CREATIVE CHURCH PLANTING

 I had the privilege of serving under Dr. Alan Potter when he was President of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. He is presently the director of Shepherd’s Network, a ministry of The Shepherd’s Church in Cary, North Carolina.

The goal of Shepherd’s Network is to establish independent local churches which function in accordance with four values. Those values are (1) committed to theology, (2) celebrating community, (3) cherishing Deity, and (4) connected to humanity.

Since its inception five years ago, twenty such churches have been planted in seven states. Each planter is supported full time so they can direct all their attention to the new work. They are given up to three years to complete the task. Currently seven men he is working with are establishing works in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.

Dr. Potter serves as a mentor to each new work and provides ministry advice, strategic planning and legal help. “When we plant a church we seek to frame out a population of 40,000,” writes Al, “and that becomes our Jerusalem in which we seek that everyone in that environment is aware of our ministry and purpose.”

For more information about Shepherd’s Network, contact Dr. Alan Potter at apotter@shepherds.edu

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