Why Plant Churches?

there is a need

The United States is now the largest mission field in the Western Hemisphere and the fifth largest in the world: 

  • 3500-4000 churches are closing each year which averages to 300 a month and 80 a week. 

  • Over 80% of churches in the U.S. have plateaued or are declining in attendance. 

  • Only 4-13% of millennials claim to be “churched." 8 million 20-year olds will no longer attend church by the age of 30. 

  • 60 million people between 20-38 years of age are not connected to a church. 

  • Half as many people are associated with a church as they were 20 years ago. We are losing the next generation. 

there is a solution

With the current spiritual climate of the United States, new churches are what best reach new generations, new residents, and new people groups. Simply put, church planting best initiates engagement opportunities with people that are "unchurched."

  • “The vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for: (1) The numerical growth of the body of Christ in a city, and (2) the continual corporate renewal and revival of the existing churches in a city. Nothing else – not crusades, outreach programs, parachurch ministries, growing megachurches, congregational consulting, nor church renewal processes – will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting.” – Tim Keller

  • Newly planted churches see exponential increases in believers. For example, established churches that are at least a decade old grow on average by 10-20% through inviting unchurched people. However, newly planted churches grow on average by 60-80% through the same invitation.

 

What Does the Bible
Say About Multiplication?

it is a biblical mandate

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

It is Kingdom-Oriented and Strategic

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

It is Central to Our Identity as Christians

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)