en Multiplying healthy churches across Texas and Oklahoma! http://www.efcatxok.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47&article_id=62 March 2008 Download our latest E-News Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:14:17 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=14 EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District offers a special service to those who wish to simplify and better organize their giving to the District through Direct Bank Giving. Just fill out the attached form, send it to the address given with a canceled check and you can begin giving without the hassle of writing a monthly check. Download a form now. If you would like to make a donation online right now, go to the "Give" tab above and make your donation to the general fund or the church planting fund. Or make your check payable to: "EFCA Tx-Ok" and send it to our district office: EFCA Texas-Oklahoma 7911 Black Buck San Antonio, TX 78266 For question, comments or concerns please contact Kevin Hammond (210)344-1203 x 124 or kevinh@waysidechapel.org Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:10:06 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=2 Our mission is to glorify God by working together to multiply healthy churches among all people in Texas and Oklahoma. Our vision is to see 150 churches planted during the next ten years. We firmly believe that we are better together and can accomplish much more for Christ by working together as we serve Him. We want to see unhealthy churches become healthy; healthy churches become even healthier; and all churches multiply! Please join us in prayer by subscribing to our prayer update. Please submit prayer requestsso we can pray for you specifically. If you want to see how the mailing list works, follow this link. Wed, 7 Nov 2007 07:26:39 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=4 National EFCA Homepage EFCA Foundation EFCA Today Magazine Next Step Books http://www.nsresources.com/ Twin Oaks Ranch http://www.twinoranch.com/ Building Plans Check out this Web site! http://www.churchplansforless.com/ MINIMUM WAGE Download a copy of the Department of Labor's Employee Rights poster Walk Thru the Bible With Tom Schoeneck On average, 2-3% of the attendees come to saving faith in Jesus. 30% of attendees committ to doing the "30 Days" of review and reading that are a part of the program. All who attend say they have never understood the Old Testament with such clarity and understanding. I had finished all of my Old Testament courses at DTS but still didn't understand the over all structure of the Old Testament until I went thru a "Walk Thru" presentation. I am excited about helping others gain the understanding of the Old TEstament that the "Walk Thru" brings! Go With God, for He Goes With You (Ps. 139:1-18) For information on how you can host a seminar contact Tom Schoeneck at t.schoeneck@juno.com Download the Goals for this seminar. Tue, 6 Nov 2007 23:24:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=13 George Billingslea and Bill Ball will gladly help you or your church. George Billingslea can be reached at (210) 654-6607 or 16510 Willow Run San Antonio, Texas 78247. Age: 68; Pharmacist in Conroe Texas for 20 years and served as an elder in Conroe Bible Church for 3 years.; ThM from Dallas Seminary; Served as Pastor at Northeast Bible Church EFC in San Antonio, Texas from 1982 - 2004 Retired from Senior Pastor's position at Northeast in July 2004. You can contact Bill Ball at 830.620.1863 (home); 830.822.2716 (cell) mailto:ballbill@sbcglobal.net If you would like to know more about Bill Ball download Bill's resume. Thu, 6 Sep 2007 12:04:51 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=25 If you have questions regarding Church Health, please contact Willie Means at cbc_okc@yahoo.com Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:58:20 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=18 We are passionate about planting healthy churches among all people! For more information on church planting with the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District, email Dr. Bob Rowley District Superintendent 7911 Black Buck San Antonio, TX 78266 956.206.5189 efcatxok@aol.com Do you think you may want to plant a church? Download a brochure on the profile of a church planter. Perhaps you would like to download a brochure on the strategies of church planting. Download the latest church planting newsletter. Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:27:32 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=63 Find out what is happening in the Women's Minstries across the district. Download the June newsletter. Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:07:48 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=78 Vicente Flores EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District Church Planting Director Shortly after accepting Jesus in his life, Vince entered Bible College and then later attended Dallas Theological Seminary. After graduating, he accepted a call to become a Pastor of an independent Bible church in deep South Texas. While there, he helped the church attain a level of healthiness and he began mentoring another pastor. He then transitioned to Minnesota, where he planted a bilingual-bicultural church and became intimately involved with a Liberian church plant and a crosscultural church plant. While he was working on an additional church plant he felt the Lord calling him back to Texas for ministry. In addition to church planting, Vince also assisted churches regain direction, vision and core values. He is well versed in small groups. Contact Information: Vicente Flores E-Mail: vicenterflores@gmail.com 214-929-0466 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:20:25 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=76 Rick DeGirolomo District Point Person Rick DeGirolomo joined the staff at Wayside Chapel EFC in San Antonio in the summer of 2004 as the Pastor of Student Ministries, relocating to south Texas from southern Connecticut. He has been active in student ministries for over 20 years, and earned his B.S. in Bible from Philadelphia College of Bible. Prior to coming south, Rick served as the Student Ministries Point Person for the New England District and on the national Student Ministries Council for the EFCA. His passion is disciple making and leadership development, being trained early on in Sonlife principles. Rick is available to assist district churches, youth pastors and lay youth leaders. You can reach him at: Wayside Chapel 1705 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78213 (210) 344-1203 X110 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:11:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=53 Don HalusanDistrict Camping ConsultantDon Halusan can help your church fulfill your mission of reaching people for Christ and helping people grow in Christ by taking advantage of camping opportunities at Twin Oaks Ranch. Don is available to talk with your church concerning children's camps, retreats for youth, men, women, or families, outreach events or other ways the camp can help your church be missional.For more information please go to www.twinoranch.com Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:11:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=37 Kathee Hixon: District Women's Ministry Networker kvhixon@mindspring.com Kathee has been involved in Women's Ministry and Wayside Chapel EFCA since 1965. During the past 40 years she has served on the local, state and National Boards in one capacity or another. During the 80's she served as the Recording Secretary of the National Women's Missionary Society Board along with others from the South Central District WMS. That was a growing experience and deepened her passion for women. She majored in Missions at Moody Bible Institute and really thought that the Lord was directing her to Foreign Missions. However, it was after attending a weekend seminar at Laity Lodge, in Texas she realized that her service was here on the home front, working with women. In 1997 she retired from the educational field, and she decided she wanted to become involved in some sort of ministry at the Church. After attending a training workshop for leaders for Precept Bible Study, she became an Evening Bible Study leader. At the 2004 Leadership Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kathee was amazed that the EFCA-Tx District did not have a Women's Ministry Networker. Through the encouragement of the WM Director at Wayside Chapel, she attended the Leadership Training Seminar in Redlands, California, under the leadership of Elizabeth Inrig, and was appointed the Networker for the EFCA-Tx/Ok District. Her duty is to encourage, equip and enlighten the women of this district and to act as a connection between the district and the National Director. This is an infant ministry and she would ask for your prayers as we prepare to get this off the ground. If she can be of any help in getting your Women's Ministry going, or be of assistance in any way, please let her know. Kathee wants to help your group in any way that is possible, so feel free to contact her at any time. Kathee’s email address is: kvhixon@mindspring.com. Or, I can be reached by mail at 2710 Northland, San Antonio, TX 78217 210-824-34891 (h) 210-722-2609 (c) Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:11:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=23 District Missions Consultant Tom Thomas t-thomas@satx.rr.com Tom is the Chairman of the District Board, Mission Consultant for Texas-Oklahoma District (he is available to meet with mission committees, missions chairman or senior pastor on an appointment basis.)Tom can be contacted at 210-566-8881 or at t-thomas@satx.rr.com to set up a consultant appointment. Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:11:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=22 Clovis Barnett: associate@hopefellowship.comClovis is the Equipping Pastor at Hope Fellowship Church in Lake Jackson, TX. His responsibilities include oversight of the Evangelism, Discipleship/Small Groups, Network, Men's and Children’s ministries. Clovis attended Dallas Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Theology degree in 1990 followed with a Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1992. In January 2003 he came to Hope Fellowship as its’ Equipping Pastor. Clovis has been involved in Men's Ministry for over 15 years having been a part of Christian Businessman's Committee, "Young Business Leaders" a ministry targeting men in Jackson, MS, Promise Keepers as well as overseeing Men's Ministry in three different churches. Clovis is our men’s ministry district point person and can help you formulate a strategy for developing the Men's Ministry of your church and practical ideas in implementing it through the Men with a Purpose "Men's Ministry Training" seminar. He is also available for personal consultation and coaching by telephone and e-mail. He can be contacted at Hope Fellowship Church, 200 Lake Road, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, 979-297-8356, or associate@hopefellowship.com. Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:11:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=12 District Superintendent Dr. Bob Rowley EFCATEXAS@aol.com Dr. Bob Rowley graduated with a Th.M. degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1982. He and his wife, JoAnn, then moved to Laredo, Texas where God used them to plant Grace Bible EFC. Over the years, Bob and JoAnn have served as Urban Intercultural missionaries with the EFCA, and Bob served several years on the district board, and five years as the district Director of Church Planting before becoming the District Superintendent. Bob has been involved in about thirty church plants over the years. On June 14, 2004, Bob was unanimously elected District Superintendent for the EFCA – Texas District. He resigned from the staff of Grace Bible Church on December 31, 2004 and began giving full-time to the EFCA – Texas District. In February of 2005 the district became the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district. Bob and JoAnn live in San Antonio, Texas. Bob serves on the EFCA National Church Planting Team and is the EFCA national trainer for coaching. Bob completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Dallas Theological Seminary in May of 2005. His research and dissertation wrestled with the question of what is required to successfully coach church planters. He was the recipient of the John G. Mitchell award given to a student in the Doctor of Ministry program who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and effectiveness in ministry. In the past he has also received the EFCA Church Planting District of the Year award and the UIM Bridging Award for bridging cultures. Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:04:09 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=24 Tom Thomas - current Texas-Oklahoma District Board Chairman Tom is available to meet as a Missions District Consultant at no charge with mission committes, mission chairman, and senior pastors to advise on all aspects of your missions program or to help in starting one. Tom will travel to your church.Contact Tom at 210-566-8881 or at t-thomas@satx.rr.com to set up a consultant appointment. Thu, 5 Apr 2007 13:29:08 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=58 EFCA Texas-Oklahoma Student Ministries 2006 was a year of transition for me. I began serving locally as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Wayside Chapel, but also as the district point person for Student Ministries. Being new to the district, my goals were simple. My first goal was to make myself known and available to the district churches as an available resource to them. Superintendent Bob Rowley facilitated that through introductions at last years District Conference in Friendswood, and through his email communications. I also had my office contact each church in the district early in the year, and then again in November. That helped me move toward my second goal, which is to establish a youth network within our district. We now have up to date information on most churches, and are working to make this network a useful tool for both our professional and lay ministers. 2007 should be an exciting year for us. This is a Challenge Conference year (see their web site at http://efca.org/student/challenge/index.html for all the information), with over 6,000 EFCA students from around the country gathering at Purdue University for a week of worship, instruction and connection. My hope is that our district churches would avail themselves of this incredible growth level event for their students. We are also planning a youth worker retreat with Jeff Piehl, the Student Ministries Team Facilitator from the EFCA, March 30th – April 1st. My hope is that we can connect with each other, as well as be refreshed both personally and professionally. Finally, I hope to take full advantage of our opportunity to connect through our district web site. I would like to use this tool to help “close the space” between our churches and have it become a resource for the youth workers who labor tirelessly to serve our students and their families. Rick DeGirolomo District Point Person for Student Ministries rickd@waysidechapel.org Thu, 5 Apr 2007 13:07:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=72 Please download a copy of the EFCA Tx-Ok District CPRF bulletin in Microsoft WORD insert #1 Please download a copy of the EFCA Tx-Ok District CPRF bulletin in Microsoft WORD insert #2 Please download a copy of the EFCA Tx-Ok District CPRF bulletin in Microsoft WORD insert #3 Download a copy of the EFCA TX-Ok District CPRF Bulletin insert in PDF #1 Download a copy of the EFCA TX-Ok District CPRF Bulletin insert in PDF #2 Download a copy of the EFCA TX-Ok District CPRF Bulletin insert in PDF #3 Download a copy of our Church Planting Revolving Fund Project - video Promo 1 Church Planting Revolving Fund Project - Promo 2 Church Planting Revolving Fund Project - Promo 3 Church Planting Revolving Fund Project - Promo 4 Mon, 6 Nov 2006 14:42:36 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=9 For more information on EFCA Texas-Oklahoma men's ministries please contact Clovis Barnett Hope Fellowship Church 200 Lake Road Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-297-8356 associate@hopefellowship.com or download a copy of our latest Men's Ministry brochure. Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:10:20 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=43 Download our brochure about the Church Health Clinic. Download our brochure about the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district's Men's Ministry. Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:09:02 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=71 Check out this Web site! http://www.churchplansforless.com Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:35:16 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=29 Thu, 7 Sep 2006 14:03:14 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=66 Would you like to learn more about the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District? Download the EFCA TX-OK Handbook. This document can be printed, but it can not be printed in booklet form. Wed, 10 May 2006 14:30:14 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=45 The EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District is interested in helping your church host a variety of clinics. Below is a list of clinics that are available for your church. Please download the brochures that your church may be interested in hosting. Download a brochure on Conflict Management. Download a Coaching brochure Download a Reproducing Clinic Brochure Thu, 13 Apr 2006 20:56:12 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=11 If you would like more information about all the opportunties for Women's Ministry please contact Nancy Lorensen at Nlorensen@aol.com Sat, 1 Apr 2006 09:22:59 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40&article_id=51 Don Halusan, District Camping ConsultantDon Halusan can help your church fulfill your mission of reaching people for Christ and helping people grow in Christ by taking advantage of camping opportunities at Twin Oaks Ranch. Don is available to talk with your church concerning children's camps, retreats for youth, men, women, or families, outreach events or other ways the camp can help your church be missional.For more information on Twin Oaks Ranch please go to www.twinoranch.com Tue, 28 Feb 2006 12:50:32 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=57 If you would like to read more about the Church Planting process and also get information about the EFCA Boot Camp for Church Planters please download a BC Map manual. Wed, 18 Jan 2006 10:21:29 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=49 Commitment CovanantTexas-Oklahoma District Church Plant CovenantRecognizing that there exists an interdependency among churches affiliated with the EFCA, and that those who attend EFCA churches must exhibit a spirit of humility, mutual support and accountability among the association of other EFCA churches.I wish to openly state our commitment to work within the following guidelines:1. I am unreservedly in agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith.2. I am in agreement with implementing a congregational form of government with in the two-year time frame after "Prevue Services” begin.3. I fully agree to the process of developing leaders for the new church. Beginning with the Provision Leadership Team and eventually appointing elders for the new church recognizing the process may take 2 years or more.4. I fully agree to be credentialed (license or ordination) before beginning official meeting for this new ministry. Each additional staff pastor will be encouraged to be credentialed.5. I will demonstrate a spirit of harmony in working with my brothers and sisters in Christ (even across denominational lines), with the EFCA Texas- Oklahoma District representatives, and with the Regional Steering Committee assigned to us.6. I agree to use the Articles of Incorporation approved by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District as proposed by the Church Planting Coordinator. Any by-laws written prior to the new church functioning congregationally must receive final approval by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District Superintendent.7. I fully agree to have the new church plant support financially the EFCA, the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District, the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District's Church Planting efforts and missions, as the agreed upon in Articles of Incorporation state. The pastor must be receiving his full salary from the church before it begins tithing.8. I will attend the Church Planter's Network Meetings, Coaching Sessions, the Regional EFCA Pastor's Gatherings, and the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma Annual Conference.signed: ______________________________ date: ____________phone:_________________ email address:___________________________ Fri, 9 Dec 2005 10:59:58 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=48 Procedures and Process for Beginning Pioneer Churches:These pages were complied to help people understand the steps being taken in our region for beginning new pioneer churches. Our experience has witnessed successful starts for these new churches. Please read through the information, and then ask questions and the missionary church planting pastors are available if you would like to talk to them. Five Non-Negotiables:1. Every planting missionary must go through several assessments, including a written Behavioral Assessment. The Behavioral Assessment takes at least 3 hours by a group of trained assessors in our district. These people have church planting experience.2. Every planting missionary must be licensed or ordained before they begin their new ministry.3. Every planting missionary must attend the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp before beginning their new ministry.4. Every planting missionary must be coached by an experienced church planter. We do not want anyone planting a church alone. Those days are over!5. Every planting missionary must sign a Church Planting Covenant before allowed to plant a church.The process for developing a Pioneer Plant:There are several steps we have developed and have followed over the last 2 ½ years to ensure healthy beginnings for the pastor, their family as they transition to an area and begin starting a new church. The process for beginning new pioneer church plant projects has followed these steps as much as possible. In the Church Planter's Tool Kit written by Bob Logan and Steve Ogne, it discusses the "Farming and Networking” methods of beginning new pioneer churches. We are using a combination of both in each church start to gather people to build the initial launch team. Critical mass, as we call the public launch, is important. The public launch service has been happening about 10 to 12 months after beginning to gather people for the new church. Here is what we have experienced and God seems to be blessing these steps right now.• Identifying the Pastor: The pastor's resume, the self assessments, references, and a behavioral assessment interview are collected and conducted before a pastor and his family are given the green light to begin a new church. Healthy churches begin with healthy pastors and families. Pastors must be credentialed through licensing or ordination transfer before beginning their ministry. The pastor must agree to some foundational principles and signs a Church Planting Covenant. The purpose behind all these steps are to ensure consistency, ease in coaching and recognizes each new church as an EFCA plant project from the beginning. The final approval for the church planters is the responsibility of the Regional EFCA pastors, a EFCA TEXAS-OKLAHOMA District staff member, the Church Multiplication Team member, and the Church Planting Coordinator.• Transitioning the Family and Gathering Interested People: We have been able totransition the pastors over a time span of several months with good success. Two of the pastors have been able to help their previous ministries locate another pastor to replace them before they left. This is a wonderful process, which leaves the established church with a good experience when their pastor leaves. The pastor is flown to the planting area over a 4 to 5 month period. Each month the pastor comes for 4 days, prior to moving his family to the site, so he can gather the names of interested people. The gathering of people has been primarily through the consistent monthly distribution of brochures door to door and networking with other believers in the community. Referrals from others that know people living in the targeted area helps allot. During this time of transition the planting pastor is able to raise the needed financial and prayer support. We encourage 12 to 18 months of finances to be raised, but most of the families are off of support within the first 10 months after they arrive. The pastor and his wife is required to attend the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp for fine tuning their skills before they begin the process.• Identifying and Establishing a Proper Foundation Before Gathering People: Establishing the new church plant's mission statement, core values, the distinctives that will define what the new church will look like and the strategy for beginning the new church are developed by the planting pastor before he begins gathering people. This step enables the pastor or the launch team to encourage people to commit in harmony. If there isn't harmony then the people are encouraged to attend elsewhere. The purpose of having the pastor on the planting site first is primarily preventive and it has cut down on potential conflicts as the church develops. This process has worked well, with the pioneer church starts and mother daughter plants. The church plant will transition to a congregational rule/elder led gov't at the 2 year mark.Training and Resources for Skill Development Being Used: • Church Planter's Boot Camp: The primary training vehicle for church planting coachesand planting pastors has been the EFCA's Church Planter's Boot Camp. This four day, 9 to 9 training equips the pastors and their wives with the practical skills to see a new church begin. The EFCA conducts this training three times a year. You can call Kathy Carter at the EFCA headquarters at 1-800-745-2202 if you are interested.• Church Planter's Took Kit: This audio series is a must and every planter is required to listen to the series by Steve Ogne and Bob Logan. The instruction is very practical and helpful in understanding how to begin a new church. It offers alot of resources in beginning a new church. Check it out at NEXT STEP RESOURCES at 1-800-745-2202 and the cost is $71.25.• Church Planting Workshops: This workshop was developed for people who want to begin a new church when they have not identified a pastor yet. The first field testing of the workshop was completed in the fall of 1999 and it went well. The EFCA traditionally has begun new churches through groups of people in communities over the years. This training can help build a foundation for building harmony within the launch team of people and identifying a first pastor.• Coaching and Networking: We are able to offer coaching and networking among church planting pastors and needed fellowship for their wives. This facilitates accountability, creativity, and resources for the new churches in various stages of beginning. Planters are called weekly, emails; we try to meet monthly with each missionary. ; We will be going on-line to make the coaching easier in 2000 for the planter and be able to prevent us from being spread too thin because of distance. The site is www.coachnet.org.• Church Planting Web Site: The church planting efforts in our region has a web site in the finishing stages. The site will offer resources, information for potential pastors and people interested in beginning a new church in their community. Check out our web site at www.plantingchurches.com and give us your feedback on the web. We will continue to develop the site in the next months. All the plant projects have web sites for gathering people. (I.e. aspenridge.org; northviewchurch.org; founatincreekchurch.org; new_song.net; louisvillechurch.com; mesaviewchurch.org; these are just a few for you to check out). Also, check out our district's web site for more links, www.efcatxok.org. At the updating of this review on pioneer church planting in the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District we had 5 new church plant projects. Several of these couples are gathering people, presently being equipped or raising support. Experienced church planters coach all of these new planters. If you have questions, please call Dr. Bob Rowley at 956-206-5189 or email him at EFCATEXAS@aol.com God's blessings as you seek Him for direction. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 15:17:55 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=50 Purpose of this policy statement: "to clearly define the guidelines, steps and the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district involvement into a church plant becoming a full participating member of the EFCA.”Classification and the Process...1. Church Plant Project: Church Planter or a Lay Team begins the new church. The Church planter or Lay Team begins with a signed covenantal commitment to the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district and the process followed in the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district for establishing a new church. The commitments are listed in the covenant.The Church Planter or Lay Team agrees to use the Articles of Incorporation as specified by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district.The EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district or the mother church will handle the finances until a treasurer is chosen, the 501 3c is obtained and the new church is incorporated with the state. The process is limited to 6 months for the final transition for the time the church planter begins or the lay team begins services. The planter or church chairman will file state incorporation papers. EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district and mother church will stop handling the finances at that point.The Church Planter or Lay Team (if the planter is not on sight) will appoint a Provisional Leadership Team of people for the purpose of assisting the lead planter to carry out the responsibilities of developing a new church. The Church Planter (or Lay Team Chairman until there is a pastor) can remove people at their discretion if they do not support the vision, values and the "person” of the planter. The people do not necessarily need to be elder qualified but should be believers of good standing among others in the community. 2. Church Plant: Church Planter with a Provisional Leadership Team18 months into the process, the church planter appoints elders; If the new church is a lay driven start then the people can choose to choose it's elders before a pastor comes; If a planter comes early in the process then the lay team is encouraged to allow the pastor to take the leadership in this process.Church Planter prayerfully chooses new elders (5 page paper; interviews; examples as to why the man should be considered an elder (Acts 6));Church Planter presents new elders EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district representative or a Steering Committee Team if one exists;EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district Representative lays hands on the men as elders during a church service;New elders conduct membership classes (Welcome to the Family);The superintendent is called and asked to come and meet with the elders to discuss "affirmation voting”. This is critical to the leadership understanding how to function in meetings! Roberts Rule of Order is NOT encouraged. Biblical congregationalism is not democracy but God's people seeking God(Acts 1:14; Phil 2:2).New Elders present new members to EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district representative. 3. Church Status in the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district: Once members have been through classes, signed a membership covenant, they are then presented to a EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district Staff member for approval. Once members are finalized, they should be recognized at the first congregational meeting; a season of prayer, a time of celebration and a few agenda items are encouraged; all the names and the addresses of first members shall be turned into the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district offices. The names are put into the churches file in case the process is called into question.The superintendent shall present the new church to the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district Board and the Annual Conference.4. Financial Support and Participation in the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district The pastor and leaders shall participate in EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district conferences, HCN's as spelled out in the covenant and work along other EFCA's church to accomplish kingdom work.Once the pastor is paid fully by the church plant or the church the tithing process will begin.The covenantal agreement is tithing 10% of the general offering after the pastor is fully being paid. The areas where the funds go to are (1%) the National Office, (2%) EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district general fund; (2%) EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district Church Planting Fund; and that leaves another 5% to come alongside other multiplication ministries. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 15:04:42 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=47 We are presently praying for you and your wife as you work through the process of determining where the Lord would want you to serve. We hope you will find our time of getting to know each other and our communication based in integrity and relevant to what you are personally processing. We would encourage you to ask questions and please do NOT assume anything.The steps we will follow through the process will begin with phone calls and using email to get to know each other. Our style in the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District focused on a relational style and cultivation a healthy interdependence between pastors and churches.After we have received a resume these steps are followed by the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma Church Multiplication Team:Step 1: Begin to communicate and to understand where the potential planting couple is coming through, their vision, past experiences and simply to begin a relationship. Three issues are critical as we proceed through "Step 1”. Are you called to a church plant as a couple? Is your ministry partner (wife) on the same page?Are there people that may want be a part of your team, to follow your vision and move here to begin a new church?(Later when a candidate completes a final interview the candidate will need to still affirm that God is calling him to a specific target area.)Step 2: Several Things need to come to the EFCA TX-OK Church Multiplication Team's office:Receive a list of references from the candidate and permission to call the references. We are sensitive and aware of the need for possible clarification and instructions that will may need to be communicated before anyone is called.Receive 2 sermons tapes or videos.Receive the Personal Assessment Inventory completed and emailed back to the EFCA TX-OK District before we proceed with the form signed to be able to share the assessment with our team and the future coach.Step 3: A Behavioral Assessment will be completed by a EFCA TX-OK Assessment Team. The team will provide all candidates with a written review of the assessment interview with suggestions for possible next steps. With the assessment will be specific recommendations for next steps toward seeing the candidates visions realized. For instance, the assessment may only encourage planting a church as a team, others will be encouraged to do a pioneer church plant. A pre-assessment questionnaire will need to be filled out before a face to face assessment takes place with a EFCA TX-OK Assessment Team. A permission form will need to be signed so the final written assessment can shared with others.Step 4: A final interview will be completed with the EFCA TX-OK Church Multiplication Team and the EFCA TX-OK superintendent. During the time the candidate is in the EFCA TX-OK for the final interview there will be set aside to explore, confirm and affirm the potential community being targeted for a new church. Remember being called to a specific community is critical for a church planter and his family. Step 5: After final acceptance and a completed written assessment the candidate will receive a letter of call to begin a church plant project under the oversight of the EFCA TX-OK Church Multiplication Team. At this time it would be important to send a letter out to friends, family and previous people you may have served to begin to bring together a prayer team of 100 people. This an excellent opportunity to begin to cast vision for what the Lord may be doing in the candidate's life.Step 6: The candidate will be sent questions necessary for the preparing a doctrinal paper for a licensing council. The 3 year license leading to ordination will be suggested and encouraged for the candidate to pursue. The licensing council will NOT be scheduled until the EFCA TX-OK Ministerial Team leader has received all the papers and referrals necessary to call a council. Follow the guidelines sent to you with the file. If a candidate had not attended Trinity Seminary for his education than 5 books will be required to be read before the licensing council takes place. Step 7: The church planting missionary will be encouraged to attend the next Boot Camp and begin communicating with his assigned coach. The goal will be for a healthy transition for the entire family. Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:59:48 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=46 The goal of the Church Multiplication Team is to build regional Church Multiplication teams and multiply healthy churches among all people. Scott Gill (Dallas), Kel Vaughan (Houston), Bill Eubank (San Antonio), Bob Rowley (DS), Marshall Gordon (Tulsa), and Daniel Grell (Austin). Mon, 10 Oct 2005 10:05:15 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=40 Strategy for Church Planting 1 God's Call Launching with vision and prayer [37] Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) 2 God's Team Recruiting the team God sets apart [13:1] In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. [2] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." [3] So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3 (NIV) 3 God's Planter Assessing for the lead church planter [6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. [7] So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. [8] The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. [9] For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 1 Cor. 3:6-9 (NIV) 4 God's Coach Encouraging, equipping and empowering the work with coaching Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), Acts 4:36 (NASB-U) And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. Acts 15:39 (NASB-U) 5 God's Wisdom Training the workers [5] A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; [6] for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. Proverbs 24:5-6 (NIV) [22] Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) 6 God's Resources Supporting the work for fruitfulness [24] "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more. [25] Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Mark 4:24-25 (NIV) 7 God's Heart Multiplying the work through reproduction [28] And God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply. . . " Genesis 1:28a (NASB) Mon, 10 Oct 2005 10:02:53 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=19 Recent EFCA Texas-Oklahoma Church Plants: City on a Hill Bible Church, Humble, TX Faith Bible Church, McKinney, TX Grace Bible Church, Houston, TX Hana Church, San Antonio, TX The Journey, Tulsa, OK Mon, 10 Oct 2005 10:02:53 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=5 We invite you to check out the many ministries the EFCA has. Fri, 7 Oct 2005 09:58:33 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Our mission is to glorify God by working together to multiply healthy churches among all people in Texas and Oklahoma. Our vision is to see 150 churches planted during the next ten years. We firmly believe that we are better together and can accomplish much more for Christ by working together as we serve Him. We want to see unhealthy churches become healthy; healthy churches become even healthier; and all churches multiply! Please join us in prayer by subscribing to our prayer update. Please submit prayer requests for your church so we can pray for you specifically. If you want to see how the mailing list works, follow this link. Fri, 16 Sep 2005 18:25:01 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=16 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18 We would like to invite you to join us in prayer on a daily basis for our district, our churches, ministries, pastors, missionaries, leaders and church members. Our goal is to have many people lifting up our prayer requests and seeking God on our behalf on a regular basis. To assist you in praying for us, we have set up an email list so we can send you a brief prayer request each day. You can subscribe or unsubscribe to this list on your own. (Please send a blank message to the address in the appropriate link.) To submit a request for your church to be shared with our list, please email us. (We would like these requests to be short and specific, and please use discretion in determining what to share. Our list is moderated, and if you have concerns, you may email the list moderator.) To find out more about our subscription service, please check out the webpage that hosts our list. Thanks for praying with us! Fri, 16 Sep 2005 18:21:12 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=35 Go to: http://efca.know-where.com/efca/ Wed, 14 Sep 2005 09:31:09 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=30 Check out the great facilities at Twin Oaks Ranch in Buda, TX www.twinoranch.com Mon, 5 Sep 2005 09:50:59 MST http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.efcatxok.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=17 The doctrinal position of The Evangelical Free Church of America is summarized in our twelve-article Statement of Faith.We Believe: The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life. In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service. That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus become children of God. That water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. That the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the Head. That only those who are, thus, members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. In the personal and premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. Tue, 30 Aug 2005 16:09:55 MST