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Why Plant Churches?

When Jesus issued us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) he instructed us not just to “make disciples” but also to “baptize” and “teach them.” Clearly, he intended for every new follower of Jesus to be incorporated into a church, the local body of Christ. The only way that this happens is if our churches grow larger and/or new churches are planted.

When Paul undertook his missionary work around the known world, he started a program of church planting. He went to the largest city in an area or region, he preached the gospel there, and from that preaching a church began. Paul would then continue on to other cities and regions to do this again, but the church that he left behind would continue to preach the gospel in their city, and in the surrounding countryside, and as people came to faith, more and more new churches were planted.

Because there were no church buildings in the early church, the largest facility to hold a ‘gathering’ of the church was the family home. This limited the size of each church. Church planting was therefore both necessary, and effective in making new disciples.

Research shows that church planting is one of the most effective (or possibly the most single effective) method of reaching new people. Church plants tend to reach groups of people that existing churches struggle to meet. Groups such as young adults, new residents and new social groups. And it makes sense.

Each church develops, over time, its own flavor and style. While a church must work hard to be inclusive of new people, rather than exclusive, it can’t help having its own distinct style and flavor. It is always going to find it harder to reach people who are different, in age, culture, background, etc. This is where new church plants are of advantage in kingdom work. They more readily accommodate and disciple those who are new and different.

Studies also show that new churches are more effective in reaching completely un-churched people. A new church will gain 60-80% of its growth from those who do not currently attend a church, while a church that is over 15 years old will gain over 70% of its growth from those transferring their membership from other churches. Church planting is an effective means of evangelism.

We, at RCRC, are committed to the kingdom of God and the gospel of Jesus, in our area. We are not about growing a big church, but about seeing people come to faith in Jesus. While we will continually seek to see new converts come to faith through the people and ministries of RCRC, we also recognize that a part of this kingdom work is to plant new churches. Its about being responsible with the things that God has given us.

Next week, on Tuesday night (3^rd April) we will be having our first Church Planting Exploration Team (CPET) meeting, 7.30 @ the church. Through this time we will continue to explore issues that relate to church planting, and where God is leading us as a church. If you are interested in learning more, we would love to see you then. For more information email churchplanting@redlands crc.org.au