Yes
No
Authorization
from an older church.
No other permission is required than what Jesus said. If you do have
authorization from an older church, then it is your 'mother' church and
you are its 'daughter'. Stay connected, and reproduce as soon as you can.
Registration
or incorporation with a government.
Some governments require all organizations to register. If your
government would deny or delay registration, or if it would persecute
you, then you should not register.
An
ordained or licensed clergyman.
New churches need a volunteer leader or two but no clergyman. A leader
who loves God, the Bible and others will provide all the leadership that your new church needs.
A
chapel or meeting hall.
It is usually a good idea to start a new church in one of its members'
home, or in any other place where members feel comfortable and safe.
Money
and a budget.
New churches cost nothing and need no money. Members can and should
sometimes give money or other things to help the poor or to support an agreed
project.
Gifted
members who can help others.
You need gifted members. Happily, every church member
who has faith in Jesus receives a special gift from God's Holy Spirit
and is able to help others.
Baptize
new believers.
Jesus commanded his followers to baptize all who repent. Any church can
do so, even your church. All whom you baptize become members of your
church the same day, or you will help them become a new little church.
Celebrate
communion (the Eucharist).
Your new church must celebrate the Lord's table often, allowing
believers to commune with the Lord. No special qualifications are
required of those who serve the Eucharist. Communion is powerful, but it is not magic.
Hold
public meetings or 'services'.
It is more enjoyable and safer to gather often as believers and friends,
in small numbers. Start new gatherings as needed. Between three and 23
is a good church size.
Provide
skilled musicians and vocalists.
It is always better to worship in ways that everyone can participate and imitate, using local cultural forms.
Preach
and listen to sermons.
Jesus and his apostles left us a good example to follow. They mostly
held discussions, told stories and referred to the Bible.
Convert
others from their religions.
It is perfectly legitimate for those in other religions to put their
faith in Jesus and to start their own churches. Faith in Jesus is not a
new religion; it is a new way of life.
Help
others become followers of Jesus.
Jesus commanded his followers to help others to do the same. They do so
by telling the Good News about Jesus, baptizing those who repent, and
teaching them to obey all his commandments.
