A MISSION-FOCUSED REPRODUCING CHURCH: Part 1

The Christian Church was designed from the first to be aggressive. It was not intended to remain stationary at any period, but to advance onward until its boundaries became commensurate with those of the world. It was to spread from Jerusalem to all Judea, from Judea to Samaria, and from Samaria unto the uttermost parts of the earth. It is not intended to radiate from one central point only; but to form numerous centers from which its influence might spread to the surrounding parts. In this way it was extended in its first and purest times. The plan upon which the apostles proceeded, and the great apostle in particular in his mission to the Gentiles, was to plant churches in all the great cities and centers of influence in the known world. (Sword & Trowel, vol 1, April 1865, p 63) C.H. Spurgeon.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus told his followers that they would receive power after the Holy Spirit came upon them to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. Samaria was geographically near but culturally far away while the uttermost parts of the earth were geographically and culturally far away. Both places are “off the map” in terms of geography. This is why Newfrontiers is committed to an “off the map” approach to our mission. We value the edge more than the center, and the lost more than the found. While at the same time being proactive rather than reactive, moving from addition to multiplication.

In the next few weeks I will be outlining the biblical basis for this approach as it is recorded for us in the book of Acts. As we examine the expansion of the Gospel through the book of Acts we will learn what it means to be truly mission-focused. I hope you will join me on this journey.