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Expansion
…the local, multiplication of
outposts, congregations, and Corps
by Major Miriam Gluyas
The
movement Jesus led
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in
their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and
healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he
had compassion on them, because they were harassed and
helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his
disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers
into his harvest field” Matthew 9:35-38
“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by the night
in the dusty recesses of their minds, awake to find that it
was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men and
women, that they may act their dreams with open eyes and make
it possible” T.E. Lawrence
William and Catherine Booth sat around a table with a vision.
They had nothing else!
If we are going to plant mission movements we are going to
need…
1. Compassion
for the lost
2. Mobilisation of labourers
3. Prayer
……and then it
will happen
How then do
I know if I should plant an outpost, corps or new work?
Here are some common characteristics of people who do this
effectively...
1. “Visioning”
capacity – I have been able to see ahead clearly to where
God wants my ministry to go, and to lead others in that
direction.
2. Intrinsic motivation – I have been committed to doing
things well despite the cost and can work hard and long
without close supervision
3. Ownership of ministry – I have been able to inspire
others so that they will commit themselves to work together to
fulfil a worthwhile goal.
4. Relating to the unchurched – I have formed good
relationships with unchurched people, and can relate the
gospel to their lives in a way that they will understand
5. Spousal co-operation (if applicable) – My husband/wife/fiancee
understands, accepts and supports my commitment to planting
new work and is willing to support me in it
6. Relationship building – I relate well to others and I am
sensitive to their needs.
7. Church growth – I am committed to see the church grow
numerically
8. Community responsiveness – I am sensitive to the
character and needs of the people we are seeking to reach and
can establish appropriate ministries to meet their needs
9. Utilising the giftedness of others – I have demonstrated
skills in the recruiting, training, supervising and supporting
of others in ministry according to their giftedness
10. Flexibility/adaptability – I have shown that I can
adapt well, and take advantage of, sudden and abrupt change
and uncertainty
11. Building a cohesive church body – I have drawn
individuals together into teams engaged in meaningful
ministry. I have been able to help them resolve conflicts that
have arisen
12. Resilience – I have rebounded strongly from setbacks,
disappointments and failure.
Thinking it
through…..
-Share with someone specific instances of each
-Which would be your strengths?
-Which ones would you really need to work on and get help
with?
-Who could keep you accountable in this?
Do I have a vision for more outposts, corps and new work?
The harvest is plentiful
The harvest is diverse
The harvest is ready
Church planting is the work of Jesus
Thinking it through……
-What are the most compelling reasons for you to start and
multiply new works?
-Where do you see the fields ripe for harvest?
-Where does church multiplication fit with your vision?
-What goals and action plans have you already established?
What sort of values would be important for reproducing new
works?
1. Compassion
for the unchurched – cares enough about lost people that
significant amounts of time, energy and resources are invested
to reach them
2. Culturally relevant style – Utilizes a style of ministry
that attracts seekers and addresses their needs
3. Great commission orientation – sees ministry potential
in terms of the number of people who still need to be reached
– not limited by finances, facilities etc. Committed to making
disciples and multiplying congregations
4. Developing and releasing leaders – actively seeks to
spot, train and/or mentor potential planters; encourages
giving away the best leaders to start new churches
5. Confidence in God’s ability – makes bold plans for the
future, recognising that our faith rests in God’s resources
and not or own
6. Kingdom perspective – encouraging new churches to start
nearby even if it takes away from the local ministry. Views
the total harvest to be the most important
7. Generosity – healthy churches will give people financial
resources freely to help get new churches started
Thinking it
through……
-Give examples of what you have done so far in each of these
areas?
-What do you need to work on most?
-What excites you the most?
-Who could keep you accountable on these things?
Are you ready to be a harvest leader?
Local church multiplication flows out of the convictions of
the leader. Convictions ignite emotions, determine our
priorities, influence our decisions, fuel our ministries, and
are fleshed out by behaviour.
A conviction for this ministry will lead us to firm up the
following:
1. Personal
commitment – “I exist to reap a harvest”
2. Compelling vision – God’s picture of what can be
3. Functional strategy – how will I get this happening – what
steps are necessary?
4. Effective leadership – people following you - influence
5. Dynamic spirituality – dynamic relationship with Jesus
Thinking it
through…..
-In which of the five areas are you most challenged?
-How will you strengthen your role as a harvest leader?
-What is God calling you to do?
What are the ten essentials for multiplication?
1. Spiritual
empowerment
2. Shared vision
3. Effective evangelism
4. Empowered leadership
5. Scriptural authority
6. Authentic community
7. Personal and coaching and training
8. Intentional planning
9. Funding
10. Multiplying churches
Thinking it
through….
You have planted a new work. You are now 2 years down the
track. Write a letter home, sharing what’s happened, telling
some of the stories of the people, what has happened, what you
have put into place, how God has been at work, how you are
full of praise for our great God.
Share it with someone.
Reflection time
Spend some time with God asking Him what He wants you to do,
where He wants you to do it, what it looks like, and asking
Him for all that you will need to do what he requires.
Good news
God is already there. You simply join Him where He is working.
That’s where you need to be.
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