» What does it look like?

Sat down with a denominational leader the other day and helped him grapple with how to encourage church planting within a system that doesn’t.

It was hard work for both of us. God is at work and this leader will find a way to get some churches planted. But it’s a long way short of fuelling a church planting movement.

It caused me to think about what are the ingredients of a church planting movement. Here we go.

1. Apostolic leadership
People who see healthy churches multliplied across cities, regions and nations and are able to mobilize others around that vision. Some leaders can’t see beyond their church’s auditorium and car park, some leaders can’t see beyond the obstacles. Apostolic leaders see the harvest and they have the faith to believe that somehow it’s possible to mobilize workers to bring it in.

2. Spiritual power
Church planting movements are very clear about their commitment to the Gospel. They believe in the authority of the Scriptures and the story they tell of God incarnate in Jesus Christ dying and rising again for sinners. They experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and their mission. They are not bound by limited resources. They do not know it can’t be done.

3. Growing people
These church planting movements don’t abolish the clergy—they just ordain everyone for ministry. The apostolic vision, the wonder of the Gospel, the power of the Holy Spirit mobilizes ordinary people to achieve great things. The newest believers, the oldest saints, all have a contribution to make. Sacrifices are made but the rewards are great.

4. Sanctified pragmatism
Church planting movements know their message and they know their mission. Everything else is up for grabs. The model of church, the form and style that ministry takes—are all submitted to the purpose of multiplying obedient disciples, godly leaders and healthy churches.

5. Spontaneous combustion
Somehow when this mix is thrown together an unstoppable momentum builds. The movement spreads like an Australian bushfire across networks of relationships. Those in leadership can hardly keep up with what’s happening. Let alone control it. The movement has a life of its own.

So this is what a church planting movement looks like. How do I know? I’ve read the book of Acts.