to people and I’m always ready to make a defense for my faith (1 Peter 3:15). I invite everyone I run into.
That’s the big secret: find sinners, make it fun and easy for them to attend. Then teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We need your help. What’s next? Phoenix, Arizona!
In conjunction with the pastors of the Pacific Coast Association, we are very excited to announce we will be planting a church in Phoenix. If you have family and friends in that metro area, please send us their contact information. We will be contacting people in the Phoenix area starting in January, and then search for a central location to meet. Hopefully we can start holding services by March.
The pastors on the West Coast will take turns in the pulpit. We will need someone to step up and take over as the full pastor. (Could that person be you or someone you know?)
What then? Los Angeles, San Diego—wherever the Lord leads us.
Our goal is to make a template that can be followed by SDBs everywhere. Let’s grow this denomination. Action speaks louder than words. All we need is your help and God’s will.
May the Lord Bless you!
