Christian Articles Archive

Church Planting

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

I've always had an interest in church planting. I served as founder and editor of The Planter, a professional newsletter published by the American Baptist Churches, USA, from 1988 through 1993. From 1988 to 2001 I served as a church planter for Church of the Live Oaks, an American Baptist congregation in Rocklin, California. My heart is with church planters everywhere.

"New Churches: Can We Afford Them? Strategies for Success, Despite Booming Land Prices," Ministries Today, May-June 1990, pp. 92ff.

"Restarting a Dead Church," The Planter, August 1990, pp. 1-2. Reprinted in Christian Century, July-August 1992, pp. 25-26. Seven steps for restarting a dying or deceased congregation.

"Too Many Churches?" an article to help people who wonder why a new church is needed.

"Kids Cost Too Much," an article which discusses the importance of investing in new churches.

"Don't You Dare Take My People," speaks to the fear of pastors of nearby established churches when a new church begins.

"Ode to the Tallest Redwood," a poem which reflects on the willingness of redwoods to stand in the forest despite windstorm and fire. An encouragement to church leaders based on Ephesians 6:10-13.

"When the New Church is a Splinter," principles for pastoring the splinter of a church split.

"Younger Churches Make Beautful Lovers," the case for attending the newer church.

New "Keepers of the Dream: On Closing a New Church Plant"

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.