Part 2
Applying Jesus' Principles in Prayer Walking. 1. A VISION FOR HARVEST. Luke 10:2 He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (NIV) • As you walk envision the ingathering. • Pray bigger than yourself. Don't bind the Lord by your unbelief! If He could make Jericho's walls fall, He can answer your prayers. 2. ALWAYS DISPLAY THE OPPOSITE SPIRIT TO THE WORLD. Luke 10:3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. (NIV) Let God's power makes the difference. • Humility in the face of arrogance, kindness in the face of hatred and blessing in the face of anger. • Unconventional warfare! You go to the wolves instead of them coming for you. 3. USHER IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. Luke 10:5-7 "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6 If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him, if not, it will return to YOU. 7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. (NIV) • Jesus is the prince of peace. • Peace was the greeting blessing of the Christians. John 20:19 Acts 15:33 Acts 16:36 Greek - "eirene" Hebrew - Shalom • Learn from David's prayers for Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6-9 Psalm 147:12-14 4. MAKE PROPHETIC PROCLAMATION. Luke 10:9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you. (NIV) • Your community is going to experience God. Declare it! • Look for opportunities. 5. EXPECT RESULTS. Luke 10:17-18 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. "18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. (NIV) • God was making himself known to whole cities through ordinary people. • This is for Father's "good pleasure"
WHERE CAN WE WALK? 1. Our neighbourhoods 2. Our workplaces 3. Our churches 4. Overlook points 5. Sites wrongly named or cursed 6. Sites of past sin 7. Places of ongoing sin 8. Sites of strongholds 9. The Gates of The City 10. High Places SUGGESTIONS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WALKS HOW TO GET STARTED 1. Recruit a partner - Prayers of Agreement Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (NIV) 2. Family Walks - Each pray for their peers 3. Don't be a lone ranger - If you are not a leader, make sure you have submitted your plan of action to your leadership. WHEN YOU WALK 1. Ask God for a Word for your Neighbourhood. 2. Pray that Word over your neighbourhood. Psalm 122:6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. 7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. " 8 For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you. " 9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity. (NIV) 3. Ask the Lord to show you, which territorial spirits are in control over that area. 4. As you walk pray against them. 5. Pray for souls to be saved 6. Pray for doors to be opened for you. 7. Bless the street and homes in the Name of Jesus 8. Listen to the instructions of the Holy Spirit. 9. Check all things with your cell leader or his intern. 10. Report back on a regular basis.
SUGGESTIONS FOR WALKING IN YOUR WORKPLACE 1. Don't fight flesh and blood. Determine which strongholds are operating to influence your work environment. 2. Pray the opposite spirit. 3. Make localized declarations. 4. Confess the sins of the people on their behalf. 5. If possible worship at those places. 6. Continually pray for conversions. SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYING AT CHURCH SITES
2 Chronicles 6:20-21 May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 21 Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. (NIV)
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of
prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers. "' (NIV) 1. Discuss the matter with the pastor first to get permission and to make a commitment of communication. 2. In your discussion with the pastor, ask the Lord to show you, which strongholds are operating in the church. 3. If there are records of the prophetic utterances over the church, use it to declare it in your prayer walk. SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYING AT OUTLOOK POINTS Outlook points or places have strong Biblical significance. Big contest between God and Satan occurred at elevated places. E.g. Elijah at Mt. Carmel, Jesus and Satan, Golgotha Panoramic Prayers - praying with a bird's eye view. Jesus often went to the mountain to pray. SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYING AT SITES WRONGLY NAMED OR CURSED Names were often changed by God in the Scriptures. E.g. Abram > Abraham; Jacob > Israel; Simon > Peter There are places, which are named after false gods, criminals or Satan himself. Prayer walkers often find fruitful prayer in seeking to rename a place for God's intended purpose. WARNING – Do not make name changes on your own. First consult with the elders of the town.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYING AT SITES OF ONGOING SIN • Adult Sex Shops Never go on your own. Never curse the people. Do not develop an attitude with them. • Casinos • Pubs SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYING AT SITES OF STRONGHOLDS
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the Knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to
make it obedient to Christ. (NTV) • Freemasons Masonic Lodge • Cults - Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Old & New Apostolics etc. SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYING AT THE GATES OF THE CITY In biblical times gates acted more like filters, restraining evil and welcoming that which was worthy of honour. The respected elders of the town governed from the gates. It wasn't in a courtroom style but rather in communal fashion. • The elders guarded the city from wrong influences and moral danger. Today it would be places of governance - i.e. the borough where the Town Council meet. • City entrances - roads, harbor, airport etc. CONCLUSION John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, " You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. (NIV) Micah 4:5 All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. (NIV) James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV) Paul told the church in Thessalonica, "...pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one" (2Th 3:1-3)
TAKE PRAYER SERIOUSLY It is clear from these passages that the early Christians prayed strategically for the spread of the Gospel and against the evil influences, which hinder the Gospel from advancing. These same prayer needs still exist today. In developing and implementing a church planting strategy, take prayer seriously. Do nothing without prayer. Your saturation church planting ministry must be born out of prayer and then continuously be bathed in prayer from start to finish.
The Church Planting
Process
3. Planting the Seed - Planting the Church -
3. PLANTING THE SEED – PLANTING THE CHURCH After the farmer has ploughed the ground it is now time to plant the seed. This speaks of evangelism and the actual planting of the church – the establishment of the congregation. I am somewhat reluctant to give too many examples of how churches have been and can be started. We are so prone to copying instead of hearing from the Holy Spirit. During your times of prayer the Lord will give you strategies of how the church should be planted and methods of evangelism that should be used. There are many different ways of planting a church but I will suggest five in this particular chapter (not in any order of preference): 3.1. STARTING A HOME-CELL WITH CONVERTS YOU HAVE REACHED OR CHRISTIANS IN THE AREAS THAT ARE UN-CHURCHED.
THE CELL CHURCH I believe that the church structure that best develops leadership in the quickest and most efficient way is the cell model. The largest and most effective churches – as far as discipling and reaching people in the entire world is concerned – are cell churches. WHY HOME CELLS? In Jesus' ministry, He operated mainly out of homes, not formal buildings. He often taught His disciples in houses (Mark 2:1; 7:14-27; 9:33; 10:2-12; Matthew 13:36). His disciples lived with families in homes wherever they went. Living in a home was part of His plan for bringing people into a personal faith experience. In Luke 10, Jesus assigned the seventy disciples to enter homes, offering peace to all that lived within. When they found a "man of peace" (one desiring to find peace), they remained in that home, eating and drinking whatever was set before them. In this way, a household would be converted to Christ and another home Church would be established. In the non-structured Church, one person usually dominates over others (seen in most churches today). This limits the possibility of growth. This was not possible in the early Church. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL CHURCH AND CELL CHURCH The Traditional Church has a cell ministry as one of its many programs. The Cell Church is a basic Christian Community.
CLARITY ABOUT THE CELL CHURCH It is not : A denial of the need for programs. The Cell Church is : A strategy for a people-centered and community based program. It is not : An absence of departments. The Cell Church is : A structure with departments that support the system of cells. It is not : Only small groups. The Cell Church is : A system of cells, congregations and celebration. It is not : A group of independent house-churches. The Cell Church is : A vision-driven movement of people living in basic Christian Communities. THE NATURE OF THE CELL CHURCH The Cell Church has the following characteristics: 1. The Cell Church operates not only on Sundays but on the other six days as well. 2. Everything that happens in a Cell Church exists to support the cells. 3. The Cell Church first grows and then builds a building. 4. Cells meet in homes during the week and are basic units of the church. 5. The Cell Church considers each member to be a minister and equips him or her to do the work of the ministry. 6. The lost are reached through "Cell Friendship Evangelism". Cells multiply causing dynamic growth. 7. Church members are cared for at cell level. 8. Celebration Worship Services, which take place on Sundays, are an overflow from the body life, taking place in the lives of the members during the week. 9. Spiritual gifts for edification, equipping and evangelism are released in the cells. 10. The community of cells is a place of healing for the individual and the family. 11. In the small groups, members can lose all inhibitions and can receive edification and healing.
THE BENEFITS OF CELL GROUPS 1. Effective Management Units
The cell is manageable because it is self-contained. Every task of the church can be implemented through this one basic unit. The cell also has a simple leadership structure, which cares for and develops the members of the cell.
2. An Effective Caring System
The cell structure ensures that hurting members are taken care of at any time and not just on Sunday. 3. Church Growth
The key for the cell church to multiply and grow is the cell unit. As the cell members reach out to the lost, the cells grow and multiply. 4. Raising Up Leaders
The Cell structure provides the opportunities for members with a calling on their lives to fulfill their calling without necessarily entering the ministry full-time. 5. The World Can be Reached
In the cell structure, every member is a minister. They touch the lives of the hurting and lost people out in the world. 6. Spiritual Gifts can be properly exercised
In a cell setting, everyone can exercise spiritual gifts. CONGREGATION A Cell Church member needs a circle of friends around him/her for fellowship. This is where congregational activities for groups of between 50 and 200 people are organised. Large-group interaction, testimony, mass teaching or information transfer takes place effectively here. The congregation may set aside a half-night for prayer, or sometimes several days of prayer. The Zone or District Congregational Meetings are examples of activities conducted throughout the year. CELLS AND CELEBRATION The Cell Church is the ideal setting for God to reveal His nature. When we meet on Sunday as a congregation, we celebrate and worship the Most High God Who is: Holy, Great, Awesome, Eternal and Exalted. During the cell meeting, we experience God's Immanence or Most High Nature: Intimate, Close, Indwelling, Involved, Friend, Comfort, Accessible and Humble. Evangelism Too often, our churches have visible or invisible barriers that keep people out. We have traditions, we have certain ways we dress and act, and we might even have expectations for those who would visit. Cell groups provide a natural "bridge" to unbelievers. As members in a cell group develop relationships with unbelieving friends, it is much more natural for them to invite them to a group meeting. And for the unbeliever, coming to a small, informal gathering is much less threatening than going to a place where they don't know anyone and aren't sure what the "rules" are.
Developing Relationships In a cell group, the members spend time together, participate in ministry together, encourage and pray for one another, and help each other with struggles and needs. There is a strength and intensity to their love and devotion towards God and towards each other. A cell group provides an ideal environment for the development of mentoring or discipling relationships. More mature believers are able to come alongside younger believers to encourage them, to teach them, and to perform ministry together with them. Since one of the goals of a cell group is to grow and multiply itself, the members will continually be looking for ways to reach out to the lost around them. Discipleship Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Cell groups provide a place where believers can be ministered to, and where they can minister to others. The Bible outlines clear responsibilities that believers have towards one another. All of these occur naturally in a cell group, as each person ministers according to his giftedness. Spiritual gifts were given to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up (Eph 4:12). We are supposed to encourage one another (1Th 4:18) and speak words that will build up others according to their needs (Eph 4:29). This assumes that we share our burdens one with another (Gal 6:2) so that we are able to help each other. Our greatest desire should be to honor one another in brotherly love (Ro 12:10) and to love one another deeply, from the heart (1Pe 1:22). Developing Spiritual Gifts Cell groups are also the place where the spiritual gifts of each member are discovered, developed and used. In a cell group setting, people are nurtured and encouraged to learn their spiritual giftedness through their involvement in the ministry of the cell. In this way, they grow in their faith and maturity, and have opportunity to be discipled by more mature Christians. In time, they will repeat this process and begin to disciple those in the group who are less spiritually mature. Development of Leaders The benefit of cell groups is that leaders are responsible for the spiritual development of only a handful of people, not tens or hundreds. The cell group approach also involves many more people as it gives lay leaders the chance to develop their spiritual gift of leadership. Instead of having "professional clergy" who are given positions of leadership based on what they know, cell group leaders are qualified by the maturity and ability they have demonstrated through their ministry in the cell group. Church Planting The use of cell groups has many benefits in the process of church planting. One of the greatest advantages of cell groups is that they can be used to the benefit of a church planter, no matter which type of church planting model he is working with. CELL CHURCH IN A SATURATION CHURCH PLANTING STRATEGY In a saturation church planting strategy, it is the desire of the church planter to fill an area with churches that reproduce and start new churches themselves. Cell groups provide a natural and effective way to evangelize, to disciple new believers and to develop new leaders. If the groups meet in people's homes, there might not be a need for a formal church building. Eliminating this cost enables the church to start new
churches when the cell groups are ready, not when funds are available. In other words, lack of funds is not a hindrance to natural church growth. Cell groups provide the ability to develop a strategy whereby an entire neighborhood; town or country can be saturated with an effective witness for Christ. Without traditional barriers to growth, the cell groups can flourish. Simply stated, the use of cell groups makes it easier to start new churches. 3.2 HOLDING A CRUSADE AND PLANTING THE CHURCH WITH THE CONVERTS. To simply hold a crusade to make converts is irresponsible. Jesus never gave us a command to make converts! The command was to make disciples. The work of an evangelist is not completed until the convert has become a disciple. You do not have the right to lead someone to Christ without making sure that he will be discipled. I have heard evangelists say that their job is to make converts and it is the church's responsibility to disciple them. In essence, there is some truth in this, but it has not worked in Africa. The church in Africa has not growth through the thousands of crusades. One of our major problems is that we have many converts but few disciples. That is why we could have the biggest genocide of the century in Rwanda, a country with an 80% Christian population. Crusades are a wonderful tool to establish a church with the converts, placing them in cells and nurturing them into maturity. 3.3 DOOR-TO-DOOR EVANGELISM Unfortunately, this is also the strategy used by some of the cults like the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. However, in some parts of Africa it is still a viable method of evangelism. It creates an opportunity to start a home-cell in the home of the converts.
3.4 THE JESUS FILM I have found the Jesus film to be one of the most effective evangelism tools in rural Africa. I have personally planted churches with the use of the Jesus Film in a crusade style. At the end of the show, after we had prayed with the new converts, we introduced them to a pastor who would be back the next day to establish a church with the new converts who had no church. Similarly, one could do it with the video in a home. Campus Crusade for Christ has a lot of information in this regard. NEVER: Start a church with disgruntled (unhappy) people who walked away from another church. Make sure they have left honourably and that they are not foul-mouthing the pastor and church they come from. Believe me, if they do it with that church and pastor, they will do it with you too. The foundations of a building are vital for the strength and longevity of the building. Any church built on criticism of other churches will reap exactly that.
3.5 CHURCH PLANTING MODELS
The "Strawberry Runner" model In nature, a strawberry plant will send out stems, or shoots, above the ground a short distance from itself. This stem is called a 'runner.' A new daughter plant often develops at the end of the runner. In time, the daughter plant will send out runners itself to start other plants so that there are several individual plants, but they are all interconnected by runners. This is the ideal model for becoming a church planting movement. It suggests the idea that every church must reproduce itself over and over. Some churches plant new congregations which are not intended to become independent churches, but which have a measure of independence and a degree of continuing relationship. These relationship structures must be clearly defined.
The "Daughter Church" model When the subject of church planting is raised, the one model that usually comes to mind is the daughter model. Since the mother church provides resources, support and accountability from the outset, this type of type church plant is generally far more likely to become a healthy, sustainable, growing church plant. Which situations could stimulate the planting of a daughter church? Let us look at two:
a. Members in the church come from another geographic area
If a number of members in a particular church travel from an area outside that in which the church primarily serves, the church may recognise that as an opportunity to plant a daughter church by sending out a group from the mother church.
b. When there is a desire to reach other socio-economic groups
Sometimes a church could be growing and reaching many new people in one area, but they may be failing to reach certain other groups of people in the region. There are instances where people do not feel comfortable worshipping in a particular church due to differences in race, class, kind and age. The needs of these groups may call for a daughter church that will accommodate their cultural norms and minister to them more successfully.
INDIVIDUAL CHURCH PLANTING a. Planting with a pioneer
Some individuals are, by gifting, pioneers. They just have to plant churches! They naturally draw people to them. Such people can often see the potential for a church in places where nobody else even imagined one. Pioneers are all different. Some are able to work with a large denomination or a church planting movement. Others are so active that they find it difficult to fit into organizational structures and so work best on their own. Pioneers may start many churches in their lifetime. Once a congregation is established, it is time for pioneers to move on. To stay would be detrimental to what they started because they do not have the giftedness to maintain a church.
b. Planting with a founding pastor
Some church planters plant a church and stay there for a very long time as the senior pastor of the church. They may even continue to plant more churches by training church planters and sending them out from the mother church to plant daughter churches.
The Church Planting
Process
4. Fertilising the Soil
4. FERTILISING THE SOIL We know that the growth of the seed is very dependent on the fertilisation of the soil. I grew up in the Free State where a lot of mealie crops are planted. Sometimes in the fertilisation process, a patch of mealies is overlooked. This only becomes noticeable, as the mealies are about 1 metre high. By the time the mealies are fully grown it is very noticeable. Compared to the rest, this patch appears diseased. Likewise, in a church, when the congregation is well fed, it is noticeable or rather it is more noticeable when it is not well fed. 4.1 TEACHING New believers and members must be well established in the Word of God otherwise they could become malnourished or fall prey to false doctrines. It is important that every believer is well established. There are two levels of teaching: the "milk" level and the "meat" level. It is important that new converts get regular "milk" but they must eventually move to the "meat" of the Word. 1 Corinthians 3:2 "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." Hebrews 5:12-13 "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness." 1 Peter 2:2 "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…" What are the foundational doctrines that should be taught? Issues like baptism, communion, tithing, the Body of Christ, the Holy Spirit, hearing the voice of God, the Fatherhood of God, and End-times, should be taught from day one. 4.2 DISCIPLESHIP Teaching must result in discipleship. Paul said to Timothy, "…and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2.2) NIV Once again, this is where cells come in very handy. It is geared toward discipleship. Remember, discipleship can never be done in a classroom situation. Discipleship is done through mentoring. Let me give you an illustration from a typically cell-based church. Once you join one of their home cells, you start being discipled. There are four equipping steps you go through. Each of these steps is outlined in a booklet, which is used to mentor you. After each booklet there is a weekend (Friday evening and Saturday) experience.
The equipping booklets may contain the following subjects: Welcome to your new family Salvation What is sin? Water baptism Beginning your relationship with God Building your relationship with your new family Growing in God's Word Prayer – Your vital communication with God Forgiveness The Lord's Supper The Lordship of Christ Our Statement of Faith Verification of completion and conclusion Spiritual Victory Spirit, Soul and Body The Mind the battleground Identifying strongholds The role of the Holy Spirit Spiritual Baggage (Hindrances) Establishing Kingdom values Your place in God's family Verification Reaching the Lost Steps in Soul Winning Types of Evangelism "Oikos" Connections My Personal Testimony Salvation plan for man Verification of completion and conclusion Developing your Leadership Potential The substance of discipleship The Timothy/Titus qualifications Responding to the call of God Levels of Leadership Leadership Characteristics A Successful leader will lead… Keys of Leadership Verification of completion and conclusion New converts can never be discipled through attending church services. Just like a new baby needs constant care so a new convert needs constant help in growing up to be a mature disciple.
New Christians go through a lot of struggles as they transition into a new lifestyle. Here are a few suggestions taken from the Omega Course compiled by the Alliance for Saturation Church Planting: "DEALING WITH THE SOURCES OF SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE"
THE PROBLEM
WHAT THEY NEED
They fail to understand some key biblical truth. Perhaps the person fails because he understands neither God, nor God's purpose for him because he doesn't understand what true faith is, nor how to live by faith, because he doesn't understand the hope he has in Christ. Perhaps he doesn't understand God's provision for him in Christ, and in Christ's Body, because he doesn't understand Christ's love for him, nor what it means to truly love God and others, or because he doesn't understand what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, etc.
Correction and instruction which clearly
communicates the biblical truth they fail to understand and how it applies to their lives. Opportunities to study the Scripture in
greater depth.
Encouragement to become students of the
Word and instruction in the necessary skills.
Opportunities to observe people who
demonstrate the meaning of that truth in their own lives.
Encouragement to apply what they are
They don't know how to do what is needed. They are not sure what to do or how to do it. Perhaps it has to do with their personal walk with God (for example: pray, study the Bible, have a quiet time, etc.). Or, perhaps it has to do with practical ministry to others (for example: teach, encourage, lead a family devotional, give a personal testimony, share the Gospel with an unbeliever, etc.).
learning. Opportunities to observe people who are
doing what is required.
Instruction and practical training in the
required skills.
If needed, help in developing a practical
strategy to do what is needed.
Appropriate opportunities to practice what
they are learning, with helpful feedback.
Practical advice and support as they
develop confidence and skill.
The Church Planting
Process
5. Watering the Soil
5. WATERING THE SOIL 1 Corinthians 3:6-10 "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds." (NIV) Paul said that Apollos watered. (A symbol of the Holy Spirit is water). This tells me that Paul laid the foundation, got the church going and Apollos nurtured it for growth. To nurture the flock, the following is needed: 5.1 EXPERIENCING THE HOLY SPIRIT While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found two disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." Acts 19:1-6 (NIV) A good friend of mine once gave me these words of wisdom: "All Word and no Spirit – you dry up; All Spirit and no Word, you blow up; Word and Spirit – you grow up!" (Letter kills but the Spirit gives life.) People want to experience God when the come into a church. They are tired of showmanship and dry rhetoric sermons. They want to feel God's presence. You cannot run a church effectively if you do not give the Holy Spirit His rightful place.
5.2 TEACHING THE SOLID FOOD OF THE WORD "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14) The New International Version We must concentrate on bringing God's people to maturity. The reason why so many pastors are counselling people over and over is because they have not come to maturity in the Lord. 5.3 EQUIPPING Equipping the believers is far more than teaching. It is providing "on-the-job-training". Some training can not be done in a classroom or correspondence situation. Have you ever heard of someone who did a correspondence course on "How to swim"? Yet we do it in the body of Christ. "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
We explain something from the pulpit and then expect the leaders to do it as well as the pastor who had the advantage of studying and also acquired valuable experience.
5.4 LEADERSHIP TRAINING If you fail to train – you train to fail. Everything rises and falls on leadership.
There are many characteristics of a church planter, which I cover in detail in Chapter 8 of this manual. But there is one particular "Campus" where leaders are trained and equipped more effectively than at any other. God's campus of personalised training cannot be substituted by any Bible School or seminary. Let's have a look at some of the subjects addressed in the curriculum of this training school.
GOD'S TRAINING GROUND
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need
to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV) INTRODUCTION When God calls He also anoints and equips. It is like David said, "He trains my hands for battle..."(Ps 18:34) There are certain things a Bible College cannot teach you. After I had graduated from formal theological training I found myself in 3 more schools. I also found that God himself is the professor and He sets up the curriculum. All Christian Leaders must of necessity pass through these schools if we want to rightly divide the word of truth. What are these schools? 1. THE SCHOOL OF THE SPIRIT
John 14:26 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
(NIV)
John 16:13-14 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and
making it known to you." (NIV) • Not all truths unfold as a result of conscious study. I Cor 2:9-13 There are truths that are directly revealed to us by the Holy Spirit as we meditate and reflect on the Word of God. These truths have direct application to our lives and must be tested by the Word of God so that we aren't deceived by our own imaginations. That is why it is so necessary to teach people on hearing the voice of God.
LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. • Through the Word of God (Rhema) Romans 10:17 All truth is revealed through the Word of God (Rhema). There is no doctrine or revelation that qualifies as truth unless it is tested by the Scriptures. Revelation in a person's life is progressive. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to feed us and through the application of that Word, we grow.
• The Holy Spirit often uses dreams. Joel 2:28 The Bible is full of examples where God speaks to His people through dreams. These dreams are full of symbolism that needs interpretation. I strongly believe that the interpretation lies with the dreamer. • The Holy Spirit uses visions. Acts 9:10-12 These visions may be real-life images that play off like a movie. IN other instances, it is like flashes of pictures in the mind. There is always a message with it. • The Holy Spirit obviously uses people. Acts 21:10-11 These people are not only pastors, but also very ordinary people and even children. Remember Samuel? God used him to speak to Eli. • Through spiritual words 1 Cor 2:13-14 These are impressions that you get in your mind. They must always be tested against the Word of God. If it doesn't measure up with God's Word, then it is a temptation. Often it is like a word of knowledge. • The Early Church was led by the Holy Spirit Acts 13:2-4 If the Holy Spirit does not have His rightful place in the church, it will be governed by human reason and business skills. People will leave a church like this and look for a church where they can experience and meet with God. • It is vital to have relationship with the Holy Spirit 2 Cor 13:14 Your ministry will only develop as you have fellowship with the Holy Spirit. 2. THE SCHOOL OF LIFE • Learn from others. ¾ Success stories
I love to read about the successes of others – never to copy them, but to learn from the principles they applied. ¾ Failure stories
I also try my utmost to learn from the mistakes of others. There are not many books on failure stories, but if you observe around you, you will quickly spot them.
• Keep yourself updated with current news ¾ World Events
People find it difficult to relate to pastors who only speak Scripture verses and whose history knowledge is only the Old Testament. World events will also give you an indication of what to pray for. ¾ World Trends
It is important to watch world trends as far as technology, industry and commerce is concerned. I predict that the ones that will be deceived by the anti-Christ will be people who never kept their eyes on world trends. All these are necessary because the people we ministry to are struggling with these issues. They are looking for answers. People are living now and want now answers. ¾ Jesus was able to relate to everyone
He used parables and illustrations that could relate to: ¾ Farmers ¾ Fisherman ¾ Wildlife enthusiasts ¾ Politicians ¾ Pharisees ¾ Prostitutes ¾ Paul was a well-read man
II Timothy 4:13 "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." (NIV) 3. SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS • Christian service is involvement in conflict. ¾ Personal conflict ¾ Staff conflict ¾ Marital conflict etc. • Paul's testimony ¾ II Corinthians 4:1,8,9
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart… We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (NIV) • Paul's advice to young Timothy ¾ II Tim 4:5
"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." (NIV) • Be a good student of yourself. Know: ¾ The signs of inner fatigue ¾ The signs of your emotions etc. REMEMBER
"Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it."
- Winston Churchill
The Church Planting
Process
6. Removing the Weeds
6. REMOVING THE WEEDS (Please note that a handbook entitled: "Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Strongholds" is available from the DAWN Africa office. Please refer to page 2 of this training manual.) If a farmer does not remove the weeds in his fields they will choke the harvest. Because a church consists of people and people have strongholds in their lives, churches can be bound or even destroyed through these strongholds unless they are dealt with. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL WARFARE What Spiritual Warfare is not: 1. It is not a conflict between good and evil. 2. It is not only a conflict between God and Satan. 3. It is not just shouting at the devil and calling him names. 4. It is not just for a selected or holy few. What Spiritual Warfare is: 1. It is the battle between the Kingdom of God and Satan for the souls of people. 2. It is the daily spiritual combat against the forces of darkness. 3. It is to enforce the reign of Christ. 4. It is for every Christian. DEFINITION Spiritual warfare is the outright conflict between the Kingdom of God, led by the Lord Jesus Christ and the forces of darkness, led by Satan for the souls of people. FROM CREATION TO THE CROSS • SATAN BEGAN THE CONFLICT Isaiah 14:12-18 How you have fallen from heaven, 0 morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! " You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven, - I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. " I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. • SATAN AND A THIRD OF THE ANGELS WERE CAST FROM HEAVEN Revelation 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down -- that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. • SATAN BECAME THE RULER OF THE KINGDOM OF THE AIR Ephesians 2:2 "...in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. • GOD DECLARED WAR AFTER THE FALL OF MAN Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between you and the Woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and YOU will strike his heel. " • EVER SINCE, THERE HAS BEEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE A nation (Israel) was formed that would bring forth the Messiah. Prophets fought many spiritual battles for the preparation with John the Baptist as the main forerunner.
THE GREAT CULMINATION AT THE CROSS
I John 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the
beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
Colossians 2:14-15 "...having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us
and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. " • A major part of Jesus' ministry was delivering people from demons THE MANDATE OF THE CHURCH
Mark 16:17 "...And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out
demons;
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms.
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. JESUS AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE
• Jesus made it very clear that he was initiating spiritual warfare. • Look at the following Scriptures:
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,... "
Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto Thee, That the art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 6.1 DEALING WITH STRONGHOLDS IN A CHURCH (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) NIV For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight
with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish
strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
A "stronghold" is a spiritual fortress where a power has control. These fortresses exist in the thought-patterns, opinions and ideas that govern individuals, churches, communities and nations. In the Old Testament, a stronghold was a fortified dwelling used as a means of protection from the enemy. These were physical structures, usually cave high on a mountainside, and were very difficult to attack. Obviously, Paul uses the word "stronghold" to define the spiritual fortress wherein satan and his demons hide and are protected. These fortresses also exist in the thought-patterns and ideas that govern individuals and churches, as well as communities and nations.
In several of the Pauline Epistles, Paul actually addresses strongholds that were binding those churches and were making their witness ineffective. Let's look at some of these churches and their strongholds as well as five churches in the book of Revelation: A. THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH This was a church of much contrast. It was a church that was rich and strong in spiritual gifts, (1Cor 1:4-7) yet they were extremely un-spiritual in many other aspects of church life. Paul, at great risk to himself, shows no fear in addressing these issues. Although he does not call each of them strongholds, they all fall into the definition of strongholds. We must understand that we cannot deal with the strongholds of a community, town or country, if we do not deal with our individual and corporate strongholds. • A stronghold of division - 1 Cor 1:12-13 • A stronghold of immorality - 1 Cor 5:1-6; 6:15-18 • A stronghold of extreme liberality - 1 Cor 8:9-13 • A stronghold of idolatry - 1 Cor 10:14-22 • A stronghold of ignorance of God - 1 Cor 15:33-34 • A stronghold of unforgiveness - 2 Cor 2:511 • A stronghold of worldly partnerships - 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 • A stronghold of resistance to authority - 2 Cor 10:8-13 • A stronghold of sedition. (Conduct or language inciting rebellion against authority.) –2 Cor 11:4-15 • A stronghold of a lack of repentance - 2 Cor 12:21 B. THE GALATIAN CHURCH • A stronghold of legalism - Gal. 3:1-5 Laying down laws for Christians that are outside the requirements of the Scriptures. E.g. clothing, serving of communion etc. Find the balance between extreme liberality and legalism. • A stronghold of religion - Gal. 4:8-10,15,21-31 Sons of Hagar or sons of Sarah. FIVE CHURCHES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION
1. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH • A stronghold of cold love - Rev. 2:4,7 ("To him who overcomes....) 2. THE PERGAMUM CHURCH • A stronghold of demonic teachings. - Rev. 2:13-17 ("To him who overcomes....) 1 Tim. 4:1 Nicolaitans = "destruction of people" a sect mentioned in Rev. 2:6,15, who were charged with holding the error of Balaam, casting a stumbling block before the church of God by upholding the liberty of eating things sacrificed to idols as well as committing fornication. 3. THE THYATIRA CHURCH • A stronghold of Jezebel - Rev. 2:20-26 ("To him who overcomes...) "The Spirit of Jezebel" - Who was Jezebel? Daughter of Ethbaal, king of Phoenicia. He was a Canaanite High Priest who ascended to the throne through intrigue and violence and who then made his daughter High priestess.
The Scriptures give the following insights through the life of queen Jezebel.
• 1 Kings 16:31 - Caused her husband and king, Ahab, to serve Baal i.e. The Spirit of Jezebel seduces church leaders and husbands and attempts to cause them to turn away from God. She uses sex and violence to achieve her ends. • 1 Kings 18:4 - She killed the Lords prophets i.e. She attacks the Scriptures and the prophetic word. • 1 Kings 18:19 - She installed her own prophets i.e. She introduces false doctrines and religious systems. • 1 Kings 21:1-16 - She usurped the role of head of family and nation i.e. She seeks to bring about role reversal in church and home. Note that homosexuality is an extreme role reversal and that the feminist movement also seeks to up-end the Biblical headship model. • 2 Kings 9:30 - She practices sexual seduction i.e. She tries to seduce church leaders and husbands. Note the fall of the T.V Evangelists and the high rate of divorce and adultery in the nations. Refer to Rev 2:20 for further insights. THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT: • It is a dominant spirit. This spirit uses another person to dominate leaders and therefore churches and nations. It makes "Ahabs" out of the leaders. • It is a violent spirit. This spirit will destroy anyone to have its way. • It is a spirit of sexual immorality. This spirit uses homosexuality, lesbianism, prostitution, pornography and any other sexual disorder to reverse the Biblical headship model. • It is a spirit of idolatry. This spirit will introduce false doctrines and religious systems to keep her victims away from experiencing God in His fullness. • It is a spirit of seduction. This spirit is out to reverse God's divine order. She controls the feminist movement and also undermines the divine leadership role of the husband. • It is a witchcraft spirit. She will use counterfeit gifts to infiltrate the church. i.e. Prophecy (fortune-telling); always submit personal prophesies to your oversight. 4. THE SARDIS CHURCH • A stronghold of spiritual death. - Rev. 3:1-5 ("He who overcomes...) 5. THE LAODICEAN CHURCH • A stronghold of lukewarmness. - Rev. 3:14-21 ("To him who overcomes...) Although these strongholds were over the church, they were resident in individuals.
6.2 DEALING WITH STRONGHOLDS IN RELATIONSHIPS It is good to constantly observe relational problems in the church. Many churches split because of relationship problems. That is why Paul says to the Ephesians, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)
HOW TO BREAK STRONGHOLDS INTRODUCTION The question most often asked is, "Can I break my own strongholds?" The answer is yes and no. With prayer and fasting you can break the yoke but it is difficult to take authority over something that has authority over you. You will need someone to help you. Beware of pride!
WILLINGNESS TO REPENT • The person must have a willingness to repent and see that his/her stronghold contains sin. • The person must have a willingness to surrender to Christ. • At this point you may loose some and not be able to help them. • Forgiveness is essential. IDENTIFYING THE STRONGHOLDS. • Through identifying the obvious signs, actions, sins and history of the person. • Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. • The discerning of spirits - I Cor. 12: 10 Example: Acts 16:16-18 • The word of knowledge - 1 Cor. 12:8 Example: Acts 5: 111 BINDING AND LOOSING • Jesus said, "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house". Matthew 12:28-29 • And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18-19 • Bind the spirit verbally. • Sometimes you need to spend time in prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:14-21 'And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a [certain] man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatic, and sore vexe& for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17Then Jesus answered and said, 0 faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 2oAnd Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelieffor verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
21Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. COMMANDING • Demons understand authority and also know when you don't have it. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18
BUT Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come Out. " 14Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 [One day] the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you? " 16Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Acts 19:13-16 • You have to have faith in the name and power of Jesus. • You must be secure in the authority Jesus gave you. • Don't be intimidated by their stubbornness. They have to go. • Remind them what Jesus did on the cross. INNER HEALING • Often people would need healing of their memories (images of the past) in cases like child molestation. • The inner healing process • Agape therapy I learnt the following illustration from Mark Virkler:
NO. STEP BIBLICAL EXAMPLE (Peter: Matt 26:69-75; Jn 21:2-17) 1. Using Vision, go back and re-enter the hurt.
Fire, Twilight, Three-fold confession
2. Using Vision bring Jesus into the scene.
"Jesus stood on the beach…" (John. 21:4-5) 3. Using Vision, let Jesus move freely healing the hurt with his loving presence.
Jesus' statements of affirming love. "Feed My Lambs" "Take care of my Sheep" "Feed my Sheep"
THIS MUST BE A LIVING EXPERIENCE –
NOT AN ACADEMIC EXERCISE
POINTS TO REMEMBER • The Bible is not a handbook on deliverance. • Much is learnt through trial and error. • What works for me may not work for you. • Some precautions. PRECAUTIONS • Do not be alone with the opposite sex unless it is in a professional setting. • Do not rush through the session. • Do not get frustrated or panic when nothing seems to happen. • Do not scream and shake the person. • Do not apply force. • Do not break confidences. • Do not be afraid to seek for help.
HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF FREE FROM STRONGHOLDS If you have been set free from strongholds (2 Cor 10:3-5), it is not the end of your war but the beginning. It is common sense that Satan would try his best to regain the ground he has lost. Our war is not only to become free, but also to stay free. The Satanic world is not disorganized. There are already worked-out schemes to recapture lost ground.
2 Corinthians 2:11 "...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's
schemes." I would like to share a few principles with you that will help you to stay free. Just remember, you have an enormous advantage in that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) Put on the armour of God (Eph 6:II-18) This armour was given to you for your defence and offence against the devil. Most people only fight the devil when he attacks. I don't think that to be good strategy. No one can just defend and expect to win. It is not Satan who has declared war against us. It is our Kingdom that has declared war against him. 1 John 3:8 "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." Submit to God James 4:7 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." When I submit to God, I place myself under His umbrella of protection. I am then open to His voice and commands. My obedience to Him guarantees my freedom from strongholds. Resist the devil "… Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." You cannot effectively resist the devil if you do not submit to God. But when you submit to God you can effectively resist the devil. We will all be subject to temptation for the rest of our lives but never above what we are able to handle. (1 Cor. 10: 13) Your resistance to the temptation will help you break the bad habits you have formed. Confess sin quickly If you sin do not leave it unattended so that the enemy could use it to build a stronghold. Be honest and prepared to repent. Your confession to God and those you offend will help you to stay free. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Do it quickly though, for the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes. Guard your heart and your mind Unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment are the major strongholds in people's lives. Such people don't have peace of heart and mind due to the conflict they are carrying. (Mark 11:25-26) Learn to forgive just as Jesus forgave us. When you do that, the peace of God will guard you. (Phil 4:6-8)
Strengthen yourself Firstly, it is vitally important to spend time with God in reading and prayer. Read the following verses: 2 Tim 2:15; Acts 17:11; Matt 4:4; 1 Pet 2:2; Eph 4:12; Jam 1:22-25; Ps 119:105; 1 Cor 14:14-15; Jude 20; 1 Thes 5:17; Jam 5:16. CONCLUSION The church must become militant against the strongholds instead of one another. We are not fighting flesh and blood.
The Church Planting
Process
7. Preparing for Harvest
7. HARVESTING The whole purpose of planting a crop is to have a harvest. A church should be planted with the view that it will reproduce itself into more congregations. Otherwise we are planting sterile churches. Converts must learn that they are to reproduce themselves in becoming soul winners themselves. 7.1 THE EQUIPPING SQUARE I like the equipping square that Larry Stockstill uses in his church. It looks like this:
Win them
Assimilate
them
Converts must know they are on a journey, that they are not just saved to go to heaven but that they have a destiny in their lives here on earth. God has a plan to use them for the kingdom. Hence - the priesthood of believers.
4 3
Disciple
Send them
them
Equipping goes beyond teaching. It involves mentoring – on-the-job-training – showing how it is done. That is why the cell church movement is producing far more leaders than any other church model. Unfortunately many churches lose their best leaders to parachurch organisations and the like because there is no opportunity for them to grow into a ministry in the church. The tendency today is to have homegrown pastors.
7.2 KEEP A CHURCH PLANTING VISION BEFORE THE CONGREGATION If church multiplication is not a value, the vision will fade. Let me explain by asking you a question: Why do you brush your teeth? To have healthy teeth of course! But where did it all start? It started with parents that told you to brush your teeth daily and held you accountable on a daily basis. Now, you are doing it because it has become a value. 7.3 MULTIPLICATION Make church multiplication a value in your church. The moment you plant another church, make sure you keep them accountable for reproduction. Remember that the harvest produces seed for growth. Ellis and Mitchell say "if a church exists which never thinks about reproducing itself…never expects or anticipates that this is the natural business of growing up, then it is actually sterile."
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…' (Genesis 1:28) - KJV "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14) - KJV 7.4 BECOMING A MOVEMENT Think of your surname, you belong to a family that may be several generations of the same name. You have ancestors you don't even know about. It started with a husband and wife that produced children, who in turn produced children, who in turn produced children until we get down to your existence. That is a multiplication movement. Denominations started like that. You can see this example in the Wesleyan revival through John Wesley. He started a movement that touched just about the whole world and exists even to this day. Essential ingredients of a church planting movement • Vision So often pastors only see the little flock they have and for them "the ministry" means looking after these souls. That is noble but not visionary. We need men like John Knox who prayed, "Lord, give me Scotland or I die!" We need visionaries that are prepared to take the challenge of Acts 1:8 - Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. We need pioneers that will not give themselves rest until there is a church within easy access of every person in their community. We need visionaries that see churches where there are no churches. However it is not good enough that the leader is a visionary. The whole movement must be passionate about the vision. • Strategy Every farmer has a strategy. Every General has a war strategy. Every good business entrepreneur has a strategy. Anyone who wants to spearhead a church planting movement needs a strategy from above. Without a clearly prayed through plan of action and a vision based on values it will never succeed. Every one on the team of church planters must know what the strategy is and follow it unanimously. • Leadership Any church planter who is not training other church planters is short sighted and will never spearhead a movement. In 1994 God brought a Malawian pastor across my path. Henry Mkhomanya was the pastor of a small struggling congregation meeting in a reed structure. He felt that he was called to be a church planter. I took him under my wing and mentored him. Henry had to make a choice whether he wanted to just grow his church or spearhead a movement. He chose the latter. Today Henry heads up a movement called Antioch Ministries. Every year he trains a certain amount of church planters for nine months. Their concentration is the Yao tribe in Malawi who is 95% Muslim. The reason they have seen such growth is because he constantly imparts his heart and knowledge into other men. The churches they planted have now produced other churches that have produced even more churches. Leaders must constantly reproduce themselves. They must make way for other gifted ministries that will come through them. Even Jesus made room for that when he said that others will come after him who will do greater things he had done.
• Sacrifice God will not give you a nation if you are not prepared to give yourself to the nation. Church planting is not for the faint-hearted. It takes faith and sacrifice. It is hard work. In Africa I often hear pastors using the excuse of a lack of funds. They are waiting for some rich American to come and give them the money that will do the miraculous. With that mentality you will never succeed. God will meet you at your level of faith. With every church I planted there were never enough funds, yet God supplied in every situation. Church planting takes a lot of time and energy. Someone who spearheads a movement must be willing to sacrifice himself to see the vision come to pass. Teach everyone in the movement to give sacrificially to the vision. But don't stop there. Involve them. • A Respect for the greater Body of Christ I have often seen movements become sectarian because they think that they are the totality of the Kingdom of God. A wise movement leader will look for strategic partners. You can never reach a nation on your own. Learn to bless other ministries and God will bless yours. Do not see other church planters as opposition but as colabourers.
The Characteristics of a
Church Planter
Characteristics of a Church Planter
1. PASSION FOR THE LOST
It goes without saying that unless a church planter has a passion for the lost, he will plant a church that will grow through transfer growth from other churches. Such a pastor will concentrate on programs to attract people and his pulpit ministry will be mainly a "topical preaching style" that entertains the crowds. Christians dissatisfied with their own churches are easily attracted to such a church. Although this church is growing, the Kingdom is not growing. The kind of church planters we need are ones that have the spirit of Paul. He said, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation." (Romans 15:20) We need pastors with such a passion for the lost that they will aggressively target those who have been blinded from the gospel. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 2. KINGDOM MENTALITY
I have heard people say that "denominations are from the devil." How sad! How ignorant! When God created a flower, He did not just create on white flower with one fragrance. He created thousands of different ones with different fragrances and different structures. Which one is right? Which one is more "flower" than the other? When they are together in a bouquet they enhance one another, never denying the other an existence. Ephesians 4:3 "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." We have been called to unity not uniformity. There is a huge difference between the two. A church planter that is respected by God is one that will not hurt the body of Christ. Visit the other pastors in town and tell them of your intentions. 3. A VISIONARY
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish…" A church planter must be a visionary in the sense that he gets his vision from the Lord.
It is necessary that he wait on the Lord for vision. It must never be a quick idea he received in his mind. Take Habakkuk as an example.
Habakkuk 2:1-3 "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. [2] And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (KJV) 4. A LOVE FOR PEOPLE Thjs almost goes without saying. No church planter will ever be effective if he does not have a love for people. Why plant a church if it isn't motivated by the love of Christ Jesus. Paul said, "For Christ's love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV) To the Thessalonians he said: "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers." (NIV) 5. WILLING TO SACRIFICE
Sacrifice is part of the church planter's life. Pioneering is far more difficult that maintaining. Often the church planter has to sacrifice the comfort of an established church or ministry to start this new church from scratch. Most of the times, there is a financial sacrifice until the church is fully established. Listen to what Paul, the church planter says: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." (NIV) This scripture verse is the motto of the church planter. 6. FAMILY SUPPORT It is so important that the church planter has the support of his family. If the devil is going to attack the church planter, it is going to be in his family. It is an old tactic of his. That is why Paul gives these instructions to Timothy: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,A he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." (NIV)