The model is very simple and so simple that it works. Yet, it is not without resistance because it truly challenges my Western bias about how we think things should be because that is how we do it in ________(fill in the blank). I think I've explained the model before but it is always good to refresh on it.
First, potential target areas are researched. We are especially interested in planting churches in un-reached people groups and places where we are not competing with other church groups. Second, we find the right partners (such as a church denomination) interested in spreading the Gospel through church multiplication. Third, using a trained individual, we establish a training center in the targeted area, which may be a home, building, or an area under a tree. Next we look for a 'person of peace' to help us establish the work, find potential students, and find people interested in Bible study. These person's of peace are simply interested people who are able to assist within that community and who God has already prepared for this work.
The trainer then starts a Bible study group and from that group, recruits people who are interested in sharing their faith and starting worship groups in their home areas. The idea is that people within a two-hour walk of the trainer's location are recruited so they can attend training each week that is in-turn shared with a group they are meeting with back at their home area. This discipleship process extends over a three-year period using structure training materials. The discipleship process emphasizes "the call" to start new groups and churches, and for one trainer, the ideal class size is a group of about 15 people who are planting churches, who are training others to plant churches.
Each week the trainer visits a different church planter student to encourage him and assist with the church service. At the end of three years, that trainer may have 15, 30, or more churches. We have personally seen fifty churches planted in less than a year from one trainer's work and we hear of even larger numbers in some of the other African countries. Yes, some are lower as well, but is isn't all about the numbers but rather about establishing Christ-centered, reproducing, self-sufficient churches.
At the end of three years, the trainer moves to more of a mentoring role and moves to another un-reached groups to start the process again.
This model is strongly scriptural and requires that we 'put our trust in God' truly for it is His church and we are merely His instruments. Paul is the ideal example - starting many of the early churches discussed in the Book of Acts. He also spent a little time with the church, appointed leaders, and then moved on, following the churches' progress from a distance.
The Gospel only requires that people be willing to share and teach 'what they have learned' and continue to teach what they have learned. If you know one thing, teach that one thing faithfully next week. But with this model comes mentorship on studying the Bible, understanding the Gospel story, developing a vibrant prayer life, and being obedient to that which you have learned.
We have become quite passionate about this work as we see lives changed for eternity and hope instilled where there was no hope. The opportunities to come behind the expanding work with compassionate ministries are unlimited, only requiring those who are willing service.
Sitting in this room of experienced church planters and hearing their amazing stories is something I wish I could relay to you better. I wish you could have heard the glorious singing and prayer of these young men, many who have risked their very lives routinely for the cause of Christ. In Hebrews, Chapter 11, we learn of the many heroes of the faith and the costs that many paid to further the Gospel. Today is was our privilege to meet with men from all kinds of tribes and nations who are truly heroes of the faith, having forsaken all for the cause of Christ.
It is a privilege to be here and it was daunting to be challenged today with the faith of Abraham and the faith of Joshua, knowing that God is pleased to replicate that kind of faith. We fall so short when measured against the ultimate standard, Chris himself. But we know that Paul said to "follow me as I follow Christ" and one slide today really resonated with that thought. It was a picture of a momma duck leading her little ducklings single file behind here. None of the baby ducks knew where they were going, they were only following the mother duck. They were no all grown up and mature, they were following the little duck in front of them. You only need to stay one-step ahead of the one behind you and one step behind the one ahead of you.
None of us ever attains the high standard Jesus himself laid out before us - no one ever will and so in a sense, no one will EVER be 'good enough' or 'smart enough' or 'theological enough' to start a Bible study, a prayer group, or a church, if that is what we are waiting for. God only wants us to follow him, and teach what we know, be it a lot or a little.... But in reality, the message is so simple that a small child can grasp it and accept it, and yet so deep and profound that an intellectual can wrestle with its richness for a lifetime.
But the job is to make disciples, teaching them to obey God's work, so that we can reach the Nations for Christ.
Lord, forgive us where we fall short. Purify us and cleanse our hearts so that we can be worth to teach others about you. May we only bring honor to Your name.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." John 14:1
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