Factors in a successful church plant
One lesson that we have learnt through covid-19 is that, in every situation we need to look for opportunities despite how ugly or good the situation is. Covid-19 led to the closure of church buildings because gatherings were now means of contamination and spreading of the virus. The church in closed doors worshipped God through social media platforms. This became an opportunity to reach beyond the church. Good news reached the busy and 'no time for church' audience. This was a difficult situation for the church, but an opportunity to reach out was found.We see the same scenario in Acts 11:19-24. The text mentions the severe persecution that began after the killing of Stephen (Acts 8:1). The persecution scattered Christians throughout Israel. Those who were scattered went further to places like Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. As they were far in diaspora, they were preaching the word of God. Many received the word and churches were planted. The church grew so well that the report reached the mother church in Jesusalem.
So, one of the factors for successful church planting as prescribed by this text is our life situations. Normally, we have a tendency of looking at our situations negatively. Here we see Christians who are running away from home and in their new refugees camps are preaching the word of God and starting new worshipping communities. It is a lesson to us that whatever situation we are in, find opportunities to spread the word of God and win souls for Christ. As part of the body of Christ, we are the embodiment of God's mission. The word of God equips us as ambassadors. In every situation that we find ourselves in, let us be positive and find ways to spread the good news about Jesus Christ.
Another factor displayed is doing this mission with God. The disciples succeeded because 'the hand of the Lord was with them...' We need the hand of the Lord to be with us as we go for growth. We cannot do it alone. This is His mission, He must lead the way and guide us through.
The church as the body of Christ must always work together. The disciples continued to work with apostles in Jesusalem. The connection usually brings the church together and strengthens the mission of God. This comes out as another factor for success in the mission of sowing. As we go out to plant churches, we must always do that in liaison with the mother church. This prevents breakaways and promotes growth and unity.
As we aim for growth, let us take advantage of our life situations, with the hand of God upon us together as a church we will be successful in this call.
| Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (Acts11:19-24) |
Rev Faresy Sakala, married to Misheck Sakala and we were blessed with 2 sons (Roby & Rony) and a daughter (Rosy). Serving as a Chaplain at Lovemore House of Study in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Overwhelmed by multi-duties but "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
