Planting a new church is a spiritual assignment that requires divine direction, careful planning, and active participation with the Holy Spirit. Below are tested and time-honored principles that every church planter must understand and apply:
1. PRE-PRAYER (FOUNDATIONAL INTERCESSION)
Every true church planting vision must be birthed and nurtured in the place of prayer. Before any physical move or mission outreach begins, the church planting team must spend quality time seeking God’s face. This is what we call pre-prayer — praying before planting. It is in this place of spiritual conception that God gives direction, clarity, and strategy. Like a baby is formed in the womb, the new church is spiritually formed during pre-prayer.
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” – Psalm 32:8
2. PLANNING (SPIRIT-LED STRATEGY)
Planning is not carnal; it is scriptural and wise. Even our Lord Jesus taught the value of preparation:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” – Luke 14:28
Church planting must be done intentionally and thoughtfully. Questions to ask in the place of planning include:
- What type of church is God leading us to plant?
- Where is the location?
- When is the right time?
- Who will be involved?
- How will it be done?
- What resources are needed?
- Why is this church being planted?
These questions should be prayerfully answered in collaboration with the Holy Spirit.
3. TRAINING (EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR MINISTRY)
A trained team is a strong team. The church planting team must be taught and equipped in areas such as:
- Mission awareness
- Evangelism and soul-winning
- Church planting models
- Discipleship and spiritual nurturing
- Follow-up strategies
- Church growth dynamics
Without proper training, even the most anointed team may lack the wisdom to sustain the vision.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” – Hosea 4:6
4. TIMING (DIVINE APPOINTMENT)
Timing is crucial in fulfilling God’s mandate. There is a kairos (divine timing) for every divine task. If you move before or after God’s set time, frustration may follow.
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
Seek God’s perfect timing before launching out.
5. RESEARCH (SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL INTELLIGENCE GATHERING)
Understanding the terrain is vital for a fruitful harvest. Research the location God is sending you to:
- Spiritual research: What are the prevailing powers or spiritual atmospheres?
- Physical research: What are the landmarks, history, and needs of the area?
- Social research: What are the people like — their culture, values, language, and traditions?
This information will guide your approach and strategy for effective community engagement.
6. WARFARE PRAYER (SPIRITUAL COMBAT)
Church planting often involves entering enemy territory. The devil resists the advancement of God’s kingdom, especially in unreached or demonized regions. Engage in intense warfare prayers and even fasting to overcome demonic resistance and territorial spirits.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4
Strategic prayers must be offered over the land, gates, and people.
7. LAND BREAKING (SPIRITUAL CLEANSING AND DEDICATION)
Some lands are spiritually polluted due to idolatry, bloodshed, or occult practices. Before planting, the land must be prophetically cleansed and claimed for Jesus Christ. This involves:
- Spiritual possession of the land through declaration
- Anointing and prayer walks
- Renunciation of curses and dedication to the Lord
“Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you…” – Joshua 1:3
8. NETWORKING (KINGDOM PARTNERSHIP)
No church planter is an island. The work of the ministry thrives better with partnership and kingdom collaboration. Build relationships with:
- Mission agencies (e.g., CAPRO, Global Opportunities)
- Other churches and ministries
- Cooperative service organizations and mission networks
These partnerships can offer mentorship, manpower, financial support, and encouragement.
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Recommended Reading
The Book Of Elders On Marriage
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9. CONTEXTUALIZATION (CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE)
The gospel message does not change, but the method of delivery can adapt to the people. Study the local culture and beliefs so that the message can be communicated in a way the people understand.
This is not compromising the truth but presenting Christ in a language and form they can relate to, like Paul did:
“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22
10. WELFARE (MEETING NEEDS TO REACH HEARTS)
Many communities are physically and economically poor. The people may not be open to the gospel until their basic needs — such as food, water, healthcare, or education — are addressed. As we meet their felt needs, their hearts become open to receive Christ, their real need.
“…faith without works is dead.” – James 2:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord…” – Proverbs 19:17
11. PREACHING THE TRUE GOSPEL (Romans 1:16)
At the heart of church planting is the message of Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Only the true gospel can save, heal, deliver, and transform lives — regardless of background, tribe, class, or education.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” – Romans 1:16
The gospel includes:
- Salvation from Sin
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21
- Salvation from Satan
“…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son…” – Colossians 1:12-14
- Salvation from Death
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
These principles are not just human wisdom but divine tools for fruitful, lasting, and Spirit-led church planting. Let every church planter rise up in faith, obedience, and wisdom, knowing that God is the one who builds His church.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” – Psalm 127:1