What does the Bible say about church planting?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that Christ advances his kingdom by gathering and building his church through the preaching of the gospel, the making of disciples, and the faithful care of ordained leaders. Jesus promises in Matthew 16:18 that he will build his church, and Matthew 28:18-20 commissions his people to disciple the nations. God alone gives the growth, as 1 Corinthians 3:6 teaches, yet he uses believers to plant, teach, pray, and serve. Acts 20:28 calls elders to shepherd the flock Christ purchased, while Titus 1:5 shows the importance of establishing qualified leadership. The church’s aim is a worshiping people from every nation, as Revelation 7:9 portrays.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Corinthians 3:6

    I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.

  • Revelation 7:9

    After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.

  • Matthew 28:18-20

    [18] Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. [19] 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, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12

    and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you,

  • Matthew 16:18

    I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

  • Titus 1:5

    I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

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