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Page 1: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

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

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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

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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

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

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Page 2: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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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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

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

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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

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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

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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Page 3: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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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

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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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8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT

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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

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

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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

Copyrighted Material wwwivpresscompermissions

8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616

Page 4: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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-

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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

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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

Page 5: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

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

Page 6: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 7: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 8: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 9: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 10: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 11: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 12: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 13: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 14: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 15: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

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

Page 16: Apostolic Church Planting By J. D. Payne - EXCERPT

8202019 Apostolic Church Planting By J D Payne - EXCERPT

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullapostolic-church-planting-by-j-d-payne-excerpt 1616