Jason Lund
Christ Church in Denver, NC is supporting the Hickory Presbyterian Church plant. Jason Lund is an elder at Christ Church and serves as a provisional elder at Hickory Presbyterian.
Brothers and sisters of the ARP, this brief note is meant to encourage our churches to consider the blessing of a church planting mindset. For centuries, the ARP has faithfully focused on missions and the planting of churches in foreign lands for the sake of the gospel. That same outward focus can bring great blessing when applied locally through church planting that is near.
A church planting mindset benefits the health and vibrancy of a congregation by turning its focus outward. Local church plants provide opportunities for your people to pray, serve, and participate in gospel work with people they can know personally. Being able to see and engage in the hands-on work of a plant is both tangible and exciting, as members watch a church grow and take part in spreading the gospel within their own communities.
Understandably, the idea of church planting can feel overwhelming. Planting a church is a significant undertaking, and it is easy to postpone the conversation. However, developing a church planting culture does not require starting with planting outright. Churches of all sizes can begin by gradually increasing their involvement through steps such as Supporting, Adopting, Partnering, and eventually Planting. These are practical and immediate ways to move toward church planting without being overwhelmed.
From my own family’s experience, church planting has been a profound blessing. Over the past 25 years, we have been involved in several church plants in various capacities. We have seen believers unite for the work of Christ, watched churches mature and become self-sustaining, and witnessed God faithfully provide people, resources, and grace at every stage. Seeing churches endure beyond their founding leadership and grow into something greater than their beginnings is a powerful testimony to God’s work.
I encourage you to prayerfully consider how your church might take steps toward cultivating a church planting mindset. This work is often close at hand, personal, and deeply rewarding. As your church engages in planting and supporting new congregations, it will naturally turn its eyes outward, allowing members to use their gifts in the work of evangelism and the expansion of Christ’s Kingdom.
Hickory Presbyterian Church – Reformed
