Church planting is one of the most exciting and impactful ways to expand the Kingdom of God. It’s the process of starting new churches in communities to reach people who may not yet know Jesus. This can occur in various contexts: urban, suburban, rural, or even international. However, the goal remains the same: to share the gospel with new people, disciple them, and help them develop into thriving communities of faith to the glory of God. However, church planting isn’t solely the responsibility of a few individuals, specialized organizations, or denominational entities—local churches have a crucial role to play in this mission.
Why Plant Churches?
Church planting is essential because it helps spread the gospel to areas and people who may otherwise remain unreached. The Bible shows us that God’s mission is to seek and save the lost, and planting churches is one of the most effective ways to do that. Jesus’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) calls us to go and make disciples of all nations, and church planting is a natural outgrowth of that command.
Additionally, church plants often flourish in areas where established churches may find it challenging to connect with new populations or address specific community needs. Church plants can adapt to local cultures and create a fresh, welcoming atmosphere for those who might view the traditional church setting as inaccessible or intimidating. Furthermore, in areas where healthy churches are present, the demand always exists due to growing population sizes. A few healthy churches cannot effectively shepherd the whole community. Through church planting, we can witness new communities of believers being formed, existing believers being uplifted, and the gospel made known in impactful ways.
How the Local Church Can Be Involved in Church Planting
While church planting is often viewed as the responsibility of church planters, specialized organizations, or denominational entities, local churches play an essential role in supporting and even initiating church plants. Here are some practical ways local churches can participate:
- Prayer Support
Prayer is the foundation of every successful church plant. As the church establishes itself in new and often difficult areas, it will face challenges that can only be overcome through God’s provision and strength. Local churches can support church plants through consistent prayer, both for the planters and for the communities they serve. Establishing a dedicated prayer rhythm for church planting can be a powerful way for the local congregation to stay connected to and engaged in the mission.
- Financial Support
Starting a new church is a costly endeavor. There are financial needs for everything from leasing a building to buying equipment, hiring staff, and general ministry costs. A local church can actively contribute to the success of church plants by allocating a portion of its own budget toward church planting endeavors. Lakewood does this through our COR 3:6 network, which financially supports 30 church plants nationally.
- Sending Church Members
Church plants often need leaders, volunteers, and supporters who can help establish the church in the early stages. Local churches can send out trained, gifted members to join church planting core teams. People who are already rooted in the faith, passionate about evangelism, and committed to discipleship can help the new church get off the ground and grow. Mobilizing church members to join a church planting team can be one of the most effective ways to make an immediate impact.
- Providing Leadership and Training
A strong, healthy church needs well-trained leaders who are equipped to lead and disciple others. Local churches can provide training and mentorship to potential church planters, helping them develop the skills and spiritual maturity they’ll need in the new church. By investing in leadership development within the church, local congregations are not only strengthening their own community but also sending out well-equipped leaders for the work of church planting. Lakewood’s residency program is tailored to this aim. The residency program is for those who feel called to pastoral ministry and international missions. During their time here, residents are supported, trained, and equipped for pastoral ministry as they are poured into by the pastors and key leaders here at Lakewood.
- Encouragement and Accountability
Church planting can be difficult and isolating, especially in the early stages. Church planters face emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges that can feel overwhelming. Local churches can be a source of ongoing encouragement and accountability. Regular check-ins, visits, and communication between the local church and the plant can offer vital emotional and spiritual support to the planters and their team.
Conclusion
The work of church planting is essential to expanding God’s Kingdom, and the local church plays a crucial role in making it happen. Through prayer, financial support, sending members, providing leadership training, and offering encouragement, local churches can become a powerful force for the spread of the gospel. As we partner together in the mission of planting churches, we can make a lasting impact on communities and bring hope to those who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
