Church Planting

As a pastor-teacher, I am devoting my life to serving the Lord via the local church; I can do no less.[1] This decision and God-given desire is not due to professional convenience (as some people think I only work Sundays), but due to personal conviction – based on the Word of God.[2] I am absolutely convinced that as the saints are equipped through learning and applying God's truth, they are to do the work of ministry resulting in the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Furthermore, I believe we do well today to hear and heed the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy:

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Thus, it is my deep passion to see Gospel-preaching, Bible-teaching, grace-oriented local churches planted and built to the glory of Jesus Christ.

WHERE DOES A CHURCH-PLANTER START?

By God's grace, we have not only been privileged to observe the Spirit of God using the Word of God in our midst at D.B.C., but we have been honored to be involved in spreading the Gospel and planting local churches in other communities as well.[3]

With a desire to do this in a biblical fashion, I began reading various books on church planting. Most were very disappointing, as they involved church growth techniques and worldly gimmicks laced with an occasional scripture verse or proof text to appear credible.[4]

Personal conversations with seasoned missionaries were encouraging, but I still lacked sufficient concrete biblical principles to sink my spiritual teeth into.

I eventually proceeded to read an amazing piece of literature that I should have prayerfully consulted at the very beginning of this process – the Word of God; and in particular, Acts chapters 13 & 14! I finally arrived at the conclusion, "Why not study the missionary journeys of Paul's church-planting teams and seek to draw out some biblical principles to provide divine direction for this endeavor?"

Dear readers, this booklet is the fruit of that exciting study.[5]

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. (Acts 13:1-5)

While the following principles are not intended to be an exhaustive list for church planting, they have served to grant us scriptural direction and parameters for planting three churches thus far. You may find these truths very simple and extremely basic – they are! More importantly, they are biblical; though the Holy Spirit must personally direct in the application of them in each particular situation.

When church planting, remember that God uses believers who are already growing and ministering for Him.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted… (Acts 13:1-2a)

From the prophetic-teaching minis-try of the dynamic local church at Antioch, God would select two equipped believers to serve Him as missionaries – Barnabas and Saul. But this was ministry with mat-uration. By this time, Barnabas and Paul had been saved for at least twelve years. By the standards of some mission boards today, they would have been rejected for being "fossilized" in age (they were in their mid-40's) and theologically uneducated; thus they would be deemed unqualified and unwanted. Neither were graduates of a bible college or seminary, though both had been enrolled in God's School Of Spiritual Growth. Paul personally had taken upper graduate courses at the Arabian Desert Academy of Grace-Orientation for past legalistic, pharisaical individuals with previous criminal records.[6] We must not forget that church planting (like all ministry) is a grace operation from beginning to end.

Please carefully note, "as they ministered to the Lord…" (13:2). When God has a special job to do, He does not look to someone who is waiting around for a position in order to serve Jesus Christ. Instead, God uses someone who has a passion to serve as motivated by the love and grace of God and who humbly trembles at God's Word.

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:14-15)

…but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (Isa. 66:2b)

Dear reader, no airplane trip ever prepared a believer to be a missionary, and no seminary ever gifted or matured a Christian to serve the Lord (only the Lord can do this). And while the local church is designed to "equip" the saints for their work of ministry, only God in His grace can ultimately gift, mature, and use a believer in whatever field of service He individually determines. This certainly debunks the force-fed, fast-food, assembly-line attempts at spiritual preparation for ministry that dominate our modern approach to missions and ministry.[7] By the way, which member of the missionary team spiritually bombed and went home to mommy? The least matured and prepared!

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13)

Whether you are interested in church planting or not, I encourage you to start by focusing on your vertical walk of faith with the Lord in light of your position in Christ, and then be willing to serve Jesus Christ in whatever opportunities are right before you. As you concentrate on the depth of your spiritual growth, God will determine the breadth of your specific ministry.[8]

The Holy Spirit must direct and enable you from the very beginning in order for church planting to be successful.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia… (Acts 13:4a)

This biblical principle is crucial – it must not be overlooked or underemphasized. God does not bless the activities of the flesh religiously rampant. We need the direction and enablement of the Holy Spirit each step of the way. Since spiritual needs are great everywhere, a real sense of the Holy Spirit's leading to open doors and hungry hearts is essential. Also, you must be very careful where you begin a church plant, as it is very difficult and discouraging to pull out and leave once you have begun.

While in Acts 13:2 this divine guidance may have come through prophetic utterance (1 Corinthians 13:8-10 nullifies that means for us today), God still leads in answer to believing prayer (James 1:5-6), providential circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:15-18), personal peace (Colossians 3:15), and always in accordance to God's Word. Normally, fasting was accompanied by a diligent seeking of the Lord in prayer. This is what Nehemiah did before attempting the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4)

When involved in church planting, do not forget the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6…

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:3)

In this verse we see "ordination" in a true biblical sense. It is not the bestowal of some spiritual gift or powers, but simply the human recognition/appointment or confirmation by the spiritual leaders of a local church regarding what God had already determined.[9] Please notice that all of Acts 13:1-3 transpired in and through a local church. Where better to gain ministry experience to evangelize the lost, teach the saved, and to plant churches than in serving in your local church? And who better to oversee and confirm your giftedness, growth and ministry than the pastor and elders of your local church?

Although the local church is central to God's plan for evangelism and church planting, parachurch organizations have seemingly usurped this role (perhaps we have given it to them). Instead of missionaries being sent out by local churches, too often a mission board has become a spiritually-independent surrogate mother that steals the resources, man-power, and finances of the local church. Amazingly, the parachurch organization gives no account doctrinally or practically to any local church, and normally fails to even have one pastor on its executive committee or board. Does it not cause you to stop and wonder whether the parachurch has too often become a parasite instead of a partner to the local church?

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. (Acts 13:4-5)

Barnabas, Saul (Paul), and John Mark comprised this first church planting team. In later missionary journeys, Paul would be accompanied and assisted by Silas (Acts 15:40), Timothy (Acts 16:1-3), Luke (Acts 16:10), Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius of Derbe, Tychicus, Trophimus (Acts 20:4), etc.

Having a team effort allows more hands to do the work of ministry; thus more can be done. Furthermore, each believer's spiritual gifts can complement one another; they can mutually encourage and pray for one another; and what a great opportunity for the younger (like Timothy) and more spiritually immature members (like John Mark) of the team. From our church-planting experience at D.B.C., we have observed first-hand the practical value of this team approach.[10]

And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. (Acts 13:5)

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

The objective of a church plant is not to steal sheep from another church or to undermine the ministry of another Bible-teaching pastor. It is first of all to reach the unsaved with the Gospel of God's grace. In this day of doctrinal confusion, it is difficult to hear a clear presentation of the saving message of the Gospel from the pulpits of our land. Unfortunately, in too many cases a garbled Gospel has been exported to foreign turf. Therefore, instead of seeking to build an exciting program in order to attract the lost to the church meeting, believers need to go and proclaim the finished work of Christ to those who are perishing (Mark 16:15; 2 Cor. 5:17-21).

You need to expect opposition to the truths of God's Word, especially religious opposition.

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? (Acts 13:6-10)

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. (Acts 13:45)

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. (Acts 13:50)

This opposition to the Gospel is often times a severe reaction to people's religious beliefs and traditions being threatened and individual hearts being convicted. Wherever the Apostle Paul went, there was either a revival or a riot – so do not be surprised if this happens to you!

Sometimes this opposition will even come from other genuine believers who may like the clarity of your Bible teaching, but do not appreciate your stand on it (as they fail to see that the two are connected).[11] Perhaps they have been poorly or wrongly taught, or have embraced a sappy sentimentality with an ecumenical flavor that they semantically redefine as "love." Satan will gladly use either the unsaved or the saved to hinder or thwart the building of Christ's church.[12]

If you carefully trace the three missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, a specific strategy is discovered. His team targeted only large, metropolitan cities. Furthermore, he usually went to the synagogue where its open forum provided an excellent opportunity to reach fellow Jews. Some responded to the Gospel; others did not and were hardened in their hearts. Paul then worked with the willing.

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:8-10)

The apostle to the Gentiles also visited markets and other places where effective personal contact with the Gospel could be enjoyed. As people responded and a local church was formed, this assembly would act as a hub to reach out to smaller cities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What joy when one evangelized town or village establishes a local church which has a Spirit-wrought vision to reach their neighboring communities with the Gospel!

Though your strategy needs to be written in pencil (as God has a big sovereign eraser), it does serve to provide vision and perspective regarding where you believe God is leading.

The church planters utilized the chronological approach in their Bible teaching with a focus on the Gospel. (Acts 13:17-37)

If you read carefully Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia, you will observe that he covers a brief history of the nation of Israel in order to preach Jesus Christ. If this was helpful to fellow Jews who were familiar with the Old Testament, would it not be even more imperative to do this with unsaved Gentiles – especially those whose loincloth consists of a brand-name business suit?

New Tribes Mission (NTM) has utilized this chronological approach very effectively now for several years by developing a curriculum written by Trevor McIlwain called, “Firm Foundations – Creation to Christ.”[13]

Goodseed International missionary John Cross has also written an excellent, easy-to-read book implementing this same teaching approach titled, “The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus.”[14] Our church has distributed several thousand of these books in the last few years and has found them to be very effective with unbelievers and believers alike. The chronological approach not only provides a historical and logical sequence to learning Biblical truth, but it fills in the mental gaps and lays a solid doctrinal foundation both for evangelism to the lost and the edification of the saved. Furthermore, it helps resolve the potential problem of syncretism (mixing pagan beliefs with biblical truths).

The church-planters preached Jesus Christ, and told their audience specifically how to and how not to be justified before God.

But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. (Acts 13:37-41)

While this approach may be unpopular and offensive in our day, it is thoroughly biblical and very effective in underscoring the one and only response to the Gospel – faith alone in Christ alone! Since this salvation message was preached to religious Jews and God-fearing Gentiles at the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia (13:14, 26), Paul wanted no syncretism of his Gospel with the prevailing Jewish traditions of that day. Thus, he boldly proclaims…

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:39)

No speaking invitations from the "Hour of Power" for this courageous apostle! Yet Paul practiced what he preached.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:8-10)

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others… (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6a)

Granted, while forthright preaching will please God, some men will be offended by such a bold approach (perhaps even fellow-believers). Yet, God will honor His Word as you do God's will, God's way, to God's glory.

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:42-43)

In the various ministries of our church we have utilized this motto: "We are not here to have fun with the phonies or to cater to the carnal. We are here to work with the willing." With the firm conviction that Jesus Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18), and believing that God will use the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God), a church planter must preach it in a clear, accurate, practical, and simple fashion – leaving the results with God. With the passing of time, the Lord will surface those individuals who are responding (and it may surprise you who they are). The willing, in turn, will be used by God to provide numerous other personal contacts and open doors for the Gospel.

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. (Acts 13:44)

But do not be surprised when religious opposition also comes – our Lord Jesus Christ promised it would happen (John 15:18-16:4).

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. (Acts 13:45-49)

Also, do not be discouraged when the lost totally miss initially what you are seeking to communicate, for blind people do not see well (read Acts 14:6-18). Remember, God does the saving, we do the preaching, leaving the results in His hands.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:3-7)

Since church planting is a divine undertaking, believers need to be filled by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the task.

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? (Acts 13:8-10)

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 13:50-52)

It is interesting to note that both of these incidents involved opposition to the truth. When better (and more needed) to be filled with Christ by means of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16-17) than when facing persecution. Since we are totally inadequate to do God's will (including church planting), it is imperative that we walk in dependence on the Lord and the resources of His grace. Otherwise, we will attempt to do God's will in our own wisdom and strength – a sure recipe for failure. We will be busy, but barren of true fruitfulness (John 15:1-5).

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (Colossians 1:28-29)

The importance of a daily walk of grace through faith in Jesus Christ and the enablement of the Holy Spirit cannot be stressed enough. All ministry (including church planting) must not consist of believers striving in their own strength to work for God. Instead, our service needs to be the outflow of a daily dependence on Christ living His life in and through us.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Thus, as Paul reviews his past missionary endeavors to the church at Rome, notice the crucial truths that he communicates.

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:15-19)

If we examine this passage closely we see several key aspects to the apostle’s missionary activities.

If you are to be involved in church planting by the Book, you must learn this secret of success as well. And to grasp this, God may allow you to fail miserably in order to personally teach you the “not I, but Christ” life of faith and service (Galatians 2:20). This was Paul’s experience in Romans 7. Someone has wisely written,

“If our lives are to be Christ-centered and Christ-like, and our walk controlled by the Holy Spirit, and our service glorifying to God, sooner or later the Lord will begin to engineer failure, and orchestrate needs in our lives. It almost appears that His most effective means in the process of molding us into His image is indeed failure.”[15]

“It is more than comforting to realize that it is those who have plumbed the depths of failure to whom God invariably gives the call to shepherd others. This is not a call given to the gifted, the highly trained, or the polished as such.

Without a bitter experience of their own inadequacy and poverty they are quite unfitted to bear the burden of spiritual ministry. It takes a man who has discovered something of the measures of his own weakness to be patient with the foibles of others. Such a man also has a first-hand knowledge of the loving care of the Chief Shepherd, and his ability to heal one who has come humbly to trust in Him and Him alone. Therefore he does not easily despair of others, but looks beyond sinfulness, willfulness, and stupidity, to the might of unchanging love. The Lord Jesus does not give the charge, 'Be a shepherd to My lambs… to My sheep,' on hearing Peter's self-confident affirmation of undying loyalty, but He gives it after he has utterly failed to keep his vows and has wept bitterly in the streets of Jerusalem.”[16]

Miles Stanford in his classic book “The Green Letters” (Principles of Spiritual Growth), makes it clear that,

“It is one thing to know what God's purpose is for our lives, and it is another to know something of the ‘how’ as to entering into it all right here and now. One of God's most effective means in the process is failure. So many believers are simply frantic over the fact of failure in their lives, and they will go to all lengths to try to hide it, ignore it, or rationalize about it. And all the time they are resisting the main instrument in the Father's hand for conforming us to the likeness of His Son!

Failure where self is concerned in our Christian life and service, is allowed and often engineered by God in order to turn us completely from ourselves to His Source for our life- Christ Jesus, Who never fails. Rejoice, dear friend, in your need and hunger of heart, for God says, ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled’ (Matt. 5:6). As we, in our abject need, consistently and lovingly look on our Lord Jesus revealed to us in the Word, the Holy Spirit will quietly and effortlessly change the center and source of our lives from self to Christ – hence for each of us it will be, ‘Not I, but Christ.’”[17]

“Christian living is not our living with Christ’s help, it is Christ living His life in us. Therefore that portion of our lives that is not His living is not Christian living; and that portion of our service that is not His doing is not Christian service; for all such life and service have but a human and natural source, and Christian life and service have a supernatural and spiritual source. Paul insisted, ‘For to me to live is Christ’; and, ‘I can do all things through Christ’ (Phil. 1:21; 4:13a).”[18]

If you are discouraged in your church planting ministry, consider the following:

“We might consider some familiar names of believers whom God obviously brought to maturity and used for His glory names such as Pierson, Chapman, Tauler, Moody, Goforth, Mueller, Taylor, Watt, Trumbull, Meyer, Murray, Havergal, Guyon, Mabie, Gordon, Hyde, Mantle, McCheyne, McConkey, Deck, Paxson, Stoney, Saphir, Carmichael, and Hopkins. The average for these was fifteen years after they entered their life work before they began to know the Lord Jesus as their Life, and ceased trying to work for Him and began allowing Him to be their All in all and do His work through them. This is not to discourage us in any way, but to help us to settle down with our sights on eternity , by faith ‘apprehend[ing] that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus… press[ing] toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus’ (Phil. 3:12b, 14).”[19]

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)

Being privileged to teach the Word of God, I view myself as a table-waiter or servant (1 Cor. 3:5). In keeping with this metaphor, I am seeking to bring the food from the kitchen to the table without spilling it. And though I am both humbled and thrilled when God uses the two-edged sword of His Word in human hearts, it should not surprise me. He promised that this is exactly what would happen. Thus, over the years I have heard after church services remarks such as…

Confidence in the transforming power of God's Word will also help deliver you from the temptation to utilize legalistic arm-bar pressure or Madison-avenue gimmicks to accom-plish results.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. (Acts 17:10-12)

An important ingredient in this church-planting process is patience, as we want to hurry God’s work along. This process requires you to wait patiently on the Lord to use His transforming truth in people’s lives. Also, it will be necessary to show patience towards people (makrothumia) and endurance under testing (hupomone).

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. (2 Tim. 2:10-11)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

When utilizing a church-planting team, wisdom dictates that someone needs to head it up.

As you follow this missionary journey closely, you will observe a subtle shift from Luke mentioning "Barnabas and Saul" (Acts 13:2,7) to "Saul and Barnabas" (Acts 13:43, 50). Also, the superstitious crowd at Lystra was planning to worship Paul "because he was the chief speaker" (Acts 14:12). It is like the old adages; "Too many cooks spoil the broth" and "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians." While every member of the church planting team has been uniquely gifted and prepared by the Lord to contribute to the cause, the buck needs to stop somewhere.

This counsel becomes necessary and valuable when practical decisions will need to be made. Who makes them? What if there is a disagreement? Who decides? In addition to this, submission to spiritual leadership can be modeled in the process which will prove to be helpful later when the church becomes established organizationally.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb. 13:17)

No wonder the writer of the book of Hebrews quickly attaches to this instruction an admonition,

Doing follow-up work is essential for spiritual stability and growth, especially doctrinal establishment and personal encouragement.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:21-22)

The "P and B" missionary team retraced their steps in doing some crucial follow-up/discipleship work. This is amazing since Lystra was the very place where Paul had earlier been stoned and left for dead (14:19). The word "confirming" (vs. 22) means "to establish, to strengthen, to confirm." This strengthening comes primarily through feeding God's sheep the Word of God (Acts 15:32). Establishing believers became a standard practice of Paul (Acts 15:41, 18:23) and is the only means to get believers spiritually stabilized and able to stand on their own (1 Peter 2:2).

Romans 1-8 provides us a solid blueprint of doctrinal building blocks that every believer needs to be grounded in. There we are taught such truths as…

In addition to this, though Paul was with the Thessalonian church for a very short time (3 weeks to 6 months), he did not fail to teach them prophetic, eschatological truth regarding Christ’s return for His saints (at the Rapture) as well as with His saints (at the 2^nd coming), etc.

Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (2 Thessalonians 2:5)

These prophetic truths can have a very practical and motivating effect on our lives.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

Furthermore, in Acts 14 the apostle Paul "exhorted" or encouraged these new believers. Babes in Christ need sound doctrine and personal encouragement by caring fellow-believers to help facilitate spiritual growth in their lives. Apart from this, they may be easily misled, or get discouraged and choose to hang up the towel spiritually. Do not under-estimate this principle!

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (Romans 1:9-12)

Organize only as the need requires, appointing spiritual leaders (when qualified) in due time.

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting… (Acts 14:23a)

Paul and Barnabas "ordained" (appointed) "elders in every church." These spiritually mature men (relatively speaking) would serve their local church by overseeing, shepherding, and feeding God's flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). A major feature of New Testament church function was simplicity, not complexity. Furthermore, Acts 6 bears out that it is wise to organize further only as needs and ministries arise that require organization. Remember that the church is both an organization and an organism with dynamic-life. It is far more important to have believers established and equipped (walking by faith vertically with the Lord) than to have some kind of organized program in place. And resist the pressure to appoint unqualified men as elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7) to meet some kind of quorum or model.

Trust the Lord to ultimately undertake for the planting and growth of the church.

…they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23b)

"They (Paul and Barnabas) commended (entrusted) them (these new spiritual leaders) to the Lord, on whom they believed." It is very important that church-planters be reminded that this is not "their baby" – it is the Lords! While the eleventh attribute of God seems to be "God is slow," He has a sovereign timetable and is never behind schedule regarding the establishment of His church. Regarding all of this, you must "walk by faith and not by sight."

Furthermore, this “Paul and Barnabas” church planting team eventually left the area geographically as these churches became established and indigenous. Like releasing your grown child from your home, this may be painful but is needed. A perceptive missionary wrote,

"God has really been impressing upon me my need to continually depend upon the Holy Spirit! As our new church is beginning here, and we see some potential leaders, I find myself praying and thinking a lot lately in regards to their training and preparation. As I look around at our mission field, there is really only one work that has good solid leadership in it. The rest have little or none.

I believe that we can also look around at other fields and basically see the same thing, a lack of good solid leadership for our churches. Anyway, the reasons for this, I believe, are twofold; the first is a lack of grace teaching. It's taught for salvation all right, but not for sanctification. It's imperative that these people know that they are sons, not slaves, and therefore their acceptance is based on position, not performance.

The second reason I believe is that of control. We missionaries maintain such a tight grip on our new churches, making sure that everything is done just right, and presented just right, that we end up choking the life right out of them! When we try to maintain this kind of control, our believers aren't free to be led of the Spirit for fear that they'll do something, or suggest something that WE don't see as being RIGHT.

Therefore, they keep quiet and don't feel confident enough to get involved! But, I think that new believers, who are free to respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings, and who are taught to do so, will find a confidence (not in themselves, but in the Spirit) to get involved and be used of the Lord!! Look at the disciples; Jesus was with them for 3 years and at the end of those 3 years would you say that they were at a place spiritually, where you would feel comfortable leaving your new church in their hands? Not me! Those guys betrayed Christ!! They denied Him, and ran away and hid! But, this is the spiritual condition that Jesus left them in! When He told them that He would be returning to heaven, they didn't want Him to go, but He said, that it would be BETTER for Him to go!

I would have thought that it would be better for Him to stay and CONTROL things! I mean look at where those guys were! But, He said it would be better for Him to go, for then, the HOLY SPIRIT would come, and He would lead them and guide them into all truth. And look at how their lives changed and matured once the Holy Spirit did come. If our God and Savior said that it would be better to leave His disciples behind and entrust them to the Holy Spirit, then, how much BETTER would it be for me to let loose of these guys and entrust them to the only One who can really teach them and lead them into truth? But, our tendency is to emphasize our plans, strategies, methods, tools, and works and put the Holy Spirit on the back burner! Obviously, the Holy Spirit can and will use our methods and plans, etc., but our dependence must be upon Him and not on anything else!!”

The missionary team gave an honest report back to the sending local church, which magnified God's grace and brought glory to God.

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26-27)

Sensing an accountability to their sending local church, Paul and Barnabas reported back home. Notice how the Holy Spirit directs Luke to underscore the divine source ("the grace of God"), the specific mission ("for the work"), the human instruments ("which they"), and the spiritual success ("fulfilled"). But these humble servants of Christ, recognizing the ultimate source of any spiritual endeavor, "rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Dear friends, the issue is not, "Did it work?" The bottom-line is, "was God glorified?" True success in serving Christ is defined by one word: faithfulness!

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (Colossians 1:28-29)

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)

[1] 1 Corinthians 9:16; 2 Corinthians 5:9-15

[2] 1 Timothy 3:1

[3] Duluth Bible Church has been privileged to not only send out a man to pastor a Bible Church in Clarissa, MN, but also to plant churches and provide pastors in Minneapolis, MN, Grand Rapids, MN, and Milwaukee/Waukesha, WI.

[4] Their primary approaches were efforts to attract the unchurched to church by beginning the church plant with an Easter Service, or by pumping in rock music to make the unsaved feel comfortable, etc.

[5] After I studied, taught, and sought to implement these principles from Acts 13 & 14, I came into contact with a book that intersects and confirms many of these convictions. It is titled, "Planting Churches Cross-Culturally" by David J. Hesselgrave – published by Baker Book House.

[6] Compare Philippians 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; and 1 Corinthians 15:9-10.

[7] C.A. Coates wisely writes, "It is a sad thing when service interferes with soul-prosperity. It is possible to be so engrossed with service that one's meditations are colored by it, one's prayers are full of it, and the Word of God becomes simply a quarry out of which material for sermons can be dug up. This is a serious loss to the soul and many are thereby hindered from making spiritual progress.

[8] “The greater the knowledge committed to a servant, the more necessary and important it is that he should be much alone with God about it, in order that he may realize the nature and effect of it on himself before he undertakes to make it known to others.

It rebukes the haste and readiness with which many now enter the ministry, attempting to impress others with a measure of the truth which they have not proved for themselves. Surely the servant should ever be able to say: ‘I believed, and therefore have I spoken’ (2 Cor. 4:13). It is better to lose time as to work in preparation for service than to lose time in repairing one’s mistakes in undertaking a work for which one is not yet qualified.” (J.B. Stoney)

[9] For further study concerning the ordination/appointment of elders or missionaries, write Duluth Bible Church for a taped bible study regarding this.

[10] We have involved several individuals in each church-plant who have shared the teaching responsibilities, witnessing opportunities, prayer needs, ministry contacts, etc. In each case, a man from the team has emerged to oversee and pastor God's growing flock in each location.

[11] Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:15-21

[12] 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:10, 14-15

[13] This may be obtained by contacting D & K Press (1-800-777-8839) or write them at P.O. Box 875, San Leandro, CA 94577. Also you can contact New Tribes Missions, 1000 E. 1^st Street, Stanford, FL 32771, or (407) 323-3430.

[14] This may be purchased through "GoodSeed International, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Durham, ON N0G-1R0, Canada, info@goodseed, (888) 654-7333, or at the GoodSeed USA, P.O. Box 2890, Hayden, ID, 83835 or call them (208) 762-9770.

[15] I have been unable to find the source of this quote.

[16] Stanford, Miles J., The Complete Green Letters, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1977, pg. 19-20.

[17] Ibid., pg. 16

[18] Ibid., pg. 65

[19] Ibid., pg. 8

The Book

WHERE DOES A CHURCH-PLANTER START?

Dear readers, this booklet is the fruit of that exciting study.[5]