Frequently Asked Questions:

Our Method:

Finding pastors:
Our greatest need is laborers. We hold a Macedonia meeting every third week in August in a different town in west-central Minnesota to expose preachers to the need for church planting in our area.

Finding a place:
Our ministry is designed to help a man locate a storefront or a building to start a church in. We have found that $20,000 will help a new church start going.

Finding people:
Our ministry will help teach men how to understand the culture and reach the people through door-knocking and Bible studies.

What kind of churches are we planting?

A: We are planting churches that embody what it means to be a Baptist on a historic and biblical level.

First, we are planting churches that embrace the Baptist distinctive’s. Biblical authority in all matters of faith and practice (I Thessalonians 2:13), autonomy of the local church (Colossians 1:18), priesthood of the believer (I Peter 2:5), two ordinances (Romans 6:1-5), (I Corinthians 11:23-24), individual soul liberty (Romans 14:12), saved and baptized church membership (Acts 2:41, 47), two offices (I Timothy 3:1-13), and separation of church and state (Romans 13:1-3).

Second, we are planting churches that endure sound doctrine. That is, churches that will remain and continue in the teachings of the Bible despite the perilous times that we are living in. This is done by laying a solid foundation of bible doctrine through discipleship and by teaching obedience to the Bible out of love and in liberty (James 1:19-27).

Third, we are planting churches that are fervent in evangelism. Evangelism is not something that takes place solely at 10am on Saturday morning, nor is it merely an active social media presence. Rather, it is adhering to the New Testament model of personal and relational witnessing that should be adopted as a part of every believers lifestyle (I Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6; I Corinthians 9:22; Romans 10:14; John 3, 4 & 5)

Q: What is your philosophy in church planting?

As in all things, we believe that the Bible holds wisdom that should be sought after when undertaking this work.

First, we seek to plant indigenous churches. This word intimates a church that is native to its region (Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:47; 11:27, 18:1-11; Thessalonians 1:1; Colossians 1:2). It also describes the growth pattern that we see in the New Testament. An indigenous church is self governing (Colossians 1:18; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-3), self supporting (Philippians 4:1-9; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; Hebrews 7:11-18), and self propagating (Acts 9:31, 11:19-30, 13:1-3).

Second, we believe in practicing the team missions principle as much as lies within ones power. This is especially true of the early days in a new work. While there is an exception or two, scripture demonstrates time and again the power of yoking up with a co-laborer to see that Gods work is done in a consistent and Christ centered manner (Luke 10:1-3; Acts 11:19-30; Acts 13:1-3).

Third, we believe that it is necessary to allow the Holy Spirit to dictate where a church ought to be planted. The Lord will provide clarity of call through prayer, fasting, Bible reading, godly counsel and opportunity. We will not seek to plant a church until God has called us to do so. We will not turn an infant church over to a pastor/planter unless God has called him to that specific work. All that is necessary will be provided by God as steps of faith are taken (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33; Acts 16:7-10; 2 Timothy 1:9).

Q: What are the long term goals for Upper Midwest Church Planting?

A: Upper Midwest Church Planting is a local church ministry that seeks to establish churches throughout the region, but also to aid others in this same work.

First, we will work to fully establish Gospel Light Baptist Church in Alexandria, Minnesota. We will remain pastoring this work indefinitely, focusing on the above stated 3 characteristics of a Baptist church.

Second, as the Lord directs us, we will begin breaking up the fallow ground in the surrounding 10 counties that are without a Baptist church. This will be done through canvassing and relational witnessing. Converts will be discipled as we begin a local bible study.

Third, as the Lord forms a nucleus of saved and baptized believers, we will seek to turn the work over to a pastor/planter.