If you think America is over-churched, you may want to think again. Each year, churches close at a rate that is alarmingly disproportionate to the rate at which they are planted. One study I read a few years back stated that the net LOSS of churches each year in North America is around 3,000! Today, it is not nearly that bad as the church has been gaining ground. However, there is still much work to be done.
This is why I am glad to be a part of an incredible church-planting organization called the Association of Related Churches (ARC). ARC plants an average of one church every three to four days, and we are looking forward to planting even more!  If you would like to learn more about ARC visit their web site here: (ARC)
 
Since the late 1990s church planting has become a much-needed movement in the body of Christ. It is still gathering steam, and doesn’t show any signs of leveling off soon. I’m glad that church planting is going strong and getting even stronger. As time marches forward, the local church needs to proclaim the message of the kingdom more than ever before. It’s crucial that prevailing, life-giving churches continue to be planted and thrive across the world.
 
While there is an obvious and urgent need for churches to be planted, it is just as crucial that those church plants be planted the right way.  God’s call and the empowerment of His Spirit are the non-negotiables for any church truly birthed by the Spirit. However, even with God’s calling churches must be started on the right foot, in the right spirit, and for the right reasons. Churches that launch in an unhealthy way will either be part of the number of churches that close, or continue on in a state of poor health to the detriment of all involved.
 
In my next few posts, I will talk about a few things that need to be examined as you think about whether or not to plant a church. If you are thinking about planting a church, then that’s a good thing. In my opinion, there can never be enough life-giving, prevailing, thriving churches! But make sure you set yourself up for success and health by starting off on the right foot, in the right spirit, and for the right reasons.

Stovall