Church Planter Network Plus is a new event, hosted by the Church Multiplication Group of the SC Baptist Convention, where church planters can meet each other, build friendships, encourage and support one another.

On Thursday, August 28, more than 60 attended Church Planter Network Plus at the SC Baptist Convention building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where Ed Stetzer, Nehemiah Project director for the North American Mission Board, was the keynote speaker.  42 of the attendees were church planters and perspective church planters, making this gathering the first of its kind.

“The purpose of Church Planters Network Plus is to demonstrate the importance of relationships among church planters,” Dino Senesi, Church Multiplication Group director, SC Baptist Convention, said.  Another purpose of the statewide network meetings is to challenge attendees to establish smaller networks in their regions that can meet on a monthly basis, he added.

Stetzer spoke about topics covered in his book “Planting New Churches in a Postmodern Age,” and gave each attendee a free copy.  Church Planters Network Plus also included a time of worship and table discussions among attendees. 

"The greatest advantage of a church planters network is that church planters get to be with others in the trenches.  They can learn from those who have been where they are.  They can help those who are just starting.  Peer learning allows planters to avoid the common mistakes.  They learn from the wisdom of others,” Stetzer said.

The next Church Planters Network Plus is Tuesday, November 11.  The lunch meeting will be held during the South Carolina Baptist Convention Annual Meeting.  To register for this luncheon or for more information, contact the Church Multiplication Group, SCBC, at (800) 723-7242, extension 5800 or visit online at www.scbaptist.org.