Thoughts from 2002

I was rummaging through one of my books last night and ran across a paper with my thoughts (from 2002) concerning the need for a new church in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Here they are:

What difference will a new church make in Morgantown?

• People's lives will be changed.
• Crime will be decreased.
• Fellowship with new believers will occur.
• College students will have an opportunity to worship and serve while attending WVU.
• People who surrender to the ministry will not have to leave the state to attend Seminary (future training for people who announce their call to the ministry).
• Regional churches will be planted (I-79 Corridor).
• God will be glorified with another church being planted.
• An ABA church will be represented in the city of Morgantown.
• A new church will give people a reason for existing.

Why should I attempt church planting?

• Because it is a calling from God and must be acted upon.
• Because new churches please God.
• Because new churches are the fastest growing churches.
• Because unchurched people are more likely to come to a new church plant than an old established church.
• Because people in Morgantown need Jesus.
• Because people need another sound church, teaching and preaching the doctrines of Jesus Christ.
• Because others (the Knights) are willing to team with my family to accomplish the task.
• Because others are already supporting us and we haven't even announced our call to plant in Morgantown.
• Because others receive a blessing by supporting church planters.
• Because families will be strengthened.
• Because young people will feel welcomed, accepted and important.

Why should I do this now?

• Because people are dying without Jesus.
• Because life is too short not to do something big.
• Because the desire is there.
• Because I feel worthless here.
• Because I am ready to lead a church.
• Because God is working.
• Because the students (in my youth group) seem to be doing good.
• Because another man can fill the gap where I leave off.
• Because they (the church where I served) can call another man to step into the position of youth pastor.
• Because there are people waiting (in Morgantown) for us to plant a new church.