We are engaged in a great struggle for people’s eternal souls. Over 200 million North Americans are without Christ and every moment slip closer to an eternity separated from God. The devastating pain of hell is a far greater threat to unbelievers than the worst terrorist act. Unless Christians change their tactics, unbelievers will continue to die without Christ. A strategy is needed that will result in an effective ministry to the unchurched population.
Experience shows that partnering churches often enjoy unanticipated collateral benefits. Why is this? The answer is simple. God’s economy is vastly different than ours. In the world’s economy, success is measured by personal profit. In God’s economy, to give is to gain. Pastor Phillip Davis shares this testimony. One of the challenges of church planting churches is that pastors often feel that, “if I plant a new congregation I’m going to lose something.” The fact is that when you plant a new church you are going to be affected—and should be—that’s part of it. Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” If you really believe the Scripture, then when you give away people or resources to start a new church—it shall be given unto you.
Right now, pray that God will prepare your heart for the journey ahead.
1. What would it take for God’s kingdom to grow in your area?
2. What are some steps of your action plan?
1. Praying (see Acts 1:14; 1 Thes. 5:17; Jas. 5:16)
Prayer equals power. This simple equation, derived from the book of Acts, is the guiding element of the process. Prayer for one another and for multiplication takes place at every level of the process. Combined with thankfulness and praise, prayer acknowledges God’s grace and leadership. It is extremely important for us to seek God’s direction and recognize His power to lead, shape, change, and inspire. Through prayer, we will learn from the Father and become sensitive to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each other and the community.
We will live out the kingdom value of prayer through these commitments:
1. stopping to pray whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us
2. never substituting action for prayer, the goal is to act as a result of prayer
3. praying for a kingdom-centered vision for each of your communities
4. praying for blessings, protection, and for the filling of the Spirit for one another
2. Evangelizing (see Acts 14:21-26)
The objective is planting churches that commit to evangelizing and ministering to the
population. The transfer of believers from one church to another has become commonplace in many communities. Kingdom growth is limited or non-existent in such situations—it is simply redistributed. As we discover through prayer where God is at work, evangelistic church planting will result. In this process, it is imperative to remember, “He that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30,
We will live out the kingdom value of evangelism through these commitments:
1. evangelizing and ministering to the unchurched population
2. going beyond the walls of the church to reach the lost for Jesus
3. identifying which people group comprises the greatest lost segment of your community
4. praying for open doors to that group, so that each person may hear the gospel
3. Harvesting resources (see Matt. 9:38; Phil. 4:19)
The resources are ready to be harvested. When churches act in faith, God provides for all of their needs. Church planting movements are unlikely to succeed when we have attitudes of self-sufficiency or poverty. Existing churches and new believers who have been impacted by evangelistic church planting ministries are the most likely sources of money and people for new church planting endeavors.
We will live out the kingdom value of harvesting resources through the following commitments:
1. discipling new believers and helping them become Great Commission Christians
2. trusting God to provide and reveal key leaders within the harvest
3. ensuring that each new believer develops his or her spiritual gifts
4. praying that God will reveal potential new leaders from the harvest