The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings about church planting. In the New Testament, the book of Acts records how the early Christian church grew and spread through the work of the apostles and other disciples. One of the key ways in which the church grew was through the planting of new churches.

In Acts 14:21-23, for example, we read about how Paul and Barnabas traveled to various towns and cities, preaching the gospel and establishing new churches: “They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”

In his letters to various churches, Paul also emphasizes the importance of planting new churches. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, he writes: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

From these examples, we can see that church planting is an important part of the Christian mission to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. It involves going out into new areas, sharing the message of salvation, and establishing new communities of believers who can grow together in their faith. Church planting is not just about building physical structures, but about creating a community of people who can support and encourage one another in their walk with God.

Today, many churches and Christian organizations continue the work of church planting around the world. They recognize the importance of reaching new people with the message of salvation and helping them to grow in their faith. Through church planting, Christians can continue the work of the early apostles and fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.