Replanting

Church planting is an exercise of faith to plant the gospel in a community, make disciples and congregate a group of believers that will grow together as a called out body of believers.  Replanting the church in a community primarily happens when:

• The community around the church building has changed demographically.
• The existing small group of believers that is left cannot live out the gospel in their community in a way that is transforming the community.
• Leadership has left and new vision and leadership is needed for a dissipating body of believers.

For a new replant to happen the following Holy Spirit led pieces must be in place:

• Left over leadership of a hard-hit congregation must work to release a new leader and team to carry out anew the mission of God in a given community.
• A new leader/planter and team must be empowered to engage and plant a church.
• An external sponsor/support must be involved in carrying the work and assist the planter in moving the plant forward.

Phases in the development of a replant are like that of a plant but require adaptation especially at the beginning.

• Openness to change and consolidation of a master plan for transition.
• Building up of a replanter and his team and the learnings from the past church testimony/practices
• Assessment of the present community and the needs that are present
• Engagement in the community … to bring the gospel to bear in word and deed
• Harvest and gathering of believers and followers into discipling relationships and worship
• Establishment of a congregational worship service regularly with ministries to key designated areas.
• Equipping of disciples, growth of ministries and mission.

Key goals:

• The gospel engagement and saturation in the focus community around the replant
• Building up of new believers and development of discipleship groups/leaders
• Setting up of worship experience and accompanying ministries/structures that will bless the community and grow disciples
• Multiply disciples and sending out workers to the harvest