5 Reasons We Still Plant Churches
5 REASONS WE STILL PLANT CHURCHES
MULTIPLICATION IS STILL THE METHOD
Over 2,000 years ago Jesus reaffirmed the creation mandate to fill and subdue the earth by commissioning the first disciples to begin a multiplication movement of making disciples that make disciples. The natural byproduct that occurred from this movement was the birth of many new churches. We can confidently conclude that the planting of many first century churches resulted in more disciples and more churches that have perpetuated the gospel mission all the way up to the present day.
THE WORLD POPULATION IS STILL GROWING
Over the last 70 years the world population has more than tripled from roughly 2.5 billion people to over 8 billion and growing. Proportionately, while the number of Christians in the world have increased, the church has simply maintained the same percentage of the population. Yes, there are numerically more Christians living today than ever before but there are also more lost people living a Christless life and headed toward a Christless eternity than there were 70 years ago.
CHURCHES ARE STILL CLOSING THEIR DOORS
Each year thousands of churches close their doors without a plan to further the gospel mission in their community. The end of a church's lifespan, unfortunately for many, is the end of their gospel legacy. For far too long we’ve lamented the loss of the church because of what it has meant to the people who used to be the members of that church. And while the loss to church members is real and valid, the loss for the community is far more devastating. Where there is no church there is no gospel community. Where there is no gospel community there is no communal gospel witness.
PEOPLE ARE STILL UNIQUE
We celebrate the diversity of humanity in numerous ways. Yet, when it comes to church we subconsciously succumb to a one size fits all mentality. Whether it's our griping and complaining about the big/mega church or operating with the belief that we can reach the whole community, we fail to understand and embrace the different ways that different people will be reached. Not everyone wants to be in a small church even if smaller churches have trended up. Conversely, not everyone wants to be in a big church just because it has ministries for every age and stage of life.
THE LOST ARE STILL GOING TO HELL
Each of the reasons listed above along with numerous others that have not been mentioned all fall short of one of the biggest reasons we should still be planting churches. People are still dying and going to hell. Yes, I said it, Hell. We can sugar coat it as much as we like and try to avoid the topic and the reality but the truth and constant for humanity, no matter how long we attempt to prolong life, is that death will come for us all. However, the sting of death only comes for those who don’t know Christ.
Disciple making and church planting has always been God’s plan A for reconciling the lost back to Himself. Currently, in our best years, at least in America, we are barely maintaining the status quo with the number of churches being planted versus those that are closing. The church, when healthy, thriving, and multiplying brings to bear the kingdom of God upon a world of perishing kingdoms.
MULTIPLICATION IS STILL THE METHOD
Over 2,000 years ago Jesus reaffirmed the creation mandate to fill and subdue the earth by commissioning the first disciples to begin a multiplication movement of making disciples that make disciples. The natural byproduct that occurred from this movement was the birth of many new churches. We can confidently conclude that the planting of many first century churches resulted in more disciples and more churches that have perpetuated the gospel mission all the way up to the present day.
THE WORLD POPULATION IS STILL GROWING
Over the last 70 years the world population has more than tripled from roughly 2.5 billion people to over 8 billion and growing. Proportionately, while the number of Christians in the world have increased, the church has simply maintained the same percentage of the population. Yes, there are numerically more Christians living today than ever before but there are also more lost people living a Christless life and headed toward a Christless eternity than there were 70 years ago.
CHURCHES ARE STILL CLOSING THEIR DOORS
Each year thousands of churches close their doors without a plan to further the gospel mission in their community. The end of a church's lifespan, unfortunately for many, is the end of their gospel legacy. For far too long we’ve lamented the loss of the church because of what it has meant to the people who used to be the members of that church. And while the loss to church members is real and valid, the loss for the community is far more devastating. Where there is no church there is no gospel community. Where there is no gospel community there is no communal gospel witness.
PEOPLE ARE STILL UNIQUE
We celebrate the diversity of humanity in numerous ways. Yet, when it comes to church we subconsciously succumb to a one size fits all mentality. Whether it's our griping and complaining about the big/mega church or operating with the belief that we can reach the whole community, we fail to understand and embrace the different ways that different people will be reached. Not everyone wants to be in a small church even if smaller churches have trended up. Conversely, not everyone wants to be in a big church just because it has ministries for every age and stage of life.
THE LOST ARE STILL GOING TO HELL
Each of the reasons listed above along with numerous others that have not been mentioned all fall short of one of the biggest reasons we should still be planting churches. People are still dying and going to hell. Yes, I said it, Hell. We can sugar coat it as much as we like and try to avoid the topic and the reality but the truth and constant for humanity, no matter how long we attempt to prolong life, is that death will come for us all. However, the sting of death only comes for those who don’t know Christ.
Disciple making and church planting has always been God’s plan A for reconciling the lost back to Himself. Currently, in our best years, at least in America, we are barely maintaining the status quo with the number of churches being planted versus those that are closing. The church, when healthy, thriving, and multiplying brings to bear the kingdom of God upon a world of perishing kingdoms.
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