God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development to planting churches that multiply.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

When we study the New Testament churches, we learn some key principles. We should use to plant reproducing fellowships anywhere.

Let’s look at seven steps that any fellowship of disciples can implement anywhere in the world.

Prayer is of vital importance and is the first priority in multiplying churches. When we pray, God will open closed doors. Prayer first of all moves our hearts and puts our desires in line with God’s desires. When God opens our eyes to see the lost state of our communities, we will be moved with compassion to open our homes so as to start new fellowships. If we are willing, God is able to fill us with His Spirit for His glory.

Prayer also is instrumental in raising up the workers that are needed. (John 17:20; John 20:21; Acts 1:14; Acts 4:31; Acts 11:5; Acts 14:23; Colossians 4:3-4).

Jesus Himself commands us to “ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38).

The leading of the Holy Spirit in choosing and equipping church planters is very important (Acts 13:2).

Prayer provides direction so God can show us where He is at work. And where He wants us to be involved.

In his strategy, Paul had a plan to reach the Jews and the Gentiles. But his plans were sometimes changed by the Spirit of God. He was very sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and was willing to change his own plans to follow the plans of God (Acts 11:27-30; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 8:9-10).

Paul was very open to the Spirit—that is why he said, “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, God willing I will come to you” (1 Corinthians 4:19). We also need to pray so that we know God’s plan.   

After prayer has confirmed the place where God wants you to be involved. Why not do a survey and study the target people and the area.

It is very important to know the culture (language, customs, religion, social structure) of the people.

Prayer walks, literature distribution, film shows, small business development, and music may help in establishing contacts and finding the “man of peace”—the families or the communities in the area who are receptive to you and the Spirit (Mark 6:10-11). This will help in strategic discernment and effective approaches to the community by identifying the spiritual battleground and the responsiveness of the people groups.

In the Old Testament, Moses sent 12 leaders to do a survey of the land that God had promised to give them (Numbers 13:17-20).

After Moses passed away, Joshua also did a similar thing by sending leaders to do a survey of Jericho.

Jesus likewise sent His disciples ahead of Him to prepare the way (Luke 10:1).

As you survey a region, prayerfully respond to the following questions:

What locations are most strategic?

Paul’s whole strategy was to plant churches in major towns. Paul went into big cities of a region (Acts 16:9-12; Acts 18:1, Acts 18:18-22; Acts 19:1-10) and planted churches in those strategic cities.

Paul recognized that the way to most permanently influence a country was by planting vibrant churches in strategic cities. Once he had accom­plished this, he moved on, knowing that the rest would follow. That is why he said that he had “fully preached” the Gospel in a re­gion and that he had “no more place . . . to work in these regions” (Romans 15:19, Romans 15:23).

This, however, does not imply that it is wrong to plant a church in a smaller town or village if that is clearly God’s direction. It is critical to seek God’s direction.

Consider whether it is possible to send someone as a church planter or if another method is needed. Perhaps a small business is a good way to gain an entrance into this location. This is the reason that Global Disciples includes Small Business Development (SBD) training as part of our Multiplying Churches Strategy.

You may also recognize specific physical needs of a community which can be an open door to bringing the Gospel.

Try to discover who holds influence in the location you are trying to reach. These influencers may or may not hold positions of authority and may or may not be open to the Gospel (Acts 8:26-38; Acts 10; Acts 16). But if the key influencers can be reached first with the Gospel, a church can be established much more quickly.

Jesus talks about “the man of peace” (Luke 10:6) and encourages His disciples to work closely with this person. Prayerfully ask God to reveal these key people to you and your team.

Identify both the spiritual and cultural areas which will oppose the Gospel (Acts 17:5; Acts 19:24-34). Once identified, gather intercessors and start praying.

Planting and multiplying churches is the work that requires a team; it is not an individual effort. 

One person will not have all the gifting and skills to do all the different ministries that are needed to plant churches. Jesus, the Master church planter, sent His disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1).

Paul also took someone with him in his church planting ventures and, at various times, included many on his team over his years of ministry—Barnabas, John Mark, Titus, Silas, Timothy, Priscilla, Aquila (Acts 15:40; Acts 16:1; Acts 18:18; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 16:15- 16). In the same way, if we want to reach the least-reached peoples, we need to form a strategic church planting team.

The team will certainly include those whom God has specifically called to take the Gospel to new areas. While it is the responsibility of every believer to witness in their community, there are those who have the ability and call to go out to new areas. 

For example, Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit from the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3); the church leaders prayed for them and commissioned them to go and multiply churches where there was no witness for Christ.

The team will not only include those who go but also persons committed to pray and support the church planting effort.

To multiply churches, we should identify ourselves with the communities we want to reach by establishing a presence among them.

Jesus came and lived among those He was trying to reach. Paul also identified himself quickly with those he tried to reach; he became a servant to all to save them by sacrificing his comfort (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). In Athens, he talked about the “unknown God” (Acts 17:22-24)—he contextualized the Gospel according to the place and culture.

When we live and identify with the people we plan to reach, joining with them in their joys and sorrows, it builds trust. It also calls for sacrifice, and we must often lay down our own preferences to reach others with the Gospel—especially if we are across cultures. If we go to reach a vegetarian community, be a vegetarian to identify with them!

Again, in many locations, business is a great way to establish a presence in a community. A business opens doors and builds relationships with many people in a community (Acts 18:1-4). If you are sending out a church planter, consider funding the startup cost of a small business instead of long-term monthly support.

As you establish a presence in a community, continue to look for the “person of peace” whom God has prepared for the message. In most communities, the family head will be a key influencer. It is worth the special effort of a church planter to focus on these persons. 

Prayerfully look for people who will willingly give their lives to follow Christ. Be alert to the many ways in which God may call people to Himself. This may happen simply as you live among them and represent Jesus to them. If you’re using a business, they may see a difference in the way that you treat them or your willingness to pray for them in the name of Jesus.

In some contexts, you may use literature, door-to-door evangelism methods, film showings. You may find that people are open to study the Bible with you.

Some have found it helpful to begin studying Scripture from the account of Creation and slowly work through the Old Testament before coming to the New Testament stories of Jesus. This may take much time, but it can be a very effective way of teaching people the heart of God.

Consider appropriate use of technology as well—cell phones, Facebook, Instagram, and satellite television are all ways that God can use to speak to people. Again, the context of the culture will help to shape the method you use.

The New Testament evangelism method was focused on reaching the entire family by reaching the family heads. Targeting family leaders who would bring their whole households to Christ is the most strategic and fruitful way to plant churches in least-reached areas. There are many biblical examples of this—Peter, who preached to the household of Cornelius (Acts 10); Paul, who preached to Lydia with all members of her household (Acts 16:14-15) as well as to the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-33); the households of Stephen, Philemon, and others as well that were won over (1 Corinthians 1:16; Philemon 2; 2 Timothy 1:16).  As they won the head of the house, they brought their whole family, and churches were established.

Wherever Paul went and met people who were hungry for salvation, he preached the Gospel and baptized those who gave their lives to follow Christ.

Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19).

As soon as people give their lives to the Lordship of Jesus, teach them to renounce any old ways of living—idol worship, evil spirits, practices of magic and witchcraft, immoral practices—and pray for their deliverance. This is the right time to instruct them to live lives of discipleship.

There is no need to hurry to baptize them before they make the right decision (Acts 2:38-40). In some contexts, it may be wise to wait until several people or a group of people are ready for baptism together.  

After baptism, instruct them to devote themselves to the studying and teaching of the Word of God, to prayer, to fellowship, to breaking bread together, and to serving their world.

Jesus, the master builder of His Church, called, trained, and sent people very specifically to build His own Church (Mark 3:13-15).

The apostles did what they saw Jesus doing. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we need to give priority to training and appointing leaders who will take care of the established fellowships and continue to reproduce churches. Selection and training of the leaders can be done according to the personal gifting and calling of individuals.

Paul chose leaders to be in charge of the fellowships which he planted (1 Corinthians 1:14-16; Acts 18:8). Paul also visited the churches he planted to encourage, strengthen, and correct them (Acts 15:36; Acts 14:21-23; Acts 16:1-5; Acts 18:23; Acts 20:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:5-7; 2 Corinthians 13:9-10). Writing epistles was also a part of his follow-up work.

In some places he spent more time to equip the disciples. For example, he spent one and half years in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31) teaching on the word of God. In the same way, we also need to give attention to the churches planted. 

Unless the church we plant takes the responsibility of reaching others and planting reproducing fellowships of disciples, we have not completed our work.

Paul equipped and appointed leaders to continue the multiplication of churches in their region. Specifically, he told Titus to, “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).

We need to train every member of the newly established church to share their faith with others and to make disciples. During this process, many of them will grow as disciples who will go and make disciples and plant churches. This kind of multiplying churches will become a church-planting movement that continues to multiply churches.

You’ve got a vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development to planting churches. These churches should then multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

We have seen the importance of planting multiplying churches to fulfill the Great Commission. However, this multiplication involves many challenges.

A major obstacle to church multiplication is a wrong definition of the Church.

We often think of the Church as a building with a trained, professional pastor in charge. It requires a lot of time and energy to build buildings and develop professional leadership. This view of the church does not allow for rapid multiplication.

But when we search the New Testament, we do not find anything about a church building. Or even trained pastors or church planters!

Jesus and His first disciples didn’t model this kind of a church.

Jesus met and discipled His first disciples in homes and on the mountains (Matthew 5:1; Matthew 9:10-11; Matthew 11:1; Matthew 13:36; Matthew 14:18-19; Matthew 26:18; Mark 2:1-4; Mark 3:20; Mark 6:7-13; John 6:3; Acts 5:42; Acts 12:12; Acts 4:13).

He prayerfully appointed ordinary and uneducated disciples to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. These ordinary, uneducated disciples turned the world upside down with the Gospel message.

Historically, for the first 300 years of the existence of the Church, there was rapid multiplication with very little formal structure.

Every disciple was a disciple-maker and the Church was a simple gathering of people who followed and worshiped Jesus. They met in homes or common places and experienced much persecution.

But the impact of their lives changed the world.

By 313 A.D., the Roman emperor Constantine won a military victory which he attributed to Christianity. Following this, he stopped the persecution of Christianity and, with time, Christianity became the official state religion.

No longer were Christians persecuted—rather, everyone was encouraged to become Christian. With official recognition from the state, the Church quickly developed as an institution. This included buildings, special privileges for clergy, promotion of Christians to high-ranking offices, etc.

This was a radical change for the Church and was, in many ways, a great victory for Christianity. However, it unintentionally changed the nature of the Church.  It became more of an institution than a living and multiplying organism.

Much of our view of the Church today has historical roots in the transition that happened after 313 A.D.  We must understand that what has developed through history has hindered the multiplication of churches, and we should seek to rediscover God’s original intent for the Church.

This is not meant to minimize the importance of church buildings nor to criticize theological training for church leaders. But we must find ways to fulfill God’s plan for multiplication of His Church which has been His desire from the beginning of creation.

Another obstacle to church multiplication comes when the Church is presented as a foreign concept to the people we are trying to reach.

The message of the Gospel was designed by God to reach every culture and to shape every culture.

Unfortunately, when we take the Gospel to other nations, we contextualize it within our own cultural norms and understanding (Acts 17:16-32; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 

While it may be possible to reach a few people, a movement will never take root when the Church is perceived as something totally foreign.

Contextualizing the Gospel in the culture of the people we are reaching has biblical support. Jesus, the Master Church Planter, took on human form and became flesh to reach all humanity (John 1:14).

He came to the Jewish culture and He started preaching the Gospel in the temple instead of forming a new sect (Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:55; Mark 12:35; Luke 2:46; Luke 19:47; John 8:20).

The same was true with the ministry of the disciples of Jesus and the early Church (Acts 2:46; Acts 3:1; Acts 17:23-31; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

As the Gospel began to cross into other cultures, the early Church began to realize that the expressions of Christianity be different for Gentiles than for themselves as Jews. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 was held to resolve this issue. It’s clear that we need to contextualize the Gospel, without compromising its truth, in the culture of the people we plan to reach.

Contextualization of the Gospel will utilize local resources as much as possible.

For example, if the houses in a village are made of wood and grasses, then trying to construct a brick building for worship will not fit. If a church building needs to be constructed, use materials that are common in that location. In a similar way, consider local preferences for music and style of worship instead of importing styles from another location.

Such contextualization will allow a new church to be easily reproducible and will promote multiplication. When other cultures’ traditions are imposed, dependency is created and church growth is hindered.

In one South Asian country, Christ Followers call themselves ‘Muslim followers of Isa’ so that it will help them to reach their own people in their own context. They believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, believe in water baptism, share communion, and worship Allah, the Almighty God.

Is it right to ask them to call themselves Christians if it will hinder them from reaching their own people?  

Discipleship is one of the key factors to multiplying churches.

An authentic life of discipleship is marked by obedience to the teaching of Jesus (John 8:31); love for God and one another (Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:35); unity; and fruitfulness (John 15:8; John 17:20-23).

When genuine discipleship results in transformed lives, the Gospel spreads rapidly (Matthew 5:14-16).

When there is a lack of discipleship in the Church, it is a poor witness of our faith to our community. In many ways, since the time of Constantine the Church has struggled to be faithful in the area of discipleship; the focus has turned outward to buildings, structures, and titles.

But when we focus on making disciples to produce transformed lives, the multiplication of churches becomes natural because of the lives of the disciples of Jesus.

Many believers are content with the current state of the Church, and they spend most of their time and energy on maintenance rather than on growth.

They might ask, “Why do we need more churches?

We have plenty of needs right here.”

Some others might think that planting new churches will take people from already existing churches and will weaken the Church rather than strengthen it.

There are also some who might say that it is better to help the already existing churches that are struggling rather than to plant new churches.

These ideas and questions indicate a lack of vision for church multiplication (Mark 1:38-39; Matthew 28:19; Romans 15:23).

We need our hearts to be stirred by the current realities in the world. Consider these realities:

Reaching and delivering people out of the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous light of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 2:9) exposes us to spiritual battle.

It involves encountering the activities of the territorial spirits, magicians, and witchdoctors while presenting the Gospel (Ephesians 6:10-18).

As we plan to plant multiplying churches, we must be aware of the work of the enemy who will strongly oppose any effort that brings people to Jesus (Acts 19:23-34, Acts 16:16-24; Acts 21:27-36).

He has blinded people for years (2 Corinthians 4:4) and will not easily allow them to see the truth.

We must be confident of our spiritual authority over the powers of darkness and recognize the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. As we commit our lives to multiplying churches, the Lord will confirm His words through miracles, signs, and wonders (Mark 16:15-20).

What are some of the greatest challenges in your context to plant churches?

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

As we do our part to fulfill the Great Commission, we need to understand the strategic importance of God’s Church. But, we must also learn to understand God’s motivation for multiplication.

In fact, God has a passionate desire for multiplication both in the natural world and in the spiritual realm.

All living things in the natural world multiply, from the tiniest cell to the largest living being (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 9:7; Acts 6:7). In the same way, God desires multiplication in the spiritual realm and in the growth of His Church. God wants His Church not only to add new churches but also to multiply.  

One-third of our world, more than 2 billion people, have yet to hear the Gospel of Jesus in a way in which they can understand and respond. Many of these people live in places isolated from the Church.

The multiplication of churches is of strategic and vital importance to each of us.

We cannot be content with simply adding a church here and there. We must take the church where there are least-reached people groups so they will get an opportunity to hear the good news in their own language and culture.

How amazing would it be so see at least one fellowship of believers to represent the Kingdom of God among every people group—then, every people group will be represented in heaven.

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” – Revelation 7:9.

If we want to see the fulfillment of this prophecy, we need to multiply churches among every ethnic group in this world.

The Book of Acts is an outstanding testimony of church planting and multiplication. 

The growth pattern of the New Testament churches is quantitative (numerical), qualitative (discipleship), and geographical (expansion) (Acts 6:7; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 16:5).

The first church in Jerusalem began with 120 disciples (Acts 1:15). On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were added to the church (Acts 2:41-42). Soon the membership of the Jerusalem church was 5,000 (Acts 4:4). Then, “multitudes of men and women were added” (5:14), and “the number of the disciples multiplied greatly” (Acts 6:7).

 The expansion continued to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8). Within a very short time, the early Church became a movement of thousands and thousands of disciples of Jesus who impacted the entire world.

From this account detailing the patterns of the Church’s growth, it is clear that the Church should grow by adding new believers to existing fellowships and then expanding geographically by planting new churches in new territories.

This is the power of multiplication.

The first 11 disciples, who received the Great Commission from Jesus, planted the first church in Jerusalem.

They immediately began to share their faith with those around them, and the Church grew rapidly. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The numbers continue to increase until the record says, “the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7).

In fact, all this took place in a single local church even before they begin to plant other churches. Multiplication is expected in any living organism, including every local church.

Are you seeing multiplication happening in your local church? Why or why not?

Jesus had clearly instructed His disciples at the beginning,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
– Acts 1:8

After the first church was established in Jerusalem, the disciples seemed hesitant to go and plant other churches. They grew larger (120, 3120, 5,000), but they did not seem to have a vision for multiplying churches.

But, all of this changed when persecution broke out after the death of Stephen.  

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”
– Acts 8:1

Excepting the apostles, Christ’s disciples were scattered, and they planted churches in Judea and Samaria. Churches began multiplying, establishing the New Testament pattern for growth.

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”
– Acts 8:4

It seems that when the apostles did not listen to Acts 1:8, Jesus allowed Acts 8:1!

Jesus is the head of the Church, and He can use any circumstances to multiply His own Body, the Church.  In this case, He used persecution.

Later in the book of Acts, God even used a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to produce more multiplication (Acts 15:36-41).

It is clear that God’s desire is to see the church multiplied!

Do we still wait for persecution to fulfill the Great Commission or plan ahead for multiplication?

Have you seen the church multiply through persecution?

At the beginning of the Church in Acts, every believer was a Jew.

But God’s plan was much bigger than that. He had already told the disciples that the Gospel was to go to the ends of the earth. The early disciples traveled new locations outside of Jerusalem.

Philip shared the Gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch who had come to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:26).

However, the most radical step came when Peter took the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. The establishment of a church among the Gentiles was so revolutionary that it required a vision from heaven for Peter to obey.

After the church was established, it required a meeting of all the officials of the Church to decide if this was actually from God! (Read the story in Acts 15.)

The only way for the Gospel to reach every tribe and nation is for someone to cross cultures with it (Acts 16:9-34). None of us would be believers today if someone had not crossed over cultures to share the Gospel with us.

Will we do our part to take it to the next culture?

However, the Jerusalem church didn’t understand God’s intention for multiplication, but we thank God for the Antioch church.

It took some time after the beginning of persecution and the beginning of the Church to spread to the Gentile world, but the Church finally understood what God meant by multiplying churches to the ends of the earth.

In fact, the church in Antioch sent apostles Paul and Barnabas to plant new churches (Acts 13:1-4). This was an intentional act and indicates that they were beginning to understand God’s design for the Church. It is still His design for us today.

So, its only when we begin to realize God’s desire for the multiplication of churches will we be able to accomplish the Great Commission in our lifetime.

Multiplying churches is part of God’s plan to reach the world. In fact, we are called to go and plant churches that have the capacity to reproduce locally sustainable fellowships in least-reached areas.

We cannot be satisfied with growing our existing churches; churches need to multiply in our own region, then to neighboring regions, then to the whole world.

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches. Read on, and discover Gods design for the Church as the Body of Christ and His strategic plan to fulfill His Great Commission.

Did you know that the ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches? And that new people will hear the gospel, by connecting with these new churches?

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

God designed everything for a specific purpose. So, if we are to understand the significance and role of the Church, we need to look carefully at His intent and design. His design and purpose for the Church is one of the most beautiful and amazing truths we can understand.

The Bible uses the word “church” to describe a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 16:19; Galatians 1:2).

In the New Testament, the terms “disciples,” “believers,” and “church” are used in the context of Christ’s followers (Acts 14:21-28; Acts 15:2-3).

All of the people who believe in Christ are in one spiritual fellowship called the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:27).

In some places in the New Testament, the word “church” refers to a local church (Acts 2:41-46; Acts 11:22; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 2),

And in other cases, it refers to the universal or worldwide Church (Matthew 16:18;  Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

In both cases, “church” is referring to the group of people who represent Jesus to the world.

The official Global Disciples definition of “church” is a growing community of disciples centered in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and focused on mission.

Therefore, the evidence of such a community is seen in their devotion to God’s Word, the quality and depth of their fellowship. And a joyful sharing of their lives that’s celebrated in worship, communion, baptism, and a life saturated in prayer.

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” – Ephesians 3:10.

This passage teaches us that God has chosen the church to make known His manifold wisdom to the universe.

Of course, He intends for each of us to represent Him to the world.

But, scripture makes it very clear that it is His plan to reveal Himself through the Church.

However, the Church is God’s plan of salvation and restoration of the world is revealed through His Body.

In what way does God intend to reveal Himself to the world through the Church?

God intends to reveal His character, His power, and His love through the Church.

God’s strategy is a corporate strategy; it is not accomplishable by an individual. No wonder that Jesus said of His disciples,

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
– John 13:35.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
– Matthew 28:19

We cannot accomplish this mission simply by doing evangelism.

Obviously, we need to share Christ with those who are not believers.

But Jesus talks about making disciples, not simply making converts.

But, the fulfillment of this Great Commission requires the multiplication of churches among each and every ethnic group.

His intention was for His disciples to join together and form a community that worships God, serves one another, and reaches out.

However, this is also where discipleship happens, this is where baptism takes place. This is where disciples are taught to obey and follow Jesus. This is God’s strategy to fulfill the Great Commission.

As it is recorded in the Book of Acts, when people committed their lives to follow Christ, baptism and discipleship were present. (Acts 2:41–47). And as Peter Wagner puts it, “Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.”

So, its clear that church planting is in the package of the Great Commission that Jesus has given us.

When we focus on fulfilling Jesus’ mission, then the multiplication of fellowships of disciples becomes natural (Acts 1:8).

We can’t accomplish this by establishing a single fellowship of disciples somewhere and inviting every new disciple to be part of that one fellowship. 

The strategy requires many churches to be planted wherever disciples are being made. Therefore, establishing fellowships of disciples (planting churches) reflects our obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the master builder of His Church, and we are simply co-laborers with Him. He says, “I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6). As we obey by going and making disciples, Jesus continues to build His Church in and through us (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6).

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play! May we all continue to be co-laborers with the best builder of all time!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Nearly every believer is aware of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ and at least gives verbal assent to God’s desire to reach the world and make disciples (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9

This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:3-4

But few disciples understand what His strategy is to accomplish this goal.

The Church is at the center of His strategy (Matthew 16:18).  

Unfortunately, the picture that comes to many people’s minds when we talk about the Church is not even close to God’s intention or design for the Church.

As we read through the New Testament we can get this beautiful picture of what He designed the church to be and do, and how we can be a part of what He is doing in the world today.

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

God’s heartbeat is for a relationship with every person in the world, and billions are still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Winning a few people or planting an additional church or two is not enough. We must start movements of multiplying churches that will reach the world for Jesus. It is God’s plan and His calling.

What will you do today to make it happen?

How can we fulfill the mission of taking the Gospel to the ends of the world in our generation?

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The English word “intercede” comes from the Latin inter meaning “between” and cedere meaning “to go.” So, intercession, then, is to go between.  Another way to say it might be to bridge a gap or space. 

Intercessory prayer involves standing in spaces or gaps between the kingdom of God, (the will of God) and the current reality of a person, group, nation, or situation on the earth.  It is as if we are pulling or carrying God’s will across a bridge from heaven to earth.

It requires us to:

Jesus said: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’“
– Matthew 6:9-10.

1 Kings 18:41 – 1 Kings 19:8 is a Biblical example of intercessory prayer. 

“And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go eat and drink for there is the sound of heavy rain.’  So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.” 
– 1 Kings 18:42

Elijah heard the sound of rain. 

That was a spiritual hearing of what was happening in the heavenlies.  But it was blue sky on earth.  Elijah went to a time of intercessory prayer.  The Bible describes Elijah as being in the birthing position, “face between his knees.”  We do not have to put our face between our knees but the idea of birthing something on earth is interceding.  It is a deep level of prayer.

The following are 5 Steps to powerful intercessory prayer:

We can pray a blessing or short prayer at any time and for any need or situation, but to intercede usually requires us to listen to Holy Spirit and enter the struggle.

It involves time and keen attention.  Sometimes God may call us to take extra time to intercede for only one situation rather than pray briefly for many.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” – Hebrews 2:9

Often when we hear about a need, we want to pray. 

Yet, if we do not understand the “world” of the one for whom we are interceding, our intercession will be weak and often misdirected. 

Jesus interceded even to the point of death because he became human and understood the pain of those for whom he was interceding.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
– Romans 8:26-27

It is easy to think that we know what is needed in a situation and how to intercede.  We may focus on our human understanding of the situation. 

God’s strategies are often different than human logic. His will or strategy may be different than our initial thought.  

The story surrounding Daniel’s intercession as recorded in Daniel chapter 9 and 10 reminds us of the struggle that is going on in the spiritual realm. 

As soon as Daniel began to pray an angel was sent on his behalf.  But that angel was held up for 21 days until breaking through.  We trust God’s breakthrough even when we do not see it immediately.

Sometimes the struggle might take an hour a day, a week, or even years.  It may appear that no change is happening, but we can be assured that God is at work.

If we know we are interceding in agreement with God’s call and strategy, we hold onto the hope that God will prevail in the end even if the waiting outlives us.

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”– Proverbs 21:31

When we see the breakthrough to victory, it is tempting to believe we were the ones who made it happen.  We are only partnering with God, and He is the one who deserves the glory.

Here is a model to follow as you enter into a time of intercession individually or as a group.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! 

Sometimes, your greatest opportunity for missions is right on your doorstep. What if reaching the unreached starts with your family? That’s often the case.

At Global Disciples, we hear many stories of people coming to faith. And when a person comes to faith in Christ the only person in their family or community they have an amazing opportunity to start sharing the gospel at home and with their family and friends.

The effects can be powerful and so rewarding.

Sadiq is experiencing this.

He participated in discipleship training in South Asia last year.

He said, “I am really blessed by this training, and encouraged so much to share about Jesus Christ with my family. I am from a Muslim family—with parents and two brothers. They have not come to the Lord, but I am sharing with them about Jesus Christ.”

When the training program went on outreach, Sadiq went to his own village, talking about Jesus with his friends and neighbors. He said, “I told them how Jesus Christ changed my life. I shared my testimony with many people, and finally, four of my friends put their faith in Jesus Christ.”

While he’s still waiting for his family to make the same decision, Sadiq is committed to sharing the Good News. He says, “I want to see all of the village come to know the Lord in the next five years!”

Mehda and his wife took part in the same discipleship training. They are new believers—and the only Christians in their families. Mehda said, “This training helped me to know more about Jesus Christ, and to develop intimacy with God.”

And outreach was significant to Mehda and his wife as well. “We visited door to door and shared the Good News,” he said, “We made many friendships and three people accepted Jesus Christ.”

They did not neglect their own family—Mehda’s parents and two sisters also live in the village and heard their testimony. However, they haven’t made a decision to follow Jesus yet.

Mehda is not discouraged, and like Sadiq, he is committed to sharing the Gospel with his relatives and the people in his village.

Sometimes, our greatest opportunities for missions are right in our own homes or neighborhoods!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Holy Spirit often has to do some work on us before we can do the work He has for us.

As we at Global Disciples help churches around the world train and send out a new generation of disciple-makers and church planters, we also see the Holy Spirit change hearts.

Both in those being reached with the Gospel and those who experience the training.

A report from a training program in Uganda includes two such examples.

Charlie said, “Before I attended the training, I didn’t know how to approach lost people. If I found a drunkard, I would straight away tell him you are going to hell! But through this training, I learned to build a relationship with him first, and take a better approach. And now I find joy in reaching out to lost people and many of them are coming to the Lord.”

As Charlie discovered this change, Andre learned to let the Holy Spirit develop self-control.

Andre shared, “Before this training, if I became angry, I felt like exchanging blows with someone who made me angry. Now I have learned to put the old man to death and to allow the Holy Spirit to take control of my life. As a true disciple of Jesus Christ, I’ve learned to deny myself and carry my own cross.”

For both men, the personal internal change made a difference when it came time to take the Gospel out to reach into the communities. Andre explained what they saw God do.

“We met with resistance from the community,” he explained. “They didn’t welcome us at the beginning. So we prayed and fasted for 24 hours. And out of this, God softened people’s hearts and 72 people came to Christ.”

As a result, a church has been planted. And Andre says they continue to fast and pray each month.

Plus, a new vision has been born, Andre said. “Our eyes have been opened to see beyond our local churches. Now we have a global vision and the idea is to multiply disciples who are Christ-like.”

Multiplying Christ-like disciples—that’s what we want to see. And it all begins with the Holy Spirit’s work.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave His disciples a great commission. Remember His words in Matthew 28?

“….go and make disciples of all nations…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).

This “Great Commission” is for you and for me. And for each disciple of Jesus Christ in every part of the world. Every one on mission!

Today, followers of Christ around the world are seeking to fulfil this mission.

We at Global Disciples are eager to do whatever we can to equip those people. And to help them reach those still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Jember is an Ethiopian leader equipped by Global Disciples to train disciple-makers. He said, “Global opened our eyes about how to do missions. Our main task is to send disciple-makers into this region and plant churches where there were none. This region is more than eighty-five percent Muslim; in some places, it’s one hundred percent. There are five hundred villages with no church! The first year, we trained twenty-five workers. God helped us and we have seen fruit.”

The fruit Jember mentioned includes local Muslim leaders coming to faith in Jesus.

It also includes ten church planters who are former Muslims. They’ve seen over 500 people come to Christ. And he said, “God is using them to bring many other Muslims to the Lord.”

Pascal and Bekou are doing their part for the Great Commission in their home nation of Chad.

Nearly two-thirds of Chad’s 148 people groups are considered unreached. And the influence of Islam in the region is pervasive.

Pascal equipped 14 disciple-makers in his first training. And in their outreach, over 400 people came to faith in Christ, and they planted six churches.

The second year, another 14 people registered for training but only six showed up.

Pascal said, “This was not ideal but my brothers in the Lord encouraged me to start anyway.” And he was amazed at the results!

“The Lord guided us to different areas,” he said.

“We’ve seen 540 people turn to Christ and three churches were birthed. We baptized many—all because of the transformed lives of these six people!”

Bekou, another discipleship trainer, reported. “Thirteen disciples completed the training and we went to the south of Chad for outreach. It was evident that many people were in need of the Word of God. During the outreach, more than 500 people placed their faith in Jesus Christ.”

Bekou said, “We also shared the Gospel with one imam—a local Muslim leader—and he responded by asking us to plant a church in his region! When I witnessed this, I realized this is no time to be shy. We must be full of courage and share the Gospel always!”

The Great Commission is being fulfilled today!

Sign up here today to help Global Disciples fulfil the calling of Jesus to make disciples of every nation.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is crucial to our faith as Christians.

The Good News can help others find salvation and eternal life.

While some may hesitate to share their faith, it is essential for many reasons. This article will explore ten crucial reasons to share that part of God’s Word.

One of the primary reasons to share the Gospel is to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” As believers, we are called to follow this commandment and share the message of salvation with others.

Sharing the Gospel is also a way to show love to our neighbors.

As His followers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and there is no greater act of love than to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope, peace, and purpose in their lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and it is essential to spread it to those who may not know it.

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the truth that can free them.

As believers, we are called to follow Christ’s example, and He spent much of His time sharing the Gospel with others.

In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

By sharing the Gospel, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do what He did during His time on earth.

Sharing the Gospel is also a way to bring glory to God. When we share the good news of Jesus Chhers, we proclaim His greatness and show others what He has done for us.

In Psalm 96:3, the psalmist says, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are declaring God’s glory to others.

Many people are searching for Peace in their lives. By sharing the Gospel from God’s Word, we are helping others find the Peace that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Sharing the Gospel can also help others find purpose in their lives. Many people search for meaning and direction; the Gospel can provide both.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find a new purpose and direction in their lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope in a hopeless world.

In Romans 15:13, Paul says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the hope that can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sharing the Gospel is a way to obey God’s Word.

In Romans 10:14-15, Paul says, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard?…how can they hear without someone preaching to them?.. As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”

By sharing the Gospel, we obey God’s Word and do what He has commanded us to do.

The most important reason to share the Gospel is to help save souls.

In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Sharing the Gospel allows others to receive salvation and eternal life.

There are many important reasons to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From fulfilling the Great Commission to helping others find hope, Peace, and purpose in their lives, sharing the Gospel is essential to our faith. We must follow Jesus’ example and share the good news with others.

By doing so, we are helping to save souls and bring glory to God. So let us go forth and share the Gospel with all we encounter, knowing that we are doing God’s work and fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!