HOW TO PLANT A CHURCH: 10 Practical Secrets

 

How to Plant a Church:

10 Practical Secrets

Church planting is both a spiritual and strategic endeavor that requires a clear vision, thorough preparation, and complete dependence on God. Here are 10 practical secrets to successfully planting a church.

1. Have a Clear Vision and Calling

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

A successful church plant begins with a divine vision. It is not just a personal desire but a specific calling from God. Ask yourself:

• Who am I called to reach?
• What is the mission and culture of this church?
• What will make this church plant unique?

✅ Benefit: A clear vision attracts the right people and prevents confusion.

2. Pray and Seek God’s Direction

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Church planting should never be merely a human project. Take time in prayer and fasting to:

• Discern the right location.
• Identify the spiritual and social needs of the community.
• Receive God’s strategy for launching the church.

✅ Benefit: Prayer lays a strong spiritual foundation and opens hearts.

3. Study the Area and Understand the Local Culture

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5)

Before launching, it’s crucial to understand the region:

• What is the spiritual climate of the area?
• What are the needs of the population?
• Are there any resistances to the Gospel?

✅ Benefit: A church plant tailored to the local reality grows faster.

4. Build a Committed Pioneer Team

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Don’t plant alone! Seek out prayerful men and women, faithful leaders, and servants willing to invest in the vision.

✅ Benefit: A strong team makes tasks easier and provides support during difficult moments.

5. Find a Strategic Location to Start

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

The meeting place can be:

• A home (house church).
• A rented hall.
• A public space (depending on local laws).

✅ Benefit: A good location enhances accessibility and church stability.

6. Start with Small Groups

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news.” (Acts 5:42)

Churches that grow sustainably often begin with small house groups before transitioning into larger gatherings.

✅ Benefit: This approach allows organic growth and better discipleship.

7. Evangelize with an Effective Strategy

“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

Evangelism must be intentional and adapted:

• Street evangelism.
• Community events.
• Social media outreach.
• Home visits and social assistance.

✅ Benefit: A church that wins souls from the start builds a strong foundation.

8. Handle Legal and Administrative Aspects

“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

Each country has laws regarding church planting. Consider:

• The legal registration of the church.
• Recognition by local authorities.
• Opening a bank account for financial management.

✅ Benefit: A legally compliant church avoids legal issues and enjoys certain protections.

9. Train New Converts and Disciples

“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

The goal is not just to attract people but to make strong disciples. Establish:

• A biblical training program.
• Personalized pastoral follow-up.
• A leadership school for future workers.

✅ Benefit: A church with solid disciples grows without collapsing.

10. Wisely Manage Church Finances

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Money is a sensitive issue in any church plant. To avoid financial scandals:

• Establish a clear budget.
• Teach about tithes and offerings with balance.
• Maintain transparency in financial management.

✅ Benefit: Wise financial management builds trust and ensures sustainable development.

Conclusion & Prayer

Church planting is both a spiritual and strategic mission. It requires a clear vision, a strong team, good management, and total dependence on God.

Prayer: “Lord, give me wisdom and strength to plant a church according to Your will. Open doors, send the right people, and equip me to fulfill this mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Summary of the 10 Practical Secrets:

1. Have a clear vision and divine calling.
2. Pray and seek God’s direction.
3. Study the area and local culture.
4. Build a committed pioneer team.
5. Find a strategic location to start.
6. Start with small groups.
7. Evangelize with an effective strategy.
8. Handle legal and administrative aspects.
9. Train new converts and disciples.
10. Wisely manage church finances.

About Jefistan Kombi

I am Pastor & Missionary Jefistan Kombi,

• Practical Theology Instructor at the Assemblies of God Bible Institutes,
• Lead Pastor of La Borne / Dernière Moisson church extensions,
• Member of Last Harvest Mission, under the leadership of Apostle Louison Tunasi.

Passionate about church planting, equipping God’s servants, and missions, I help church leaders and workers grow spiritually and fulfill their calling. Through my teachings, I aim to equip pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers for an effective and impactful ministry.

📌 Contact Me:
📞 Phone: +243 808 770 877
📧 Email: jefistankombi@gmail.com