Frequently Asked Questions
ARE WE AGAINST TRADITIONAL CHURCHES?
No. We are FOR the Church. We do not believe there is one right way to ‘do church,’ but that it takes all types of congregations, organizations, & groups to reach and minister to all types of people. We partner with traditional churches of all shapes & sizes - including small home-churches, medium-sized congregations, and mega-churches. We believe that there is only One Global Church (with a "big-C") but many local churches (with a "little-c")...get it?
HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE?
Compassion was a main character trait of Jesus and His early followers, especially toward those in various states of need. Serving under-resourced people is a primary way of continuing the impact of Christ in our world today. We cultivate individual and corporate service through volunteerism and financial giving. Our commitment to service is highlighted by our Primary Initiative / sister organization, Catalyst Partnerships: A public non-profit corporation that carries-out home repair & remodeling projects for elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners in local communities.
WHAT ABOUT FINANCES?
All followers of Christ are encouraged to share whatever they have to serve others. Our ‘overhead’ costs are extremely low. Funds donated to Catalyst Network are used to support staff, support our sister organization Catalyst Partnerships, launch and support new Microchurches, and keep the administrative wheels turning.
DO YOU HAVE PAID STAFF?
Yes. We have paid staff, who operate similarly to the apostolic ministers of the New Testament period; like Paul, Titus, Barnabbas, Timothy, etc. These first-century workers routinely waived support from the new churches they were currently engaged in planting; but gladly received support from other 'sending' churches & individuals, and worked bi-vocationally in other jobs as needed. Thus, church-planting work was 'paid forward.' These guidelines provide the basis for our approach to paid-staff. Our paid staff operate according to their respective leadership gifts, and are supported by individuals and churches who believe in our work.