Exploring the Dynamics of Church Planting and Grace

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by a panel of experienced pastors and church planters to discuss the vital role of the ordinary means of grace in church planting. The conversation explores how God’s Word, sacraments, and prayer serve as the primary instruments for planting and growing churches, contrasting these biblical methods with modern consumer-driven and franchise models. Together, they share their personal experiences, challenges, and insights on how a faithful adherence to Reformed theology and practices impacts church planting efforts.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of maintaining theological integrity while engaging in evangelism and community outreach. Whether you’re involved in church planting or simply interested in how the ordinary means of grace shape the life and mission of the church, this episode offers rich theological reflection and practical wisdom.

• Joe Cristman is Pastor/Church Planter of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Lombard, IL.
• Neil Quinn is Senior Pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (PCA), in Kalamazoo, MI (a plant of University Reformed Church).
• Chris Hartshorn is Regional Home Missionary for the OPC Presbytery of Southern California.
• Eric Watkins is Director of the Center for Missions and Evangelism at Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

• [00:00:07] Introduction and Welcome
• [00:01:18] Panelist Introductions
• [00:03:33] Reformed Forum Conference Announcement
• [00:05:15] Center for Missions and Evangelism Conference
• [00:07:26] The Shift in Church Planting Models
• [00:09:10] Eric Watkins on Postmodern Consumerism in Church Planting
• [00:12:33] Joe Cristman’s Experience in Lombard
• [00:15:17] Chris Hartshorn’s Journey to Church Planting
• [00:19:22] Neal Quinn on Church Planting in Kalamazoo
• [00:26:39] Generational and Consumer-Driven Church Planting Models
• [00:28:13] Challenges of Church Planting Using Ordinary Means
• [00:29:30] The Power of God’s Word in Church Planting
• [00:34:22] Different Church Planting Models: Mother-Daughter, Parachute, and Core Group
• [00:40:19] Importance of a Local Church Presence
• [00:46:11] The Role of Bible Study in Church Planting
• [00:54:23] Evangelism and Outreach in Church Planting
• [01:05:11] Developing a Culture of Evangelism in the Church
• [01:10:00] Overcoming Challenges in Church Outreach