Better together : senior pastors' engagement with church planting networks

Altman, Blake A.

1 online resource (xiii, 236 leaves) : illustrations

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 231-236)

D. Min. Covenant Theological Seminary, 2024

Includes abstract

标题

Better together : senior pastors' engagement with church planting networks

最新修改

12/02/2024

创造者

Altman, Blake A.

Abstract

Church planting networks (CPNs) play a vital role in equipping and supporting pastors engaged in church planting efforts. However, little research has examined senior pastors' experiences within and aspirations for CPNs. This study explored how senior pastors engage with CPNs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six senior pastors in the Presbyterian Church in America who have been actively involved in the Southwest Church Planting Network for over a decade. Four research questions guided this research: (1) What benefits do senior pastors experience when they engage with church-planting networks? (2) What challenges do senior pastors face when they engage with church-planting networks? (3) How do senior pastors navigate the challenges they face when they engage with church-planting networks? (4) What are senior pastors’ hopes for engagement with church-planting networks? The literature review examined lessons from the Book of Acts for contemporary CPN development, and research on network dynamics and organizational hierarchies. The key benefits identified included camaraderie, compelling vision, and access to funding. Primary challenges included diminished relational connections over time, loss of aspirational leadership, and complacency. Pastors navigated challenges through singular loyalty to the CPN. Hopes for the future centered around prayer, compelling rationale for planting, unified philosophy, clear metrics, new models, sustainable funding, dedicated leadership, training and coaching. These findings provide valuable insights for CPN leaders seeking to enhance senior pastor involvement. To address these challenges, eleven practical recommendations are offered, focusing on network partnership, collaboration and missional engagement.

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