Thoughts for a Church Planter

The New Testament church should reproduce itself by starting other churches. Starting a church should never be something forced rather natural. There is a great need to start more churches (although sadly some don’t even see the need), but it is always better to have someone who desires to be the leader and pastor for the new church that is going to be started. When someone desires to start a church and the pastor and congregation chooses a man to do so, the church planter should think very seriously concerning what he is about to do. Below are a few practical suggestions to what someone should think about and know before starting the new church. The more a persona can think, pray and plan before he begins the new church, the better it will be for him.

  • Think and plan on how you can reach the city where God has placed you… and after how you can reach that country. Remember that the man who does not set goals will reach them every time, so try and make some goals.
  • Learn the history of the country and area you will be working – ask the people to teach you their history.
  • In the area you are going to work, how many people are unemployed? Of those that work, what jobs do they have?
  • In the area you are going to work, what is the average income – monthly, hourly, yearly?
  • In the area you are going to work, what ways can you distribute tracts and information – mail outs, personally, companies that do this, etc.?
  • In the area you are going to work, what do the people do for fun and recreation?
  • What is the daily routine of the people in the area you are going to work? What time do they wake up? What time do they eat? What time do they go to bed? Do they have a siesta (time where everything closes so they can rest)?
  • In the area you are going to work, what do the people think of foreigners?
  • In the area you are going to work, what are some of the main or important customs they have?
  • What kind of transportation do they use in the area you are going to work – taxi, bus, train, subway, etc.?
  • In the area you are going to work, what do the people enjoy – sports, parties, dances, etc.?
  • In the area you are going to work, what other nationalities live there?
  • In the area you are going to work, what is the condition of the family and marriages? Good? Bad?
  • Who are the heroes (sports players, musicians, historical figures, etc.) in the area you are going to work?
  • Where are the different sections (rich, poor and dangerous) in the area you are going to work?
  • In the area you are going to work, what are the favorite and/or preferred foods?
  • Begin to pray and look for leaders in the area you are going to work.

Here to Serve,

Jeff Bush

General Director of Vision Baptist Missions

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *