Why Plant with the EFCA?

        	              

In a Vine Church Facebook post, Scott Stener, pastor of the EFCA church plant shared his thoughts (used with permission): 




Church plantingWhen God made it clear that we were called to be church planters, the non-negotiable was our association with the Acts 29 network. What the network stands for (theologically and ecclesiologically) and the fact that it has been very successful at being missionally effective in postmodern cultural contexts, made our association with them a must.




From early on in this process we also considered association with the Evangelical Free Church of America, a denomination that Zach, Nate and I have all had the privilege to serve with in some measure over the last 10+ years of ministry. In our assessment with the Acts 29 network, they encouraged us to pursue dual affiliation with A29 and the EFCA, so that is what we’ve done. Last week I learned from Ray Olson of the EFCA Forest Lakes District that we have been “green lighted” for this association.



Why Plant With EFCA? 



1. THEOLOGICAL: The EFCA statement of faith is a solid statement that has fostered an association of churches that are strong Bible-based, Gospel-centered churches.




2. ECCLESIOLOGICAL: (i.e. how they “do” church): The EFCA holds a loose view of church governance so, within reason, they afford churches a wide range of freedom in how they govern themselves according to Biblical conviction.




3. EFFECTIVENESS: The EFCA is one of the most successful denominations in the midwest. In Madison there are numerous strong EFCA churches. In the words of an official from another denomination in the area, EFCA is one of the few denominations that has actually been able to grow churches in the region. The success rate of EFCA plants on a global scale is 87%.




4. MISSION: The EFCA leadership (church planting leadership in particular) have a very progressive view of church planting and how it will impact the future of the church. They love the A29 vision and are excited about how that philosophy will help to propel the EFCA into a movement-minded model of church planting.




5. BROTHERHOOD: We have been absolutely delighted at the prospect of working with Ray Olson, the Director of Church Planting for our EFCA region. He and Dr. Ken Moberg (the District Superintendent) are experienced Godly men who will be wonderful encouragers and coaches as we move forward with this vision.




6. CREDIBILITY: Many of those partnering with us know the EFCA but not A29. For others, the inverse is true. We believe the marriage of these two associations will actually make us a stronger church because these associations affirm to our partners that we are church that will uphold certain important doctrinal and strategic convictions.




Undoubtedly there are many additional things I could mention, but this covers many of the reasons we are pleased to be planting with the Evangelical Free Church of America.



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