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What Makes a Successful Church Planting Movement?

1. Prayer
For each known CPM, prayer has been overwhelmingly important. Usually, prayer is the foundation for the missionary’s plan of reaching his or her people group, though the health of the missionary’s own personal prayer life is crucial. The new church and its leaders will imitate the prayer life it sees in the missionary. Prayer is the greatest resource the missionary brings to the movement, and when it’s clear from the beginning that prayer is the missionary’s source of power, it makes it easy for the local Christian leadership to share in that power and take ownership of the movement with prayer.

2. Abundant gospel sowing
“If you sow abundantly, you will also reap abundantly.” There are no known CPMs where evangelism was rare or absent. In CPMs, hundreds and even thousands of people are hearing the claims that Jesus Christ has on their lives. Often, mass media evangelism is spreading the gospel, but there is always an element of personal evangelism with clear testimonies that reveal the power of the gospel to radically change lives.

The opposite is also true. Whenever governments or social forces have been able to eliminate Christian witness, the CPMs have seen dramatic loss or have disappeared altogether.

3. Intentional church planting
For each CPM, there was a specific and intentional strategy for planting churches before the movement began. There have been times when other crucial elements were present, but the movement failed to go forward when the leader lacked either the skill or vision to oversee it. Once this was changed, though, the results were remarkable.

There is evidence around the world of many thousands of people coming to Christ, but these conversions only result in churches and CPMs if there is an intentional strategy for church-planting.

4. Scriptural authority
In each known CPM, the Bible has been the unquestioned authority and guiding force of the church. Even in non-literate cultures where the Bible is received and continued through oral storytelling, the Bible guides doctrine, church policy, and everyday life. Most CPMs had the Bible either orally or written in their own language.

5. Local leadership
If a missionary is seen as the primary church planter or pastor, it is difficult for him to shift out of that role ever again. When the missionary walks alongside the local church planters, they are helping to establish local leadership for the church. It takes self-discipline for a missionary involved in a CPM to mentor local church planters rather than to do the church planting themselves, but their role is still valuable. Local church planters receive some of their best training when they watch a missionary model Bible studies that engage non-Christian seekers.

6. Lay leadership
When a movement relies on seminary-trained or highly educated pastors, the work will always have a leadership shortage. When CPMs rely on lay leaders, there is a larger pool of available church planters and cell church leaders. These men and women usually represent and resemble the societies they serve, and typically also have normal jobs in addition to their work as church planters.  As the movement continues, churches will often begin paying pastors, but most of the movement and growth will continue through lay leaders.

7. Cell or house churches
Church buildings do appear in CPMs, but most of the churches continue to be small, reproducible cell churches of 10-30 members who meet in homes or stores.

There is a difference between cell churches and house churches. Cell churches are connected to one another in a type of network that usually combines to create a single church identity. House churches look like cell churches, but they are usually more independent and are not part of a network of connected churches. House churches don’t have the structure a cell-church network provides, but they are often more adaptable and active.

Each model has advantages. It is easier to create a unified movement with cell-church networks, but house churches can more easily exist in hostile situations. Both types of churches are common in CPMs, and the even regularly both appear in the same movement.

8. Churches planting churches
In CPMs, the local believers are active in winning the lost and planting new churches. The first churches in a CPM are usually planted by missionaries or leaders that the missionaries trained, but when the movement really starts to multiply, it’s because the churches are planting churches on their own. For this to happen, the local church members have to believe that it is natural and simple to start a new church, and that no outside help is needed.

9. Rapid reproduction
Most church planters involved in CPMs believe that rapid reproduction is required for the movement to continue. They argue that when reproduction slows down, the CPM weakens. When a movement is reproducing quickly, it shows how urgent and important it is to come to faith in Christ. When reproduction is happening quickly, it is certain that the churches are not being weighed down with unnecessary elements and that the local leadership is confident and capable of participating in this work of God.

10. Healthy churches
Most church-growth experts agree that a healthy church should demonstrate the following five purposes: worship; evangelistic and missionary outreach; education and discipleship; ministry; and fellowship. Each known CPM shows evidence of these five core functions.

Many church planters believe that when these five health indicators are strong, the church naturally grows. Though more could be said about each indicator, for a CPM, the significant factor is the church’s missionary outreach. Through this impulse, churches are extending the gospel among remote people groups and are overcoming barriers that have continually withstood Western missionary efforts.

10 COMMON FACTORS EXPLAINED

Beyond the 10 universal elements found in every Church Planting Movement, there are at least 10 frequently, though not universally, found characteristics. These are not listed in any particular order of priority or frequency. Most CPMs see most (if not all) of these factors.

1. Worship in the heart language
Even in CPMs where the Bible is not yet available in the local language, these movements are still using their language in their prayers, songs, sermon illustrations and discussions. When the churches worship in their own language, the entire community has access and everyone can participate in forming the church. Because there is a deep connection between the heart language of a people and their worldview, missionaries who identify and embrace the language of the people they are trying to reach are in a better position to stimulate a CPM. Missionaries who rely on an outside or trade language will find a barrier between themselves and the hearts of the people they are seeking to reach.

2. Evangelism has communal implications
CPMs tend to rely on strong family and social connections, unlike the emphasis in the West on individualism and personal commitment. Missionaries involved in CPMs recognize these strong social ties, and encourage new believers to pursue those bonds to draw new believers into the community of faith (see Acts 16:31-31). Often, the churches consist of family units led by the family’s head.

3. Rapid incorporation of new converts into the life and ministry of the church
In most CPMs, a new believer is expected to be involved in the life and ministry of the church immediately. Discipleship generally begins before conversion and continues indefinitely, while the new believer also begins discipling others and even planting churches. To maintain outward growth, CPM-minded missionaries will often encourage new believers to join or help start new churches rather than attend existing congregations.

4. Passion and fearlessness
CPMs are characterized by boldness and a sense of urgency, which emphasizes the importance of salvation and the necessity of conversion. Believers demonstrate fearlessness in the face of opposition. A spirit of timidity or fear cripples or stops a CPM entirely. Boldness may invite persecution, but it fuels a CPM (see Joshua 1:6).

5. A price to pay to become a Christian
Often, CPMs emerge in settings where conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ is not easy, popular, or safe to do. In many cases, conversion leads to severe persecution or even death. Because of this pressure, those who are not committed to the gospel tend to abandon the faith, and those who remain demonstrate a high level of dedication. In the face of persecution, believers find strong support in the testimony of Jesus and the New Testament church (see Matthew 10:17-25).

6. Perceived leadership crisis or spiritual vacuum in society
The removal of long-held symbols of stability and security prompts individuals to reconsider matters of eternal significance. Major political or social upheaval, war, natural disaster or displacement are all catalysts that prepare a country or people group for a CPM. Breakdowns in society are becoming common in this changing world, and this means more areas are ready for a church planting movement.

7. On-the-job training for church leadership
In a rapidly increasing CPM, leaders need to be trained while still present and focused on their churches. Effective training is vital to the success of the movement, but if leaders have to leave for extended periods for training, the momentum of the movement will be hurt. The most beneficial training combines practical education with ongoing ministry.

The forms of this integrated training vary from field to field, but often include several short-term training modules that do not hurt the primary tasks of evangelism, church planting and pastoral leadership. Even beyond the initial training, missionaries have agreed that ongoing leadership development will contribute to continued growth and strong development of a CPM.

8. Leadership authority is decentralized
For a CPM to succeed, each cell or house church leader should have the authority it needs for evangelism, ministry and planting new churches. A CPM is too dynamic to thrive in a situation where a hierarchy of authority must be navigated in order for valuable, time-sensitive decisions to be made.

9. Outsiders keep a low profile
Missionaries who have been involved in Church Planting Movements point to the importance of keeping a low personal profile as they seek to initiate and nurture the movement. A key concern is to minimize foreignness and encourage indigenousness. Rather than waiting for new believers to prove themselves worthy of leadership, missionaries begin by drawing new believers into leadership roles through participative Bible studies and mentoring pastors from behind the scenes.

10. Missionaries suffer
Many missionaries who have been engaged in CPMs have suffered illness, ridicule and shame. In some instances, the suffering was due to their own self-destructive behavior; in other cases, it came at the hands of opponents. There is reason to believe the affliction comes as the cost of battling spiritual darkness (Revelation 12:12). Whatever the cause, the increased suffering of those missionaries who are involved in CPMs is certainly noteworthy. Missionaries intent on this cause of action will need to be on their guard, and will desperately need to watch, fight and pray.

Perspectives

Learn how to use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth - no matter your location or vocation.  

The Perspectives course will provide you with greater perspective to live your life with eternal significance and purpose.

Sundays at 3:00-5:30 PM (Feb. 5 - May 13)

Host:  Calvary Fellowship Church, Lionville, PA

Contact:  Rev. Bill Bateman 610-363-7171 ext. 2147

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Cost:  $385. (see website for enrollment and discount options)

1.  Biblical Foundation:   See new meaning throughout God's Word in light of its primary theme.  Learn why God blessed His chosen people and why He blesses us today.

2.  Historical Progress:  See how God used key events and people to expand His Kingdom.  Learn from the successes and mistakes of our past.

3.  Cultural Distinctives:  See how the gospel is understood and received by people of other cultures.  Learn how this affects our witness of God's truth.

4.  Strategic Involvement:  See the vital role you can play in God's global purposes.  Learn how to use your gifts, skills, and passions for God's glory.

For more information or to register for a class, visit

www. PERSPECTIVES.org

God’s Hopes & Expectations for the Poor

A Reflection by Cathy Blair

I recently had the opportunity to take a four session free class, “God’s Hopes & Expectations for the Poor.” How eye-opening and enriching these classes were! Facilitated by Jim Ford and Roger Wayne, two men who have dedicated their time and hearts running Good Works and the Community Youth and Women’s Alliance (CYWA), respectively. 

They used the initials, UAHA, to help us see where we are in the journey toward helping the poor. 

• U-Understanding - including basic knowledge, statistics and information
•  A-Appreciation - to value and see good in response to our understanding
•  H-Heart - to have a burden for… forcing us out of our comfort zone
• A-Action -doing something to help, according to where God wants us. 

As Jim explained, these don’t necessarily have to happen in this order.  We can have a burden and respond with action before having all of the basic understanding, and still serve effectively. 

I learned that the Bible references poverty 2100 times.  Proverbs 22:2 says, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all”.  Hmm, some are created rich and some are created poor…intentionally…  “why”, we might ask?  What is God’s plan in this?  What is our part in His plan? 

Jim and Roger tackle some of these thought provoking questions by sharing scripture like, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” 1 John 3:18 and, “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” James 2:24.  With privilege and opportunity comes responsibility.  God distributes wealth and resources unevenly, not because He loves some of his children more than others, but so His children can distribute it to their brothers and sisters on His behalf and in turn, be blessed.  “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35.

The most interesting part of the class for me was learning about the culture of the poor.  I learned about some of the communication and language differences.  We discussed how the focus of the poor tends to be on relationships; whereas the middle class’s focus tends to be on accomplishments.  We learned some survival skills necessary to navigate and survive in poverty.  They gave us an interesting list of some Hidden Rules of Economic Class. For instance, regarding possessions for those in poverty, people are the most valued.  In the middle class, things are the most valued.  For those of wealth, collectables, legacies, pedigrees are the most valued. 

Ultimately, we can choose to represent Jesus for others and see Jesus in other people.  We can choose to bring hope to the hopeless.  We can choose to recognize that ministry and service come out of sacrifice, yes, but will bring us abundant insight into the riches of God’s kingdom right here on earth.  We wrapped up our final class with a powerful scripture from John 4:34, “My food” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”.  His food, his very sustenance to survive and his very purpose on earth was to obediently do and finish God’s work.  I left these classes with a full cup, energized to open my heart in prayer and seek to learn God’s plan and path for me.

 Let The Nations be Glad

A summary by Joe & Katie Di Bussolo

In November 2011, a 3-week class was offered during 2nd service.  Marv Nelson and Mark B led discussions based on the first 4 chapters of John Piper's DVD/Study Guide "Let the Nations be Glad."   We learned the "biblical" meaning of "missions"; the urgency to save people from eternal hell; and the need for people to actually hear the Gospel in order to believe.  

John Piper says that if we are to truly carry out the Gospel definition of missions, we need to pursue all unreached people groups.  More specifically, we need to cross cultures and learn languages in order to plant churches in every area, among every culture, where there is currently no Christian witness. We need to stay there, be a witness and disciple others until a church is planted and takes on the same missional intent - to go and witness to other unreached peoples about the Gospel (resulting in spiritual multiplication). John Piper is not calling us to redirect our ministry resources (i.e., local outreach and discipleship); rather, he is asking us to do more to reach those who are isolated from hearing the Gospel throughout the world.

We should have a sense of urgency to do missions. The reality is that everyday, all over the world, people die without ever hearing the Gospel. Those who have not "heard" and "believed" will suffer the conscious torment of hell for eternity. How will they hear? Piper points out that we in the Church are either passionate goers or passionate senders; otherwise, we are disobedient!

Our passion must be for the Lord's ways to be known on earth, His salvation among the nations, so that all the peoples praise Him and fear Him. Then He will bless all of us and all the peoples will be glad and sing for joy (Psalm 67).

Intercessory Prayer for our Partners

It is so important for us as a body of believers to consistently pray for our missionary partners overseas and our ministry partners who are local. 

 “And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you.  And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds.  Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you and you will be honored along with him.  This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.”  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, NLT

Ways to pray for our ministry partners:

• Relationship to God – may grow closer to Lord, spiritual maturity
• Physical and emotional needs – good health, against loneliness, discouragement and depression
• Relationships – with their family, those they are ministering to
• Ministry – receptiveness of those ministering to, opportunities, boldness
• Ability to communicate – learn and use language effectively, learn culture
• Country of service – good and stable political situation, for the focused people group
• Working relationships – with peers, organization, national workers

Remember to visit the BRIDGES wall in the lobby for updated information on our partners.
 

 City Team Ministries works in inner cities.  Their website is www.cityteam.org.  The following was taken from a publication City Team distributed:

6 Ways You Can Provide Real Help to the Homeless:

1. NEVER GIVE cash to homeless people.  It's not a good way to help.  All too often, well-intended gifts are used to buy drugs or alcohol.
2. TALK to homeless people with respect.  Be friendly and respectful.  You'll help the person fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. SHARE God's love.  Remember that Christ interacted with people from every social, racial and economic background.  Today, Jesus often chooses to connect through those who follow Him.
4. PRAY for the homeless.  Life on the streets, malnutrition, violence and utter hopelessness can take a great toll on a homeless person.  God will honor your prayers by bringing broken people to new life in Him. 
5. LOVINGLY DIRECT the homeless to places where they can get REAL help.  CityTeam provides needy people with food, shelter, clothing and other essential care.  They offer the opportunity to experience genuine life transformation through a proven recovery program that helps people deal with the root causes of their homelessness, poverty or addiction.
6. SUPPORT organizations that help, including CityTeam.  CityTeam receives no government funding.  They are supported solely by caring individuals, churches and business owners who want to do their part to make each community a better place.