FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you want to start a new church?
New churches are the best way to make new disciples. New churches are the best way to reach new people-groups and underserved populations. New churches are more likely to be mission-driven (than tradition-driven). New churches are the research and development arm of any denomination. New churches automatically include a higher percent of attendees in service and ministry. New churches, like new humans, grow faster. New churches force leadership to humbly and passionately seek God for strength and resources. Why are we starting a new church? Because we feel like God has commanded us to and we mustn’t disobey.
How do you start a church?
There are lots of ways to start a new church. The way we have chosen is a team-based quick launch from scratch. Three components:
- Team-based – we are starting with three pastors, realizing that a team completes individual spiritual gifts, challenges us to think clearly, keeps us accountable, and builds momentum.
- Quick Launch – we are starting monthly preview services sooner than later (October 2007) and will be building attendance over 6 months. We will launch our weekly services in April 2008.
- From Scratch – we are not splitting off from another congregation or gathering a core-group of Christians to start. Instead, we are asking neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers to help us launch. This gives the church an automatic outward, evangelistic orientation.
Does it have a name?
Our church is called Renew Community Church – a Seventh-day Adventist Ministry.
What denomination is it?
Seventh-day Adventist.
What’s a Seventh-day Adventist?
Seventh-day Adventists are Christians. We believe in the Bible. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. We believe that He died to save us from sin. Because He gave His life to save us, we want to honor Him with our lives. We want to be ready for Christ’s soon return. For more information about Seventh-day Adventists and their world-wide ministry, please visit www.adventist.org.
Where is the church?
The Renew Prayer and Worship Center is located in the Shakopee Town Square Mall.
Why Shakopee?
The Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists asked us to start this new church in the Twin Cities Metro area somewhere south of the 494 loop. We chose Shakopee because it is growing quickly, has a high percentage of people who do not attend church, and has a lot of ministry potential. Oh, yeah – we prayed about it and it seemed like the best place.
Why are there three pastors?
Between the three of us, we make one pretty good pastor. Actually, we value team so much that we chose to take paycuts and work half-time so we could minister together. The conference has agreed to staff us at 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) per 150-200 people in attendance ahead of growth. This means that we intend to add more staffing over time as our ministry grows.
How can I help?
Glad you asked. You can help by praying for us, volunteering with us, and/or donating to us. Please visit the Get Involved page and consider partnering with us to make a difference in the world.