We believe that church planting is God's eternal plan. The establishment of the universal church and the
multiplication of local churches is how God will accomplish his purpose of bringing glory to Himself, by uniting all
things under Christ. Put another way, it could be said that the church is God’s plan A; there is no plan B. He has
always intended to create a people for his own possession (1 Peter 2:9). This has been God’s plan from all eternity,
first expressed in the Garden of Eden, through the people of Israel, and into the New Testament church. From the
first pages of Scripture, we see that God had in mind more than the mere conversion of individuals. Rather, he
intended that those who had been alienated from God and others would now be enfolded into a new community.
And in that community, or church, Christ would dwell in fullness and give life to his new creation. Therefore,
fulfillment of the Great Commission must reflect God’s emphasis: the establishment of new churches committed to
following Christ.
If missions is about the expansion of God’s kingdom, then the priority of missions must be to establish churches
where none exist (Romans 15:20). Because it is God’s plan that all peoples will worship him (Revelation 7), the
Church must cross cultural barriers to establish communities of believers among every people group. We look to
God for His direction and blessing of our efforts to raise up churches and see His kingdom come on the earth.
We share a conviction that church planting is the single "most effective evangelistic methodology known under
heaven." (C.P. Wagner)
FIRST We believe that the gospel is "the power of God" unto church planting as well as "unto salvation"
(Rom.1:16-17). We have a firm grasp on the gospel's uniqueness and ability to continually revitalize people and
communities.
SECOND We understand the importance and complexity of contextualization. In response, we are committed to a
creative ministry model that is consistent with our biblical commitments and our ministry gifts.
THIRD We believe that churches grow best when we do not aim at church growth as much as serving the people
and the community. St. Augustine believed that citizenship in the City of God made us the very best citizens of the
human city. This notion challenges us to promote God's brand of peace/shalom in the very heart of the city.
