Introduction:
· Concerning the work of Church Planting, we must adopt a "Just-do-it" philosophy.
· Dare to take a few bold steps. A few small actions are better than a thousand intentions. A vision without action is just an illusion. Faith without action is dead. We really only believe only that which activates us.
· Be patient. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says that the end is better than the beginning; and patience is better than pride. Never despise your small beginnings.
· Work with others. Be with people who share your enthusiasm for church planting. Join hands with other churches whose vision for it aligns with you. Work together.
· Be pragmatic. Don't keep doing what doesn't work.
1. Visionary Leadership.
In the setting of a local Church and groups of local churches who decides to plant a church? Who sees what God sees and doing it. Vision gives direction and intensity of action. Leadership is necessary not just in the initial part of the work but in the monitoring and progress of the newly planted church.
2. Vitality in the Church or churches.
Is the church spiritually alive for missionary enterprise? A revived church has life to share. The spiritual health of the Church enables it to do things for God.
3. Vigilant Prayer/Intercession
Do we have an army of intercessors who are able to tear down strongholds of the enemy. Becoming stronger than the strongman, binding the strongman, and taking the spoil. This is a good description of Church Planting. The aspect of power and using that power for church planting.
4. Visible Membership Mobilization
More members becoming ministers, and actually participating in church planting. There is no monopoly of the professionals. There is the priesthood of all believers. ACT 8:
5. Vigorous Stewardship Program
Grace-giving and wise-spending. The financial support base of church planting and missions must expand. A sound financial support system will not only enable us to start but also to sustain new churches until it is able to support itself.
6. Venturesome Pioneers/Church Planters
Go to the frontline/field. We need a special type of workers for a job like this. The Four ACES: Adventurous, Adaptable, Abiding, Astute. Apostolic ministry of being "sent" by God and affirmed by the Church. Able to start a church and build it on strong foundation.
7. Vibrant Partnership of Churches
Supportive force of unity. Commitment to further the cause of church planting. The world has yet to see the effect of churches coming together to plant churches. Synergy.
8. Victorious Methods
Biblical, contextual and practical. We need a method of church planting that actually results to church planting.