Welcome,
This blog has the purpose of creating a virtual space to share experiences and to report how the Lord has used His children to reach the world. E. G. White describes “jets of light shining from cities and villages, and from the high places and the low places of the earth. God's word was obeyed, and as a result there were memorials for Him in every city and village. His truth was proclaimed throughout the world” (Testimonies, 9:28).
According to C. Peter Wagner, one of the most influential leaders on church growth, “planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.” Church planting is “a process by which churches are begun in new areas” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church planting).
Paul chose to start new congregations in strategic cities throughout the region. He chose places that were major transport hubs-on major Roman roads or seaports-and that were important commercial, trading, or administrative centers. He thus established strategic lighthouses throughout the area, planning that the new groups of believers would take the good news to the areas surrounding these centers (Romans 15:18-23).
On his second missionary journey, Paul, with the help of Timothy and Silas, established a Christian church in Thessalonica, the largest city in Macedonia. It was located at the crossroads of two important Roman highways and was the major seaport for the entire region (SS Quarterly, July/10/08). A strongly established group of believers in this city would provide a center from which other church plants could grow throughout that area. This church was a model for others. This is exactly what happened. Paul says, "You became a model to all the believers… your faith in God has become known everywhere" (1 Thess. 1:7, 8, NIV).
The Christian Church was called not just to worship together but also to reach out to their communities with the good news that they already received. Let’s spread the Word!
By Gerson P. Santos,
Florida Conference Church Planting Coordinator
