GROUND OF TRUTH BIBLE INSTITUTE
CHURCH PLANTINGINTRODUCTION: Of all the numerous items of importance involved in church planting, non-is as important as the man God uses.
Church is very important. In the history of churches, every evangelistic effort that does not result in church planting is just in vain. The purpose of gospel sharing is to plant every soul into the body of Christ.
There is no desolation in the body of Christ because the bible says the body is one but with many parts.
DEFINITION OF CHURCH:
Church means the assembly of the redeemed or of believers. And it is a living organism.
In a biblical term; The Greek word for it is ecclesia which means the called out.
Church is an assembly of believers. It comprises of all the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, those who were redeemed down the ages, who followed and accepted Jesus Christ as savior and Lord. In the four gospel of the New Testament, it is only in the book of Matthew that the term church was established. Matt.16: 18; 18:17.The church was born on the day of Pentecost after the ascension to heaven of Jesus Christ.
1. Christ Himself declared it as yet to be born.
2. It was founded upon the birth, death, ressurection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Gal.3:23-25.
3. We would not have seen church if Jesus did not shed His blood. Ephesians 1:20.
The church is a divine organism in an alien environment. The church is in the world but not of the world.
THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH
The universal church of Christ
There is no denomination but the entire body of all true believers; born-again Christians all over the world.
THE LOCAL CHURCH
A truly planted and rightly established local church is a company of faithful people, separated from the world, gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, whom they believe, truly worshiping and readily obeying Him.
It is a local assembly of those who profess faith and allegiance to Christ. Not all who profess faith are really faithful. The bible recorded the establishment of local churches in many places. 2Thes.1:1; 1Cor.4:17, 2Cor.11:8. Gal. 1:2, Rev.2: 3. Even the early church met together in homes, synagogues, public or private dwellings for worship and edification.
OTHER DESCRIPTIONS OF THE CHURCH
1. A flock. John. 10:16
2. God’s Husbandry 1 Cor.3: 9
3. God’s building 1 Cor.3: 9
4. The Temple of God
5. The body of Christ Eph. 1:22-23
6. Habitation of God. Eph. 2:22
7 The bride of Christ. Eph. 5:25-27
8. The house of God. 1Tim.3: 15
9. The Pillar and Ground of truth. 1Tim. 3:15 .
THE THREE-FOLD MISSION
1. The Church is God’s own treasure in which He delights. The church’s mission is to glorify God, worship Him in spirit and truth. Eph. 1: 18 , 5: 25 -27; Acts.13: 2; John 4: 23-24.
2 The church has a qualitative ministry to itself, teaching, training and perfecting his
Children, also to equip and establish them in the will of God. Eph. 4: 11-16,
1Cor. 12:1-19, Rom.
3 The church has a ministry to preach the good news of the kingdom to the lost men
and women, and to bring the lost back to God through Evangelism, Discipleship and
the establishment of a local churches. Acts.1: 8, Matt. 28:18-20, Lk: 24:47,
Mk.16:15.
. It is not God’s purpose to Christianize the world; 1Tim.4: 1. The purpose of God for our time is to give a witness to the entire world of the gospel of Christ, redeem a people from the world for His name which will be the nucleus of the kingdom of God
.
THE CHURCH PLANTER
It is one thing to work for God; but the most important thing is to do the work the way God wants it done.
The church planter should realize that he is a partner with God in gathering a people for His name. Acts.15: 12-14. He is not gathering the people for Him to meet any selfish ambition.
TO WORK FOR GOD IS EASIER THAN TO WORK WITH GOD. But God calls us to work with Him and not just for Him. The church planter may be a missionary, an Evangelist, pastor or layman who in the providence of God has been given the opportunity to establish a local church.
THE CHURCH PLANTER QUALIFICATIONS
1.Natural Qualifications.
[a] He should be socially and educationally acceptable to the people that he seeks to reach.
-Men with rural background have more success in rural communities.
-Urban population will not respond well to the man from a rural cultural
environment
Educated people are more likely to be receptive to a man whose education is
comparable to their own.
[b] Because the very nature of church planting requires that the church planter deals with new
people; he should have an out going personality, and be able to meet with new people.
-He should not be someone who tends to isolate himself and be uncomfortable in
the presence of people, particularly strangers.
[c] Minister’s Appearance: Appearance is the first letter to recommendation. Let your
appearance portray the glory of God – simple, neat, modest, mature and moderate
in dress, shoes, head cuts, e. t. c
2.. Spiritual Qualifications:
[a] He should be a man of God. One who has had a personal encounter with God in
changing circumstances of his own life.
- One who has experienced the truth of the new birth and is able to soundly share a testimony of his salvation.
- Developed matured Christian character with his speech and habit exemplifying the virtues of the gospel.
- Filled with the Holy spirit.
- Knowledgeable in the word of God.
[b] Should be sincerely interested in people and have a deep concern for their personal
problems.
- He must have the ability to apply spiritual truths for solution to their problem.
[c] Be motivated by deep and abiding compassion for the lost. Lk. 15:3-7, 8-10 diligently
seeking the lost, and never give up until he sees his erring son come home. Lk.15:1 -32.
- He must be willing to give time and energy to help others.
[d] A man of prayer: Col.1: 9-11, 2:1-3, Eph. 3:14-19. A man with special anointing
which results in answer to prayer will attract people to the newly established church.
[e] A man of vision and trust in God.
- He will see possibilities where others see obstacles.
- He will be highly motivated and persevering in spite of discouragement and setbacks.
[f] A man of holy boldness Heb .10:35
- He is a man who is ready to face any type of attack at campaign ground
- He will be ready to stand before anybody to defend the gospel and prove it.
CHURCH PLANTING BEGINS WHERE?
THE 4 “M” OF CHURCH PLANTING
Church planting begins with men; there are at least four worthy “Ms” that occupy a place in the work of the Lord.
1. – Man]
2. –Message] INTERDEPENDABLE
3 - Method]
4 -Money]
But the key to these is man. Why? If there is man who will proclaim the right message and learn the right method, then lack of money will not stop his success. Obviously, many men of God have the right message and yet struggle for the method that will help them accomplish more success in the work. The message is more important than the method, but again, without the man, the message will never be conveyed.
THE PROCESS OF CHURCH PLANTING
ENVIRONMENT:
Church , like an individual ,may be fortunate to have been well born but under a bad atmosphere. Like an individual , a church may be fortunate to have been well nourished to foster its growth or be unfortunate to be undernourished which will hinder its growth, most especially in its early years.
GOOD LOCATION:
Happy is the church that has good location..
[a] A community of opportunity and need.
[b] A field that is not overcrowded with churches.
[c] Property [land] which permits expansion .
[d] A building which facilitates worship and work .
DETERMINING THE NEED OF A CHURCH:
Like many foreign countries ,Nigeria
[a] Where there are people ,the church is needed .
[b] Social , moral and spiritual poverty characterize a churched community . There are many communities which have been this poverty stricken .
[c] As new communities are being formed throughout the nation , there is the need to form new churches .
DETERMINING THE LOCATION OF A CHURCH:
The location of a church determines its future. A church rightly located has many advantages ; a wrongly located church is under a serious handicap.
PLANING FOR LOCATION:
1. Is the church location easily accessible?
2. Is it near the highway or travel ?
3. Would it be difficult to reach at any time of the day or season?.
4. Is it too far from the body of people whom it would reach?
5. Is its location desire able?.
6. Is the neighborhood substantial?.
7. Is the land or building suitable?.
8. Will the services be free from disturbances ?.
METHOD OF APPLICATION:
1: Familiarize yourself with the town or city through city map or take a stroll of walk exercise.
2: Determine where the growth center of the area is located and visit the area immediately .
3: Locate on a map , the number of churches ,and note the various denominational and religious institutions that exist . This will tell the church planter something about the religious church and the planting efforts they made and their need .
4. Find a suitable place where services can be held – if possible in the area desire
5 . Start a bible and prayer services in the Pastor’s home if possible in a converts home or a
service hall , be sure that such converts have nothing that can hinder the gospel in their lives . 6 . Print advertising literatures , posters , handbills and make public announcement .
7 . Organize a press release .
8 . Start door to door visitation . Introduce yourself , church , your intention and make
invitation .
9 . Establish visitation programme for the Laity as soon as possible .
10 . Print follow up letters .
11 . Print or make newspaper adverts .
CHURCH PLANTER`S OBJECTIVE
1 . To Present Christ to the community.
2 . To win converts and then
3 . To incorporate these converts into a local church.
OBJECTIVES
Many church planters just start a church without meaningful objectives. The result is being drifted from one programme to the other without achieving a particular goal because they have not set goals to achieve .
As ministers of the gospel , church planters ,ambassadors of Christ , we are to plant and build up the church for Christ and so we should develop a plan for our ministry of church planting under the leading of the Holy Spirit .
[a] What type of church do you desire to plant?
[b] What are the plans you have for the church?
[c] What are the principles and specifications you are following in your gospel and church
planting ministries?
[d] Why do you want the church planted in the area?
[e] Is the church evangelistic in nature and administration?
[f] What are the condition for the church membership?.
[g] Is it a church teaching the bible?.
[h] Is it a church training for service?
[I] Is it a mission minded church reaching the unreached?
[j] A church promoting and practicing Biblical Christian stewardship?.
[k] A church managing its affairs and enriching its worship?
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RESPONSIBILITIES F A SENDING CHURCH
A. Responsibilities of the church leader.
B. Responsibilities of Missionary Board of the church.
Before a missionary is been sent out, the church must possess some requirements:
1. Set a policy: This centers on the operations of the project.
That is, they will have aims and objectives, and all this will come from the Headquarters.
This will include policies, live programme, finances, pattern, where to start, training, what
category of people and how to get money.
2. Setting of Example: It is the work of the leader to move the church members into the
work. 3. Plan for Mission
are to speak well of it in their ears, and encourage them to participate in it.
METHODS OF CHURCH PLANTING
There is no single method of planting the church under the guidance of Holy Spirit. One method may succeed in a place while others may fail there. So many methods but one result. And the only result is planting the church. In other way round, churches can be planted through a combination of all these methods:
1. Personal evangelism.
2. House group fellowship.
3. Evangelism crusade.
4. Pulpit Evangelism or Door knock campaign-operation come and see i.e. inviting somebody to come.
PREPARATIONS OF THE CHURCH PLANTER
A. The Evangelist who started the new church may initially stay there and be their pastor.
B. The Evangelist may bring a co-worker with him who will plan to stay after the crusade. The co-worker will work with the Evangelist during the crusade, and after that be a pastor to them.
C. The Evangelist/Missionary, though, not plan to stay for a long time, but at the same time, he must plan to stay long enough for him to train up the local leadership of the newly planted church. Somebody must be trained to take up the oversight of the new church. An example of this is Apostle Paul.
THE EVANGELIST CAMPAIGN
It is a campaign of evangelism is envisioned, the following guidelines should prove helpful:
1. The Evangelist and his fellow workers should come to the meetings having spent
time in prayer and spiritual preparation, expecting God to manifest Himself.
2. Let the message be Biblical and simple, with emphasis on the fact that God hears
and answers prayer, conveying to the listeners the reality of the Christian message.
3. Keep the services lively and moving. The singing should be inspirational with
much choruses in order to maintain the interest of the casual visitor.
Testimonies. Of people who have found deliverance from sin or healing in answer
to prayer will keep the attention of the listeners and awaken them to an attitude of
faith.
4 There should be chance for people to accept Christ in every service.
5. Those making a profession of faith should be visited in their homes.
. THE MESSAGE THAT PLANTS CHURCHES
INTRODUTION
Gospel message is the only means of communication to draw sinners to the Lord.
There is one gospel message; but it may be expressed in different ways. The
Gospel is not to be change, but form in which it is communicated may vary to suit
The hearer. The Apostle also expressed the same gospel message in various ways:
1. Sacrificial lamb: The shedding and sprinkling of Christ blood.
2. Messianic: The bringing in of God’s promised messiah and ruler. 3. A Liberator: One coming to the rescue of the helpless.
4. A Shepherd: One who goes out to find the lost sheep.
5. A Farmer: One who goes out to sow seed.
The Apostle Paul placed prime importance on the message that he preached. In
His writing to the Ephesian church, he showed the connection between the messages preached and the church that he had found: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”{Eph.1: 13}
Again, writing to the church in Thessalonica he said, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” {I Thess.2; 13}
The local church comes into existence as a result of the message preached.
The Quality of the message determines the quality of the church. The message that builds the church is a Bible-based message. It is in the scriptures that God’s revelation of saving truth is found. Let the church planter be a proclaimed of redemption truth as set forth in the written word of God, so that the converts may become people of the Book.
All ministers of the Christian church professedly preach the message of the gospel. However, there is a wide variation in the emphasis given. Some of the preaching that goes fort from modern pulpits under the name of the preaching of God’s word has very little resemblance to the message of the Apostle. We do not hesitated to affirm that the preaching of the Apostle message in the power of the Spirit will produce a vital apostolic church.
The apostolic message was completely Christ-centered. One has only to read the first sermons of the Apostles in the book of Acts to be struck by its straightforward simplicity. At first the message involved little more than the proclamation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that forgiveness of sins and eternal life would be given to those who would believe in Christ. The listeners were exhorted to be baptized, and promised that they would receive the gift of the Spirit {Acts.2: 38-39}.
Though it contained only the barest out lines of Christian theology, yet it contained the essential elements to produce a vital Christian church. Although the Apostles, particularly Paul, through the inspiration of the Spirit, later developed and rounded out the theology of the Christian church, and explained more fully the purposes of God, yet the message remained completely Christ-centered.
The message that plants churches today must likewise be Christ-centered. A great part of the message of the gospel consists in explaining who Jesus Christ is, what He did on earth, the significance of His death and resurrection, what He is doing and willing to do for those who believe in him now; and His future triumph in the universe.
The good news that redeems man and forms the church is to be found in these basic truths of the gospel. Evangelists must take care not to try to advance on too broad a front. The introduction of political issues into the message will only serve to weaken the fine cutting edge of the gospel.
We do not deny that Christianity has implications that reach every stage of life – both individual and national- but when we are planting churches; we are not dealing with national issues but with the individual and his need as a sinful, rebellious soul – the prodigal who needs to return to the house of his father.
Let us take care not to introduce secondary matter that weakens the impact of the gospel on the individual life and relieve him of his responsibility as an individual who must stand before the great judge of all the earth.
The message that the church planter preaches must be relevant to the needs of his hearers. The gospel must be presented in such a way that it will show how the specific needs can be met. In cultures of certain religious backgrounds, there is an overwhelming sense of moral guilt. The Evangelist can proclaim to such people the unique message of forgiveness through the cross of Christ. In other cultures, the sense of guilt because of oral failure or sin may be very weak, or almost non-existent.
Neither Jesus nor the Apostles ignored the physical need for men in ministering to them. Truly, Christ used the opportunity to explain the deeper needs of the soul, but he healed both the physically afflicted [Mk. 2:5-12]. Let us then preach a Christ –centered message , proclaiming all of the marvelous benefits that may be received, and aiming our message at the felt need of the hearers.
At the same time, let us not neglect to insist on total commitment as a requisite of discipleship, so that the converts will be sold out to God, men who will follow the footsteps of the Apostles. In doing so, we shall lay a solid foundation for the church and for its expansion in our corner of the earth.
SIMPLE FULL GOSPEL MESSAGE
2Cor. 15:1-5 Simple full Gospel affirms that Jesus died and was buried and later rose from death.
The church planters should avoid too great emphasis on negative things in his preaching. However, some negative preaching is necessary, the sinner must hear the thundering of God’s law of righteousness against his sin in order to be awakened to his need of a savior.
Adulterous practices must be changed in the name of the true God. How? Through the power of the Holy Spirit. The tragedy of a sinful life must be revealed, but all of these are only the preliminaries to pointing to the only true savior. Let us be careful not to give the impression that being a Christian consist in not doing certain things. The fact that a person does not drink, smoke, dance or gamble does not make him a Christian. Nor the use of clothes, jewelleries or make up makes him or her not to be a Christian. Only faith in Christ can save. The fact must be kept ever pre-eminent; the message presented must be relevant to the need of the hearer.
1. BIBLE as basis.
2. Holy Spirit and power.
3 Knowledge.
ANALYSIS:
- It is without apology that the survey of the biblical base for mission begins with the prologue to John’s gospel. In John we see the heart of missions as being in Christ, the cosmic missionary. When the world became flesh, it served and it belongs to Him. The believers who know that Christ has come to this planet will know certainly that the New Testament draws its breath in missions, incarnate missions and create missions and missionaries everywhere.
- Power means authority, credibility, strength, energy, drive, motivation, influence, protection, ennablement, facilitation and intercession. These all come from the Holy Spirit, the bible and Christ. An Evangelist is helpless even he will fail if he is to rely on his own power to do the work of a missionary. 2Cor. 3:5-6. A missionary is extremely vulnerable to attack without the weapons of warfare that is supplied by God; for the bible says, ”for the weapon of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”2cor.10:4; Eph.6:10-13. praying in the spirit is also very necessary.
- Knowledge is power, power is knowledge, and at times knowledge saves from various perils or dangers.
FISHERS OF MEN.
A fisher man should possess among other qualifications:
1. Ability to smell winds.
2. Ability to discern winds and problems.
3. Patience.
THE CARE OF NEW CONVERTS
Healthy children are normally healthy at birth. A child that is not born with good health may be weak and sickly all his life. It is necessary that Christian workers should do everything he can to see that new converts in the church has healthy birth into the kingdom of God
CLASSES FOR NEW CONVERTS:
Just as newborn babies require special care, so new converts require special help and instructions.1 Peter 2:2. A special class should be organized to prepare the new converts for water baptism and church membership.
-A new converts class should be held at least once a week.
-It may be held as a special class in the Sunday school or one of the evenings of the week may be devoted to it.
-It may be well to begin this class before the campaign ends otherwise it will be difficult to conserve the results of the campaign after the Evangelist might have departed.
-Teaching could be basic and simple. Whenever possible, the pastor should teach the new converts class, since he is in the best to guide them in their first step to the Lord.
BAPTISM:
Baptism is an important step for the new converts. Care should be taken to prepare them properly so that it will be a meaningful spiritual experience for them. Baptism should occur as early in the Christian life as soon as possible.
It is a mistake to allow months or years to go without the converts taking this important step.
- Some teachings are necessary to prepare a convert for baptism. He must be able to understand what he is doing and to assume the responsibilities of the Christian life.
- Many Pastors do not baptize converts unless they are prepared to become members of the local church. In fact, the very act of baptism is considered as the initial step to full membership of a local church. There is no point in baptizing people who are not going to become part of some local churches or accept the responsibilities of church membership.
- The period of teaching serves another purpose. Many people come to the Lord with complications in their marital status. Baptism is considered not only as an answer to a clear conscience before God, but also a testimony to the world of a new life in Christ.
It is believed that the new convert should give evidence of their conversion by taking steps to straighten their lives.
We should avoid ultra legalistic approach in this matter as sin has certainly wrought its havoc. Nevertheless all efforts should be made to rectify unwholesome conditions and produce fruits needed for repentance Mt.3: 8.
ACTIVITIES OF THE CONVERTS:
1. WITNESSING:
New converts should not sit and listen to others, but should begin his Christian life as an active witness especially if the church is active in witnessing Christ without rest. The new convert should go along and be given the opportunity to tell others what Christ has done for him.
2. ATTENDING SUNDAY SCHOOLS
3. ACCEPTING THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST
He must learn that every phase of his life-school, business, family and self must be brought under the control of Jesus Christ.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
- The new convert should be taught how to overcome failure.
- Spirit filled life should be taught him. 2pet. 1:5-10.
SPIRITUAL SPONSORS
There should be spiritual counselor to each new convert to serve as spiritual elder brother to him in other to help him in the first few days after his conversion.
The spiritual sponsor should be assigned at the time the convert accept Christ. He should be a person of good character and ideals and should have a personality and background compatible with that of the new convert.
The responsibilities of the sponsor would be:
1. To established contact with the convert at the hour of conversion.
2. To visit the convert in his home within a day or two after he has accept Christ.
3. To accompany him to the next meeting and sit beside him.
4. To pray with him after the service either in the prayer room or at the altar if opportunity is provided.
5. To give him counsel and help him in the area of his needs as far as he is able.
6. To informed the pastor if the new convert encounters difficulties in his spiritual life.
7. To encourage the new convert to enroll in the new convert’s class.
8. To help the new convert with the lessons of the home study course and explain their spiritual significance to him.
HINDRANCES TO CHURCH PLANTING
The hindrances to church planting are as follow:
1a. Lack of prayer could be hindrances to church planting.
b. Lack of financial support.
c. Human resources. (A man who is qualified and capable in the word of God.)
2. Bad message. If the message presented is not good, it can hinder church
Planting. The scripture says the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto
Salvation. Wrong presentation or approach may make this gospel to be avoid of
Power of power. The preacher and his message may even not be accepted by the
People.
3. Failure of adequate preparations.
4. Demonic attacks. Paul said; I want to come to you but servant of Satan
Hindered me.
5. Lack of knowledge of the will of God. The pastor may not know the will of God for his church; consequently he may set no goal for his church.
6. Stagnancy. A denomination that only concerned itself with maintaining the members they have, rather than seeking for convert may hinder church planting and church growth.
7. Tribalism. This may prevented a church from reaching out to people of other culture apart from that of their members.
8. Fight over trivial issues. If the pastor or the elders constantly fighting over trivial issues, neglect of the preaching of the word of God will be inevitable.
9. Ignorance about church planting. When people are not taught about
God’s will to plan churches
10. Indifference to mission. This occurs when people are not sympathetic toward
outreach to the lost through mission.
11. Competition and selfishness. When people in the church fights with one
Another over personal issues neglecting the commission that they should make disciples of the whole nations. Matt.28:7-9.  |
VIZUALISING THE CHURCH WE ARE TO PLANT
Our goal must be specific first; because we can not plan to establish a church for children only, but if your aims is to be a church that the gate of hell will not prevail against; our members must not limited to children only, it must include adults.
Though it is not bad to win children for the Lord but the fact is, if we win the parent first it will be very easy to win the children. The church of Christ
Result of mission must be into planting churches.
What are the type of churches we need to plant? There are so many types of
churches that could be planted these days, but we shall only consider few.
1. Indigenous church.
2. Praternism.
3. Orphanism
ANALYSIS:
1. INDIGENOUS: Is a church planted and supported by the Headquarters or the
2. PRATERNISM: Is an undue continuity of the father’s role. If the role of the
Father can continue just like that without stopping, obviously the father will have problem later. So it is good for each local church to take care of themselves, after being planted.
3. ORPHANISM: This means to offer up a church totally. This is a church without Parents. In others words, it may be called a local church without supporter. Operation, carry your cross.
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