MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

Plant Now!

by Dave Barba of Press On! Ministries

Who Has Re-Seeded Lately?

In the fall of 2000, I was speaking to a church planting class at Bob Jones University. As I related the story of starting Trinity Baptist, I told the students about phone calls I was receiving from men called to plant churches.

"These men ask me for input and suggestions," I said. "They think I know how to help them, since I have planted a couple of churches. I listen and try to offer kelp. I try to sound like I know what I'm talking about. Every time I get a call like that, I wish we could move there to kelp them start the church!"

At the end of the class, Dr. Bruce McAllister, the teacher, said, "Dave, you ought to do what you said you'd like to do. I know church planters around the nation who would benefit from a couple coming alongside to assist them."

I went home to Tennessee and prayed about it. God opened the doors to start Press On! Ministries. My wife and I now live in our fifth wheel trailer and help couples around the USA start churches from scratch. We help in every aspect of starting a church, then stay for several months to assist and encourage. When we leave, our ministry continues via telephone, e-mail, and occasional visits.