A practical guide for church planting as a viable method of evangelism.
5 Video Lessons
Watch, listen, and learn as Jim Feeney shows you how to plant a new church as a viable method of soul-winning.
Course Guide
A FREE workbook that guides you through the course.
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Course Preview
Church Planting
Brad Andrews sits down with Dr. Berin Gilfillan to discuss the methods of church planting.
Course Overview
This course delves into the fundamental principles and practical intricacies of church planting. Exploring the biblical foundations and motivations behind church planting, participants gain insights into crucial aspects such as reproduction, sowing and reaping, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Practical considerations, including the effectiveness of smaller churches in evangelism and global demands for Evangelical centers, are thoroughly examined. The course further addresses the establishment of dynamic ministry training programs within local churches and the critical role of vocational counseling. It guides participants in identifying and developing church-planting teams, emphasizing the qualities of leaders and team members. The church planting process is detailed, highlighting the pivotal role of a robust local church, team dynamics, and ongoing support mechanisms.
Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of church planting principles, integrating biblical foundations with practical considerations. Participants will gain insights into motivations for church planting, including biblical imperatives and the global need for Evangelical centers. Various methods, such as mother-daughter church planting and team-based approaches, are examined, drawing inspiration from successful ministries. The course emphasizes the foundational role of local churches in ministry training, focusing on team-based church planting, vocational counseling, and the identification of qualified leaders. Practical aspects of the church planting process, including team dynamics and the pivotal role of the sending church, are also covered.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundational principles of church planting, combining biblical and practical motivations.
- Understanding the biblical reasons for church planting, including reproduction, sowing and reaping, and fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Exploring practical aspects such as the effectiveness of smaller churches in evangelism and various church planting methods.
- Establishing dynamic ministry training programs within local churches, utilizing biblical foundations and diverse teaching methods.
- Recognizing the critical role of local churches in reproducing and training ministers, focusing on vocational counseling.
- Identifying and developing church-planting teams, emphasizing the qualities of a called and qualified pastor and team members.
- Grasping the church planting process, including outreach vision, comprehensive training, and the pivotal role of a robust local church.
Who Should Take This Course:
This course is designed for individuals interested in church planting, ministry leaders seeking to establish effective ministry training programs, and those passionate about identifying and joining church-planting teams. It is suitable for anyone desiring a solid understanding of the biblical principles and practical strategies involved in church planting. Whether involved in local church leadership, aspiring ministers, or individuals seeking to contribute to community transformation through church planting, this course provides valuable insights and actionable steps for participants.
Sessions
1. An Overview of Church Planting
2. The Local Church as a Ministry Training Center
3. Vocational Ministers in the Local Church
4. Identifying Church-Planting Teams
5. Preparing and Sending the Church-Planting Team
Trimester 3
Details
Level
Beginner
No. of Sessions
5 Sessions
Running Time
1 hr 50 min
Recorded
August 11, 1995
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About the Instructor
Dr. Jim Feeney
James (Jim) Feeney is a seasoned minister with over 50 years of experience, has left an indelible mark on the realms of church planting, pastoring, and theological education. Born in 1943 into a Catholic family with an FBI agent father and a devoted mother, Jim’s spiritual journey took unexpected turns from his Catholic roots to a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.
His educational journey led him through Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Santa Clara University, culminating in an MBA and a Ph.D. in Church Administration. A brief but impactful stint in the United States Air Force, where he earned his commercial pilot license, set the stage for a career shift towards Christian ministry.
In Anchorage, Alaska, in 1968, a chance meeting with a Christian college girl, known as “Mickey,” became the catalyst for Jim’s profound spiritual transformation. A pivotal moment in 1969, marked by reading the New Testament, led to a heartfelt commitment to Jesus Christ, forever altering the trajectory of his life.
Following his military service, Jim embarked on a journey of ministry, first at Abbott Loop Christian Center, where he received ordination as both a Bible teacher and a pastor. Over the years, he planted churches in New York and Oregon, notably pioneering Medford Christian Center, where he pastored for 17 years. During this time, Pastor Richard (Dick) Benjamin at Abbott Loop Christian Center became a “spiritual father” figure, significantly influencing Jim’s spiritual formation. You can watch Dick Benjamin’s course on Biblical Eldership in Trimester 5.
Jim’s impact extends beyond the pulpit. His doctoral dissertation—found in the book The Team Method of Church Planting—inspired the core philosophy of the International School of Ministry (ISOM), the world’s largest video Bible school.
In his personal life, Jim’s 38-year marriage to Mickey was marked by faith, healing, and the joy of raising four children. After her passing, Jim found love again with Linda, celebrating five years of marriage in 2016. Together, they joyfully attend New Song Christian Fellowship in Springfield, Oregon.
Retiring from full-time ministry in 2006, Jim now cherishes the richness of each life chapter—his secure childhood, transformative spiritual discoveries, and the love shared with both Mickey and Linda. Grateful for the past, Jim remains dedicated to serving the Lord and his family in the years ahead.
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