Developing a New Model for Church Planting in the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day

143 Pages·2017·0.93 MB·English

by  Donald W. Corkum

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Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research
2009
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Donald W. Corkum
Andrews University
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Corkum, Donald W., "Developing a New Model for Church Planting in the Wisconsin Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists" (2009). Dissertation Projects DMin. 33.
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/33
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ABSTRACT

DEVELOPING A NEW MODEL FOR CHURCH PLANTING
IN THE WISCONSIN CONFERENCE OF
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

by

Donald Wayne Corkum

Adviser: Skip Bell
ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH

Dissertation

Andrews University

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Title: DEVELOPING A NEW MODEL FOR CHURCH PLANTING IN THE
WISCONSIN CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

Name of researcher: Donald W. Corkum

Name and degree of faculty adviser: Skip Bell, D.Min.

Date Completed: September, 2009.

The Problem

Both the Bible and the writings of Ellen White1 emphasize church planting as
an important outreach strategy. During the twentieth century the Seventh-day
Adventist Church in North America has emphasized growing existing churches and
institutions instead of developing new work. A new culture needs to be developed
where church planting is a priority.

1Along with the Bible this paper often presents research from the writings of Ellen White.
While Seventh-day Adventists base their beliefs on the authority of scripture, the writings and counsels
of Ellen White are sought to help apply biblical principles to modern times. Since Ellen White is
believed by Adventists to have possessed the gift of prophecy these writings are an important part of
research relating to the practice of the church and its members.
The Purpose
The Wisconsin Conference desires to develop a model that makes church
planting a priority within its territory. This model would provide a structure of
support enabling church planting to thrive even when resources are challenged.

The Method
The process followed was first to do a study of church planting in the Bible
and the writings of Ellen White. Then a survey of pertinent literature followed. Five
conferences which emphasize church planting were examined for best practices. Four
other denominational organizations were also studied. A new model was presented
along with an implementation and evaluation plan.

Conclusions

Adventist organizations who make church planting a priority usually find a
way to give it support. On-going study needs to take place to discover best practices
to support church planting in Adventist organizations. The Wisconsin Conference
will possess a new spirit of mission when they embark in entering new frontiers for
God.

Andrews University

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

DEVELOPING A NEW MODEL FOR CHURCH PLANTING
IN THE WISCONSIN CONFERENCE OF
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

A Dissertation

Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Ministry

by

Donald W. Corkum

September 2009

DEVELOPING A NEW MODEL FOR CHURCH PLANTING
IN THE WISCONSIN CONFERENCE OF
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

A project dissertation
presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Ministry

by

Donald W. Corkum

APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE:

__________________________ ____________________________
Adviser, Director of DMin Program
Skip Bell Skip Bell

__________________________ ____________________________
Russell Burrill Dean, SDA Theological Seminary
J. H. Denis Fortin

__________________________ ____________________________
Stan Patterson Date Approved
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... vi

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 1

Purpose of the Project ....................................................................................... 5
Justification for the Project ............................................................................... 5
Limitations of the Project ................................................................................. 7
Methodology of the Project .............................................................................. 7

2. THEOLOGY OF EMPOWERMENT FOR CHURCH PLANTING ................... 10

Theological Foundations for Church Planting in the Bible and the
Spirit of Prophecy ........................................................................................... 10
Nature of the church ................................................................................ 10
The Practice and Teachings of Jesus ...................................................... 13
The Practice of the Apostle Paul ............................................................. 20
Antioch in Acts 11 as a Model for Support in Church Planting ..................... 23 Innovation Brings Growth
Innovation Brings Growth ....................................................................... 24
Headquarter Support Results in Stabilization and Growth ..................... 26
Recruiting Leads to Multiplication ......................................................... 28
Training inspires empowerment .............................................................. 29
Concepts that Enhance Church Planting ........................................................ 30
Organism vs. Hierarchical organization .................................................. 30
Incarnational vs. Institutional .................................................................. 32
Community vs. Independent ................................................................... 33
Coaching and Empowerment–Servant Model ......................................... 34
The Blackaby Concept ............................................................................ 36
Summary and Conclusion ............................................................................... 36

3. LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................................... 39

Develop a Missional Culture to Inspire New Work ....................................... 39
Literature Relating to Multiplication and Reproduction ................................ 43
Public Evangelism and Church Planting ........................................................ 46
Small Groups and Multiplication ................................................................... 48
Home Churches and Cell Churches Associated with Multiplication ............. 51
iii