Watching a new church plant do everything right.

By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman

A new preaching point in the Dominican Republic named Arco Iris, which means "rainbow," held its first regular Sunday evening worship service Easter night in the capital of Santo Domingo. From start to finish, it seemed as if they had carefully studied the finest church growth literature available in order to plan an event that would be welcoming and open to the Spirit, and that displayed the following qualities essential to offering a new worship service:

Excellent leadership. The leadership team consists of many gifted people. Daniel and Oris De'Oleo's outstanding gifts in motivation, preaching, teaching, and organization are filled with a dynamic enthusiasm that is contagious. Minerva Mateo's gifts of compassion, gentle love, a heart for neighborhood children, and fervent prayer are an encouragement to others. Clearly these are empowering leaders who model the way.

Quality musicians. The mother church, Peniel, and its pastor, Eduardo Montero, sent its entire worship team accompanied by the church's sound system, drum set, pulpit, plastic chairs, generator, fan, microphones, overhead projector, and song transparencies.

Success at getting the word out. About an hour and a half before the service, members of the mother church canvassed the neighborhood passing out fliers and inviting everyone within sight to the service, and sharing the love and blessing of Christ in their conversations.

Creative worship. A gifted and creative teenager shared a series of three dramas, accompanied by music and narrative, that illustrated the difference Jesus Christ makes in a person's life. During the singing that preceded them, musicians displayed the words of songs using transparencies so that new people could participate. The singing was invitational and focused on giving God glory, honor, and praise.

Quality preaching. Brother Daniel shared an inspiring message focusing on Jesus' promise in John 3. An invitation followed for persons to accept life in Christ and to leave behind a life of sin and brokenness.

Effective follow through. As the service was beginning, Sister Minerva moved through the crowd warmly greeting visitors and collecting information to make follow-up personal visits.

Care for the whole person. Not only was an invitation given for people to commit their lives to Christ, but genuine love and concern were shown through a willingness to pray for needs expressed. One visitor asked for prayer for her father who is ill. She was invited to come up front where prayer was promptly offered. Worship leader Selvia Gonzalez expressed the church's concern and commitment to pray for her father's physical and spiritual health, caring for both his body and soul.

A welcoming space. God has graciously provided a open and accessible space for this new preaching point, a community building strategically situated right in the middle of a community that only has two other churches. People are already familiar with the building and comfortable entering it. It is available free in exchange for cleaning up the trash around it, a blessing the community will quickly appreciate.

Modeling loving relationships. Greeters were positioned on the sidewalk in order to continually invite people in throughout the service. Others positioned themselves just inside the door to offer a warm welcome. Refreshments were offered after worship to give a thoughtful send off as people returned home.

Participating in this new effort was a tremendously inspiring experience. Please keep this new church plant in your prayers. Pray that God will bring much spiritual fruit as the leaders eagerly reach out to their neighborhood with the news that God's love is faithful, as the brilliant colors of the rainbow remind us.

--Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is one of the General Board's mission co-coordinator in the Dominican Republic.

Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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