Author: Joel Comiskey, Ph.D.
Book: Planting Churches that Reproduce
You’ve written several books on church dynamics. What prompted you to write Planting Churches that Reproduce?
You give several examples of churches that are designed to reproduce. What are the characteristics of a church that is reproducible, and one that will eventually become or already is stagnant?
Author and church statistician, George Barna is active in the house church movement. Can you explain the difference between cell churches and house churches, and how your new book can assist both types of church approaches to grow?
What are some of the possible struggles church planters will have while starting a new church plant? Please tell us about one of your own struggles as you started a new church plant.
With all of the complexity of the 21st century, people seem to desire simpler times. The word “simple” seems to be popping up all over the place. In your book, you describe the simple church—can you share with our audience what that means?
Simple churches (house or cell) have been in existence for centuries in foreign countries. Here in America, are we just starting to hear about them more, are they becoming more popular? Why the shift away from what America knew as a traditional church in the 1900s?
You write about the importance of relationships. How important is spousal support during the planting process? How will it affect the outcome of a ministry? Of a marriage?
How do you coach leaders who are just starting out? What are the most important areas where leadership is needed?
When is it time for a simple church to reproduce another simple church?
On a personal level, what are your favorite memories of planting a church that reproduces?
