Critique and discussion of Stuart Murray William's "Church Planting: Laying Foundations"
Stuart Murray William's text on Church Planting has been the core text of Church Planting courses in the UK for a while now. It has taken pride of place at the International Christian College where I am currently studying. It is arguably a classic, but it's 8 years old now and what's more I've never seen an online discussion of the issues it raises. I have personally found it very helpful in shaping my thinking about church planting, and informing me of how to avoid the mistakes of the 90's. But is it still relevant in the world of Emerging Church? Has anyone taken exception to anything he has said or wanted to clarify the issues further through discussion? Please post your thoughts here, right under the big man's nose! Who knows, maybe he'll show up and help us out!
Easily one of the best on the topic
What are you trying to do, get chucked out of Urban Expression?! ;-)
I think that Stuart's book is still easily one of the best on the topic. At least, it's one of the best that seeks to lay theological foundations. I would think that it's still very relevant, but needs to be read alongside later stuff that Stuart has written on Church and Mission. His latest (Changing Mission) offers a valuable perspective on the emerging church.
I read the book in the late 90's - trying to suck up to a College lecturer! - and even then I thought there were parts that needed updating or expanding. (The section on house churches seemed to view them as simply a variation on Cell churches.) However, I guess that discussing something like the emerging church movement would easily require enough space to justify a second book. Whether the subsequent books are 'church planty' enough to be that book is another question.
It's interesting that you mention a lack of online discussion regarding the book. The book is certainly held in high regard by both theorists and practicioners (and that rare breed who cross the divide), but I've also not seen much discussion of it. The one exception I know of is not online, but in the book 'Multiplying churches', edited by Steve Timmis of the Crowded House bunch in Sheffield. It's a good book, but a little conservative theologically, for my liking. However, they question Stuart's distinction between Church and Kingdom and suggest that he over-emphasises the latter at the expense of the former.
(Let me know if you want to borrow it and I'll bring it along tomorrow.)