Planting Churches in the 21st Century: A Guide for Those Who Want Fresh Perspectives and New Ideas for Creating Congregations

by Stuart Murray

What does church planting look like in the 21st century? Is the goal to plant more churches or is it to plant new kinds of churches? In Planting Churches in the 21st Century, Stuart Murray suggests that church planting isn't just about numbers--it's about the deep renewal of the church and the development of new ways of being the church that are biblically rooted and contextually appropriate.



But don't look here for stereotypical hands-on ideas and ready-made blueprints in this guide; Murray's theological and philosophical approach is open-ended, and leaves ample room for personal reflection and creative responses. With his gift for posing thought-provoking questions while writing in a clear, logical style, Murray provides stimulation and challenge to anyone who wants to see new churches come into being.

Genres: Church

280 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Stuart Murray Williams works as a trainer and consultant under the auspices of the Anabaptist Network. Based in Bristol, he travels widely in the UK and overseas and works with local churches, mission agencies, denominational leaders, conferences and individuals. He has worked with at least 25 denominations in recent years. His particular areas of expertise are in:
•Church planting
•Emerging church
•Urban mission
•Mission in post-Christendom
•Anabaptist history and theology

Under the name Stuart Murray, he has written books on a number of topics, including:

The Challenge of the City
published by Sovereign World in 1994

Explaining Church Discipline
published by Sovereign World in 1995

Church Planting: Laying Foundations
published by Paternoster Press in 1998

Hope from the Margins
(jointly with Anne Wilkinson-Hayes) published by Grove Books in 2000

Biblical Interpretation in the Anabaptist Tradition
published by Pandora Press in 2000

Beyond Tithing
published by Paternoster Press in 2000

Coming Home: Stories of Anabaptists in Britain and Ireland
(jointly with Alan Kreider) published by Pandora Press in 2000

Church Planting: Past, Present and Future
(jointly with George Lings) published by Grove Books in 2003

Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World
published by Paternoster in 2004

Church after Christendom
published by Paternoster in 2005

Changing Mission: Learning from the Newer Churches
published by Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI) in 2006

Church Planting in the Inner City
(with Juliet Kilpin) published by Grove books in 2007

Planting Churches: A Framework for Practitioners
published by Paternoster in 2008

Reviews

[Phil Whittall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Murray tackles the six questions of why, where, who, when, what and how of church planting with perceptive insight and balanced judgement. I identified many scenarios and situations that were true to my experience and felt here was an author who really knows his subject.

Despite its relevance and wisdom it was still a real effort to read. Lacking real life examples or case studies it all felt very theoretical and dry. I would have liked some of his observations and experiences brought to life to give it some vitality. I didn't finish this book thinking, 'I want to do it again!'

However the real strength of this book lies in the questions it asks, there were more than a few I'd never considered but wish I had. Anyone considering leading a church plant or 'fresh expression church' would do well to read this book before setting out because the conversations that result will be tremendously helpful. As a basis for discussion in the planning for church planting this book should not be ignored.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book that is very practical for those of us who are engaging in this endeavor.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical guide for thinking through church planting. Timely for me as I consider different aspects of my involvement with a church plant, and imagine how God might grow our ministry...