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The Call

Church multiplication is an incredible privilege — but it also comes with a cost.

Jesus measures the success of our ministry not by seating capacity but by sending capacity. This often means that gain for the Kingdom of God comes through loss for the local church.

If we want to be part of church multiplication, we must be willing to accept those losses. For church members, it may mean stepping away from familiarity and the comfort of known relationships. For pastors and leaders, it might involve sending out some of the strongest individuals in the congregation.

But the loss is worth it! As the Gospel multiplies through new churches, the Kingdom grows. The call is to embrace planting, replanting, and revitalizing — because even when a church feels the loss, the Kingdom sees the gain.

Planting, Replanting, Revitalizing

Here are three key terms that help clarify this mission:

1. Church Planting: The supernatural work of God to begin a brand-new church.
2. Church Replanting: The supernatural work of God in a process in which members of a church dissolve their current ministry and work with other churches or denominational bodies to begin a new church for a new season of ministry in their community.
3. Church Revitalization: The supernatural work of God that restores health in a church, evident by submission to God’s Word, right relationships among the members, and a renewed commitment to Great Commission ministry.

Preparing for Launching

Effective preparation is key when launching from your church. Consider the following areas:

• Individual Preparation: Prioritize intimacy with the Lord, allowing your relationship with Him to overflow into fruitful ministry.
• Team Preparation: Pursue unity with one another as you meet, plan, and pray together.
• Leader Preparation: Watch your life and doctrine closely, support your team well, and launch with both confidence and dependence on God.

Launching a Church Plant

Launching a church plant is a complex process, but here are some practical steps to move things forward:

• Host vision-casting interest meetings.
• Emphasize ecclesiology — the doctrine of the church.
• Encourage present engagement in spiritual disciplines and service in the church.
• Consider funding and clarify your relationship with the sending church.
• Meet regularly for prayer, fasting, and training in specific areas.
• Focus on outreach and remember that you’re planting a church, not just a service.
• Hold regular pre-launch gatherings.
• Plan your launch day — and launch!

Action Steps

1. Discern whether your church is engaging in planting, replanting, or revitalization based on its context.
2. Develop a clear process — from vision-casting to launch day — and follow it faithfully.
3. Fast, pray, and launch in total dependence on the Lord. God will do a good work!

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Synergy is the combined power of a group working together that is greater than the power of individuals working separately. The Synergy Initiative aims to help students plan strategically to graduate from Cedarville, go together with others from this place, and invest their energies, talents, and efforts in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. As Cedarville graduates join up with other church members who are equipped to do the work of ministry, the combined effect of their efforts will accomplish, by God’s grace, abundantly more than only a couple of pastors in a church doing all of the work on their own. Thus, the goal is to equip students to leave ÌÇÐĹÙÍø ready to help establish and strengthen local churches throughout the nation and around the world.