On Preparing to Church Plant (Pastors Talk, Episode 268) 

Watching from Kenya

6:35pm started listening

whoever decided to make it into video deserves a raise

One of my favorite episodes so far! Watching from the Philippines!

Have Welton on more, we love him!

¿PLANTING CHURCHES? The term PLANTING CHURCHES is not bíblicaL. What we plant is the Word of God in the heart of people, which is the soil. According to the Word of God, the seed is the Word of God. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11-15 ESV) We plant the seed, which is the Word of God, in the heart of people and God is who make the seed grow. The result of the sow does not depend from us but from God. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8 ESV) Our call is to make disciples teaching people to obey the Word of God, not church planting. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV) DISCIPLE, from the Greek word μαθητεύω [matheteuo /math·ayt·yoo·o/] that means 1 to be a disciple of one. 1a to follow his precepts and instructions. 2 to make a disciple. 2a to teach, instruct. These were the instructions that Jesus gave to the first apostles: These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. (Matthew 10:5-8 ESV) Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. (Matthew 10:9-10 ESV) And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. (Matthew 10:11-14 ESV) The first apostles were sent only to the people of Israel. But after the conversion of Paul the Gospel began to be shared to the Gentiles. To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:16 ESV) True disciples of Jesus remain in God and His Word remain in them. They persevere in the faith and obey the Word of God voluntarily. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8 ESV)