Why Plant New Churches

It is easy to assume that North Americans are over churched. But in reality, North America is a mission field so populous that it cannot be reached for Christ without starting large numbers of new churches. God is beginning a movement of church planting in North America--will you join Him? Invest in eternity.

Because The church to population ration is declining rapidly.

• In 1900 there were 27 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
• In 1950 there were 17 churches for every 10,000 Americans
• In 1996 there were 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans.[1]

Many people look at these numbers and question, "But hasn't the size of churches increased?"  Unfortunately the answer is "no".  The median size of the church has remained the same for the past 100 years.

Because new churches are much more effective at reaching the lost than established congregations.  "Among evangelical churches, those under three years old will win ten people to Christ per year for every hundred church members; three to fifteen years old will win five people per year.  After age 15, the number drops to three per year." [2]

At the North American Mission Board we are praying for a church planting movement that will dramatically change the spiritual landscape of North America. We are praying that new churches will be planted to reach the many people groups who live in diverse places. 

Is God Calling You?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them...., teaching them..."

• The estimated non-Christian population of the United States is 200 million.
• Six million French Canadians make up the largest unreached people group in North America (1 in 200 is Christian).
• North America is the only continent where Christianity is not growing. You can help!

Resources

The resources below may be helpful for anyone who is considering becoming a church planter.

Discovery Tools This booklet will help you better understand how God has uniquely designed you for ministry. In this booklet you will develop your personal ministry profile by exploring your call into ministry, your spiritual gifts, your passion, your ministry preference, and your church planting potential. Download

Who Me...Start a Church? (PDF) This participant's handbook will guide you through a strategy for lay church planting.  Download

Discover Church Planting Inquiry Packet
Church Planter Inquiry Packet contains several resources to help you understand how the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and our state convention partners may assist you in fulfilling God’s call in your life to church planting.