The Church Planter — Fact or Fiction? | George Davis

There is much talk in home-church circles today about someone called “the church planter.” It is said, that without this “itinerant worker” there is no hope of seeing the restoration of the primitive church. Hence the search for the mystical church planter ensues. Many, upon hearing the news of a so-called “church plant,” which of course is the exclusive work of the church planter, have packed up their families and moved long distances to be part of it. If “church planters” were essential to the founding of the early church, one would think that something this important would be found on every page of the New Testament scriptures. So grab your concordance and open to the section entitled “church planter.” Not there! Try “plant churches.” No!

Everyone agrees that the term “church planter” is not found in the scriptures. So we must at least conclude on the outset that the term itself is extra-biblical. But I would also suggest that the concept, denoted by the term “church planter,” is extra-biblical as well. By this I mean that we cannot find within the New Testament scriptures, one instance where apostles concerned themselves with such matters as the term “church planter” implies. The term “Church planter” being a short job description, is an attempt to sum up in two words the supposed goal and passion of the first century Apostle. This is where the danger lies in that this two word summary title sets forth a false priority and goal, which is fortified every time it is spoken.

As best I can tell this term finds its origin not in the early church but in the 20^th century apostolic movement, which resulted in horrendous abuses. Perhaps the extra-biblical term “Church planters” was substituted thinking that to refer to oneself as an “apostle” would sound too arrogant. Whatever the reason the damage is done.

The current church planting mentality goes something like this, “If church planters are needed, then we will have church planters. We will teach, we will counsel and write books of the need for such church planters.”

Consequently, there are church planting schools, where you can receive your “church planting diploma”, (I’m not kidding) and thus become a bona fide, card-carrying “Church Planter.” There is even a “bootcamp” for the intensified training of “church planters.” There are books galore. “Church Planting made easy” “The church planter’s tool kit” “The church planter’s workbook”. There is something out there, to suit every one of your “church planting” needs. Yes, for only $12.99 you can solve all of your “church planting” problems.

How is it, that many, priding themselves in their strict compliance to the New Testament pattern, fall so short of it? Here is the truth plain and simple. The first century church knew nothing of the title “church planter” or of the passion to plant churches. The early apostles never went anywhere saying, “We will plant a church here”, or “we will build a church there”, we will “pioneer a work”, or “birth a church”. They never used terms like “mother church” or “daughter church.” Let’s face it, they spoke another language altogether. There is nothing in their language or actions that would justify the current church planter mania. Even those who contend for the restoration of the primitive church prove to be some of the staunchest proponents of the “church planter.” Some have gone so far as to say, “without this itinerant worker there is no hope of ever seeing the restoration of the primitive church.” Are we to believe that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, but the lack of a “church planter” will? Does something seem strange about that to you?

If we can imagine Paul or Peter writing books and articles on the necessity of themselves as “church planters,” telling believers that the church was sure to fail without them, then we might, with a wild stretch of the imagination, justify today’s church planter logic. But we can find no biblical example of the early apostles assuming such a mindset or doing such a work. Nonetheless, this is clearly happening today in institutional and home churches alike. A titled job has been created, by the very ones hoping to fill it. Articles and books are being written by supposed “church planters” in what is an apparent attempt to convince the body of Christ of their need of them. In marketing, the selling of the idea precedes manufacturing. Likewise, one has to sell the idea of the Church planter before he can fully step into the role. To my knowledge, no one has written on the subject, except those who perceive themselves as such. Please forgive my bluntness but the Lord has made this exceedingly evil in my sight. Such was not the case with Paul who wrote, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2Corinthians 4:5)

Although he claimed to be the least of the apostles, Paul undoubtedly made the greatest impact. In God’s calling and equipping of Paul, we see a clear contrast between the first century Apostle and the supposed 20^th century equivalent the “church planter.” With this in mind, please consider the following.

Paul was called, and equipped, by Jesus himself. Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.(Gal.1:1)
Paul received no human training to be an Apostle. He did not confer with flesh and blood. (Gal.1:15-16)
Paul’s gospel was not his own, but was a gift given to him by the revelation of Jesus Christ. “I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Gal.1:12)
Paul was taken up into the third heaven where he saw unutterable things. (2Cor:12:2)
Paul’s ministry was confirmed by “the signs of an Apostle.” (2Cor:12:12)

The Greek word for the English word apostle is apostolos. It also is a job description. It means an envoy or messenger, which lays stress upon a message. Apostles (envoys) were heralds sent to declare a message. Accordingly Paul, in 1Cor:1:17, concisely defines his job description or commission, which he had received directly from the Lord Jesus.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.1 Corinthians 1:17

Did Paul travel throughout Asia Minor, bringing a message about home-churches? No. He was sent to preach the good news about Christ. The first century Apostle never graduated from a “church planting school.” However, as God empowered them, they accomplished something that today’s church planters have failed to do, they “Turned the world upside down”, and they did it without a “church planting diploma.”

“Planting churches” or sowing “The Gospel”

The contemporary idea of the Apostle the “Church planter”, is taken from First Corinthians chapter three, where Paul is bringing a word of correction to the Corinthian believers.

3 For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ…1 Corinthians 3:3–11

Note the context of this passage of scripture. What was Paul teaching here? He was teaching believers not to think of men more highly than they should. He was not promoting the concept of church planting. If we read this passage with that in mind it takes on an altogether different light. Rather than teaching that he, Apollos and Peter were indispensable, Paul was teaching the opposite. “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos” Answer; “neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” What Paul was really addressing here was the sin of thinking more highly of men than one should. He was trying to show the Corinthian believers that he was not to be put on a pedestal. Who is Paul? He did not say that he was essential or indispensable, as do many of the so-called church planters of today who by their example violate the very spirit of this passage. According to Paul the apostles were not to be looked upon as exceptional. The words “even as the Lord gave to every man” was to draw the believers attention to the fact that God had gifted “every man” not just Paul, Apollos and Peter.

If we take the interpretive logic, used by today’s church to justifying the existence of “the church planter” by their interpretation of the passage above, why do we not have church waterers? Didn’t Paul say, “I planted, Apollos watered”? There is as great a biblical basis for the title “Church waterer” as there is for the title “church planter.”

Paul concludes,

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come…all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.1 Corinthians 3:21–23

What was it that Paul planted?

Here Paul simply changed the allegorical context from planting to building. What was it that Paul built? The seed planted and the foundation upon which God builds His building are one and the same.

What was this “foundation” Paul spoke of here? The “foundation” that Paul laid was Christ himself.

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 3:11

Christ Himself is the “seed” and the “foundation.” There was no such thing as a first century conference on how to plant churches. The sole purpose and work of the apostles as well as the ekklesia, was to plant the seed, and lay the foundation, which is Christ. How much space did the idea of “church planting” occupy in the minds of the first century apostles? Was Paul concerned with “planting Churches” or declaring “the gospel”? Below is a list of scriptures that clearly defines the work and passion of an apostolos (GK). I know this list is quite lengthy but the length of the list is one of the most impressive evidences. As you read them ask yourself, what was the foremost concern on Paul’s heart? Was he concerned about planting churches or preaching the gospel? You be the judge.

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world beganRom 16:25

For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.1 Cor 4:15

If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.1 Cor 9:12

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!1 Cor 9:16

For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.1 Cor 9:17-18

And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.1 Cor 9:23

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand;1 Cor 15:1

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,2 Cor 2:12

Note: Paul came to Troas for the specific purpose of preaching Christ’s gospel, this is what he planted.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:2 Cor 4:3

In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.2 Cor 4:4

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:2 Cor 10:14

to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.2 Cor 10:16

Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?2 Cor 11:7

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.Gal 1:11

And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.Gal 2:2

To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.Gal 2:5

But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to PeterGal 2:7

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?Gal 2:14

You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.Gal 4:13

In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,Eph 1:13

That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:Eph 3:6

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,Eph 6:19

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;Phil 1:5

just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.Phil 1:7

But I would you should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;Phil 1:12

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.Phil 1:17

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,Phil 1:27

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;Col 1:5

If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Col 1:23

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.1 Thes 1:5

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.1 Thes 2:2

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts.1 Thes 2:4

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us.1 Thes 2:8

For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.1 Thes 2:9

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:1 Thes 3:2

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Thes 2:14

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.1 Tm 1:11

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,2 Tm 1:8

Now, after having considered these verses, what do you think Paul planted “the gospel” or “churches”?

In Romans chapter ten verses fourteen through fifteen, Paul asked four leading questions that also clearly set forth the function of an apostle.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”Romans 10:14–15

What message did Paul bring with him? People cannot be saved unless they believe in Jesus. They cannot believe in Him unless they hear about him. And they cannot hear about Him unless someone preaches to them. And how can anyone preach unless they are “sent”. Paul was sent to preach the gospel, in order that those hearing it might be saved, in order that God might add them to the church.

And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Acts 2:47

Men do not add to the church, that’s God’s job. God “sent”, Paul “Preached”, God gave the “increase”, “added to”, and “built” the church. All Paul did was herald the good new about Jesus Christ.

The signs of an Apostle

The scriptures clearly state that there are signs which prove whether or not, a person is “one sent”. Paul’s ministry was being questioned by the Corinthian ekklesia. He wrote them and reminded them that “the signs of an apostle”, had accompanied his ministry. The article “the” in “the signs of an apostle”, implies that it was common knowledge in the first century ekklesia, that these signs would confirm the ministry of those who were truly sent. These signs were, miracles, wonders, and works of power (dunamis).

When Paul preached the gospel, it was “fully preached”, “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God.”

I would ask the following question to all that think they are church planters/apostles. Are you sure? Do the signs of an apostle bear witness of your ministry? Are you truly a “sent one”? This is clearly the only true test of an apostle. If these signs are absent, you are not an apostle. Sorry! I would remind those that insist on indiscriminately planting churches, in a kind of wholesale manner, of the following words of our lord. “Every plant, which my heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up.” (Mt:15:13) We know that Jesus was referring to the work of scribes and the Pharisees. They had indeed planted something that was uniquely theirs own. What is more, that which they planted was constantly at enmity with God. Let every man take heed! May God restore to us the glorious seed of the gospel, and the men and women sent to “fully” preach it. By today’s standard, the single sign of an apostle is the number of church plants left strewn in their wake. However, this criterion is not listed among the proofs of an apostle.

I cannot find one Biblical reference where any of these brethren (apostles) expressed a specific desire to go and “plant churches.” Neither can I find where the Lord specifically commanded them to go and plant churches. They were witnesses of the resurrection. They were consumed with an altogether different passion - the declaration of a PERSON, the Lord Jesus Christ. Can you imagine them spending their waking hours pondering the profundities of ecclesiology or agonizing over how they might establish home-churches? They were heralds sent to extol Christ. And until such men/women, of like passion, walk the earth again the Fathers purposes will suffer the ongoing adulteration of ambitious men.

Churchishness

Churchishness or Church-centeredness does to the Church what selfishness/self-centeredness does to an individual. In the context of the Bride and the Groom, such a church is like a self-absorbed wife, who, rather than being lost in the arms of her lover, is instead, in her vanity, constantly standing before the mirror, looking at herself.

We should not be ekklesia-centered but Christ-centered. Truly the pivotal question is not how to “build the church” (for this is Christ’s responsibility) but how to follow the Lamb? Anything other than this is much ado about nothing.

I leave you with an excerpt, taken from Alan Richardson’s excellent article entitled “breakout,” in which Alan insightfully describes the danger of churchishness.

“If you seek church, you will lose The Kingdom. And I’m not talking here about our inheritance in eternity, but the possession which God has given us to bring to the earth in this life. Church as an agenda or a goal clouds and confuses the simplicity of that purpose and the goal which we are (still) here on earth for. “Church” - when it is our agenda - becomes a third Kingdom, a kingdom which hinders the perspective and penetration of one Kingdom (the Kingdom of God) and with its self interests and agenda of self preservation, unwittingly serves the Kingdom we are called to withstand - The Kingdom of this world.”

About this article. “The Church Planter — Fact or Fiction?” by George Davis is shared here with full credit to its author and offered for personal, non-commercial use only — never for sale. Truth For Free archives it so that a moved or deleted source link won’t become a dead end. Inclusion here does not necessarily mean we endorse every view expressed by the author or the original source; as with all things, search the Scriptures and reach your own conviction through prayer and study. Originally published at In Search of a City (insearchofacity.homestead.com).