Beloved brethren, it is time for the Body of Christ to arise with urgency—just like Samson of old (Judges 16:20)—to shake ourselves from spiritual slumber. We must fast, pray, and move out in the strength of the Lord to fulfill our divine assignment before the night comes when no man can work (John 9:4).
The call to missions and church planting today is more urgent and spirit-stirring than ever. The need to establish more local assemblies of believers is overwhelming. With billions of souls still trapped in sin and spiritual darkness, and the enemy of our souls rejoicing in their ignorance, we must not delay. The time is short. Let us rise and build! (Nehemiah 2:18)
There are three divine calls urging us toward church planting:
- A missionary call from Heaven – “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8)
- A missionary call from Hell – “Send someone to my father’s house… to warn them!” (Luke 16:27–28)
- A missionary call from the lost (the heathen) – “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” (Acts 16:9)
1. WHY DON’T WE PLANT MORE CHURCHES?
a. Lack of Missionary Vision – Proverbs 29:18
Many in the Body of Christ have lost spiritual sight. The vision of winning souls has been blurred by worldly distractions. Some churches and denominations are more focused on internal maintenance than expansion. We are majoring on minors—activities that don’t impact eternity.
b. Lack of Proper Understanding of the Great Commission
Many believers are content with shallow obedience to the command of Christ. They attend evangelism programs, participate in annual crusades or revivals, and conduct street outreaches, but they do so without a burning passion or lasting fruit. True church planting requires intentional, Spirit-led, and sacrificial obedience.
c. Ignorance of the Great Benefits of Church Planting
Some do not realize the eternal rewards and earthly blessings tied to planting churches. It multiplies disciples, transforms communities, and glorifies God.
d. Discouragement from the Struggles Faced by Early Church Planters
While we honor the memory of pioneers of the faith, many today are unwilling to endure the hardship, trials, and perseverance required to break new grounds for Christ.
e. Perceived Lack of Funds, Personnel, and Facilities
While this seems like a valid reason, it should not be an excuse for disobedience. The Lord of the harvest is more than able to provide if we seek His face through prayer and total dependence (Matthew 9:38).
f. Satanic Opposition
The enemy works hard to hinder and discourage would-be planters through resistance and spiritual barrenness. Yet we must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
g. Lack of Clear Church Planting Policy and Vision
Many denominations and ministries operate without a strategic plan or policy for church expansion. Without a vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18).
h. Unfriendly Competition Among Churches
Instead of seeing ourselves as co-laborers in the vineyard of Christ, some churches feel threatened by the work of church planters. This hinders unity and the spread of the gospel.
i. Wrong Approach and Poor Timing
Some church plants fail due to lack of divine direction, inadequate preparation, and poor spiritual sensitivity.
j. Lack of Prayerful Planning and Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
Church planting is not a mere physical task. It requires intense intercession, divine guidance, and careful Spirit-led planning.
k. Shortage of Willing and Trained Ministers
Many ministers today seek ease and comfort. Few are willing to leave the cities or established churches to labor in rural, remote, or spiritually dry places. The love of large congregations, financial stability, and convenience keeps many from obeying the call to pioneer. Church planting is a call to rugged faith, hard work, and sacrificial living.
2. THE URGENT NEED FOR MORE CHURCHES – Joshua 13:1
a. People Need to Hear the Gospel in Their Own Language
In Nigeria alone, there are twelve major tribes—and across the world, over 12,000 unreached people groups. The believer-to-unbeliever ratio in Nigeria is about 1:7. If each Christian could win seven souls, 75% of the nation could be reached quickly. But this won’t happen without church planting.
b. Obedience to the Great Commission – Matthew 28:19–20
Jesus gave this command not to the educated elite, but to ordinary Galileans. Though Jerusalem was religious, Judea was cold, and Samaria was pagan, the apostles still went and spread the gospel. So must we.
c. To Reach the Lost – Mark 16:15
The world population is now over 6 billion. At least 2 billion people are yet to make a decision for Christ. Every minute, 85 people die. Every day, nearly 24,000 souls pass into eternity—many without Christ. This reality should break our hearts and drive us to action.
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d. To Reap the End-Time Harvest – John 4:35; Proverbs 10:5
Harvest is not about how much has been reaped already but how much is still left. Any part of the harvest that is not gathered on time will rot. Let us not waste this harvest!
e. To Stop the Spread of Satanic and Occult Activities
The influence of cults, false doctrines, and demonic deception is increasing. If we do not rise to plant Bible-believing, Holy Ghost-filled churches, the enemy will take over.
f. To Bring the Church Closer to the People
Just like there is a pharmacy, supermarket, or food store on every street corner to meet physical needs, we must ensure that churches are planted to meet the spiritual needs of every community. The soul is more precious than the body.
3. THE COST OF PLANTING MORE CHURCHES
Church planting is not for the lazy, faint-hearted, or those easily discouraged. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. But those who are willing to pay the price will surely receive God’s blessing and eternal reward.
The Cost Involves:
- Serious, consistent, and intense prayer
- Long periods of fasting and seeking God’s face
- Careful budgeting and financial planning
- Releasing mature, proven, and faithful members to go
- Training and equipping brethren to take up responsibilities
- Mobilizing the congregation with a shared vision
- Setting clear yearly goals for church planting efforts
CONCLUSION
Brethren, the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). Will you answer the call? Will you say like Isaiah, “Here am I; send me”? Church planting is not just another church program—it is a kingdom mandate.
Let us rise in the strength of the Lord, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and take territories for Jesus until the whole earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).