Rev. Morrie Lawing, Executive Director
The well-known Great Commission was given by our Lord to the Apostles in Matthew’s Gospel: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” How does the Kingdom of God increase and multiply according to the Great Commission? Personal evangelism? Our witness of a changed life? Our fervent and effectual prayers? Yes, and Amen.
However, the primary way is what we see in Acts: Church planting. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the witness of miracles, persecution, and visions, God added to the number those who were being saved.
The Book of Acts tells the story of Apostles’ obedience to our Lord’s charge. First Peter preaches the Good News to the gathered Jews from near and far at Pentecost. Then Stephen preaches to the Jews in Jerusalem just before he is stoned, which scatters the converts out of Jerusalem. Philip preaches in Samaria. Peter preaches throughout Judea and then is called in a vision to speak the message of salvation to Cornelius, a gentile God-fearer, and his household! Churches were formed through their preaching to the praise of God’s glorious grace.
Antioch became a “mother church” who sent out men to plant churches near and far. Eventually, the gospel would reach all the known world through the ministry of Paul, Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Timothy. These men founded churches all along their missionary journeys.
Establishing churches is the fulfilment of the Great Commission.
Christ’s charge didn’t end there. We the Church should be involved in establishing and building churches. It is my hope that all ARP churches are seeking to fulfil the Great Commission by being actively involved with Church Planting. Below are different levels of commitment. What if your church started a Home Missions committee that would begin by regularly gathering for prayer to ask the Lord how your church can be involved in Church Planting
