What is a church plant?

Many people look at me quizzically when I use phrases like church planting and church planting movements. Let me try and clear up some of the confusion. My goal in ministry is to start new churches. This has nothing to do with building a physical building. The churches I will be planting are gatherings of Christians in homes and open spaces in order to study the Bible and worship God.

I have added a video to help give you an idea of what I will be working towards. This is a church in a Bangkok slum that was planted by another ministry organization. Take a look:

These outdoor and house churches are excellent for many reasons. They can be started with little to no money. This means that they can spread much more quickly. Also, the atmosphere of these gatherings really mirrors the close fellowship of early Christian gatherings.

Initially, the missionaries do most of the evangelizing, discipleship, and teaching. However, the goal is to get the new believers involved in these activities as quickly as possible. No matter how long I am there, they will always know the language and culture better than me. When the nationals get active in evangelism then that is when things can really takeoff. If everyone shares the gospel with their friends and family then you get exponential church growth.

So when you think of church planting, I hope that the first thing you think of is not a building. Rather, think about the simple and vibrant gathering of believers to worship the one who saved them.

Bangkok Survey Trip Booked

This is very exciting news!
My desire for ministry in Thailand is to work in the slum areas of Bangkok. Until recently, there was no one else in Pioneers that shared the same vision. So, I was going to join a temporary team in the north for language study. Imagine my joy to learn that there was an Australian couple recruiting people to create a team that will plant churches in the slums of Bangkok.

I have been able to speak with them, and we both decided that the next step was for me to visit them in Bangkok. It is customary in Pioneers and many agencies for potential team members to visit the field and allow each party to get to know one another before making any decisions. So, I am now going to be spending 2 weeks in Bangkok after I graduate from May 11-26.

Please keep this exciting opportunity in prayer. Pray that God will give me and the family a clear sense of direction as to whether or not we should partner together.