Within the past couple of months, many of our BMA of Missouri churches have received a letter from one of our churches that has expressed dismay at the number of churches planted in the past decade or so. I, too, wish more churches had been planted and that the attempts that were made had been successful. I asked a missional leader about how we could intensify our efforts. He followed up my question with another question: “What do you need from the BMA of Missouri to start another church plant this year?” I had to pause for a couple of minutes and think about that question before I could answer. I responded with the following 3 needs:
- I need a church planter and his family whom the association could recommend and approve of their election. I think it would really be great if we could raise-up a planter from our own BMA of Missouri “family”. They would already know the culture, the demographics, and the needs of our state. Less time would be needed for them to immerse themselves into the culture and community of the “Show-Me State”.
- I need 3 to 4 churches who would serve as “partner churches” to the new plant. Of course we need a “Mother Church” or “Sponsor Church”, but we also need the extended family to come along side of and help with the initial start up efforts and costs. Partner churches might provide people, funds, equipment, prayers, mission teams, etc. The more churches involved in the process, the greater the momentum and growth. Churches plant churches…not missions directors, nor missions department.
- I need our churches to increase their missions giving. I have heard the argument that if we had more church plants going, then our churches would rise to the challenge and increase their giving. I don’t believe that is the sole reason for decreased giving. I do believe that many of our churches are in a “survival mode,” rather than a “let’s expand the Kingdom mode.” When churches begin to feel a financial crunch, the first thing that is cut out of the budget is mission giving. I would be hard-pressed to favorably explain that line of reasoning to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-5). We need more money to support planters!
As your state director of missions, I have prepared myself to assess, train, and coach church planters. It is my part-time job within the BMA of America missions department to do these things all across the world and we are finding great success! I am ready and willing to do the same here in our state, but I need your help. If the above three things could happen, then we could get started with one more church plant this year.
I have been in contact with a young man who is seeking God’s will about getting a new church planting effort going in the southeast portion of the state. I do not have his permission to share his name, but I would like for you to pray for him as he begins his first Bible studies with a group of people this month. It may be the beginning of a new church.
by Danny Kirk
