Exponential Church Planting
Can we reach this nation for Christ? With many churches in decline and ministers leaving the church for secular careers, how will we grow the church? The answer is in multiplying churches. Not just any kind of church though. The typical church that is failing in the US today is not what needs to be replicated, but rather the new contemporary church that is reaching the un-churched population in our cities.
And what exactly do these churches possess that the traditional failing church does not? The answer is LIFE! The leaders of these dynamic churches have figured out that where there is life, there is growth. Vibrant worship, relevant bible-based messages and transparency on the part of the leadership brings life and authenticity to the Christian faith. Real life in Christ that is based on ancient Bible doctrine and humble service to our communities touches the hearts and the needs of people who in response turn to Jesus for eternal life.
God is raising up dedicated and courageous couples across the nation with a burden for our cities. They are investing theirs lives in a tough but rewarding mission. The process is challenging and the commitment is huge, but they persist as ones called of God to do great things for the Kingdom. Here is a bit of the process.
The calling - When God calls what can you do but say “yes?” As followers of Christ we can only find peace when we walk in His will for our lives. To reject the call is to walk away from the only thing that will bring fulfillment and reward. So we follow as He leads and believe that we will be fruitful against all odds.
The preparation – Getting ready is the prerequisite to timing. God will only use us when we are prepared. So the church planter reads every book he can get his hands on and attends every conference that is in any way related starting a new church. When he gets ready, God taps him on the shoulder and say, “It’s time.” In these days there are numerous church planting organizations that offer the training and relationships that are necessary to prepare the planter for the task at hand.
The gathering – Every church planter must possess the ability to gather. They have to be able to gather people and finances. Can you build a small group in your church? Can you raise enough money for a mail out or website? Are people following you on Twitter? Is your Facebook account growing every week? These are indications that you can gather. Gatherers plant successful churches.
The culture – More than joining an organization, church planters need to join a culture. Many denominations and other organizations have plans, processes, and supervisors. But what the planter needs is a peer, a coach and mentors that are a year or two ahead of them that can feel their pain, smile at their optimism and give them the next step word of wisdom that settles their mind and encourages their hearts. It’s a culture that the planter can be immersed it that will bring them through the hard times. It’s not an organizational handbook with rules and roles that will make you successful, it’s friends that relate to every emotion and challenge that comes your way.
The launch – When you get it all together, you just jump! That’s right, there comes an appointed time that you have worked out in your mind and on paper that is the perfect time to launch. You’ve done your homework, bought your sound system, gathered your team and now it’s time to let the world know what you are all about. Your first message has been rehearsed, the service minutes have be meticulously set in stone and now the million piece mosaic is complete … you now have your church and it’s about to burst upon the world scene. Someone whispers in your ear, “No one will come!” He is the same enemy of the Church that Jesus rebuked in the desert. It won’t be the last time he whispers or shouts obscenities at you for carrying out God’s will. But you will win… souls will come to Christ and you will change history… at least the part of history that Jesus Christ has carved out for you. So, go ahead, jump!
God bless all the church planters in the world!
