Basics of CP [clear /]

What is it?

The process of communicating the gospel, seeing people repent and believe in Jesus, developing as His followers, congregationalizing, and repeating the process.

Why do it?

Are we commanded to plant churches anywhere in the Bible? Are there legitimate reasons to engage in church planting?

Theologically, God has demonstrated His sending nature throughout the bible and history. He sends servants of His kingdom to proclaim His goodness and greatness to all people so they might be saved. As we see in Acts, new disciples are made, and those disciples form new congregations. In addition, disciples are sent or scattered to proclaim the gospel in other places in order to reach people that have not heard. So, the process continues.

Practically, church planting has proven to be an effective tool in reaching the lost. Starting new churches is one strategic way that we can fulfill the Great Commission. In Church Planting for a Greater Harvest, Peter Wagner stated, “The single most effective evangelistic methodology under heaven is planting new churches.”

Personally, someone should consider planting a church if that person has the character, leadership, and for some, cross-cultural skills that are best suited for the task. (If you have not been assessed, go to the Pre-Assessment link and download the Discovery Tools.) This gift and skill set should be affirmed in the body of Christ and life.

Missionally, is there a sense of calling to penetrate the lostness of our world? Is there a sense of calling to a particular place or people? If you are married, is there a sense of shared calling? Is there evidence of a call? Are you preparing to fulfill the call?

How to get started?

Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray that God would give you a heart for the lost to be found. Pray that God would reveal the place that He has prepared for you. Seek wise counsel. Find a place (a church plant or a church planting church) that you can invest, learn, grow, and develop that sense of calling to plant churches and where that calling can be challenged and affirmed. Work through the Discovery Tools found under the Pre-Assessment link and then send the results to Kristine Wager. [clear /]

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