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Introduction To Church Planting Given At CITI Seminar

Revd Ric Thorpe addresses seminar
Revd Ric Thorpe addresses seminar

Church Planting was the focus of a day long seminar held in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute on Wednesday 6 November. Forty–four people, both lay and clerical, from nine Church of Ireland dioceses along with some from the Methodist Church were in attendance to learn about Church Planting and how it can be used.

Church planting is a process that results in a new Christian church being established. The speaker was the Revd Ric Thorpe who is Rector of St Paul’s, Shadwell, London. He is also the Church Planting Officer for the Diocese of London and a tutor in Church Planting at St Mellitus College.

Ric gave an introduction to Church Planting and helped participants to explore the practicalities of preparing for a Church Plant. It is hoped that some of those who attended will participate in a course which will be run at CITI, in conjunction with St Mellitus College in London, next Spring. The course is aimed specifically at those who are about to embark on a church planting project, and during it they will have the opportunity to work on a five year plan for their plant.

During the day participants heard about the vision for Church Planting and why it was important. They saw models of Church Planting with local examples and explored the theology of the practice. They also looked at the practicalities of Church Planting including identifying the key building blocks, deciding what kind of church plant it would be and the values needed.

The second part of the day looked at preparing for a Church Plant and the components required focusing on the building blocks – authority, the team, the location, resources and timeline planning.

Photo: The Revd Ric Thorpe speaking to participants in the Church Planting Day at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute

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