The Priorities of Church Planting

by Glen D. McLaughlin Vol. X, No. 6, June/July 1997

Consider the following two facts. First, Jesus' imperative to His church still stands: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-2Oa, NASB). Our marching orders include evangelism, missions, and teaching. Second, a survey taken recently by the Transition Team of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia shows, not surprisingly, a resounding agreement that our highest priorities are evangelism, missions, and Christian education. Right on target!

Now, without a doubt, the single best method for accomplishing all three of these priorities is the same as it was in the first century: planting new churches. Planting new churches is biblical. Planting new churches in both older convention states and in pioneer states is a key to the continuing growth of Southern Baptists. Planting new churches is practical, since new work usually grows faster than older work. Planting new churches often stimulates the growth of the mother church or the sponsoring church(es). Planting new churches is a challenging, demanding discipline that is also very rewarding. Planting new churches provides effective ways of reaching people of different ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds and those of different age levels. New churches do not have the traditions of older churches, thus appealing to people outside of those established traditions.

Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia stand ready to help in the planting of new churches with resources such as strategic planning, guidance with specific church plants, and with some financial help.

Discovery Stage - Locating the community or group of people that needs the witness of a new Baptist church and discovering the unique characteristics of that community and people.

Preparation Stage - Preparing the sponsoring church(es) to fulfill their mission with excellence as they plant and develop the new congregation.

Cultivation Stage - Building good relationships with specific local people, earning community respect, and creating a positive climate for the new congregation.

Fellowship Stage - Developing a core group that is highly committed to Christ, to each other, and to the new church.

Mission Stage - Developing a self-sustaining New Testament body of believers.

Church Stage - Developing a healthy, cooperating congregation that worships in Spirit and in truth, practices biblical evangelism, develops disciples, works in Christian fellowship, ministers in Jesus' name, and which is itself becoming a church planting church.

Careful and comprehensive planning will identify Needs and Resources and match them with each other. Some identifiable needs will include the Community of the New Congregation, Strategy, Program, Leadership, Training, Prayer, Funding, Volunteers, Land, Building, Equipment, and Others. Possible Resources would include the New Unit, Sponsoring Church(es), Assisting Church(es), Association(s), State Convention (SBCV), North American Mission Board, Individuals, and Others. Which resources will meet which needs?

Those churches and pastors who would like to follow through with the priorities given to us by Jesus by engaging in church planting will be encouraged to know that guidance and help with planning is available through Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. A call to Executive Director Doyle Chauncey at 757- 363-0153 is a good place to begin.

[Glen D. McLaughlin is vice chairman of the SBCV Missions Committee and pastor of Crossroads BC, Leesburg.]