Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 1: S EEING THE B IG P ICTURE • 87

Church Planting Models Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The following models represent a spectrum of models which have been associated with evangelical church planting. Questions are designed to help us explore the various options available to the cross-cultural urban church planter in establishing congregations among the poor. Our dialogue today hopefully will isolate some of the critical issues necessary for a church plant team to think through in order to make its selection as to what particular kind of church they ought to plant, given the culture, population, and other factors encountered in its particular mission field. 1. What is the definition of the phrase “church planting models”? Why might it be important to consider various options in planting a church among the poor in the city? 2. How would you characterize the various models (or other) which have been allowed or employed in traditional church planting? What would you consider to be its strengths and/or weaknesses, and should we use any of them in our planting of churches among the poor in the city? b. Church Split Model?! – a new church is formed due to fundamental disagreement over some issue of morality, Bible interpretation, or schism. c. Nucleus Model – (sometimes referred to as the “colonization” model). This model involves a central assembly commissioning a smaller nucleus from its group (usually with leadership and members already organized) to leave the larger assembly and relocate into an unreached community as a kind of ready-made nucleus of the church which is to be formed. d. Beachhead or Mother Church Model – a strong, central congregation determines to become a kind of sending center and nurturing headquarters for new churches planted through its oversight and auspices, in the immediate area and/or beyond. a. Founding Pastor Model – a leader moves into a community with a commitment to lead and shepherd the church that is planted.

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter