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  • Engaging in Church Planting

     "After this, the Lord appointed 70 others, and He sent them ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place where He Himself was about to go.  He told them:  "The harvest is abundant, but the workers  are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.  Now go; I'm sending you out like lambs among wolves" (Luke 10:1-3 HCSB).

    After a planter has affirmed his calling, found his place, developed his partners, and prepared himself spiritually he must engage in the work of church planting.  During this time there are some basic activities that the church planter must make a way of life in order to plant a healthy, reproducing church.

    • Meet new people.  Jesus has called us to be lights in a world of darkness.  For a church planter that means leaving the comfort zone and finding unsaved people who are receptive to the power of the gospel.
    • Start small groups or Bible studies.  Before the church meets for worship the first time there should be groups of people who are growing and learning together the word of God.  These small Bible studies may be the place where unsaved friends here the gospel for the first time.
    • Share your faith.  At some point in every relationship, as the Holy Spirit guides, the church planter must share his faith. 

    Resources:

    Chronological Bible Storying - A Description (PDF) Story telling is one of the best ways to share the gospel. A story can penetrate across cultures. Learn more by using this guide. Download

    ISC Storying Manual (Word) This IMB resource helps short term missions volunteers understand basic missions principles.  Download

    Pursuing the Mission of God in Church Planting (PDF) This book addresses today's opportunities and challenges facing the Church of Jesus Christ, stirring within believers a passion to pursue and live out the mission of God in church planting. Download

    Pursuing the Mission of God in Church Planting: Discussion Guide (PDF) This discussion guide will assist you in exploring the issues raised within each individual chapter of Pursuing the Mission of God in Church Planting, and the book in its entirety. Download