How do I start a church?

I was wondering if there is a way to start a church without going to a seminary school? Any thoughts or ideas?

Why do you want to start a church without going to seminary? In the church that I am in we believe in church planting. In our church, you don't become a leader or Elder (pastor) just because you studied, but actually because your life shows Jesus, and people follow you as a leader already anyway. So when you as an elder feel called to plant a church somewhere else, a team out of our church normally goes with you to support you, sometimes for a season, and sometimes permanently. Are you in a church right now and have you maybe asked the advice of one of your pastors?

I am not part of a church organization. The reason I don't want to go to a seminary is I don't want to be forced into- this is Baptist, Pentecostal, non-denominational. I am worried it will be a school of "this is what this means, you need to interpret it like this." I recently moved back to Texas from Phoenix, my friends are still here and they have exhausted the local churches and haven't found anywhere they like, so they've asked me if I would be interested in organizing Sunday fellowships with them. I believe the Lord teaches us all.

Matthew 18:20King James Version (KJV)

[SUP]20 [/SUP]For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them

thank you for the input I welcome all thoughts.

that was the way for many years wrong albeit but that was the way. Even Jesus taught his disciples1 In all your getting get understanding. Lean not to your own understanding. Formal instruction is imperative to help lessen the deception alive and well in the church. As for denominations seminary is not about denomination it is about aquiring biblical based principals that can establish the truth in your heart to make you able to rightly divide the words of Gods truth. I would be scared to hear some of the thoughts you could come up with outside of formal schooling. If you so choose not to go to seminary or a bible college and are purposed to do your own thing just make sure God signs off on it or it will be your mess to clean up. You will be responsible for all you lead astry. Starting a church is not easy and comes with its own issues I pray you consider all that is said to you before trying to guide someone else and their life. I would not I repeat would not want any parts of your ideas at this point as your are not willing to be taught. How can you lead if you cant follow? Just some things to consider. This is after 20 years in ministry I might add that i make these statements. Not to discourage you but to cause you to ask yourself is this me or is this God. Just because me and my friends get together and talk basketball dosent mean we want to own a team!

I have some Good News for you...........THE CHURCH WAS STARTED OVER 2,000 YEARS AGO! There is ONLY ONE Church!

If a person is a blood bought, born again, child of the Promise, and confesses Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and strives to walk Christ-like putting God First in ALL THINGS, then THEY are ALREADY a member of the One Church.

(if you and your friends come to full understanding of this Biblical Truth, they you are well on your way...... )

NOW: With regards to starting an "independent church congregation," I have to ask you this.........

1) Do you/your friends SIMPLY want the quickest/easiest way to have a "Fellowship Group?"

2) Do you/your friends WANT to actually ESTABLISH an Independent/Non-Denominational Church?

Let me know.............and I will give you some important information.

But, if the answer is #1, well, that's no big deal. You guys can Simply meet in one of your homes.....rotate which home you meet in if you want...........OR, if you want a separate Worship Center, then you/one or more of your friends, or all of you together find a vacant building and Sign a Rental Agreement with the Owner/whoever.........let them know the reason for sure. Then you guys simply need to furnish the Building to suit/fit the needs of your group. You can start Services anytime you want. BUT DO NOT PUT UP A SIGN.........because IF YOU DO THAT, then you are stating to the Public that you have been licensed as a Church............and if you have not done all that is necessary for that...........through the Court House and Federal Government, y'all could get into bunches of trouble.

Anyway, let me know...........God bless......

Oh, NO, you do not have to have attended Seminary or graduated Seminary to start a Church, OR to serve as Pastor, Minister of a Church...............not that it's bad to have, but it is not required.......Legally OR Biblically.

Thank you for your thoughts. I am sorry that you see me as someone "not wanting to be taught."
I spend a great deal of time trying to learn from others. I just have a hard time trusting the world. I understand you don't know me. I understand your point of view. I can totally see where you are coming from. I am not under the impression that just anyone can lead a church. On that note. I alone know my walk with Christ. Thank you again.

thank you for your words of encouragement brother. As of yet, I'm not even sure what we want to do. I definitely think we will just be meeting at a house, or a lake. Maybe we will move around a bit. I just didn't know if there was pertinent information I needed and you've helped me a great deal. At least now I know that if our group does grow there are legitimate legal procedures that must be met before even a sign could be placed. Again, thank you brother.

If your group of friends only intend to have a "Home Church" fellowship...........the only possible problems that MAY arise is IF the home is in a sub-division that has a Home Owners Association, and if it would violate those rules. The only other problem that could arise would be with the City Government, and that would be related to the number of auto parking on the street in front of the home. If it created a traffic situation. This actually happened last year in California (don't remember the town right now) and the City made them move their meeting to another location.........sigh..........

Now, if y'all actually decide to make it "official," then there are several things you will have to do to comply with State, Federal Laws/Regulations. Churches are a not for profit Organization, and as such certain things have to be accomplished.

1) You would have to appoint a Board of Directors
2) You would have to write a set of By-Laws which would "govern" the church.
3) You would have to obtain a Federal Tax ID Number to assure your Tax Exempt Status.
4) You would have to appoint a Secetary (to keep accurate records of all Board Meetings)
5) You would have to appoint a Treasurer (to keep accurate Financial Records, Pay Bills......etc.)
[With regards to 5 and 6 above, these two positions are almost ALWAYS members of the Board, and are not limited to a specific number of years of service. Rather, each year these two are Affirmed by the Congregation by Ballot or simple Voice Vote. They are also "voting members" of the Board of Directors.]
6) If you choose a Pastor, and IF you provide that person with monetary compensation for their services, then there are State and Federal Tax Laws that must be adhered to.

(there is more........but unless you are at the point of actually making this step, then it would not really be of any use right now......keep me in mind IF y'all actually decide to do this, and at that time I will answer whatever questions you may have.

God bless...........

You are awesome! thank you so much.

not sure if you can start a church unless you get the diplomacy or go to these seminars. Whats stopping you starting a home group? have good bible studies, and at least then you can share the words and the bible. Also you have to have the right calling to start a Church as you call it. and have the backing of those seminars and scolarship behind you. otherwise you will be starting a church by your own understanding, and that wont be good at all. God bless and I hope you have the right calling, and the right knowledge, and God's will.

???

You are aware that there are non-denominational churches? He isn't speaking of starting the 1st Baptist of whatever...or any other existing/known titled church group.......

If it is acceptable to God to have a "home church/fellowship," then it must needs be that the very same group of people can have a separate building to hold their meetings in, and still be acceptable to God.

Jesus said "where two or more are gathered together..........." He did not say: "gathered together, AND have the approval of a Seminary, and possess a degree ...............there will I be also."

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, not a Seminary, a particular denomination, or whatever......just saying

As a minister with 20 years of service serving in the office of Bishop for several years I see no reason to not tell you the truth. All the points are just that points to cinsider. You stated you are not very trustibg of the world. Well welcome to real life ministry I am not either!That is not my focus trusting the world. My focus is trusting that God will direct and guide me while I visit this world. School is not a bad place to go. It is not a requirement perse but hey if Jesus taught then we must be willing to be taught is my point. As far as your walk well you are not walking alone! I as well as many others walk with you each day even if you don't see us.Spending a great deal of time learning from others could be very dangerous as you don't knoe their intent always. It is just wise to get some formal education even if you get it from a well established Pastor you find to be in line with your beliefs. Just be wise is all I am saying. And be very aware of the many angels of light that will fool the very elect if it were possible!!1

Many cults begin with someone who's intelligent and passionate but has their own agenda and no-one to keep them accountable. Yes, God doesn't call the qualified but qualifies the called. Still, a person needs to be accountable to both God and his people. And if you're going to be a pastor, that means training at seminary and having godly mentors. It means studying God's Word individually and with others, praying regularly, serving people - all kinds, and that's just the beginning. There needs to be intense humility, and a desire to engage with the world to bring God's Truth to the lost. To listen to others and facilitate, not have your own way, but God's way. To be a great leader, you have to be able to be a great follower. I'm not saying you're the sort who's going to start a cult or something but many of your posts do give me pause about your motivation for creating a church.

I'm in agreement with all that has been said that is inline with scripture the rest I throw out with the bath water.Jesus formed my understanding of what it is to be a teacher,leader,man,Pastor,dad and all that I am. His formal teachings on Church did not include boards of directors and voting and all the foolishness we consider Church. Following the law and standards of the land he taught to do that but not in conflict with his word. There is a way that always seems right to man,but at the end of it is destruction. I believe the words of God not just to be figuartive but literal as well and when rightly dived we have issues in our understanding. Even after 20 years of ministry i am still teachable and open to God renewing any wrong patterns of understanding he points out in my life through other believers. If he can use a donkeyto point the way then I can hear a donkey speak to me. Just a few thoughts.

Thanks man, I was thinking those same thoughts, just didn't know how to word it.
And i'll just put it out there and not to discourage, it's probably just me but if you need to come onto a forum and ask how to start a church...maybe you shouldn't...just yet...i mean, dont you have anyone you can speak to personally about this?

if you look at some of this person's theology, it would be good if he did not spread his message.

EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE:


It seems that the position of elder was equal to the position of episkopos, translated “overseer” or “bishop” (Acts 11:30; 1 Timothy 5:17). The term “elder” may refer to the dignity of the office, while the term “bishop/overseer” describes its authority and duties (1 Peter 2:25, 5:1-4). In Philippians 1:1, Paul greets the bishops and deacons but does not mention the elders, presumably because the elders are the same as the bishops. Likewise, 1 Timothy 3:2, 8 gives the qualifications of bishops and deacons but not of elders. Titus 1:5-7 seems also to tie these two terms together.

The position of “deacon,” from diakonos, meaning “through the dirt,” was one of servant leadership to the church. Deacons are separate from elders, while having qualifications that are in many ways similar to those of elders (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Deacons assist the church in whatever is needed, as recorded in Acts chapter 6.

FOUND HERE:

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0LE...ment.html/RK=0/RS=.a256YiAgWrOorU02veVyQhl1Lk-

That's easy...

I wonder why folks want to discount the Holy Spirit?

John 14:16) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 .) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 .) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 .) Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 .) At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 .) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 .) Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 .) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 .) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 .) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 .) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 .) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.