No! In fact, we need to educate people across denominational lines of the importance and necessity of church planting. Many people might say, "Why do we need a church plant? There's already a church on every corner. We just need to get more people in them".
Yes, there are a lot of churches out there but sadly most are declining and/or dying because truth be told they either don't want to do what is needed to reach the unchurched; they don't want to change "who they are" to meet the unchurched "where they are"; they don't know how to reach the unchurched (although the Bibles gives clear directions regarding this); or they actually believe they are "reaching" the unchurched just by being there.
Folks, the days of "Here we are, come and join us" are long gone! IF WE WANT TO REACH THE UNCHURCHED AND IN DOING SO FULFILL THE "GREAT COMMISSION" WE HAVE TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES AND "GO"! And I'm not talking about overseas or on a short term mission trip, I'm talking about our own neighborhoods, cities, and towns. Many churches do a great job of reaching people "out there" but where we really need to focus our ministry is "right here". We must step out from our big buildings and get our hands and feet dirty on a daily basis if we genuinely want to see people come to know the Hope that is Christ. That's the facts as recorded in scripture. I'm just the messenger.
So many startling statistics clearly show us that church plants are needed and that they do work. An example: "One study revealed established Southern Baptist churches baptized 3.4 people per 100 resident members, while new churches baptized 11.7". THAT'S HUGE!! Church plants are reaching the unchurched because church planters and their congregants meet people where they are, they don't ask or expect people to come to them. And they relate to them, by being honest, transparent, and by saying things such as "If not for the grace of God there go I". They don't pretend to be something they're not, they simply take off the "church" mask and point people to the Hope they have... JESUS!
Not everyone is called to plant a church or to serve a church plant, but everyone can and should be involved. Prayer, local congregational support, and financial support are needed for most if not all church plants and church planters.
Church planting is not a threat; it's an opportunity! An opportunity to see more people come to know the Hope that is Jesus Christ! Now, who that is "in Christ" (a Christian) wouldn't want to do or support that?
I encourage you to take a minute to educate yourself regarding church planting if you aren't already. Here are a few of several websites that can do just that.
NAMB.net
Acts29Network.org
Exponential.org
ChurchPlanters.com
SendNetwork.com
ArcChurches.com
Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit".
Blessings,
PCW
#churchplanting
#churchplant
#churchplanter
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