An Anglo-Orthodox Interpretation of Rick Warren’s Church Planting Strategy

Comments by Bp. Joseph Will Boyd on Rick Warren’s Points for Church Planters - 

1. Simple Structure - Our Tripartite Order is a “Taxis”, with God’s grace flowing in from all directions. Because of this, clericalism is not to be encouraged, and we all need each other for salvation. Brotherhood and a free, open, humble flow of information must be our only way to communicate. Titles and rank are all functional and facilitate good order, but they do not confer pride of place or superiority. 
2. Atmosphere of Acceptance / Don’t approve everything everyone does, but you “clean your fish after you catch them” - see doctrine, liturgy, and praxis as an upward pulling path full of gradients, and love as the constant aim. 
3. Defined Purpose - People need to know exactly where you stand on doctrine. Obscurity is our enemy. Our moral, historical, dogmatic teachings need to be taught to everyone is a kind and approachable way. 
4. Defined Targets - People need to know exactly where you are going as a church. Goals like “Become a Benedict Option Church” help people know where you are headed. 
5. Bishops are Administrative Hubs - priests are ministers, and deacons are practical “hands and feet” to people with needs in the congregation. Because of this, bishops need to be understood as facilitators, not the principle ministers. The principle, hands-on ministry must be done by the priests and their people. 
6. Encourage Dynamic and Thorough Preaching in Every Pulpit! The Word is also a Sacrament! 
7. Build Up Before Building Out / “Build Your People Before you Build Your Steeple”. Only with a fully discipled and functional group of followers can a stable, sustainable parish be built. 
8. Advertise our Church as Heavily as Possible - “Attractive Packaging” on social media, publications and activities is a good way to grow in the current situation. However, real ministry and positive word of mouth, really reaching people where they are, is the only truly lasting way to build up Christian community. 
9. Traditional Apostolic Worship Is Core - This is an Unchanging Value that Cannot be Challenged. We must keep our “High, Anglocatholic, Ritualist” icon of heaven upfront and central! 
10. Keep on Learning - we are all learners, the moment you stop learning, you stop leading. 

(Ancient  Church of the West)