CHURCH PLANTER TRAINING The Church Planter Training Conference (CPTC) is an annual gathering of OPC church planters, RHMs, and interns. Planters discuss and learn about important biblical principles and other practical matters related to starting a new church. This year's conference was hosted by Second Parish OPC in Portland, Maine—which happens to be the oldest congregation in the OPC. General Secretary John Shaw spoke on topics like "Building a Culture of Evangelism" and "Taking Your Place." Associate General Secretary Al Tricarcio presented on "Developing the Work," as well as the steps a church plant should follow to become a particular congregation. Kerri Ann Cruse, the OPC's Video and Social Media Coordinator, provided feedback on
Becoming a Welcoming Church—From Atlantic to Pacific
(Westfield, New Jersey) Pastor Chris Byrd leads evangelism and outreach efforts for Grace OPC in Westfield, New Jersey; Grace OPC is a church of about sixty members that would like to daughter a second church in the next 3–5 years. Byrd receives prayer support from the Committee on Home Missions. This spring, Byrd served the church by organizing prayer meetings, Bible studies, an ESL ministry, Christianity Explored, a blood drive, and more. The blood drive was the idea of an elder at Grace who regularly donates blood. Byrd writes, "The NY Blood Center set up and ran the actual blood donation, but volunteers from Grace served as hosts, providing snacks and conversing with the blood donors while they sat in the recovery area. Altogether we
One Church Planter’s Journey
Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan, is dedicated to being a church that plants churches. That takes leadership, public prayer, the wise stewardship of resources, a mentality of kingdom generosity, and a willingness to be stretched, to lose members to a new plant, and to take on additional oversight. I was graciously invited to be a part of Harvest's mission in fall 2018. My family and I came with the intention of planting a gospel-centered church in my hometown of Zeeland. I was given an office at Harvest's church building. My family worshiped at Harvest every Sunday, immersing ourselves in the life and activities of the congregation. There was space for me to think, to tend my own heart and family, and to learn about Harvest even as I
What Do I Do When I Don’t Feel Like Praying?
Q: What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicate[s] to us the benefits of redemption? A: The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicate[s] to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation ~Westminster Shorter Catechism #88 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might... praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. ~Ephesians 6:10, 18a How often do you feel like praying to God? Do you feel like praying only when the Lord leads you into times of trial and suffering, and you feel your need of God’s help? Or perhaps you feel like praying only at predetermined
Prayer and Predestination
The Romans worshiped the uncompassionate Fortuna, the goddess of chance who often appeared blind and veiled. Her ball of fortune could roll in any direction. Since she was guided by no set rule, her actions with men were capricious. All her gifts were randomly and frivolously handed out. “O Fortuna, like the moon you are changeable, ever waxing ever waning!” But as Christians, we can be greatly comforted to know our God is sovereign over all things and he has “unchangeably ordained whatsoever comes to pass” (WCF 3.1). Indeed, because the omniscient and omnipotent God is “infinite, eternal and unchangeable in his being,” (WSC 4), his eternal plan is reasonable, intelligent, wise, unalterable, certain, and perfect. His plan not only