The divine assignment of church planting can be approached from various directions, and ultimately, the most effective method depends on the leading of the Holy Spirit. While we must always seek God’s face for direction, we also present some biblically sound and Spirit-tested methods that have proven fruitful in expanding the Kingdom of God.
1. WAYS CHURCHES ARE PLANTED
a. Spontaneous Church Planting
This involves stirring the hearts of members in an existing local assembly to rise up and form a new nucleus. Under the leadership of a visionary church planter, this group begins a fresh work in a new area—though they may not need to relocate physically. They become the pioneer or founding members of the new congregation.
b. Colonization Approach
Here, a group of believers willingly relocate to another geographical location for the sole purpose of establishing a new church. Like missionaries, they settle in the area, find jobs, schools, and homes, all while establishing the Lord’s presence through the church plant.
c. Church Adoption
Just as a family can adopt a child biologically born by someone else, a church can adopt a congregation birthed by another ministry or group. The “adopted” congregation becomes part of the spiritual family and is nurtured, discipled, and equipped within the adopting church’s framework.
d. Accidental Church Planting (Unplanned Birth)
Sometimes, due to unresolved conflict—whether theological disagreements, leadership issues, or personality clashes—a group may break away to form a new congregation. Surprisingly, both the original and new churches often experience growth afterward. While not ideal, God can use even chaos to birth revival.
e. Mission Team Strategy
This method involves a church planting ministry or organization that sends trained and supported teams to plant new churches. These are Spirit-filled men and women, equipped and resourced to go into territories and raise new altars unto the Lord.
f. Catalytic Church Planter
This is an apostolic calling. A person is sent to a new territory to establish a church, build up leaders, and move on to replicate the process elsewhere. They function like modern-day Paul the Apostle—planting, equipping, and advancing the Kingdom across regions.
g. Independent Church Planter
This is a person who receives a divine vision and direct call from the Lord to start a church, often without a sending agency or external support. They launch out in faith, trusting God for provision, guidance, and fruitfulness.
h. Multi-Congregational Churches
These are churches that house multiple language or ethnic groups under one umbrella. Though the congregations may have separate services and leadership, they often share facilities and operate under one spiritual authority or partnership.
i. Bible College Student Church Planting
Some theological seminaries require students to start and nurture a church before graduation. This helps train future ministers not only in theory but in practical ministry—preaching, discipling, and building a congregation of at least 30 members.
j. Daughter Churches
An existing church takes up the Great Commission mandate by birthing a new “daughter” congregation. This new assembly is supported, nurtured, and mentored until it matures into a strong, independent church.
2. ADEQUATE PREPARATION FOR CHURCH PLANTING
Before stepping out to plant a church, spiritual and physical preparation is essential. Without it, even the best intentions can fail. Preparations include:
- a. Fervent Prayer and Waiting on the Lord: Seek divine direction, revelation, and favor.
- b. Spiritual Warfare: Bind and dislodge territorial spirits (Mark 3:27), pulling down demonic strongholds through prayer.
- c. Building Endurance: Encourage members to be prepared for long-term commitment and spiritual labor.
- d. Sacrificial Giving: Challenge members to offer themselves and their resources for the work.
- e. Environmental Intelligence: Educate the team about the culture, demography, and religious climate of the area.
- f. Establishing Prayer Networks: Raise intercessory teams locally and remotely to sustain the work.
- g. Empower the Pastor/Planter: Stir passion in the would-be pastor to embrace the vision wholeheartedly.
- h. Gather Tools: Secure ministry tools—megaphones, public address systems, gospel tracts, fliers, chairs, etc.
3. PITFALLS TO AVOID
a. Inadequate Preparation
Lack of spiritual, cultural, or logistical preparation has frustrated many church planting efforts. Mistakes include:
- Launching without counting the cost (Luke 14:28).
- Operating without clear vision and strategy.
- Moving by emotions or pressure rather than divine leading.
- Neglecting prayer, fasting, and proper equipping of the team.
- Ignorance of the area’s language, traditions, religious background, and spiritual openness.
b. Confrontational Evangelism
Criticizing other churches or mocking the people’s way of life can shut doors. The goal is to win souls, not start conflicts.
c. Holier-than-Thou Attitude
Approaching the community with spiritual pride or superiority undermines the message of Christ. Humility and love must be the foundation.
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4. THE RIGHT APPROACH TO CHURCH PLANTING
a. Spirit-Led Planning
Many Pentecostals fall into the trap of “no planning—just the Holy Spirit.” But God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). We must plan as though Jesus will come in 100 years, but live as though He is returning tonight. Planning includes:
- Number of churches to be planted
- Timeline for launching each church
- Budget, manpower, and material needs
- Fundraising and resource gathering
- Church locations
- Start dates and milestones
- Evaluation and feedback processes
- Sustaining the vision and plugging loopholes
b. Exploration and Mapping (Num. 13:17–25; Judges 7:9–14)
Conduct a spiritual and geographical survey. Understand the terrain—how many people live there? Are there existing churches? Who are the leaders (chiefs or traditional rulers)? How do we gain community trust?
c. Strategic Targeting
Select where and when to plant based on spiritual need, people’s openness, and divine timing. Prioritize areas that are ripe for the harvest.
d. Understanding the People
Know the background and spiritual climate:
- Have they responded to the Gospel before?
- Are they open or resistant now?
- What kind of churches are they used to?
- What were the experiences of other missionaries or church planters?
- Are there cultural values that hinder or help Gospel reception?
5. FINDING A SUITABLE LOCATION FOR A NEW CHURCH
Don’t wait for land or building before launching. A new work can start in:
- a. The pastor’s home: House fellowship model.
- b. Office/school Bible study clubs.
- c. Rented spaces: Cinemas, school halls, warehouses, hotels.
- d. Leased land: Use tents or temporary structures if necessary.
Focus on souls, not buildings.
6. EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM METHODS
a. Presence Evangelism – Let your godly lifestyle speak. Be the light and salt (Matt. 5:13–16).
b. Proclamation Evangelism – Street preaching, crusades, house-to-house prayers, and personal witnessing.
c. Saturation Evangelism – Evangelize every home in the community, including deliverance and healing ministry.
d. Tea Party Approach – Host social gatherings with food and gently share the Gospel.
The message must be:
- Centered on Jesus Christ
- Not politically charged
- Respectful of local customs
- Clear, simple, and direct
- Uplifting and problem-solving
- Focused on Christ, not the preacher
- Not a prosperity gospel
- Make the people see ownership—it’s “their” church
- Carried with the power of the Holy Spirit
- Include a call for decision and repentance
- Lead into an encounter with Christ (salvation, healing, deliverance)
Power Evangelism is Key:
Pray for the sick, cast out demons, and preach under anointing (Mark 16:17–20; Acts 3:11, 4:4; 8:6; 9:32–35).
7. THE QUALITIES OF A CHURCH PLANTER
(Refer to Romans 1:14–16; 1 Thess. 2:7–19; 2 Cor. 12:15; 1 Cor. 9:16; Luke 4:42–44)
A church planter should be:
- Passionate for souls
- Committed to multiplying disciples and churches
- Humble and accessible
- Loving and considerate
- Spirit-filled and Spirit-led
- Innovative and creative
- People-focused and relationship-oriented
- A person of integrity and character
- Faith-filled and full of hope
- Sacrificial and selfless
- Patient and enduring
- Intimately walking with the Lord
May every church planter and mission-minded believer rise up with understanding, faith, and obedience. For truly, the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. Let us go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to plant churches, win souls, and advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ!