In times past, many of our evangelistic efforts have not produced lasting spiritual fruit. One major reason is that church planting was not included as part of our outreach strategy. As a result, we’ve wasted valuable resources—money, time, strength, and other blessings—because we either ignored or didn’t understand the importance of establishing local churches after preaching the Gospel.
But when we take a closer look at the Great Commission, it becomes clear that planting churches is not optional—it is essential. God’s mandate to His people is that we take the Gospel to all nations and peoples, bringing the light of His Kingdom to every corner of the earth. That mission cannot be fulfilled if we neglect the establishment of churches in the communities we reach.
Our Lord Jesus Christ didn’t just call us to make converts—He called us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 10:16). The most effective evangelistic work throughout history has always been backed by the planting of local churches. Sadly, in many cities and villages today, there may be plenty of stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and cafes to meet physical needs, but there are not enough living churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people.
We must rise up, rekindle the vision of church planting, and commit to planning and working towards raising and establishing churches in every community. In doing so, we will be obeying and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
1. FRESH VISION OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
(Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47–48; Acts 1:8)
If we want to follow and serve the Lord faithfully in these end times, we need a renewed vision of the Great Commission. This fresh vision will stir our hearts to plant and multiply churches. The saints in this generation must be awakened to the call of God to raise churches that will shine His light in every place.
2. PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION
(Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:4; Acts 4:4; Acts 6:1,6–8)
The Great Commission is not just a command to preach the Gospel. It is a call to make true disciples—followers of Jesus Christ—who will live out their faith and reproduce it in others.
The church exists to nurture and mature new believers so they can also go out and win others. The purpose of the church is to keep this spiritual cycle alive. This can be described using the 4Fs:
- Finding the lost
- Folding them into the church family
- Feeding them the Word of God
- Fielding them back into the world to reach others for Christ
This ongoing discipleship process is how the Kingdom of God grows and expands.
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3. BENEFITS OF CHURCH PLANTING
Church planting is not just a side activity—it is the main strategy of evangelism. It makes the work of soul-winning more fruitful, more effective, and more organized. Here are several benefits:
a. It is key to reaching the unreached
Church growth is always connected to the planting of new churches. Wherever you see a denomination increasing in church numbers, you will also see an increase in membership. Likewise, where churches are not being planted, there is usually a decline in membership and vitality.
b. Church planting is efficient and cost-effective
The most practical and affordable way to bring unbelievers to Christ in any location is by planting a church there. A church in a local community brings the presence of God closer to the people.
c. It raises new leaders
New churches create opportunities for leadership and service. People who may have been inactive in existing churches are given the chance to rise and serve. Church planting also helps to develop and equip new leaders who can replicate the same mission in other places.
d. Church planting is essential for denominational survival
To stop spiritual decline and stagnation in any church denomination, vigorous church planting must be embraced. Many fellowships experiencing decline can come alive again through the fresh vision, growth, and momentum that church planting brings.
e. Church planting revives existing churches
New churches breathe new life into older ones. They inspire and challenge them to refocus on evangelism and outreach. The fire of soul-winning is rekindled when new churches are being birthed.
f. New churches grow faster than older churches
New churches often experience rapid growth because of the excitement and zeal of new believers. Their fresh love for Jesus, desire to share the Gospel, and prayer burden for the lost bring spiritual energy. These churches become a strong environment for:
- Growth
- Fellowship
- Spiritual protection for new converts
- Revival
- Evangelism
- Multiplication
Things that might be missing in older, more established churches can flourish in new ones.
g. New churches provide more options for the unchurched
People are different, and it often takes different church styles to reach different kinds of people. Even churches with the same name or denomination can appeal to different groups. A variety of churches increases the chances of reaching a greater variety of souls.
CONCLUSION
Evangelism and church planting must go hand-in-hand. If we are truly serious about fulfilling Christ’s last command—the Great Commission—then we must be committed to raising churches wherever souls are won. May the Lord stir our hearts afresh for this divine assignment.