Pillar Church Planting Network

The Pillar Church Planting Network is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on supporting church planting and church revitalization efforts globally. It operates as a community of Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and International Baptist Churches that share doctrinal alignment and a commitment to missionary work.

Background

Pillar Network was initiated as a grassroots movement by Southern Baptist church planters. It began with a few sending churches and church plants but has since expanded significantly. The network is characterized by its emphasis on Baptist theology and practices, aligning itself with the wider theological framework of the SBC.

Mission and Operations

The Pillar Network's mission involves equipping, planting, and revitalizing churches. It promotes a church model that emphasizes gospel proclamation, live expository preaching, and leadership by a plurality of male elders, aligning with reformed Baptist traditions. The network operates in diverse contexts, including urban, suburban, and rural settings across North America and internationally.

Pillar's approach includes partnering with local churches to ensure theological and ecclesiastical alignment. This alignment facilitates confident cooperation in church planting and revitalization projects. As of recent reports, Pillar Network has partnered with over 538 churches, directly or indirectly planting over 180 churches and revitalizing more than 46 churches.

Theological Position

Pillar Network churches adhere to a complementarian stance on women in ministry and maintain traditional views on sexual ethics. The organization supports worship styles that range from liturgical to contemporary and emphasizes a strong commitment to biblical authority.

Activities

In addition to church planting and revitalization, Pillar Network hosts various conferences and training events designed to enhance the capacity of local churches to spread the gospel. These events are held in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and South America, and serve as platforms for networking and theological discourse among member churches.

Governance and Organization

As a nonprofit organization, Pillar Network operates with an emphasis on collaborative leadership and shared vision among its member churches. It ensures that all U.S.-based network churches are affiliated with the SBC, while also maintaining international partnerships.

Notable Figures

Nate Akin, the founder and executive director of the Pillar Network, plays a significant role in shaping the organization's vision and operations. Akin is also known for his involvement with Baptist21, a platform for Baptist theological discussions. His leadership and theological background have contributed to Pillar's strategic focus on Baptist ecclesiology and mission.

Financial and Legal Status

Pillar Church Planting Network is registered as a nonprofit organization with the EIN 26-4014590. While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, the organization's activities are supported through donations and partnerships with churches and other stakeholders.

Overall, the Pillar Church Planting Network is recognized for its mission-driven approach to church planting and revitalization, emphasizing theological alignment and a robust ecclesiastical structure within the Baptist community globally.

[1] https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/church-planting-networks-see-continued-influence/ [2] https://plantermatch.org/network/pillar-network/ [3] https://kings-table.com/2023/01/27/qa-with-nate-akin-pillar-network/ [4] https://thepillarnetwork.com [5] https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/pillar-church-planting-network,264014590/