Only ten percent of the UK can be counted as church goers. In the decade 1980-89, 3,000 churches closed down and 400,000 males alone left regular attendance. Over the past ten years, two-thirds of the churches in the UK have declined in numbers. Others have remained static.
Enthusiastic new churches
But a vigorous minority have bucked the trend. They have enjoyed increases in membership and numbers of congregations. New churches and fellowships have hit the headlines for their enthusiasm! New Christians are thrilled to find such spontaneous commitment to Jesus and love for one another.
Most evangelical and pentecostal/charismatic groups are taking seriously the challenge to plant new churches. Like ourselves they are committing prayer, resources and members to this task. Jesus said: "I will build My church and the gates (powers) of hell shall not prevail against it."
He builds through us. There is no need to tread on each other's toes! There is so much to do! God is calling His people to affirm each other. But churches must move in their distinctive callings.
Household churches
The church isn't buildings! Forget steeples and bells! God's people first need each other. The Greek word for church (ekklesia) isn't a religious word! It just means a gathering of people. So that's where we start -- with relationships, with people.
One of the basic units of the Jesus Fellowship's structure is the "household church": committed units of up to 20 people, coming together for worship and fellowship, together with friends and children. Mostly these are based on one of our Fellowship community houses, but any suitable home would do.
Close relationships, a proper mix of ministries and a team of trusted leaders are needed for church planting. It's a clear New Testament pattern.
Ready to meet Jesus!
In the mid-1980s, God called the Jesus Fellowship (Jesus Army) to cities and towns around the nation. Our growing church households release members for distant 'plantings'.
Some members have foundational church building gifts: evangelists, intercessors and apostolic/prophetic leaders. They lead Build Teams of up to 15 people, each giving part of their week to this ministry. Teams evangelise on the streets and visit previous contacts.
They hold informal mid-week groups. Friendship is the key. Working-class and unemployed folk are often ready to meet Jesus. Lonely young people from flats or hostels respond warmly.
The Build Team then rents a small house to act as a base, inviting new friends to visit and sometimes to actually live there.
In this house on a Friday evening, for example, there could be a relaxed meal, then a time of fellowship or teaching, while the adventurous evangelise a local night-spot. It's all part of planting a new church!
Mighty is the gospel
God's movings are remarkable! Healings, deliverance, addictions broken, men and women finding salvation and new life, relationships transformed. This front-line work eventually sees a group of 'covenant members' forming a new household church, under the care of a team of leaders and linked with the nearest area congregation.
Some of the Build Team become resident locally. The whole church maintains an interest. Our programme of Marquee and coach-based evangelism campaigns supports new urban church households. Reports from Build Teams go to our "prayer watch", so over 350 committed members can support the work in prayer and intercession.
Those who reach out in the name of Jesus must bring new believers in amongst real friends to welcome, serve, encourage, teach and protect them. The job isn't done until they are built into the spiritual family, to grow in discipleship and love.
Staggering increase
Worldwide, the last 15 years has seen an eight-fold increase in Spirit-filled Christians, who now number a staggering 410 million. Such statistics point to dynamic growth! And the quality of church life -- fresh, spontaneous and powerful -- suggests even more to come!
Closer to home, prophetic words indicate that the UK is on God's map. The Jesus Fellowship is working towards a church planting programme of over 250 new "household churches". Our Leadership Training Groups give the challenge: "Pick your fellow-leaders for a new Build Team!".
Let's reach the hearts of the people and change the face of our nation for Jesus.
Planting Churches
