The Reproducing Church

not Acts 13:1-3

Introduction

The Great Commission is church planting. We cannot fulfill the great commission if churches do not reach their Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost.  

Pastors biblically should have a burden to reproduce churches out of their churches.

Pastors like the statement, “Healthy things grow.” We focus much of our ministries on growing the church. This statement gives us hope that if we build a healthy church, then that church will grow.

What also is true is that “Healthy things reproduce.” Not one living thing that grows and is healthy doesn’t reproduce. Every pastor is accountable to God to be a reproducing pastor.

What is a reproducing church?

According to Act 13:1-3 A reproducing church…

I. Produces God Called Men
One of the greatest needs in church planting is where we are going to get the men to pastor the new works?

V1

There were five capable candidates to go out as church planters from Antioch. The Holy Spirit selected two: Barnabas and Saul. God developed these leaders through the local church. Therefore, churches must be developing future leaders to be church planters, pastors, and missionaries.

Some of the ways to accomplish this are through a church Bible Institute, developing staff members, and mentorship. A pastor can bring on an intern or staff member for two years with the purpose of planting a church.

Verse one shows us that God wants to use our best – V1. How many pastors would want to send out their Paul or Barnabas? However, sending out these men will encourage others in the church to move up in their development. Is it possible that people leave our churches because they have a gift that can’t be developed or used? After all, all the positions have been filled? Pastors should always be thinking of how to build and use leaders.

Also, we must pray to the Lord of the harvest.

Luke 10:2
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Pastor, you must create a culture of church planting in your church. One way this can be done is by getting involved with a church plant close to your church. Helping a church plant will light a fire into the hearts of the people.

A reproducing church…

II. Is a Serving Church
Antioch was a church that regularly “…ministered to the Lord…” v2. This means that they were teaching, preaching, praying, fasting, and other things that we usually associate with Christian service.

These believers were serious about church!

God is not looking for the big church or the wealthy church; He is looking for the serving church.


A reproducing church…

III. Is a Spirit Led Church
V2 Notice that “…as…” they were doing the things mentioned above; the Holy Spirit gave direction.

Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Spirit-led churches know what they must do and where they must go.

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

A reproducing church…

IV. Is a Multiplying Church
V2, The Holy Spirit said for the church to separate Barnabas and Paul to a ministry that God has called them to do. Now you have the church in Antioch plus the ministry of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 12:24, But the word of God grew and multiplied. When God’s Word grows in us, then God’s worship will grow around us. – Pastor Jason Georges

Churches are to multiply the worshippers of Christ. Church Planting is Multiplying the multipliers. By preparing and sending out men, we create more multipliers of worship.

A church that is not sending disciples out into the world is not fulfilling the Great Commission.

A reproducing church…

V. It’s a Surrendered Church
V3

There was no hesitation on the part of the church even though it meant that they would be depriving themselves of these two great men of God, their contribution to the work there in Antioch and their fellowship.

Their willingness to give up these men of God for the greater good is noteworthy.

The “laying on of hands” is a recognition of God’s desire to use them for His purposes. It is also a symbolic act that tells the church that they will support the work.

When the men are sent off, the church promises to help support them with prayer, people, and resources (financial (Budget) and material – send helpers…).

Conclusion

Are you a reproducing church? Some might say that this is for a pastor running four hundred. However, even church planters must not start a new work thinking that this is the only work I will start. Every pastor and church must have the vision to reproduce themselves.

When Tammy and I depart this earth, we will be leaving three children, three in-law children, and, most importantly, five grandchildren to this point. When a church dies, does it leave children and grandchildren behind to reach the next generation?