Empowering a New Generation for Church Planting

 

Summary

In our journey together, we have been exploring the profound call to plant churches in the least reached areas of America. This initiative, born out of a deep sense of unity and purpose, seeks to address the growing need for gospel saturation in cities that are increasingly unchurched. Our discussions have centered around the importance of training the next generation of church planters who are passionate about discipleship, evangelism, and revival. We recognize that every generation needs a fresh move of God, and it is our responsibility to facilitate this by equipping young leaders with the necessary tools and wisdom.

The heart of our mission is to create a family-like environment where individuals can be discipled and learn to disciple others. This is not just about planting churches but about fostering authentic communities that embody the love and unity of Christ. We believe that unity is our only chance to make a significant impact, as a divided kingdom cannot stand. By working together, we can harness the power of the Spirit to bring about transformation in our society.

Our initiative, the 100 Cities Project, invites individuals to join us in the San Francisco Bay Area for intensive training and church planting. This is an opportunity to be part of a team, to learn from experienced leaders, and to be sent out to some of the most unchurched areas in the U.S. We emphasize the importance of commitment and the willingness to take risks in order to grow deeper in our walk with God and to multiply disciples.

As we move forward, we are excited about the potential for this initiative to bring about a paradigm shift in how we view church planting in America. We are committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact for the kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The call to plant churches in unchurched areas is a response to the growing need for gospel saturation in America. This initiative seeks to equip the next generation of church planters with the tools and wisdom necessary to bring about a fresh move of God. [06:35]

- Unity is essential for the success of our mission. By working together, we can harness the power of the Spirit to bring about transformation in our society. A divided kingdom cannot stand, but in oneness, we can achieve great things. [09:57]

- The 100 Cities Project invites individuals to join us in the San Francisco Bay Area for intensive training and church planting. This is an opportunity to be part of a team, learn from experienced leaders, and be sent out to some of the most unchurched areas in the U.S. [19:04]

- Commitment is often the barrier to achieving what we desire. By taking a step of faith and committing to this initiative, individuals can grow deeper in their walk with God and learn to multiply disciples. [23:07]

- The potential of this initiative is significant, as it aims to create a paradigm shift in how we view church planting in America. By focusing on discipleship and community, we can make a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. [24:18]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:49] - Lighthearted Banter
[04:05] - The Birth of the Initiative
[05:07] - Unchurched Cities in America
[06:35] - A New Generation of Church Planters
[07:39] - The Power of Unity
[10:14] - From Inspiration to Activation
[12:44] - A Missional Perspective
[14:00] - Discipleship and Transformation
[15:26] - The Church's Image and Hope
[17:07] - Multiplying Family
[18:09] - Invitation to Join the Initiative
[20:32] - The Call to Action
[22:28] - The Importance of Commitment
[24:31] - How to Get Involved

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore 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."
3. John 17:21 - "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Observation Questions:
1. What is the primary goal of the 100 Cities Project as discussed in the sermon? ([06:35])
2. How does the sermon describe the current state of church planting in America? ([05:07])
3. What role does unity play in the mission of church planting according to the sermon? ([09:57])
4. What is the significance of the San Francisco Bay Area in the context of the 100 Cities Project? ([19:04])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Acts 1:8 relate to the mission of planting churches in unchurched areas? What does it mean to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" in today's context?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity can lead to transformation in society? ([09:57])
3. How does the concept of discipleship in Matthew 28:19-20 align with the goals of the 100 Cities Project? What challenges might arise in implementing this?
4. How does the sermon interpret John 17:21 in the context of church planting and unity? ([09:57])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own community. Are there areas that are "unchurched" or lacking in gospel saturation? How might you contribute to addressing this need? ([05:07])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity. How can you foster unity within your own church or small group to support a common mission? ([09:57])
3. Consider the idea of being part of a church planting team. What fears or hesitations might you have, and how can you overcome them? ([19:04])
4. The sermon discusses the importance of commitment. What is one area in your spiritual life where you need to make a deeper commitment? ([23:07])
5. How can you actively participate in discipling others within your community? Identify one person you can mentor or guide in their faith journey. ([14:14])
6. The sermon mentions the potential for a paradigm shift in church planting. How can you personally contribute to this shift in your local context? ([24:18])
7. Reflect on the idea of being sent out to unchurched areas. What steps can you take to prepare yourself for such a mission, whether locally or globally? ([19:04])

Devotional

Day 1: Responding to the Call for Gospel Saturation
The call to plant churches in unchurched areas is a response to the growing need for gospel saturation in America. This initiative seeks to equip the next generation of church planters with the tools and wisdom necessary to bring about a fresh move of God. The focus is on training young leaders who are passionate about discipleship, evangelism, and revival. By addressing the spiritual needs of cities that are increasingly unchurched, this initiative aims to create a significant impact for the kingdom of God. The goal is not just to plant churches but to foster communities that embody the love and unity of Christ. [06:35]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to support the spread of the gospel in your community, especially in areas that are spiritually underserved?


Day 2: Unity as a Catalyst for Transformation
Unity is essential for the success of our mission. By working together, we can harness the power of the Spirit to bring about transformation in our society. A divided kingdom cannot stand, but in oneness, we can achieve great things. This initiative emphasizes the importance of creating a family-like environment where individuals can be discipled and learn to disciple others. The power of unity lies in its ability to foster authentic communities that reflect the love and unity of Christ. [09:57]

"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a relationship or situation in your life where unity is lacking. How can you actively work towards fostering unity in that area today?


Day 3: Embracing the 100 Cities Project
The 100 Cities Project invites individuals to join in the San Francisco Bay Area for intensive training and church planting. This is an opportunity to be part of a team, learn from experienced leaders, and be sent out to some of the most unchurched areas in the U.S. The project emphasizes the importance of commitment and the willingness to take risks in order to grow deeper in one's walk with God and to multiply disciples. By participating in this initiative, individuals can make a significant impact for the kingdom of God. [19:04]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you can be part of a mission or project that aligns with your passion for spreading the gospel. What steps can you take to get involved today?


Day 4: Overcoming Barriers to Commitment
Commitment is often the barrier to achieving what we desire. By taking a step of faith and committing to this initiative, individuals can grow deeper in their walk with God and learn to multiply disciples. The initiative encourages individuals to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with church planting. By committing to this mission, individuals can experience personal growth and contribute to the transformation of society. [23:07]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with commitment? How can you take a step of faith to overcome this barrier today?


Day 5: Creating a Paradigm Shift in Church Planting
The potential of this initiative is significant, as it aims to create a paradigm shift in how we view church planting in America. By focusing on discipleship and community, we can make a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. The initiative seeks to empower the next generation of leaders to bring about a fresh move of God. By fostering authentic communities that embody the love and unity of Christ, this initiative aims to transform society and create a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. [24:18]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a paradigm shift in your own community or church? What practical steps can you take to foster discipleship and community today?

Quotes


"One of the phrases that I love is every generation needs a new generation of church planters. There is always a need for a fresh move of God not only in our hearts but then to work that out in church life so that the gospel not only visits a location but is rooted and grounded in a location and can multiply and never end." [00:06:31]

"Unity is our only chance, you know, God was so clear like, you know, a kingdom divided itself against itself it's just not going to stand and yet in oneness the more we seek to work together there are such huge promises in scripture you know when we work together." [00:09:50]

"The 100 Cities Project invites individuals to join us in the San Francisco Bay Area for intensive training and church planting. This is an opportunity to be part of a team, learn from experienced leaders, and be sent out to some of the most unchurched areas in the U.S." [00:18:09]

"Commitment is often the thing that holds us back from the very thing that we're wanting and praying for and believing for and it's often right on the other side of commitment and there's such a fear of commitment, you know, people I hear it all the time here like people going man I'm gonna be 22 when that commitment's over and I'm like exactly you're going to be 22 and that commitment's over like you're gonna be fine you know you got a lot of life ahead of you." [00:23:07]

"The potential of this is just huge even on the implications of the rest of your life. Yeah so if you're listening and you want to jump in, um, we do have a website and it is hundredcities.org spell out hundred cities.org but you can do it today." [00:24:18]

"Where does a 22 to 25 year old go today who's passionate about church planting, believes in the power of the spirit, discipleship and evangelism, you know, even carries a heart for revival where do they go to get church planting training and they're probably places they can go I just you know I just may not even be aware of them." [00:05:50]

"We're pressing into these communities to learn how to engage people not just for salvation but for transformation so that the society societal ills and challenges of ungodliness that we're struggling with that we create an inside out approach in a presence based approach that's not just flippantly running around but literally diving into a community planting deep and planting wide and discipling in a real authentic way for transformation." [00:15:00]

"We have so much inspirational content uh too much in some ways right another inspirational video another inspirational speaker right another inspirational song like there's a lot of and it's it's amazing like I'm grateful for that we are not an under-inspired people and uh that has its role but maybe the challenge is moving from inspiration into actually doing something with that inspiration and I think that's probably always been the challenge." [00:11:27]

"We're inviting you to pick up the stakes and to come in do at least I know it's eight weeks intensive uh training um again I call discipleship 201 because it's people who have already gone through a dts or gone through one of our ads schools or one of the schools that we are church hosts it's that after you've done your basics we want to invite you to come in now do this intensive training." [00:21:11]

"We're all looking at it biblically and going this is the only way to win unity is our only chance you know God was so clear like you know a kingdom divided itself against itself it's just not going to stand and yet in oneness the more we seek to work together there are such huge promises in scripture you know when we work together." [00:09:50]

"We're inviting people to actually move out to the San Francisco Bay Area and be a part of one of our church plants and uh we want to train you up we want to look at your character we want to you know just just get you close to the Lord but also I want you to feel like you have backing behind you like you're not off on your own like we're here for you." [00:18:24]

"Every generation needs a new generation of church planters. There is always a need for a fresh move of God not only in our hearts but then to work that out in church life so that the gospel not only visits a location but is rooted and grounded in a location and can multiply and never end." [00:06:31]

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Transcript
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