|
“The single most effective evangelistic methodology under heaven is planting new churches.” --Peter Wagner
Research studies confirm Peter Wagner's assertion that church planting is an effective evangelistic method.
- Churches under 3 years of age win an average of 10 people/year for every 100 members
- Churches 3-15 years of age win an average of 5/year for every 100 members
- Churches over 15 years win an average of 3/year for every 100 members
As a church ages, it is easy for the church to rely on out dated methods, or it becomes inward focused. Church planting begins with a clear purpose of reaching lost people, and all of the efforts and resources are focused around this goal. There are also no entrenched ways of thinking and no structural hurdles to overcome, so needed changes are made easily. While we have often recognized the need for starting new churches overseas, the need for church planting in the United States is great. Consider these numbers:
- 1900 - 28 churches for every 10,000 Americans
- 2004 – 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans
- Number of unchurched in US has doubled from 1991 to 2004
- The United States is the fifth largest mission field in the world
- Weekly church attendance is 18-23% in the US and plummeting
The need for church planting is great, and the High Pointe Church of Christ recognizes this need and is showing leadership in this area. Currently, High Pointe is supporting two works, The Genesis Alliance, and a Collin County Church Plant (links found below).
"Characteristics of a Successful Church Planter" by Charles Riddley
- Visioning capacity
- Intrinsically motivated
-
Creates ownership of ministry
-
Reaches the unchurched/lost
-
Spousal cooperation
-
Effectively builds relationships
-
Committed to church growth
-
Responsive to the community
-
Utilizes giftedness of others
-
Flexible and adaptable
-
Builds group cohesion
-
Demonstrates resilience
-
Exercises faith
|
|
|
