God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development to planting churches that multiply.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

When we study the New Testament churches, we learn some key principles. We should use to plant reproducing fellowships anywhere.

Let’s look at seven steps that any fellowship of disciples can implement anywhere in the world.

Prayer is of vital importance and is the first priority in multiplying churches. When we pray, God will open closed doors. Prayer first of all moves our hearts and puts our desires in line with God’s desires. When God opens our eyes to see the lost state of our communities, we will be moved with compassion to open our homes so as to start new fellowships. If we are willing, God is able to fill us with His Spirit for His glory.

Prayer also is instrumental in raising up the workers that are needed. (John 17:20; John 20:21; Acts 1:14; Acts 4:31; Acts 11:5; Acts 14:23; Colossians 4:3-4).

Jesus Himself commands us to “ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38).

The leading of the Holy Spirit in choosing and equipping church planters is very important (Acts 13:2).

Prayer provides direction so God can show us where He is at work. And where He wants us to be involved.

In his strategy, Paul had a plan to reach the Jews and the Gentiles. But his plans were sometimes changed by the Spirit of God. He was very sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and was willing to change his own plans to follow the plans of God (Acts 11:27-30; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 8:9-10).

Paul was very open to the Spirit—that is why he said, “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, God willing I will come to you” (1 Corinthians 4:19). We also need to pray so that we know God’s plan.   

After prayer has confirmed the place where God wants you to be involved. Why not do a survey and study the target people and the area.

It is very important to know the culture (language, customs, religion, social structure) of the people.

Prayer walks, literature distribution, film shows, small business development, and music may help in establishing contacts and finding the “man of peace”—the families or the communities in the area who are receptive to you and the Spirit (Mark 6:10-11). This will help in strategic discernment and effective approaches to the community by identifying the spiritual battleground and the responsiveness of the people groups.

In the Old Testament, Moses sent 12 leaders to do a survey of the land that God had promised to give them (Numbers 13:17-20).

After Moses passed away, Joshua also did a similar thing by sending leaders to do a survey of Jericho.

Jesus likewise sent His disciples ahead of Him to prepare the way (Luke 10:1).

As you survey a region, prayerfully respond to the following questions:

What locations are most strategic?

Paul’s whole strategy was to plant churches in major towns. Paul went into big cities of a region (Acts 16:9-12; Acts 18:1, Acts 18:18-22; Acts 19:1-10) and planted churches in those strategic cities.

Paul recognized that the way to most permanently influence a country was by planting vibrant churches in strategic cities. Once he had accom­plished this, he moved on, knowing that the rest would follow. That is why he said that he had “fully preached” the Gospel in a re­gion and that he had “no more place . . . to work in these regions” (Romans 15:19, Romans 15:23).

This, however, does not imply that it is wrong to plant a church in a smaller town or village if that is clearly God’s direction. It is critical to seek God’s direction.

Consider whether it is possible to send someone as a church planter or if another method is needed. Perhaps a small business is a good way to gain an entrance into this location. This is the reason that Global Disciples includes Small Business Development (SBD) training as part of our Multiplying Churches Strategy.

You may also recognize specific physical needs of a community which can be an open door to bringing the Gospel.

Try to discover who holds influence in the location you are trying to reach. These influencers may or may not hold positions of authority and may or may not be open to the Gospel (Acts 8:26-38; Acts 10; Acts 16). But if the key influencers can be reached first with the Gospel, a church can be established much more quickly.

Jesus talks about “the man of peace” (Luke 10:6) and encourages His disciples to work closely with this person. Prayerfully ask God to reveal these key people to you and your team.

Identify both the spiritual and cultural areas which will oppose the Gospel (Acts 17:5; Acts 19:24-34). Once identified, gather intercessors and start praying.

Planting and multiplying churches is the work that requires a team; it is not an individual effort. 

One person will not have all the gifting and skills to do all the different ministries that are needed to plant churches. Jesus, the Master church planter, sent His disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1).

Paul also took someone with him in his church planting ventures and, at various times, included many on his team over his years of ministry—Barnabas, John Mark, Titus, Silas, Timothy, Priscilla, Aquila (Acts 15:40; Acts 16:1; Acts 18:18; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 16:15- 16). In the same way, if we want to reach the least-reached peoples, we need to form a strategic church planting team.

The team will certainly include those whom God has specifically called to take the Gospel to new areas. While it is the responsibility of every believer to witness in their community, there are those who have the ability and call to go out to new areas. 

For example, Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit from the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3); the church leaders prayed for them and commissioned them to go and multiply churches where there was no witness for Christ.

The team will not only include those who go but also persons committed to pray and support the church planting effort.

To multiply churches, we should identify ourselves with the communities we want to reach by establishing a presence among them.

Jesus came and lived among those He was trying to reach. Paul also identified himself quickly with those he tried to reach; he became a servant to all to save them by sacrificing his comfort (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). In Athens, he talked about the “unknown God” (Acts 17:22-24)—he contextualized the Gospel according to the place and culture.

When we live and identify with the people we plan to reach, joining with them in their joys and sorrows, it builds trust. It also calls for sacrifice, and we must often lay down our own preferences to reach others with the Gospel—especially if we are across cultures. If we go to reach a vegetarian community, be a vegetarian to identify with them!

Again, in many locations, business is a great way to establish a presence in a community. A business opens doors and builds relationships with many people in a community (Acts 18:1-4). If you are sending out a church planter, consider funding the startup cost of a small business instead of long-term monthly support.

As you establish a presence in a community, continue to look for the “person of peace” whom God has prepared for the message. In most communities, the family head will be a key influencer. It is worth the special effort of a church planter to focus on these persons. 

Prayerfully look for people who will willingly give their lives to follow Christ. Be alert to the many ways in which God may call people to Himself. This may happen simply as you live among them and represent Jesus to them. If you’re using a business, they may see a difference in the way that you treat them or your willingness to pray for them in the name of Jesus.

In some contexts, you may use literature, door-to-door evangelism methods, film showings. You may find that people are open to study the Bible with you.

Some have found it helpful to begin studying Scripture from the account of Creation and slowly work through the Old Testament before coming to the New Testament stories of Jesus. This may take much time, but it can be a very effective way of teaching people the heart of God.

Consider appropriate use of technology as well—cell phones, Facebook, Instagram, and satellite television are all ways that God can use to speak to people. Again, the context of the culture will help to shape the method you use.

The New Testament evangelism method was focused on reaching the entire family by reaching the family heads. Targeting family leaders who would bring their whole households to Christ is the most strategic and fruitful way to plant churches in least-reached areas. There are many biblical examples of this—Peter, who preached to the household of Cornelius (Acts 10); Paul, who preached to Lydia with all members of her household (Acts 16:14-15) as well as to the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-33); the households of Stephen, Philemon, and others as well that were won over (1 Corinthians 1:16; Philemon 2; 2 Timothy 1:16).  As they won the head of the house, they brought their whole family, and churches were established.

Wherever Paul went and met people who were hungry for salvation, he preached the Gospel and baptized those who gave their lives to follow Christ.

Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19).

As soon as people give their lives to the Lordship of Jesus, teach them to renounce any old ways of living—idol worship, evil spirits, practices of magic and witchcraft, immoral practices—and pray for their deliverance. This is the right time to instruct them to live lives of discipleship.

There is no need to hurry to baptize them before they make the right decision (Acts 2:38-40). In some contexts, it may be wise to wait until several people or a group of people are ready for baptism together.  

After baptism, instruct them to devote themselves to the studying and teaching of the Word of God, to prayer, to fellowship, to breaking bread together, and to serving their world.

Jesus, the master builder of His Church, called, trained, and sent people very specifically to build His own Church (Mark 3:13-15).

The apostles did what they saw Jesus doing. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we need to give priority to training and appointing leaders who will take care of the established fellowships and continue to reproduce churches. Selection and training of the leaders can be done according to the personal gifting and calling of individuals.

Paul chose leaders to be in charge of the fellowships which he planted (1 Corinthians 1:14-16; Acts 18:8). Paul also visited the churches he planted to encourage, strengthen, and correct them (Acts 15:36; Acts 14:21-23; Acts 16:1-5; Acts 18:23; Acts 20:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:5-7; 2 Corinthians 13:9-10). Writing epistles was also a part of his follow-up work.

In some places he spent more time to equip the disciples. For example, he spent one and half years in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31) teaching on the word of God. In the same way, we also need to give attention to the churches planted. 

Unless the church we plant takes the responsibility of reaching others and planting reproducing fellowships of disciples, we have not completed our work.

Paul equipped and appointed leaders to continue the multiplication of churches in their region. Specifically, he told Titus to, “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).

We need to train every member of the newly established church to share their faith with others and to make disciples. During this process, many of them will grow as disciples who will go and make disciples and plant churches. This kind of multiplying churches will become a church-planting movement that continues to multiply churches.

You’ve got a vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Explore the unique approach of grief counseling form a Christian perspective, providing support, comfort, and hope to those experiencing loss.

Grief, a natural and inevitable part of life, can leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and broken-hearted. In these times of pain and despair, we often search for guidance, support, and a sense of meaning. Christian grief counseling offers a distinct approach. It blends professional therapeutic techniques with the comforting truths of Scripture. It offers hope and healing for those navigating the complex emotions during the bereavement process.

In this 1000-word article, we will discuss the value and benefits of grief counseling from a Christian perspective. We will also examine the principles driving Christian grief counseling. We’ll explore the critically important role faith plays in healing and moving forward. Furthermore, we will discuss how organizations like Global Disciples Canada contribute to the spiritual well-being of grieving individuals. They provide valuable resources and support grounded in Christian faith and values.

Grief is a universal human experience. And a Christian perspective on loss acknowledges that bereavement is also a significant spiritual journey. Grieving individuals face doubts, questions, and faith-testing experiences. Eventually, they can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper trust in God. Key biblical passages provide insight and guidance in understanding grief through a Christian lens:

Christian grief counseling combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with biblical principles and spiritual guidance. This unique approach aims at addressing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of grieving individuals. Key components of Christian grief counseling include:

There are essential distinctions in the foundational beliefs and goals underlying each approach.

For individuals with a firm faith in Christ, Christian grief counseling can offer several unique benefits during the grieving process:

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Christian grief counseling provides a unique and holistic approach to support those experiencing loss, weaving together professional therapeutic techniques and timeless biblical principles. By focusing on spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being, this integrative method offers solace, guidance, and hope for individuals navigating complex grief and its related challenges.

If you are seeking support and guidance in dealing with grief, Global Disciples Canada is here to help. As a Christian mission organization, we are committed to equipping and empowering believers to care for one another in the spirit of Christ’s love. By connecting with us, you can access resources and support to help you find healing and hope in the midst of grief. Join us on the path toward wholeness, deepen your faith, and walk alongside fellow believers who understand your struggles. Contact us today to learn more about our grief counseling services and how we can help you embrace God’s healing presence and transformative power.

When faced with hardship, do you give up? Or persevere in faith?

Serving the Body of Christ around the world is a real privilege for Global Disciples. We partner with churches to provide training that helps them fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ—to go make disciples.

In some places, partnerships are just beginning. And as potential is unlimited, as we see in one country in South East Asia.

In one particular region, our involvement has been primarily in providing small business training for local church leaders. Global Disciples gives them a way to support their families and ministry as they go out and plant new churches.

As God opens the door, we want to begin discipleship-mission training before long. In this country, most Christians belong to ethnic minorities. They face great opposition from their Buddhist or animist neighbors and from the Communist authorities.

A group of believers in this nation lost their homes and their farmland because of their faith in Jesus.

Some were even former members of the Communist Party.

Their coffee crops were destroyed, livestock was killed, and food stores were stolen. At one point, local officials came in with a backhoe and just pushed the believers’ homes into the river!

Undeterred, this small fellowship relocated, and set up in tents.

And, though they’re now on land that’s poorly suited for farming, God is blessing their hard work.

An evangelist in the region visits regularly, and he reported that even with all the difficulties, this small fellowship goes out regularly to share the Good News of Jesus with others.

To have discipleship-mission training would be a tremendous help for these communities of Christ followers, like this group in South East Asia.

They’re eager to have the tools to multiply the Body of Christ, to make and nurture disciples of Jesus, and to plant new churches.

Despite hardship, opposition, limited resources, and many other hurdles, they’re ready to reach 38 people groups that are still without the glorious Good News of Jesus in that region.

Let’s do our part—as we pray for them and work together to accomplish the Great Commission.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development to planting churches. These churches should then multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

We have seen the importance of planting multiplying churches to fulfill the Great Commission. However, this multiplication involves many challenges.

A major obstacle to church multiplication is a wrong definition of the Church.

We often think of the Church as a building with a trained, professional pastor in charge. It requires a lot of time and energy to build buildings and develop professional leadership. This view of the church does not allow for rapid multiplication.

But when we search the New Testament, we do not find anything about a church building. Or even trained pastors or church planters!

Jesus and His first disciples didn’t model this kind of a church.

Jesus met and discipled His first disciples in homes and on the mountains (Matthew 5:1; Matthew 9:10-11; Matthew 11:1; Matthew 13:36; Matthew 14:18-19; Matthew 26:18; Mark 2:1-4; Mark 3:20; Mark 6:7-13; John 6:3; Acts 5:42; Acts 12:12; Acts 4:13).

He prayerfully appointed ordinary and uneducated disciples to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. These ordinary, uneducated disciples turned the world upside down with the Gospel message.

Historically, for the first 300 years of the existence of the Church, there was rapid multiplication with very little formal structure.

Every disciple was a disciple-maker and the Church was a simple gathering of people who followed and worshiped Jesus. They met in homes or common places and experienced much persecution.

But the impact of their lives changed the world.

By 313 A.D., the Roman emperor Constantine won a military victory which he attributed to Christianity. Following this, he stopped the persecution of Christianity and, with time, Christianity became the official state religion.

No longer were Christians persecuted—rather, everyone was encouraged to become Christian. With official recognition from the state, the Church quickly developed as an institution. This included buildings, special privileges for clergy, promotion of Christians to high-ranking offices, etc.

This was a radical change for the Church and was, in many ways, a great victory for Christianity. However, it unintentionally changed the nature of the Church.  It became more of an institution than a living and multiplying organism.

Much of our view of the Church today has historical roots in the transition that happened after 313 A.D.  We must understand that what has developed through history has hindered the multiplication of churches, and we should seek to rediscover God’s original intent for the Church.

This is not meant to minimize the importance of church buildings nor to criticize theological training for church leaders. But we must find ways to fulfill God’s plan for multiplication of His Church which has been His desire from the beginning of creation.

Another obstacle to church multiplication comes when the Church is presented as a foreign concept to the people we are trying to reach.

The message of the Gospel was designed by God to reach every culture and to shape every culture.

Unfortunately, when we take the Gospel to other nations, we contextualize it within our own cultural norms and understanding (Acts 17:16-32; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). 

While it may be possible to reach a few people, a movement will never take root when the Church is perceived as something totally foreign.

Contextualizing the Gospel in the culture of the people we are reaching has biblical support. Jesus, the Master Church Planter, took on human form and became flesh to reach all humanity (John 1:14).

He came to the Jewish culture and He started preaching the Gospel in the temple instead of forming a new sect (Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:55; Mark 12:35; Luke 2:46; Luke 19:47; John 8:20).

The same was true with the ministry of the disciples of Jesus and the early Church (Acts 2:46; Acts 3:1; Acts 17:23-31; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

As the Gospel began to cross into other cultures, the early Church began to realize that the expressions of Christianity be different for Gentiles than for themselves as Jews. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 was held to resolve this issue. It’s clear that we need to contextualize the Gospel, without compromising its truth, in the culture of the people we plan to reach.

Contextualization of the Gospel will utilize local resources as much as possible.

For example, if the houses in a village are made of wood and grasses, then trying to construct a brick building for worship will not fit. If a church building needs to be constructed, use materials that are common in that location. In a similar way, consider local preferences for music and style of worship instead of importing styles from another location.

Such contextualization will allow a new church to be easily reproducible and will promote multiplication. When other cultures’ traditions are imposed, dependency is created and church growth is hindered.

In one South Asian country, Christ Followers call themselves ‘Muslim followers of Isa’ so that it will help them to reach their own people in their own context. They believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, believe in water baptism, share communion, and worship Allah, the Almighty God.

Is it right to ask them to call themselves Christians if it will hinder them from reaching their own people?  

Discipleship is one of the key factors to multiplying churches.

An authentic life of discipleship is marked by obedience to the teaching of Jesus (John 8:31); love for God and one another (Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:35); unity; and fruitfulness (John 15:8; John 17:20-23).

When genuine discipleship results in transformed lives, the Gospel spreads rapidly (Matthew 5:14-16).

When there is a lack of discipleship in the Church, it is a poor witness of our faith to our community. In many ways, since the time of Constantine the Church has struggled to be faithful in the area of discipleship; the focus has turned outward to buildings, structures, and titles.

But when we focus on making disciples to produce transformed lives, the multiplication of churches becomes natural because of the lives of the disciples of Jesus.

Many believers are content with the current state of the Church, and they spend most of their time and energy on maintenance rather than on growth.

They might ask, “Why do we need more churches?

We have plenty of needs right here.”

Some others might think that planting new churches will take people from already existing churches and will weaken the Church rather than strengthen it.

There are also some who might say that it is better to help the already existing churches that are struggling rather than to plant new churches.

These ideas and questions indicate a lack of vision for church multiplication (Mark 1:38-39; Matthew 28:19; Romans 15:23).

We need our hearts to be stirred by the current realities in the world. Consider these realities:

Reaching and delivering people out of the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous light of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 2:9) exposes us to spiritual battle.

It involves encountering the activities of the territorial spirits, magicians, and witchdoctors while presenting the Gospel (Ephesians 6:10-18).

As we plan to plant multiplying churches, we must be aware of the work of the enemy who will strongly oppose any effort that brings people to Jesus (Acts 19:23-34, Acts 16:16-24; Acts 21:27-36).

He has blinded people for years (2 Corinthians 4:4) and will not easily allow them to see the truth.

We must be confident of our spiritual authority over the powers of darkness and recognize the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. As we commit our lives to multiplying churches, the Lord will confirm His words through miracles, signs, and wonders (Mark 16:15-20).

What are some of the greatest challenges in your context to plant churches?

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Joshil’s life taking him skepticism to surrendering to Christ will inspire and challenge you in your own life!

Have you seen God’s hand at work in your life?

How did He bring you to where you are today?

No matter where you are, your age, your job, family, or ministry…you are here today because of God’s faithfulness.

Did you know that?

Recently, I was reading and reflecting on some testimonies given at one of our training events in India.

In fact, stories like this are wonderful reminders of the transforming power of Jesus. Even through times of ridicule and oppression, with very little teaching and fellowship with other believers, God is able to sustain us through His Word and by the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged and inspired by Joshil’s story!

Meet Joshil! He is one of our newer leaders. He’s in his early 30s, with a background in education, and is a gifted, passionate man of vision.

“I was brought up in a Hindu family,” he said. “A pastor used to come 70 kilometers to my village. And I would try to chase him away! A friend and I sat in the back of the meeting one evening to cause trouble.”

“But this meeting was different,” Joshil said. “The Word of God came like a bullet in my heart, and I was transformed. In fact, I knelt and wept for the first time. I surrendered my life to Jesus.”

However, Joshil’s new life wasn’t easy. In fact, for a year he struggled. His family ridiculed him; he had no local church; the pastor only came occasionally. Yet, there was no one to nurture his new life in Christ. Eventually, he left his family and went to a Bible school. After ten years he made it home again after he got married.

Despite the difficulties, Joshil has grown spiritually, and he knows the importance of equipping others to be disciples of Jesus.

In fact, He said, “In all these years, I can see the hand of God in my life. The change that happened that night sustained me.”

Would you pray for Joshil and others like him as they share the Good News of Jesus and make disciples? Could you thank the Lord for His hand that guides and sustains you and all of us who know and trust Him.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

As we do our part to fulfill the Great Commission, we need to understand the strategic importance of God’s Church. But, we must also learn to understand God’s motivation for multiplication.

In fact, God has a passionate desire for multiplication both in the natural world and in the spiritual realm.

All living things in the natural world multiply, from the tiniest cell to the largest living being (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 9:7; Acts 6:7). In the same way, God desires multiplication in the spiritual realm and in the growth of His Church. God wants His Church not only to add new churches but also to multiply.  

One-third of our world, more than 2 billion people, have yet to hear the Gospel of Jesus in a way in which they can understand and respond. Many of these people live in places isolated from the Church.

The multiplication of churches is of strategic and vital importance to each of us.

We cannot be content with simply adding a church here and there. We must take the church where there are least-reached people groups so they will get an opportunity to hear the good news in their own language and culture.

How amazing would it be so see at least one fellowship of believers to represent the Kingdom of God among every people group—then, every people group will be represented in heaven.

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” – Revelation 7:9.

If we want to see the fulfillment of this prophecy, we need to multiply churches among every ethnic group in this world.

The Book of Acts is an outstanding testimony of church planting and multiplication. 

The growth pattern of the New Testament churches is quantitative (numerical), qualitative (discipleship), and geographical (expansion) (Acts 6:7; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 16:5).

The first church in Jerusalem began with 120 disciples (Acts 1:15). On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were added to the church (Acts 2:41-42). Soon the membership of the Jerusalem church was 5,000 (Acts 4:4). Then, “multitudes of men and women were added” (5:14), and “the number of the disciples multiplied greatly” (Acts 6:7).

 The expansion continued to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8). Within a very short time, the early Church became a movement of thousands and thousands of disciples of Jesus who impacted the entire world.

From this account detailing the patterns of the Church’s growth, it is clear that the Church should grow by adding new believers to existing fellowships and then expanding geographically by planting new churches in new territories.

This is the power of multiplication.

The first 11 disciples, who received the Great Commission from Jesus, planted the first church in Jerusalem.

They immediately began to share their faith with those around them, and the Church grew rapidly. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The numbers continue to increase until the record says, “the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7).

In fact, all this took place in a single local church even before they begin to plant other churches. Multiplication is expected in any living organism, including every local church.

Are you seeing multiplication happening in your local church? Why or why not?

Jesus had clearly instructed His disciples at the beginning,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
– Acts 1:8

After the first church was established in Jerusalem, the disciples seemed hesitant to go and plant other churches. They grew larger (120, 3120, 5,000), but they did not seem to have a vision for multiplying churches.

But, all of this changed when persecution broke out after the death of Stephen.  

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”
– Acts 8:1

Excepting the apostles, Christ’s disciples were scattered, and they planted churches in Judea and Samaria. Churches began multiplying, establishing the New Testament pattern for growth.

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”
– Acts 8:4

It seems that when the apostles did not listen to Acts 1:8, Jesus allowed Acts 8:1!

Jesus is the head of the Church, and He can use any circumstances to multiply His own Body, the Church.  In this case, He used persecution.

Later in the book of Acts, God even used a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to produce more multiplication (Acts 15:36-41).

It is clear that God’s desire is to see the church multiplied!

Do we still wait for persecution to fulfill the Great Commission or plan ahead for multiplication?

Have you seen the church multiply through persecution?

At the beginning of the Church in Acts, every believer was a Jew.

But God’s plan was much bigger than that. He had already told the disciples that the Gospel was to go to the ends of the earth. The early disciples traveled new locations outside of Jerusalem.

Philip shared the Gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch who had come to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:26).

However, the most radical step came when Peter took the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. The establishment of a church among the Gentiles was so revolutionary that it required a vision from heaven for Peter to obey.

After the church was established, it required a meeting of all the officials of the Church to decide if this was actually from God! (Read the story in Acts 15.)

The only way for the Gospel to reach every tribe and nation is for someone to cross cultures with it (Acts 16:9-34). None of us would be believers today if someone had not crossed over cultures to share the Gospel with us.

Will we do our part to take it to the next culture?

However, the Jerusalem church didn’t understand God’s intention for multiplication, but we thank God for the Antioch church.

It took some time after the beginning of persecution and the beginning of the Church to spread to the Gentile world, but the Church finally understood what God meant by multiplying churches to the ends of the earth.

In fact, the church in Antioch sent apostles Paul and Barnabas to plant new churches (Acts 13:1-4). This was an intentional act and indicates that they were beginning to understand God’s design for the Church. It is still His design for us today.

So, its only when we begin to realize God’s desire for the multiplication of churches will we be able to accomplish the Great Commission in our lifetime.

Multiplying churches is part of God’s plan to reach the world. In fact, we are called to go and plant churches that have the capacity to reproduce locally sustainable fellowships in least-reached areas.

We cannot be satisfied with growing our existing churches; churches need to multiply in our own region, then to neighboring regions, then to the whole world.

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Have you ever been surprised by God? You anticipate one thing—maybe even dreaded or fear it—and then you see the Lord do the unexpected instead? But God is a God of the unexpected! Read on and find out how Global Disciples Canada is partnering with a miracle working God!

God often chooses to work in unexpected ways.

In fact, Beni experienced one of God’s surprises. He directs a discipleship-mission training program in Kenya, and when it came time for outreach, he and his team of disciple-makers went out to share the Gospel in a large community.

It was going well. Beni said, “Then the Lord told us to move on to the next village.”

However, their host pastor warned them against it. That village was controlled by a gang of rowdy young men, known for substance abuse and alcoholism. And the surrounding communities were all afraid of them.

Beni acted on the warning but “our witness became a huge failure,” he said.

“So we went on to that next community where we were received surprisingly well. As we prepared to show the Jesus film, the local boys promised to be our security! They saw to it no one would touch us or our equipment!”

The same young men that everyone feared, God used as security for the visiting disciple- makers!

Even better, many of the gang members turned their lives over to Jesus Christ, as Beni’s team shared the Gospel with them and with the community.

The power of God broke chains of alcoholism, substance abuse. It began transforming the lives of over one hundred people who put their faith in Jesus.

In fact, the community’s reputation completely changed! Where once there was fear, now neighboring villages were amazed to see what God is doing.

Beni reflected back, “God spoke that the work in one village was done, and we should move on to this troubled village. He led, He protected us as ministers in an unexpected way, and He brought many extreme sinners, I mean, those who others had written off, to Himself. When God says something, He knows what He is saying.”

And as Beni discovered, He may surprise us with the unexpected if we obey and follow Him.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches. Read on, and discover Gods design for the Church as the Body of Christ and His strategic plan to fulfill His Great Commission.

Did you know that the ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches? And that new people will hear the gospel, by connecting with these new churches?

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

God designed everything for a specific purpose. So, if we are to understand the significance and role of the Church, we need to look carefully at His intent and design. His design and purpose for the Church is one of the most beautiful and amazing truths we can understand.

The Bible uses the word “church” to describe a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 16:19; Galatians 1:2).

In the New Testament, the terms “disciples,” “believers,” and “church” are used in the context of Christ’s followers (Acts 14:21-28; Acts 15:2-3).

All of the people who believe in Christ are in one spiritual fellowship called the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:27).

In some places in the New Testament, the word “church” refers to a local church (Acts 2:41-46; Acts 11:22; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 2),

And in other cases, it refers to the universal or worldwide Church (Matthew 16:18;  Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

In both cases, “church” is referring to the group of people who represent Jesus to the world.

The official Global Disciples definition of “church” is a growing community of disciples centered in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and focused on mission.

Therefore, the evidence of such a community is seen in their devotion to God’s Word, the quality and depth of their fellowship. And a joyful sharing of their lives that’s celebrated in worship, communion, baptism, and a life saturated in prayer.

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” – Ephesians 3:10.

This passage teaches us that God has chosen the church to make known His manifold wisdom to the universe.

Of course, He intends for each of us to represent Him to the world.

But, scripture makes it very clear that it is His plan to reveal Himself through the Church.

However, the Church is God’s plan of salvation and restoration of the world is revealed through His Body.

In what way does God intend to reveal Himself to the world through the Church?

God intends to reveal His character, His power, and His love through the Church.

God’s strategy is a corporate strategy; it is not accomplishable by an individual. No wonder that Jesus said of His disciples,

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
– John 13:35.

“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
– Matthew 28:19

We cannot accomplish this mission simply by doing evangelism.

Obviously, we need to share Christ with those who are not believers.

But Jesus talks about making disciples, not simply making converts.

But, the fulfillment of this Great Commission requires the multiplication of churches among each and every ethnic group.

His intention was for His disciples to join together and form a community that worships God, serves one another, and reaches out.

However, this is also where discipleship happens, this is where baptism takes place. This is where disciples are taught to obey and follow Jesus. This is God’s strategy to fulfill the Great Commission.

As it is recorded in the Book of Acts, when people committed their lives to follow Christ, baptism and discipleship were present. (Acts 2:41–47). And as Peter Wagner puts it, “Planting new churches is the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven.”

So, its clear that church planting is in the package of the Great Commission that Jesus has given us.

When we focus on fulfilling Jesus’ mission, then the multiplication of fellowships of disciples becomes natural (Acts 1:8).

We can’t accomplish this by establishing a single fellowship of disciples somewhere and inviting every new disciple to be part of that one fellowship. 

The strategy requires many churches to be planted wherever disciples are being made. Therefore, establishing fellowships of disciples (planting churches) reflects our obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the master builder of His Church, and we are simply co-laborers with Him. He says, “I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6). As we obey by going and making disciples, Jesus continues to build His Church in and through us (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6).

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play! May we all continue to be co-laborers with the best builder of all time!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Becoming a disciple is a process of transformation. A change in heart, in mind, in vision, in purpose—all under the work of the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus. Global Disciples helps churches around the world to develop discipleship-mission training this life transformation as a goal. Becoming like Jesus…and then seeing people as He does. It’s a change of heart, a change of vision.

A disciple of Jesus is about more than just following Him. It’s about being made over in the likeness of the One we follow.

Suresh directs one of 75 discipleship-mission trainings we partner with in Nepal. And he spent some time talking with those he trained, to see what work God was doing in them.

First, he saw that many had no prayer life, no time studying the Bible, but now they know how to do it, and they were committed to making it part of their lives.

One young man told Suresh, “I used to read the Bible but I did not understand it. But now I see that God speaks through His Holy Spirit to show me the meaning of what I read.”

One of the women said, “I used to think I knew everything I needed to know; but in this training, I realized I need to learn many things yet! I have learned a lesson in humility.”

Suresh reports, “Our training not only helped these participants to share the Gospel, but it also created a heart for lost people in them. Before, they had no concern for sharing the Gospel.

Now they see that God has called them for this ministry.

“They told me, ‘People are created for God’s glory, but they have turned away from Him. So we know God has called us to this ministry of reconciliation.’”

A change of heart and a change of vision—this is the transformative work of the Spirit in building, strengthening, and multiplying disciples in Nepal, and around the world.

And even right where you are today.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Nearly every believer is aware of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ and at least gives verbal assent to God’s desire to reach the world and make disciples (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9

This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:3-4

But few disciples understand what His strategy is to accomplish this goal.

The Church is at the center of His strategy (Matthew 16:18).  

Unfortunately, the picture that comes to many people’s minds when we talk about the Church is not even close to God’s intention or design for the Church.

As we read through the New Testament we can get this beautiful picture of what He designed the church to be and do, and how we can be a part of what He is doing in the world today.

God has a beautiful strategy for reaching the world through multiplying churches.

The ultimate goal of all disciple-making and leadership development is planting churches that multiply as a means to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel in our world.

We can better understand the biblical mandate of planting fellowships of disciples that multiply themselves by exploring the following;

God’s heartbeat is for a relationship with every person in the world, and billions are still waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Winning a few people or planting an additional church or two is not enough. We must start movements of multiplying churches that will reach the world for Jesus. It is God’s plan and His calling.

What will you do today to make it happen?

How can we fulfill the mission of taking the Gospel to the ends of the world in our generation?

You’ve got an incredibly vital part to play!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!