Why Plant?
People say, “Aren’t there enough churches in New Zealand already?”
“Aren’t many of the existing churches only half full?”
Why then does ACCONZ want to plant more churches?
The truth is we could double the number of churches in New Zealand without over-churching “God zone”. Studies done on church planting from all over the world say that church planting is good for everybody that is involved. Here’s why …
Reaching Unchurched
Starting new congregations is the most effective way of reaching un-churched people.
A greater number of members of new congregations are people who were not previously active in any local church. Newer churches have a higher rate of growth by conversion and baptism (Older churches tend to grow mostly through transfer growth).
One reason for this is that new churches often bring a new style of ministry that attracts people who have not felt comfortable with traditional ministry styles.
New Vision
Newer congregations often have a heightened sense of urgency, greater enthusiasm, a higher level of lay involvement and an orientation toward the future. New churches can not look back to “the glory days”. They have to have a vision for what can be achieved in the future.
Renewal
Churches that help start new churches experience unique benefits in their own congregations:
A SENSE OF MISSION
Involvement in church planting increases the sense of mission in an existing church. A sense of mission is what fires up a church.
A SENSE OF PURPOSE
A commitment to planting another church has helped many churches rediscover a sense of purpose. The goal of starting a church is a specific, measurable, achievable goal in which every member can play a part.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE
Another way planting a new church benefits the existing church is by providing greater opportunities for members of the existing church to be involved in outreach and disciple making.
The new church often has less inwardly focused activities (which are necessary to keep an existing church going) and more outwardly focused activities which include evangelism and discipleship.
Our Experience
We have found these things to be true for ourselves.
Those from our Takanini church who are involved in the Christian LIFE Church plant (whether prayerfully or practically) have been inspired by this new vision. They are not only fired up about the opportunities at Christian LIFE Church -
they have a new sense of God’s purpose for Takanini Church of Christ also.
There are things they are learning at Christian LIFE Church that benefit Takanini and visa versa. God is good and with His help we hope to be able to plant many more new churches committed to fulfilling the Great Commission!
Are you a planter
If you are interested in growing your church by a future plant, or serving as part of a Church Plant Team – we would love to network with you.
We also have positions now for leaders, prayers, musicians, administrators, givers, – whatever your gifting is you can be part of a new work.
Mark 16:15 And He (Jesus) told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere” NLT
You are welcome to reproduce or publish this document provided it is published in it’s entirety and the author, publishing organisation and website are credited as follows:Copyright 2008 David Burge, Advent Christian Conference of New Zealand Inc, www.acconz.org.nz.