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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 116
J D PAYNE
BIRTHING
NEW CHURCHES
FROM NEW BELIEVERS
A P O S T O L I C
C H U R C H
P L A N T I N G
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 216
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 316
APOSTOL I C
CHURCH
P LAN T I NG
BIRTHING NEW CHURCHES
FROM NEW BELIEVERS
J D PAYN E
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 416
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 983089983092983088983088 Downers Grove IL 983094983088983093983089983093-983089983092983090983094
ivpresscom
emailivpresscom
copy983090983088983089983093 by J D Payne
All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission f rom
InterVarsity Press
InterVarsity Press reg is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian FellowshipUSAreg a movement
of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities colleges and schools of nursing in the
United States of America and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
For information about local and regional activities visit intervarsityorg
Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted are from Te Holy Bible English Standard Version copyright copy
983090983088983088983089 by Crossway Bibles a division of Good News Publishers Used by permission All rights reserved
While any stories in this book are true some names and identifying information may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals
Cover design Cindy Kiple
Interior design Beth McGill
Images planet with people copyjohaveliStockphoto
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (print)
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983097983096983097983088-983097 (digital)
Printed in the United States of America
As a member of the Green Press Initiative InterVarsity Press is committed to protecting theenvironment and to the responsible use of natural resources o learn more visit greenpressinitiativeorg
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Payne Jervis David 983089983097983095983092-
Apostolic church planting birthing new churches from new believers JD Payne
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (pbk alk paper)
983089 Church development New 983090 Discipling (Christianity) I itle
BV983094983093983090983090983092P983091983096983096 983090983088983089983093 983090983093983092rsquo983089mdashdc983090983091
983090983088983089983093983088983090983095983093983094983095
P 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093 983089983092 983089983091 983089983090 983089983089 983089983088 983097 983096 983095 983094 983093 983092 983091 983090 983089
Y 983091983091 983091983090 983091983089 983091983088 983090983097 983090983096 983090983095 983090983094 983090983093 983090983092 983090983091 983090983090 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 516
ContentsPreface 983097
Introduction 983089983091
983089 What Is Church Planting 983089983095
983090 Howrsquos Your Ecclesiology 983090983089
983091 Practices of Team Members 983091983088
983092 Pathway to Planting 983092983088
983093 Stages of Planting 983093983091
983094 Planned Role Changes 983094983089
983095 Church Multiplication Cycle 983095983095
983096 Methods 983096983090
983097 Where to Begin 983097983089
983089983088 Pastoral Development 983089983088983088
983089983089 Strategy Development 983089983088983097
983089983090 Ethical Guidelines 983089983089983092
Conclusion 983089983090983090
Acknowledgments 983089983090983091
Notes 983089983090983092
Bibliography 983089983090983094
About the Author 983089983090983095
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Preface
When I wrote Discovering Church Planting An Introduction to
the Whats Whys and Hows of Global Church Planting I wanted
to provide a comprehensive guide on the topic1 Tat book is almost
9830929830941048624 pages long and I believe I accomplished what the Lord placed in
my heart I am very thankful and pleased with that book You might assume that such a book was adequately thorough
However over years of training church planters in both seminaries
and local churches I have often encountered questions I did not
address in Discovering Church Planting Also since it was an intro-
ductory text space and purpose would not allow me to develop
some of my thinking to the degree that I would have liked
Te book you have before you Apostolic Church Planting is my
attempt to respond to some of those questions and to connect the
practical steps in a more developed manner While this book is
written to stand on its own with much new material it is also
written to complementmdashnot replacemdashDiscovering Church Planting
Naturally there is some overlap between the two If there werenrsquot
you would be wise to question an author who writes two books ona subject with no continuity and much divergence in thought
However there are very important matters related to church
planting that I do not address in detail in this book but do in
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 716
9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 816
Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
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983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
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Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
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What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 216
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 316
APOSTOL I C
CHURCH
P LAN T I NG
BIRTHING NEW CHURCHES
FROM NEW BELIEVERS
J D PAYN E
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InterVarsity Press
PO Box 983089983092983088983088 Downers Grove IL 983094983088983093983089983093-983089983092983090983094
ivpresscom
emailivpresscom
copy983090983088983089983093 by J D Payne
All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission f rom
InterVarsity Press
InterVarsity Press reg is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian FellowshipUSAreg a movement
of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities colleges and schools of nursing in the
United States of America and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
For information about local and regional activities visit intervarsityorg
Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted are from Te Holy Bible English Standard Version copyright copy
983090983088983088983089 by Crossway Bibles a division of Good News Publishers Used by permission All rights reserved
While any stories in this book are true some names and identifying information may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals
Cover design Cindy Kiple
Interior design Beth McGill
Images planet with people copyjohaveliStockphoto
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (print)
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983097983096983097983088-983097 (digital)
Printed in the United States of America
As a member of the Green Press Initiative InterVarsity Press is committed to protecting theenvironment and to the responsible use of natural resources o learn more visit greenpressinitiativeorg
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Payne Jervis David 983089983097983095983092-
Apostolic church planting birthing new churches from new believers JD Payne
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (pbk alk paper)
983089 Church development New 983090 Discipling (Christianity) I itle
BV983094983093983090983090983092P983091983096983096 983090983088983089983093 983090983093983092rsquo983089mdashdc983090983091
983090983088983089983093983088983090983095983093983094983095
P 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093 983089983092 983089983091 983089983090 983089983089 983089983088 983097 983096 983095 983094 983093 983092 983091 983090 983089
Y 983091983091 983091983090 983091983089 983091983088 983090983097 983090983096 983090983095 983090983094 983090983093 983090983092 983090983091 983090983090 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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ContentsPreface 983097
Introduction 983089983091
983089 What Is Church Planting 983089983095
983090 Howrsquos Your Ecclesiology 983090983089
983091 Practices of Team Members 983091983088
983092 Pathway to Planting 983092983088
983093 Stages of Planting 983093983091
983094 Planned Role Changes 983094983089
983095 Church Multiplication Cycle 983095983095
983096 Methods 983096983090
983097 Where to Begin 983097983089
983089983088 Pastoral Development 983089983088983088
983089983089 Strategy Development 983089983088983097
983089983090 Ethical Guidelines 983089983089983092
Conclusion 983089983090983090
Acknowledgments 983089983090983091
Notes 983089983090983092
Bibliography 983089983090983094
About the Author 983089983090983095
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Preface
When I wrote Discovering Church Planting An Introduction to
the Whats Whys and Hows of Global Church Planting I wanted
to provide a comprehensive guide on the topic1 Tat book is almost
9830929830941048624 pages long and I believe I accomplished what the Lord placed in
my heart I am very thankful and pleased with that book You might assume that such a book was adequately thorough
However over years of training church planters in both seminaries
and local churches I have often encountered questions I did not
address in Discovering Church Planting Also since it was an intro-
ductory text space and purpose would not allow me to develop
some of my thinking to the degree that I would have liked
Te book you have before you Apostolic Church Planting is my
attempt to respond to some of those questions and to connect the
practical steps in a more developed manner While this book is
written to stand on its own with much new material it is also
written to complementmdashnot replacemdashDiscovering Church Planting
Naturally there is some overlap between the two If there werenrsquot
you would be wise to question an author who writes two books ona subject with no continuity and much divergence in thought
However there are very important matters related to church
planting that I do not address in detail in this book but do in
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 716
9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
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Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
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What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 316
APOSTOL I C
CHURCH
P LAN T I NG
BIRTHING NEW CHURCHES
FROM NEW BELIEVERS
J D PAYN E
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InterVarsity Press
PO Box 983089983092983088983088 Downers Grove IL 983094983088983093983089983093-983089983092983090983094
ivpresscom
emailivpresscom
copy983090983088983089983093 by J D Payne
All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission f rom
InterVarsity Press
InterVarsity Press reg is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian FellowshipUSAreg a movement
of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities colleges and schools of nursing in the
United States of America and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
For information about local and regional activities visit intervarsityorg
Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted are from Te Holy Bible English Standard Version copyright copy
983090983088983088983089 by Crossway Bibles a division of Good News Publishers Used by permission All rights reserved
While any stories in this book are true some names and identifying information may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals
Cover design Cindy Kiple
Interior design Beth McGill
Images planet with people copyjohaveliStockphoto
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (print)
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983097983096983097983088-983097 (digital)
Printed in the United States of America
As a member of the Green Press Initiative InterVarsity Press is committed to protecting theenvironment and to the responsible use of natural resources o learn more visit greenpressinitiativeorg
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Payne Jervis David 983089983097983095983092-
Apostolic church planting birthing new churches from new believers JD Payne
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (pbk alk paper)
983089 Church development New 983090 Discipling (Christianity) I itle
BV983094983093983090983090983092P983091983096983096 983090983088983089983093 983090983093983092rsquo983089mdashdc983090983091
983090983088983089983093983088983090983095983093983094983095
P 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093 983089983092 983089983091 983089983090 983089983089 983089983088 983097 983096 983095 983094 983093 983092 983091 983090 983089
Y 983091983091 983091983090 983091983089 983091983088 983090983097 983090983096 983090983095 983090983094 983090983093 983090983092 983090983091 983090983090 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093
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ContentsPreface 983097
Introduction 983089983091
983089 What Is Church Planting 983089983095
983090 Howrsquos Your Ecclesiology 983090983089
983091 Practices of Team Members 983091983088
983092 Pathway to Planting 983092983088
983093 Stages of Planting 983093983091
983094 Planned Role Changes 983094983089
983095 Church Multiplication Cycle 983095983095
983096 Methods 983096983090
983097 Where to Begin 983097983089
983089983088 Pastoral Development 983089983088983088
983089983089 Strategy Development 983089983088983097
983089983090 Ethical Guidelines 983089983089983092
Conclusion 983089983090983090
Acknowledgments 983089983090983091
Notes 983089983090983092
Bibliography 983089983090983094
About the Author 983089983090983095
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Preface
When I wrote Discovering Church Planting An Introduction to
the Whats Whys and Hows of Global Church Planting I wanted
to provide a comprehensive guide on the topic1 Tat book is almost
9830929830941048624 pages long and I believe I accomplished what the Lord placed in
my heart I am very thankful and pleased with that book You might assume that such a book was adequately thorough
However over years of training church planters in both seminaries
and local churches I have often encountered questions I did not
address in Discovering Church Planting Also since it was an intro-
ductory text space and purpose would not allow me to develop
some of my thinking to the degree that I would have liked
Te book you have before you Apostolic Church Planting is my
attempt to respond to some of those questions and to connect the
practical steps in a more developed manner While this book is
written to stand on its own with much new material it is also
written to complementmdashnot replacemdashDiscovering Church Planting
Naturally there is some overlap between the two If there werenrsquot
you would be wise to question an author who writes two books ona subject with no continuity and much divergence in thought
However there are very important matters related to church
planting that I do not address in detail in this book but do in
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9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
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Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 416
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 983089983092983088983088 Downers Grove IL 983094983088983093983089983093-983089983092983090983094
ivpresscom
emailivpresscom
copy983090983088983089983093 by J D Payne
All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission f rom
InterVarsity Press
InterVarsity Press reg is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian FellowshipUSAreg a movement
of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities colleges and schools of nursing in the
United States of America and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
For information about local and regional activities visit intervarsityorg
Scripture quotations unless otherwise noted are from Te Holy Bible English Standard Version copyright copy
983090983088983088983089 by Crossway Bibles a division of Good News Publishers Used by permission All rights reserved
While any stories in this book are true some names and identifying information may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals
Cover design Cindy Kiple
Interior design Beth McGill
Images planet with people copyjohaveliStockphoto
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (print)
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983097983096983097983088-983097 (digital)
Printed in the United States of America
As a member of the Green Press Initiative InterVarsity Press is committed to protecting theenvironment and to the responsible use of natural resources o learn more visit greenpressinitiativeorg
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Payne Jervis David 983089983097983095983092-
Apostolic church planting birthing new churches from new believers JD Payne
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references
ISBN 983097983095983096-983088-983096983091983088983096-983092983089983090983092-983088 (pbk alk paper)
983089 Church development New 983090 Discipling (Christianity) I itle
BV983094983093983090983090983092P983091983096983096 983090983088983089983093 983090983093983092rsquo983089mdashdc983090983091
983090983088983089983093983088983090983095983093983094983095
P 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093 983089983092 983089983091 983089983090 983089983089 983089983088 983097 983096 983095 983094 983093 983092 983091 983090 983089
Y 983091983091 983091983090 983091983089 983091983088 983090983097 983090983096 983090983095 983090983094 983090983093 983090983092 983090983091 983090983090 983090983089 983090983088 983089983097 983089983096 983089983095 983089983094 983089983093
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 516
ContentsPreface 983097
Introduction 983089983091
983089 What Is Church Planting 983089983095
983090 Howrsquos Your Ecclesiology 983090983089
983091 Practices of Team Members 983091983088
983092 Pathway to Planting 983092983088
983093 Stages of Planting 983093983091
983094 Planned Role Changes 983094983089
983095 Church Multiplication Cycle 983095983095
983096 Methods 983096983090
983097 Where to Begin 983097983089
983089983088 Pastoral Development 983089983088983088
983089983089 Strategy Development 983089983088983097
983089983090 Ethical Guidelines 983089983089983092
Conclusion 983089983090983090
Acknowledgments 983089983090983091
Notes 983089983090983092
Bibliography 983089983090983094
About the Author 983089983090983095
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Preface
When I wrote Discovering Church Planting An Introduction to
the Whats Whys and Hows of Global Church Planting I wanted
to provide a comprehensive guide on the topic1 Tat book is almost
9830929830941048624 pages long and I believe I accomplished what the Lord placed in
my heart I am very thankful and pleased with that book You might assume that such a book was adequately thorough
However over years of training church planters in both seminaries
and local churches I have often encountered questions I did not
address in Discovering Church Planting Also since it was an intro-
ductory text space and purpose would not allow me to develop
some of my thinking to the degree that I would have liked
Te book you have before you Apostolic Church Planting is my
attempt to respond to some of those questions and to connect the
practical steps in a more developed manner While this book is
written to stand on its own with much new material it is also
written to complementmdashnot replacemdashDiscovering Church Planting
Naturally there is some overlap between the two If there werenrsquot
you would be wise to question an author who writes two books ona subject with no continuity and much divergence in thought
However there are very important matters related to church
planting that I do not address in detail in this book but do in
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 716
9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 816
Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
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983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
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Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
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one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
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9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
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What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 516
ContentsPreface 983097
Introduction 983089983091
983089 What Is Church Planting 983089983095
983090 Howrsquos Your Ecclesiology 983090983089
983091 Practices of Team Members 983091983088
983092 Pathway to Planting 983092983088
983093 Stages of Planting 983093983091
983094 Planned Role Changes 983094983089
983095 Church Multiplication Cycle 983095983095
983096 Methods 983096983090
983097 Where to Begin 983097983089
983089983088 Pastoral Development 983089983088983088
983089983089 Strategy Development 983089983088983097
983089983090 Ethical Guidelines 983089983089983092
Conclusion 983089983090983090
Acknowledgments 983089983090983091
Notes 983089983090983092
Bibliography 983089983090983094
About the Author 983089983090983095
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Preface
When I wrote Discovering Church Planting An Introduction to
the Whats Whys and Hows of Global Church Planting I wanted
to provide a comprehensive guide on the topic1 Tat book is almost
9830929830941048624 pages long and I believe I accomplished what the Lord placed in
my heart I am very thankful and pleased with that book You might assume that such a book was adequately thorough
However over years of training church planters in both seminaries
and local churches I have often encountered questions I did not
address in Discovering Church Planting Also since it was an intro-
ductory text space and purpose would not allow me to develop
some of my thinking to the degree that I would have liked
Te book you have before you Apostolic Church Planting is my
attempt to respond to some of those questions and to connect the
practical steps in a more developed manner While this book is
written to stand on its own with much new material it is also
written to complementmdashnot replacemdashDiscovering Church Planting
Naturally there is some overlap between the two If there werenrsquot
you would be wise to question an author who writes two books ona subject with no continuity and much divergence in thought
However there are very important matters related to church
planting that I do not address in detail in this book but do in
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 716
9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 616
Preface
When I wrote Discovering Church Planting An Introduction to
the Whats Whys and Hows of Global Church Planting I wanted
to provide a comprehensive guide on the topic1 Tat book is almost
9830929830941048624 pages long and I believe I accomplished what the Lord placed in
my heart I am very thankful and pleased with that book You might assume that such a book was adequately thorough
However over years of training church planters in both seminaries
and local churches I have often encountered questions I did not
address in Discovering Church Planting Also since it was an intro-
ductory text space and purpose would not allow me to develop
some of my thinking to the degree that I would have liked
Te book you have before you Apostolic Church Planting is my
attempt to respond to some of those questions and to connect the
practical steps in a more developed manner While this book is
written to stand on its own with much new material it is also
written to complementmdashnot replacemdashDiscovering Church Planting
Naturally there is some overlap between the two If there werenrsquot
you would be wise to question an author who writes two books ona subject with no continuity and much divergence in thought
However there are very important matters related to church
planting that I do not address in detail in this book but do in
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 716
9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 816
Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 916
Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 716
9830891048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Discovering Church Planting Tis book says little about the role of
the Holy Spirit fasting and prayer spiritual warfare and the roleof the sending church While these vital aspects of missionary
labors are not completely absent from this book I intentionally
avoid being redundant and instead direct the reader to respective
chapters in Discovering Church Planting for additional reading It
is my hope that Apostolic Church Planting will not be read as lacking
discussion of important matters for the multiplication of disciples
leaders and churches Rather I hope you will recognize that this
book is part of the larger context of material I have produced
Tere is nothing new under the sun Every author is influenced
by men and women who have gone before and their writings re-
flect that My work is no different For those of you familiar with
the literature of church planting and missiology you will recognize
the influence of Roland Allen Donald McGavran and Ralph Winter Among others you will encounter David Hesselgraversquos
influence on my thinking regarding the Church Multiplication
Cycle and om Steffen and Nathan and Kari Shank when it comes
to role changes stages of church planting and phase-out2
Just before writing this preface I pulled Charles Brockrsquos Indig-
enous Church Planting A Practical Journey from my shelf and read
where Charles signed his book for me on June 983091 98308910486331048633983094 with the
words ldquoMay God bless youmdashCharles Brockrdquo3 I was introduced
to both Charles and his book that summer and it was through
this brother and his writing that the Lord brought me into the
world of church planting In addition to working with church-
planting teams in the United States Irsquove spent ten years teaching
church planting in a seminary context Presently I serve as thepastor of church multiplication with Te Church at Brook Hills
in Birmingham Alabama One of my responsibilities is to equip
our members to serve on church-planting teams Had Charles
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 816
Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 916
Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 816
Preface 983089983089
Brock not taught a church-planting course in June 98308910486331048633983094 I doubt
that I would have written this book And if you are familiar withCharlesrsquos writing you will recognize his influence on this book
in more ways than one
It is my prayer that the Lord will use Apostolic Church Planting
to lead you and your team to multiply disciples leaders and
churches among the unreached peoples of the world A day is
coming when such labors will no longer be necessary I hope you
will be part of contributing to that diverse gathering around the
throne (Rev 10486311048633) and I greatly desire that in some small way this
book will assist you in that grand endeavor
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 916
Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 916
Introduction
One day I met with a seasoned church-planting strategist at
a local coffee shop Tis wonderful brother had been in-
volved in church planting for many years Early in our conver-
sation he asked me about my approach to church planting and
what our church was doing in the area I began by defining churchplanting as evangelism that results in new churches Ten for the
next several minutes I reflected on some passages of Scripture
(such as Acts 983089983091ndash983089983092 9830901048624 983089 im 983091 it 983089) different stages of church
planting planned role changes for the church-planting team and
the priority of unreached people groups After sharing I waited
for his response
Tere was a pause as he stared at me Ten with a look of sur-
prise he burst out ldquoWow Tatrsquos amazingrdquo
He was shocked
Like anyone else I love to be commended on a job well done
and I especially enjoy it when someone compliments my inno-
vative idea action book or so on But his response was not encour-
aging to me Even though his surprise revealed that he thought I was creative and innovative I was troubled
I had described to him nothing more than what we read about
in Scripture It was at that moment that I concluded when the
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1016
983089983092 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Church is shocked at a biblical model it reveals just how far away from
the Scriptures we have moved in our missionary practices Once speaking at a church-planting conference I gave a pres-
entation similar to what I had shared in the coffee shop that day
Afterward a church-planting leader for his denomination came up
to me immediately declaring ldquoTatrsquos exactly what we are doing
Evangelism that results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied However his declaration did
not match what I knew to be true of the church planters he oversaw
At another speaking engagement addressing the topic of church
planting I had a church-planting strategist approach me and say
the same thing ldquoTatrsquos exactly what wersquore doing Evangelism that
results in new churchesrdquo
ldquoKeep up the great workrdquo I replied again But again his statement
did not reflect his reality Tis time I was even more familiar withthe area he was overseeing
It is one thing to be sincere and to want something good it is
another matter to act on those emotions
What I will describe in this book is nothing new Yes I have
obviously crafted this book according to my own convictions But
apostolic church planting has been with the Church for two
thousand years It is my desire that churches networks denomina-
tions and mission agencies recognize this matter and respond ap-
propriately Many western evangelical structures organizations
training paradigms and support systems will have to change signifi-
cantly in order to embrace an apostolic approach to church planting
Many think they have already embraced this approach reality
shouts otherwiseChange is never easy It is not my purpose in this book to ad-
dress such necessary changes However evangelicals must begin to
make necessary adjustments as we continue into the twenty-first
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1116
Introduction 983089983093
century Over six thousand people groups remain unreached (in-
cluding three thousand unengaged-unreached) More of the sameis not sufficient While great things have been accomplished for
the kingdom in the realm of church planting we must build on
them and venture into new waters with an ancient approach
Apostolic church planting provides a path to the nations If it
surprises us we should ask ldquoWhyrdquo
If what kingdom stewards should expect excites us we should re-
evaluate our convictions methods strategies systems and structures
If our present realities do not match such expectations some-
thing must change
A day is coming when disciple-making and church-planting ef-
forts will cease to exist Until that time we are called to be wise
stewards with what we have receivedmdashlaboring for the completion
of the multiethnic multitude gathered around the throne (Rev 10486311048633) Will you join in this divine task with Jesus building his church
Will you embrace apostolic church planting as a means for making
disciples of all peoplesmdashacross the street and around the world
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1216
one
What Is Church Planting
Many people have an interest in the topic of church planting
Books articles and websites abound on the topic Churches
networks agencies and entire denominations are interested in
church planting Across the world the church is talking about
church planting Tere are whole conferences on this topic Sem-inaries offer courses on the subject Some schools offer degrees in
church planting Church planting is here there and everywhere
And this is a good thing
Yet here is a fascinating fact nowhere in the Bible is the church
commanded to plant churches No such reference exists Certainly
we find church planting taking place but that is a different matter
than a direct command We are commanded to make disciples
(Mt 98309010486329830891048633) Tis Great Commission involves baptizing and
teaching (Mt 98309010486329830891048633-9830901048624) And the context in which disciples are to
follow Christ and experience sanctification is local kingdom com-
munitiesmdashlocal churches
But the Bible does not tell us to plant churches
Troughout the Bible we read of the birth of churchesmdashafter disciples are made Biblical church planting is evangelism that re-
sults in new churches Another way to consider this concept is that
it is evangelism that results in new disciples who then gather to-
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1316
9830891048632 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
gether and self-identify as the local expression of the universal
body of Christ Churches are supposed to be birthed from disciplemaking (For more introductory information on church planting
see chapter one in Discovering Church Planting )
THE FOUR NECESSITIES
What is needed to plant a church Is a capable charismatic leader
necessary A polished worship pastor What about 98307698308910486241048624104862410486241048624 in the
bank A great sound system A committed core group A great website A public meeting place A decent trailer to haul around
chairs dividers communion cups and other equipment
I served with one new church that met in a school Another
church planter I worked with started a church in a movie theater
One church planter was an excellent expository preacher Another
worked hard to develop a wonderful childrenrsquos ministry from thestart Another was a gifted administrator who established complex
ministry systems One church planter began with an excellent
worship team One had a great deal of money for the work An-
other had very little
While these resources are not wrong to have they are not nec-
essary for a church to be birthed Many church planters make
thesemdashand other thingsmdashprimary But an examination of
Scripture reveals four things that are needed which I rarely hear
listed as primary
In Acts 9830891048631983089-1048632 we read of the birth of the church in Tessalonica
during Paulrsquos second missionary journey While Luke records
some of the big picture elements of the story during the three
weeks or so the team was in the city Paul later writes two lettersto the church In the first chapter of his first letter we get a sense
for what was required for the Tessalonian church to be planted
Paul writes
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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
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What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1416
What Is Church Planting 9830891048633
For we know brothers loved by God that he has chosen you
because our gospel came to you not only in word but also inpower and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction You
know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your
sake And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
(983089 Tess 983089983092-983094)
What we find here is that sowers came sowing the seed in
Spirit-prepared soil
1
Nothing fancy Nothing flashy Nothing slickNothing complex
Te team evangelized Some people believed and others did not
believe Tose that did believe became imitators of the team in the
faith Although their maturity zeal and gifts were not the same as
the members of the church-planting team what was necessary for
them to be disciples and to make disciples as a local expression of
the body of Christ was provided by the Spirit and shown to them
through the team in a short period of time Te team was ldquolike a
nursing mother taking care of her own childrenrdquo and ldquoaffectionately
desirous of rdquo the new believers sharing with them ldquonot only the
gospel of God but also our own selvesrdquo (983089 Tess 9830901048631-1048632) Te result
was something wonderful Te church in Tessalonica ldquobecame an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaiardquo and the word of the Lord spread from them Teir faith went forth ldquoevery-
whererdquo (983089 Tess 9830891048631-1048632)
Is church planting a difficult ministry Yes Absolutely After
reflecting on years of experience in church planting a friend of
mine told me ldquoYou know J D Irsquove found that some of the greatest
spiritual highs in my life came while I was involved in church
plantingrdquo Before I could respond he quickly added ldquoBut some of
my greatest spiritual lows also came about during my church-
planting ministryrdquo
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1516
9830901048624 A983152983151983155983156983151983148983145983139 C983144983157983154983139983144 P983148983137983150983156983145983150983143
Passages abound that show the spiritual opposition and physical
persecution that comes with kingdom advancement Just read theaccount of the planting of the Tessalonian church and Paulrsquos cor-
responding letters Te preaching of the gospel and the conversion
of the Tessalonians was enough to start a riot Te team was re-
ferred to as ldquomen who have turned the world upside downrdquo (Acts
9830891048631983094)
However we are often guilty of making church-planting min-
istry much more complex than we find it in the Bible Church
planting is about making disciples baptizing them and teaching
them to obey all that Jesus commandedmdashin covenant community
with other kingdom citizens
Difficult Yes Complicated No Te Father Son and Holy Spirit
didmdashand continue to domdashthe complicated and complex part
SUMMARY
bull Biblical church planting is evangelism that results in new churches
bull Te four necessities for planting churches are sowers seed soil
and the Spirit
bull Church planters are to set an imitable model before the new
believers
bull Church planting is a difficult ministry but not a complex one
Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616
8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616