Check out this interesting blog post about the relative number of people who consider themselves as affiliated with identifiable religious groups. It’s amazing to think that in less than 100 years, the fellowship of Assemblies of God people has exploded from a handful in Hot Springs to a major international movement of people who pursue the fullness of the Spirit’s power as they follow Christ. I wonder what God has in store for the next 100 years (should the Lord delay His return!).

Here are the numbers for the Church Multiplication Network Matching Fund through June 2008.

Church planting projects that have received CMN Matching Funds: 21

CMN Matching Funds Churches that have launched: 13

Personal contacts with unchurched individuals: 10,842

Persons baptized in water: 86

Persons who have made a confession of faith: 451

Average Number of people per church attending weekly: 70

Total amount given to missions by Matching Funds Churches: $92,679.91

Total amount paid forward by Matching Fund Churches to help start other new churches: $41,416.50

Kingdom Impact: Incredible!

No matter how you measure it, the Church Multiplication Network Matching Fund is turning out to be an extraordinary success. Right now we are looking for another 35 church planting projects to partner with. If you are preparing to plant a church and are interested in exploring the possibility of obtaining $30,000 in matching funds for the start-up phase of the plant, call Brad Causey at 417-862-2781 or send him an email at bcausey@ag.org. You can also visit the Matching Fund section of the CMN website for more information.

I just received and read a new book by Jim Griffith and Bill Easum. “Ten Most Common Mistakes Made by New Church Plants” will now be on my short list of books that every church planter, parent church pastor and district leader should read before the start a new church. This book is loaded with time/experience tested practical wisdom that can help the leaders and overseers of new church starts avoid “rookie” mistakes.  Here are just a couple of the mistakes they suggest you avoid. “Neglecting the Great Commandment in Pursuit of the Great Commission.” ” Failing to Take Opposition Seriously.” Each chapter describes the mistake followed by some great counsel on how to avoid the mistake. Tips for supervisors and coaches are included. Outstanding. Check it out here.