Much of the evangelistic efforts in the past have not produced the much needed lasting fruits because church planting had not been included in our outreaches. Much money, time, energy and other valuable resources have been wasted and squandered as a result of non-inclusion and naivety to church planting benefits.
But a clear understanding of the great commission will bring to light the necessity of aggressive church planting in our time. Since our principal calling is to obey the great commission by reaching to every tribe and nation with the view of building the kingdom of God in every nook and comer of the earth, we cannot ignore and neglect church planting any longer.
The purpose of our Lord is that a solid work of evangelism be done, which will ensure that disciples are made from all the nations of the world (Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 10:16). The most dependable work of evangelism over the years have been those that go with church planting. Most people/group does not have enough living churches, even though they have enough supermarkets, drug stores, restaurants, cafeterias etc. to meet their physical needs.
We need to rise up, rekindle this vision of church planting and plan seriously on how to raise and establish churches in all communities. By doing this we can fulfill the great commission. (Matt. 28:19-20).
1. FRESH VISION OF THE GREAT COMMISSION – Matt. 28:19, 20; Mk.16:15; Lk.24:47,48; Acts 1:8.
To effectively follow and serve the Lord in this end time, fresh vision for the great commission which
will result in planting and multiplication of churches must come anew to the end-time saints.
2. PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION – Matt. 28: 19-20; Acts 2:47; 4:4; 6:1,6-8.
The commission does not just command believers to go and preach the gospel, but to make converts who will follow Christ. The main goal therefore is to produce disciples from various communities, peoples and groups. The church is established to mature converts, so that they too will go out and win others. The purpose of the church is to be in this continuous circle of 4Fs:
- Finding the lost.
- Folding them into the church.
- Feeding them with the word.
- Fielding them back into their world where they can continue finding.
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3. BENEFITS OF CHURCH PLANTING
Church planting as the goal of evangelism. makes the task of evangelizations easier and better co- ordinated. Here are some of the many benefits:
a. Key to reaching out
Every denomination reporting an increase in membership reports an increase in the number of churches. Every denomination reporting an increase in the total number of congregation reports an increase in members. Every denomination reporting a decrease in membership reports a decrease in congregation. Every denomination reporting a decrease in congregation reports a decrease in members.
b. Church planting is efficient
There is no more practical or cost- effective way of bringing unbelievers to Christ in a given geographical area than planting new churches. The church is brought closer to the people.
c. It develops new leadership
New churches open wide the doors of leadership and ministry challenge and leaders who are redundant will be utilized. New ones will be developed and equipped to go and repeat the same effort.
d. Church planting means denominational survival
One of the absolutely essential ingredients for reversing denominational decline is to vigorously plant new churches. Many who are experiencing membership decline and stagnancy will receive new life and growth when church planting is pursued.
e. Church planting stimulates existing churches
It brings challenge and inspiration plus new life to existing churches. The fire of evangelism in them will be rekindled.
f. New churches grow better than old churches
The new churches will experience growth because of the contagious love of the new converts, their zeal to share Christ, their desire and prayer for the salvation of their friends, neighbors, colleagues and relations. The new church will create strong forum for growth, fellowship, security of new converts, spiritual liveliness, ground for more evangelization and multiplication which may be lacking in old, existing churches.
g. New churches provide more options for the unchurched
Unbelievers come in such a wide variety that a corresponding wide variety of church options is needed to win them. Two churches under the same name are different and will win different people to Christ.