WHY PLANT A CHURCH?
Over a bowl of chili and some fine desserts, the students and permanent congregational members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City listened to Rev. Dr. Dean Rothchild give a presentation on planting a new church in North Liberty. Rev. Rothchild gave the same presentation to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coralville. The reason North Liberty has been chosen is because the city is ripe for the harvest. Between 2000 and 2008, the population of North Liberty has doubled and the growth is not slowing down. The 2008 census listed the population at 11,561.
Rev. Rothchild began his presentation by asking and answering the question, “Why plant a church?” The answer was simple: Research shows it is the most effect and biblical way to do evangelism.
Next he presented a model of how the church would be planted. One of the congregations in Iowa City or Coralville could serve as the mother church and give birth to a daughter congregation in North Liberty. This could be done with the help of the members of our area congregations who live in North Liberty. It is hoped that many of these members would be willing to serve as hosts for small groups that could eventually be formed into the new congregation.
The daughter church would be formed around the Word and Sacraments. To that end she would be distinctively Lutheran, meaning she would be biblical and confessional, liturgical, sacramental, Christ-centered and when conflict arises, she would be committed to the practice of biblical reconciliation.
Rev. Rothchild stated that he hopes to have a meeting with LCMS members who live in North Liberty later this spring and to begin working in the area as early as September.
The members and students of St. Paul’s are thrilled at this idea, many of them commented, “This is an exciting opportunity for the Iowa District East and especially for the congregations in Iowa City and Coralville and the people of North Liberty.” Indeed, it is an exciting time. May God grant His blessings!
