The Sufficiency of Scripture in Church Planting Movements on the Mission Field

The International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is focusing on starting Church Planting Movements among the national churches formed by their work on the mission field.

Previously, when I have heard the IMB talk about "church planting," I must admit that I was somewhat suspicious because some of the "church planting" material I have seen from the SBC has seemed to be based more on secular business models and pragmatic philosophy than on the Word of God.

I was very encouraged this afternoon to hear someone from the IMB describe exactly what he teaches pastors on the mission field about "church planting." He basically does a biblical-theological study of Paul's activities as a missionary- as found in Acts and some references from the epistles- carefully seeking application of the Apostle's example to the international situation in which he works. This IMB representative is keenly aware that everything he teaches on this subject must come straight from the Holy Bible, and he is beginning to see fruit from his dependence on God.

This was, needless to say, an extremely exciting and encouraging conversation!