Biology and Living Churches
When I was in elementary school, we learned multiple things that were true about living things. Living things have cells. They grow. They respond to stimuli. And living things reproduce.
Though biological definitions aren’t the ultimate standard for evaluating church vitality, it seems inescapable that lively churches will be marked by “growth” and “reproduction.” Families and individuals will grow in knowledge, in love, in holiness, and in zeal. The church will be a place where newcomers are hearing the good news. People’s minds, hearts, and lives will be transformed, not merely by a fleeting emotional experience, but by the enduring Word of God. And a new generation will be raised up who want to see the gospel advance to a new neighborhood, a new city, or a new continent. But how?
The Importance of the Church
One strategy for Christian ministry is to send individuals out from the church who will lead other individuals into the Christian faith. This is an admirable model. But it often neglects the great gift that God has given to his people to advance his mission: namely, the Church itself.
In God’s design, he wisely expects his people to be gathered as a visible body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Hebrews 10:24-25). Local churches provide spiritual oversight and pastoral care (1 Peter 5:1-3). In local churches, God’s word is read and explained. Believers are edified, and unbelievers are convicted by all and called to account by all and the secrets of their hearts are disclosed (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). Local churches are where fellowship, forgiveness, and grace can be lived out and experienced. A local church will endure longer than individual Christians and impact generations. God’s plan involves the church. So our plan should, too.
Planting Churches that Plant Churches
Planting a church can take many different forms. Sometimes a new church is birthed out of an existing church and launched in a nearby community. Other times, a church sends a church planting pastor to a new city to gather a group from scratch. But regardless of the method, it’s important to pass on good DNA into each new church plant. If the “spiritual DNA” is bad, the new church may not survive into adulthood. But if the “spiritual DNA” is good, not only will the new church endure – it will be well-equipped to reproduce.
Church-planting is a sign of life. It reminds us of the life we have in Christ. It reminds us of the power of the gospel over darkness and disbelief. It reminds us that the gates of Hell will not withstand the Church. Let’s pray that our churches will be persistent in this good work, and that the legacy of faithful church-planting efforts in our day will bear great fruit in years to come.
