Planting Healthy Churches for an Unchurched Community: Leaving a Legacy to Build On

By Nakia Melecio

Planting new churches is a dedicated response and reasonable service to fulfilling God’s mission. This critical church planting is not only the focus of today’s Christians, but it is also the theological and practical subject of numerous Christian studies that tout scripturally based work for shoring up today’s church. Nakia Melecio is answering God’s call to support local churches, both old and new, and the outcry of God’s people in a heartfelt attempt through conferences, workbooks, websites, and many other substantive pathways for spiritual founding and healing. Church planting is necessary, but it is no easy feat. Nakia Melecio’s ministry will help struggling churches to reinvent themselves and new churches to plant firmly and deeply on solid rock. Through steadfast diligence and unwavering faith, God’s mission can and will be fulfilled. Nakia Melecio shares the vision of how to build a legacy and ultimately claim the victory—methodically, effectively, spiritually, and graciously.
Publisher:

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Dec 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483458632

Book preview

PLANTING

HEALTHY CHURCHES FOR AN

UNCHURCHED COMMUNITY

Leaving a Legacy to Build On

Nakia Melecio

Author • Speaker • Christian Coach • Life Coach

• Executive Coach

www.nakiamelecio.org

Copyright © 2016 Nakia Melecio.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-5864-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-5863-2 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 09/19/2016

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Why Do We Need More Churches?

Innate Need of Connectivity

Post-Modernism

Historical Overview

The Continued Declining State of Churches

Planting as a Provision of Hope

Exploring the Theology of Leadership

The Aim of SBC

Economic & Health Impact

A Church for the Multitudes

Chapter 2: Casting a Vision Creatively and Successfully

Leadership in Christianity

What is Vision and How to Cultivate it

Shared Vision

Cultivating and Sharing the Vision

Capacity of Vision and Ownership

Chapter 3: Why a Vision Dies Prematurely

A True and Godly Vision

Lack of Commitment and/or Courage

A Go-It-Alone Attitude

Poor Leadership

A Lack of Understanding of Locality

Inadequate Funding

Lack of Flexibility

Chapter 4: Finding Adequate Funding Sources

Count the Cost: Fundraising

Funding in Difficult Financial Times

Understanding Why People Give

Searching Out Resources

Categories of Costs

The Ultimate Financial Responsibility

Chapter 5: Non-Negotiable as You Plant Churches

Planting Models

Procedures for Developing a Pioneer Plant

A Matter of Trust

Staying the Course

A Community of Believers

Commitment to the Non-Negotiable

Chapter 6: Finding the Right Pastor

Elements of the Search

Finding Balance

Questions to Ask

Entering the Draft

Identifying Leaders

The Intent of a Strong Leader

Chapter 7: Transitioning Leaders That Will Support the New Church

The Process of Renewal

The Role of Transition for Leaders

Transparency

Chapter 8: What You Need to Know About Spiritual Gifts

The Truth about Spiritual Gifts

Types of Spiritual Gifts

Growth of the Church and the Evolution of the Role of Spiritual Gifts

An Introduction to God’s Gifts: What They Are and Are Not

What Gifts Are Not

Chapter 9: Disciple-Making in the Leadership Context

Like Raising Children

The Work of Making Disciples

Made Disciples

Let Jesus Build the Church

Communicating God’s Purpose

Problems of Modern Discipleship Groups

A Call for Biblical Content

Clarifying the Contours of Discipleship

Creating a Culture of Discipleship

Chapter 10: Theology of Leadership

Biblical Theology of Projects

Language of Leadership

A Study of Leadership for Christian Understanding

Alternate Definition of Leadership

An Attempt to Balance Power

Problems with a Leadership Approach

Chapter 11: Understanding Christian Ministry and Culture

What is Culture?

The Process of Contextualization

Models of Contextualization

The Goal of Contextualization

Obstacles in Contextualizing

Areas of Concern in Contextualization

Enhancing a Vision through Culture

Chapter 12: Current Trends and Issues in Christian Ministry

Societal Trends and Their Impact on the Church

An Interaction of Issues and Trends

Chapter 13: A Healthy Process for Developing Transplanted Leaders

Planting Models for Launch

Launching Vocabulary

How to Effectively Launch

Building the Foundation

Gather a Committed Launch Team

God Will Provide

Chapter 14: Empowering Leaders through Coaching

The Role of the Coach

Coaching Skillsets

Communication is Key

Coaching Characteristics

Equipping New Leaders

Training Coaches

Who Shall Be Coached?

Assessments

Chapter 15: Leaving a Legacy to Build On

Reproducing Again!

A Legacy for the Children

Considering the Legacy of Planters

Planting Worldwide

A Passing Generation

About the Author

Preface

The Body of Christ is calling out for churches to be planted. I have spent my life sharing with others the Good News that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that through belief in Him, they can be saved. Unfortunately, during this time, I have seen that there are a limited number of churches to fill the enormous needs of the unchurched communities in today’s world.

Because there are so many people suffering, so many who are in desperate need of hearing God’s Word, it is up to us, those firmly rooted in Christ’s Body, to plant churches. In so doing, we can begin to start the process of healing that society needs.

Planting a church certainly is not easy. It is a process that can be filled with pitfalls and problems. However, God did not promise us that bringing others to Him would be a simple task. Rather, he promises that in Him, we can find hope. John 16:33 tells us, These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace in the world; you have tribulations, but take courage: I have overcome the world.

If we, as followers of Christ and those intent on sharing his Word, are to impact the world, we must dedicate ourselves to the discipleship He intends. In Matthew 11: 28-29, Jesus tells us, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. As church planters, we are in the perfect position to take this message to all His children who are weary and heavy-laden. It is our God-given duty to lead them to Christ so that He may give them rest.

That is why I wrote Planting Healthy Churches for an Unchurched Community. I know that through the planting of strong, healthy and vibrant churches, we can make a difference in the lives of others. We can lead them to Christ and to eternal life. After all, it is Jesus who tells us that He is the Light of the world. It is He who tells us that anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life. It is up to us to carry that message to all who are so desperately seeking a way out of the darkness and into the light.

And although church planting is not an easy task, it is one that is very much worth doing. It is also one much more easily managed once you know you are doing God’s will. Through intense prayer and worship, church planters can and will more easily recognize, define and fulfill their God-given vision to go forth and plant.

Of course, there are questions that anyone considering a plant must ask: First and foremost, do you have the spiritual strength and endurance, as well as the emotional maturity needed, to plant a church? Effective church planting requires huge amounts of both energy and commitment. Oftentimes, church planting is embraced by the young and inexperienced. Regardless of age and experience, it is important that a planter demonstrate both emotional and spiritual maturity. Additionally, a planter must surround himself with a team that demonstrates this same type of maturity, as well as a capacity for growth.

That is because, above all, church planting is a team effort. It requires that the planter, his family and his gathered team all be committed to the process of planting. It is through this team effort of all involved, with a special emphasis on the planter’s spouse and family, that a church plant can be successful. It is essential that the planter’s family not be overlooked. Only with a healthy family who is supportive can a planter be successful.

Once the commitment of all involved is secured, a planter must then ask himself, Am I spiritually ready to plant a church? Church planting is as much about being as it is about doing. Someone once suggested that when your motives are wrong, all else is wrong. It is essential that your spiritual motives be right. It is also essential that your heart be right. Only then can you successfully implement a church planting plan. Nothing will try your spirituality as will be planting a church. You (and it) will come under fire from all directions. It will be in times of strife that strong spiritual habits and a healthy devotional life will become the bedrock from which your church planting can spring.

It is also true that in the process of planting, you will encounter many who do not believe, especially if you are planting in an unchurched area or if your church planting focus group is highly unchurched. For these who do not yet know the glory of God, you may be the first Christian they have met. You may be the first man or woman of God they come to know and/or respect on a personal level. In such a context, it is of the upmost importance that you model what it truly means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Only then can you have a successful church.

You must also be ready to endure setbacks, both external and internal. Today’s organizations are looking for effective leaders and the church is no different. Today, churches must make leaders, i.e. church planters, who will take the lead in making disciples for His Kingdom. It is through strong leadership and discipleship that we can grow God’s Kingdom as He mandates we do.

Planting Healthy Churches for an Unchurched Community is a vision and a plan of doing just that. It is a program developed to outline the steps and procedures necessary to plant the kinds of churches needed in a world where many have lost hope. It is through the planting of healthy churches that we can bring hope and peace to a world drowning in despair, and it is through the planting of healthy churches that we can deliver God’s hopeful message to those who will come after us. It is the generations yet to come who will most benefit from our efforts, as it will be they who carry the torch of God’s Good News forward. Psalms 78:4 instructs, We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. Planting healthy churches is a path graced by God, one allowing Him, through our efforts, to leave a legacy to build on.

CHAPTER 1

Why Do We Need More Churches?

Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

—Matthew 9: 37

Innate Need of Connectivity

One of the most basic human needs is to feel connected with others. Research and philosophies since time immemorial have maintained that this need for human connection is real and strong. Of all the different connections human beings establish throughout their lives, the connection with God is one of the most potent and spiritually satisfying. This divine relationship has been associated with general happiness and satisfaction. A divine relationship creates a feeling of overall well-being. For many believers, a divine relationship can be equated with the idea of marital bliss as they are united as one with God.

Church attendance has been a significant contributor with establishing that divine relationship. When believers attend church on a regular basis, they form a stronger and more confident relationship with the Divine. In research conducted to find a relationship between church attendance and life satisfaction, frequent church goers reported the highest levels of personal and professional happiness (Caciopppo, 2009).

Post-Modernism

The 21st century marked the beginning of a doctrine known as Post-Modernism, a period of time in which there has been a general distrust of grand theories and ideologies. This century has also seen an expansion of relativism, a philosophy purporting that there is no absolute truth or validity in any particular point of view. In this concept of relativism, also known as relativity of truth, individual’s beliefs are seen to have only relative, subjective value. This philosophy additionally deems morals, principles and ethics to be relative and, therefore, applicable only in limited contexts. With an attitude of relativism, the truth of the Scriptures has suffered. Fewer and fewer modern thinkers are willing to live by faith. Because of this newly prescribed-to relativity of truth, believers are struggling and non-believers are more confident than ever before. It appears that nearly everyone has become more uncertain than ever that they can trust in the truth of the Biblical Scriptures.

The impact of these post-modern changes in thought is predominantly and demonstrably, albeit ironically, reflected in the appointment and subsequent working and functioning of pastors of the Word of God. The diminishing trust in the Scriptures has led to a decreased reliance on the proper exposition of the Bible itself. As much as this change in how society views the truth reiterates the importance of proper training for pastors and leaders, which shall be explained later in this book, it also requires the planting of more and more churches to bridge the gap between Biblical exposition and practical theology (Raubenheimer, 2010).

Historical Overview

During the early 1800’s, one church operated per 875 American citizens. The attitude of early Protestants was that this number was lacking. As a result, the mid-1800’s saw many churches being planted. Even as these new churches were planted, American society continued to expand, and by the early 1900’s, there was one church for every 430 of our citizens. Equally notable is that thirty percent of all membership of the church during this time period were twenty-five years old or younger.

These newly-established, youthful churches were able to touch more and more people’s lives and, therefore, our society began to see a shift in the religious paradigm of the time. The percentage of the country’s population involved in the life of the church and identifying themselves as ‘religious adherents’ rose steadily from 17% in 1776 all the way to 53% in 1916, explains Lukus Counterman in his article entitled, Why Plant Churches? Over fifty percent of the population spent their Sundays hearing God’s Word.

Today, however, that number has dwindled. In today’s American society, fewer than twenty percent can be found in church on Sunday morning. It seems that Americans have lost interest. Or perhaps