Church Planting by Producing Multiple Congregations - Research Paper Example

Religion & Theology Table of Contents Research 3 Introduction 3 Target community 5 Proposition 6 Problem ment 8 Significance of the Research 9 Statement of Research Objectives 9 Research Questions 9 Literature Review 11 Methodology 19 Church Planting Model 20 Conclusions 21 References 22 Research title How can ‘Church Planting by Producing Multiple Congregations’ be used to reach ethnic minority young people in Leeds? Introduction From a critical perspective, the chosen topic can be related with ethnic research methods, potential church planting approaches to plant church and young community in Leeds for the Gospel. Since the twenty-first century, church planting in Africa has emerged as a massive demographic trend. Fundamentally, the process of church planting is characterised with the shade of cultural dominance, diversifying population, urbanisation, along with rapid ethnic diversification. However, the States Ministry used this church planting method with determination to show solid loyalty towards its traditional and a comparatively rigid style1. As a result, high probabilities of failure are often observed to inhibit the psychological abilities of the African youth in Leeds2. Additionally, there are vast differences identified between Leeds’ culture and the traditional cultures and languages of African communities. Generally, it is proven that the main barrier to church planting is intended to bring strict and out-dated models, which might be successful in the previous era’s generation with low density of cultural dimensions, but time is changed3. In order to provide, a proper way to church planting, the ministry as well as the people must avoid pursuing on shallower and gimmicky concepts to attract young people towards church4. To be mentioned in this context, as per the observed perceptions of the target group (young African), the most important factor is ‘biblical warrant’ emphasising any method of planting churches. Churches cover a vast area that is potentially able to offer a lasting presence in people’s minds with a good foundation of doctrines and ultimate intimacy with the Christ. It is therefore, vital for the State ministries to develop a potential church like Oak tree, which will be lasting long but not like a mushroom that is fading with time5. According to the story of Leeds for the gospels, planting a church is a simple method that is free from any type of gimmicks and shallow views towards Christianity. It is in this context that freedom is always needed to build a successful scriptural patterned core of dynamics to follow the best method for different cultural groups and non-believer people in Leeds6. Target community The research proposed, will focus on one of the minority groups in Leeds, the Africans, to attain the research objectives. These selected African minority groups will include both boys and girls belonging to the age of 12 to 21 years. In Leeds, the population of African people is identified at about 7.7% among the total population of 10,400, which makes them the second largest ‘Single BME Community’ in the city7. In this city, Moortown ward has the highest number of African people, quantifying to about 1,680, accounting to 7.60% correspondingly, of the total residential population in that ward. The second large ward with African population is Alwoodley, which consists of 14,698 people and thus, signifies a large contribution to the total population of residents8. African life and culture is often regarded as simpler than the beliefs observed in the western cultures, specifically from Leeds. Therefore, to deepen the influence on people’s minds, church planters have been playing a significant role in Leeds, which further focuses to mitigate the gaps existing between the two ethnic groups. In this context, it can be asserted that generally people were desire to simple church planter. The God’ messenger have to be polite in nature to reach maximum number of young African in Leeds, who are in trouble and search for peace9. However, most of the preachers act differently because of the cultural differences and linguistic barriers, as often observed in the stated context. Apparently, respect for the people is an essential task for the planter and the messenger as well. People come to church for peace, confess about their sins. This is all about a strong communication process within the messengers and the people. If messenger is not able to create respect in people’s mind then they also not to be respected by the people10. Additionally, African community reflected the form of pluralistic values through their communal presentation, which is far different from the Western Church culture. Fundamentally, the western culture is based on the individualistic model. These basic concepts of cultural views are accordingly reflected through the western churches as well11. Proposition This research will address the question about ‘Church Planting by Producing Multiple Congregations’ used to reach young people belonging to ethnic minority groups in Leeds, for the gospels. To relate and answer this particular question, the research findings will be formulated on the basis of participant observation sessions, meetings, and interviews with the young African immigrants in Leeds and their parents. The main mottos of these meetings focused on the truth of the gospel by conveying message about the love of God and the Cross of Jesus12. Apparently, meetings also focused on the sequential flow of biblical history. To find the perfect research result, various types of meetings were planned, which have been discussed below. Tracts and personal witnessing: These tracts were provided in the native languages, which were to be distributed among the villagers. These tracts included the salvation and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. Street singing and preaching: There will be the provision of singing in the streets to attract the people towards church by proclaiming the call to follow Jesus, through the message of gospel. Preaching and personal care: Preaching is another version of communication, through which, people are able to know more about God, and his uniqueness, additionally, personal care and medical care also provided for the young people of poor families. Through this care service, it is expected that the young people are quite likely to be more interested to hear about the gospel message13. Preaching and Feeding: This will be demonstrated by showing the love of God through providing meals, foods the poor families; deprived youths who are belong from needy families. Telephones out-reach: This service will provide to all the people in dual language (English and native language) through the telephone. Through these services, people will know about the Holy Spirit, the uniqueness of Christs love. Video out-reach: In this particular service, video will be used for sharing the uniqueness of Jesus’s love care14. Through all these services, churches can teach the targeted young population about Jesus along with his unique love, and prepare people’s heart for the gospel. These messages may therefore receive great appreciation from the community, which the can hear the message in English and at the same time, listen to its translation in their native language, eradicating the possible linguistic barrier in the communication system. These approaches are proven as a successful communication system to make people aware about Jesus15. Problem Statement The main problem of African youth in Leeds is related to communication, wherein cultural differences and attitudinal problems have also received considerable attention as influencing factors or causes to the issue. Among of all these problems, some can be easily avoided. As previously mentioned, cultural differences are one of the leading problems in Leeds, wherein plurality and individualistic cultural patterns often create confusing situations amid the natives and the immigrants, like that of the African minority community. Apparently, language is a big trouble for African immigrants in Leeds16. Significance of the Research This research is vital for the purification of souls, concerning the perceptions of the Lord Jesus Christ, concerning the interests of African immigrant youth of Leeds. According to the research, in modern times, young people have been facing many troubles and challenges due to communication, culture, and attitudinal differences. Through the new technology and previously mentioned meeting types, preachers shall be able to convey the Lord’s speech among the youth. Moreover, this research paper will highlight the problem statement and solution meeting strategies of the youth in Leeds. Statement of Research Objectives a) To establish a proposal project objective for African youth to follow the pattern of the New Testament b) To identify best strategies for preaching the African youth community c) To identify the spiritual base of minority African youth groups of Leeds d) To establish Church Planting by Producing Multiple Congregations Research Questions How will the ‘Church Planting by Producing Multiple Congregations’ used as a way to reach ethnic minority young people in Leeds for the gospel? How will the church planters behave with the migrated community of African youth at Leeds? What type of church planting model is to be used by the church planters? What are the problems issues arise during the church planting? Literature Review According to Morton (2014), “Funding Your Ministry” provides the church planters with a good brief on developing a strategy of fundraising for the ministry. Morton (2014) accordingly described about the obstacles, myths, and the attitude that a person needs to possess for raising a financial support. Morton (2014) further continued with a biblical reason for raising a financial support. To make vital resource accumulation for financial backing to the ministry, Morton (2014) highlighted some practical issues, which included, holding face-to-face meetings, budgeting, writing newsletters, stewardship principles, seeking funding for churches, phone call campaigns, and proper uses of donated money with responsibility17. In this context, Guder (2000) provided a practical strategy to the planter of church that enabled saving time, energy and money for those who wished to plant a successful church. Based on the statement thus, planters have been much interested for first-hand planting without such capital as well as staff, as was specified by Guder (2000), taking reference from a similar situation that occurred in the Journey Church at the New York City. Guder (2000) asserted about the methods utilized as contribution to the church planting attempts, which was able to generate a successful path. According to Guder (2000), the important parts of planting church are mostly concentrated to the gathering of the staff, planning the services and working as a team18. Guder (2000) thus highlighted on the determination of the demographic targets in the main area under the most untouched, maximum dominant ministry and that can be associated well with the leading church planter. According to the views of Stetzer & Bird (2010), all churches must remain viable under the church closures, following particular suggested paths, and with these possibilities, the population of churches can be increased. Notably, it is essential to generate a vibrant movement shift to increase this movement from one church planting to multiple church planting movements. Additionally, it is helped the church leaders to incorporate the core values within the ministry and think from an exponential angle to improve the movement of church plantation and multiplication of this same movement19. Guder & Barrett (1998) shared with the readers almost thirty years of direct church experiences related with the church planting, consultation about planting along with coaching for planting. Guder & Barrett (1998) also asserted about the methodical as well as strategic training requirements to the launch team of church planting to avoid the mistakes that generally occurred during church planting. These sections of trainings are further noted as brilliantly blended with spiritual warfare, and emphasized the concept of ‘evangelism central’ for both ‘post and pre-launch’ effectiveness among the young migrated people of Leeds, apparently, talking about capitalism orientation before too late20. In this context, Stetzer (2006) asserted a view about church planting resource, with a very comprehensive discussion about every possible aspect of commencing a new church. Stetzer (2006) also commented that planting a new church must be led with biblical moorings and attributes, which are effective for the multiplication of additional churches and influential to the immigrant youth of Leeds with respect to the movement of church planting21. According to Mancini & Malphurs (2004), church planters are needed to arrange a church planting movement for provide a better opportunity to develop and identify potential leaders of church. Mancini & Malphurs (2004) has been derived a five level plan that are prepared leaders to every church level. Further discussions have been provided to help in the overall betterment of the church leaders in placement, discovery, evaluation, training, and rewarding22. Griffith & Easum (2008) commented on the multiplication of church movements that will help in motivating other churches from the original church plant. In addition, Griffith & Easum (2008) also asserted about the guidance to church leaders who have an interest to commence another church but have no idea about the same. Five several spin-off models are discussed by Griffith & Easum (2008). Apparently, the four phases of developing the church movement has proven to sponsor a spin-off church, which is successfully run23. According to Browning (2009), the ministry model has eradicated technical and programmatic practical access to be in an actual location for responding promptly, and efficiently. Additionally, Browning (2009) asserted about the expansion of six factors of a simple church, including multicity, reality, intentionally, minimal, along with scalability, as well as velocity. Each of these factors has been further noted to contain detailed explanations and discussions about the concepts of church plantation and betterment24. Stetzer & Rainer (2010) provided a new view about the concept of Transformational Church those were able to set a new standard in the well-being of churches and vitality among the migrated youth of Leeds. Stetzer & Rainer (2010) also generated a New Score Card for congregations of churches, with due regards to other traditional means of determining vitality such as cash, building, and attendance, these are rejected. However, Stetzer & Rainer (2010) focused on the spiritual factors those are transformative, such as vibrant leadership, missionary mentality, international relationship, and prayerful dependence, all of which are influential elements to attract youth towards the church25. According to Stanley (2013), articles of “local churches with high capacity church multiplication centre” enable to filter a five years pilot project that may further result in increased potential to gather information about church planting and guiding them to form the development centres to multiply the numbers in a given period. These findings prove the probability of increased number of churches with exponential growth of international churches and domestic churches through the plantation of maximum centres. Apparently, Stanley (2013) also asserted about five S’s of effective church multiplication. These S’s include sure identity, strong leadership, and systematic process, strategies for the long run and effective resources, which are effective and highly influential for church plantation26. Nouwen (1999) commented on the Christianity interview about Pastor Bob Roberts of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas. According to Nouwen (1999), the vision of Roberts changed from the time of Northwood Church, intended to be the largest church in the region and generate awareness about God in the respective areas through church planting. Nouwen (1999) thus asserted that in this global world, churches have to focus towards the world along with the local churches to generate a global impact on the local youth with applicable mobilization to a substantial extent. Through this section, it is quite clear that this type of mind-set related with kingdom multiplication is vital for the new church plants27. According to Dolfo (2015), the evangelism invitational model of church planting has remained efficient for the last twenty years. However, evidences, obtained in the current context reveal it to be ineffective in the Christian culture. Dolfo (2015) believed in the salvation paradigm, which related with beliefs, blessings and belongings. These related aspects are more successful rather than any other aspect, when these are taken as a dynamic as well as organic process. Dolfo (2015) also further encouraged many migrated youth of Leeds through the stories of Jesus. In addition, the non-Christians of the community in Leeds responded through belonging, then believed in God and subsequently joined the mission trip to bless others28. In this article, the focus area is related with church planting and the mission of God. In this context, Stetzer (2006) thus articulated the needs of church planting as an ingredient of Christianity norms that is essential as per the perceptions relevant to the efforts for the local church to fulfil God’s mission. Stetzer (2006) further highlighted the differences existing between churches, which initially started with unsatisfied people who walked away from the existing churches and those who strategically planted churches according to the stated mission. In this research article, it is quite apparent that the agenda of Gods Kingdom will only prosper by loving Jesus and the church29. Contextually thus, according to the vision of Jesus’ disciple, multiplication of churches is an essential factor, respective to the mission movement, which highly concentrates on the churches in need to be trained and equipped to make disciples and keep them motivated within the rational environment. Apparently, this research article also emphasises training purposes and resources including leadership, effective disciples, and other relative matters to church management. Ultimately, these all influential scenarios are noted as indicating an effective church planting movement in Leeds30. From the above discussion, it can be inferred that effective church system, in general, refer to the involvement of the priests in the provision of training resources under the vital classes of discipleship, evangelism and church’s growth through its continuous plantation. All of these lessons helped me to understand the supportive object scores and reserves found connected to practical church development matters. Additionally, from a global perspective, for church planting and thus, to attract the youth of Leeds, church planters and messengers are currently facing a need to generate low-cost but efficient equipments to develop a clear picture of a fresh church plant in the various demographic regions31. Apparently, to be connected with the people in a stronger manner, mainly with the youth, church planters, and messengers must be focused on improving their communication systems as per the perceptions of today’s world. In this context, telephonic information is provided from the churches to the people at often instances in today’s context. Through this facility, the callers who need more information concerning church are able to dial the contact number of church and get the information32. Additionally, callers are given further chances to leave a message to someone to make a call through the church planting team member. Community staff members are hence liable to collect this information on the daily basis and add it in an Excel sheet to track the crucial information. This can be applied in the bringing together a foundation community group and to publicize church initiation to future plantations of churches33. Leadership Network of church is another crucial factor involved in ministry with objectives that act as collaborative assets through the original leaders of the church34. These progressive rational theories about the church planting are further noted to provide genuine fortune base of leadership sources from various items like, restoration, leading, exploration, developing, along with learning, as well as multiplying35. Converge (2002) asserted about the real leaders who initially introduced inter-denominational centre and city-oriented policy structures to reach urban regions in all over the United States. Since the beginning, this ministry has advanced to get involved in various programs including church planting and assembling of churches, leaders’ development, liberal living, and deciphering sympathy and getting in touch with nations, which constitute the main attraction points of churches to influence youth. Additionally, Converge (2002) also commented that church planters are likely to get reviews, instructions, assets, and networks through their access to the community more efficiently36. In this context, the example of Hill County Bible Church shall be quite noteworthy and helpful, which is a rural church in Austin, Texas. It is current acting as a mock-up for churches targeting cities by way of planting new churches37. Their eldest pastor guide policy involved with tutoring, exercising, evaluating and financing strong churches planters to develop the influence within their ministry with up to 50,000 fresh people shifting to Austin yearly. This church has conceitedly put 20 churches, as well as established websites, and has come up with an entire education centre, and staff for church plants promulgation38. Simultaneously, North American Mission Board (NAMB) referred to a flagship web site, which provided effective support to the church planters from The Mission Board of North America at the Baptist Convention. The NAMB thus provided various training programs and encouragement towards resources to provide sponsorship to churches, and church planters for better development of these institutions along with further responsibilities39. In relation to this situation, Stetzer (2006) commented that the veteran church planter should always remain up to date with the trend as well as must have an insightful perception towards the church, and communication process to the youth, which are all related to the church planting. Currently all these aspects have been found as useful in tutorial discussions and guidance of theologists along with church planting practitioners, who are worked with various church development programs in Leeds. These useful resources are quite likely to be able to give a potential support to learn the veteran and hopeful for identical church planters40. Methodology With due consideration to the above mentioned factors, this research project will be based on the primary and secondary research methodologies in agreement with the determined objectives of the study. To cover the vastness of the topic and relate this topic to the viable and reliable sources, this research will utilize information available in church planting articles, scholarly books and journals related to the research topic. For the qualitative research study, the study will attempt the implementation of the observation session to focus on the African youth of Leeds. The engaged observers will subsequently survey about thousand church-planting institutions, along with fifty church planting networks, as well as thousand leaders from thirty denominations, with thirteen nationally known experts, and ninety organic church leaders and seventy-two seminaries and colleges. Church Planting Model The church planting model for this project will be aimed at producing multiple congregations for one of the church planting approaches. This approach is deemed as the best alternative among the others, as it will be a riding force to the establishment of a standard service for immigrant youth and children in the African community of Leeds41. In order to attain the objective of this research, the help of other members of the congregation will be taken to assist them in the identification of immigrant youth and resolve their problem situations42. Besides the identification of the community youth, it will also help in binding together the community and help the entire cluster to study the bible, learn about worship and pray together reflecting upon the true essence of Christianity. Stating precisely, in this research approach, Church Planting will be presented by producing Multiple Congregations. Apparently, there will be a special worship service that will be particularly designed to utilize the migrated youth from different sub-cultures, using some forms of art and music. During the service, the preacher will interact in English, as most of the people understand English but with due emphasis to the linguistic barriers affecting the African minorities in Leeds. It is with this objective that there will be a translator who will translate the preaching into native languages for people belong to the community, especially targeting those who are not adequately familiar with the use of English43. Conclusions Arguably, as the above study reveals, many attempts of the preachers have not been successful due to lack of communication skills, linguistic barriers, along with attitudinal problems existing within the migrated African youth of Leeds. A fundamental cause to the demanding was further identified as related with the proper understanding of the problem, indicating a gap between the native culture and that of the African community immigrated to Leeds. As a result, they are unable to use an appropriate approach for communication with those youth. This research will help to bring an end to the confusion of the church leaders that they have been already facing. This proposal will majorly provide a clear conception to the preachers to define behaviours of the youth, further reflecting on the effective way of teaching them about God and the gospel. The modern church system is however observed as quite sufficiently concerned about the attention demanded by the youth of the African community in Leeds. References Barram, M., 2007. Interpretation. The Bible, mission, and social location: Toward a missional hermeneutic, Vol. 61, Iss. 1, pp. 42-58. Barrett, D. B., & Johnson, T. M., 2001. World Christian Trends, AD 30 - AD 2200: Interpreting the Annual Christian Mega Census. [Online] Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/318934.stm [Accessed May 5, 2015]. Berg, T. C., 2001. Anti-Catholicism and Modern Church-State Relations. Loyola University Chicago Law Journal, Vol. 33, pp. 121-172. Bloesch, D. G., 2005. Jesus Christ: Savior & Lord. InterVarsity Press. Boschee, J., 2001. Non-profit World. Eight basic principles for non-profit entrepreneurs, Vol. 19, Iss. 4, pp. 15-18. Browning, D., 2009. Deliberate simplicity: How the church does more by doing less. Zondervan. Converge Worldwide, 2002. Plant Churches. 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