“The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members but for unbelievers also” (Evangelism, 115).
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15).
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase….For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field,” (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
“The church that is in their house” (Romans 16:5). “Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19). “The church that is in his house” (Colossians 4:15). “and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philemon 2-3).
“Upon all who believe, God has placed the burden of raising up churches, for the express purpose of educating men and women to use their entrusted capabilities for the benefit of the world, employing the means He has lent for His glory. He has made human beings His stewards. Gladly and generously they are to use the means in their possession for the advancement of righteousness and truth. They are to employ His entrusted talents in building up His work and enlarging His kingdom” (Medical Ministry, 315).
“I saw 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” (Christian Service, 112).
“God calls for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, and work wisely and perseveringly for the Master. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying without hope and without God in the world. Many, very many, for the sake of worldly advantage, for the sake of acquiring scientific knowledge, will venture into pestilential regions and endure hardship and privation. Where are those who are willing to do this for the sake of telling others of the Saviour? Where are the men and women who will move into regions that are in need of the gospel, that they may point those in darkness to the Redeemer?
If families would locate in the dark places of the earth, places where the people are enshrouded in spiritual gloom, and let the light of Christ's life shine out through them, a great work might be accomplished. Let them begin their work in a quiet, unobtrusive way, not drawing on the funds of the conference until the interest becomes so extensive that they cannot manage it without ministerial help” (Adventist Home, 480).
“Preach less, and educate more, by holding Bible-readings, and by praying with families and little companies. To all who are working with Christ I would say, Wherever you can gain access to the people by the fireside, improve your opportunity. Take your Bible, and open before them its great truths. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside, and in small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in winning souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving throng, or even in halls or churches” (Gospel Workers, 193).
“The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members but for unbelievers also” (Evangelism, 115).
“Our ministers are not to spend their time laboring for those who have already accepted the truth. With Christ’s love burning in their hearts, they are to go forth to win sinners to the Saviour. Beside all waters they are to sow the seeds of truth. Place after place is to be visited; church after church is to be raised up. Those who take their stand for the truth are to be organized into churches, and then the minister is to pass on to other equally important fields” (Testimonies Volume 7, 19-20).
If you answered this call to help plant churches, what area near you especially needs an evangelistic small group?
What countries or people groups especially need to have churches planted in them?
Is God calling you to move to a new area to plant a church?
What can you do to help your church become strong enough so that your pastor can focus on sharing with new people and starting a new church?
Lord of the nations, King of my life, please plant Your church in all the world. I want people of every city and village to have an easy opportunity to meet You through Your people. Forgive me for enjoying the fellowship of my church friends without sharing that joy with unbelievers. Help us to take the church to the world, to be truly salt and light, not a pile of fertilizer sitting unused. Give my church and me a heart to start new evangelistic small groups where the life of a church body can truly be lived as in the early church. Finish Your work unto the coming of Jesus.
Grow more in this area by exploring Gateway Adventist Centre, and North America Division Evangelism Institute.
Because Jesus wants to come soon, let’s support church planting by our prayers, finances, and involvement!
An inclusion of a link here does not mean an endorsement by Home for All Nations. You should carefully examine God's plan for education in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy and compare your options prayerfully and carefully.
