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As this new church was being considered, the most basic question was (and is) "Why plant another church?" Or, more specifically - "Why plant another church in the Dallas area?" Some asked, "Aren't there too many already?"
If these are questions you have as you consider Lake Cities Community Church, or any other new church ministry, I encourage you to consider...
7 Reasons to Risk in Church Planting
- Church Planting is Biblical. Remember, Jesus himself established the first church (Matthew 16:18), and the church expanded through the planting of churches by Paul and the apostles. Their example is ours to follow. Church planting is not a new idea, but is as old as the church itself.
- Church Planting is Needed Today. But, didn't the need for church planting end some time ago? No! Church planting is needed as much as ever. Consider the fact that of America's 350,000 congregations, 4 out of 5 are plateaued or declining. 3,500-4,000 churches die every year. In the "life cycle" of churches, new ones are needed to not only maintain but to keep up with continued population growth.
- Church Planting is Effective. Church planting is also needed because they are strategic in reaching the lost with the gospel. New churches tend to attract and reach those not currently attending church. Dr. C. Peter Wagner said, "The single most effective evangelistic strategy under heaven is planting new churches."
- Church Planting is value of our "mother church" - Trinity Fellowship. The idea for starting Lake Cities Community Church came straight from the DNA of our mother church Trinity Fellowship. Planted herself 30 years ago, a core value (part of Trinity's evangelistic strategy) is for her to also plant churches, as is stated in Trinity's purpose statements: "...our desire as a community is that God would enable us to be effective in our present community as well as plant churches in other communities as He directs and provides."
- Church Planting Recognizes Demographic Needs. Not only is church planting a value of our mother church, but in the Dallas area not all communities are equally represented by evangelical churches. For example, many non-denominational churches follow I-75 up to the Northern suburbs. Far fewer can be found in the fast-growing East side of the city. Consider that Rowlett increased 91% in population between 1990 and 2000. There is a great need for new churches on this side of town!
- Church Planting Recognizes a Unique Approach to Ministry. To many people, our mother church, Trinity Fellowship, has a unique approach to ministry. For example, Trinity uses Creeds, offers strong Bible teaching, weekly celebration of the Lord's Table, God-centered worship and attention to the Church Calendar. This church plant desires to carry these values to a new community. We believe this connection with historic Christianity is worth reproducing in a daughter church and offers a fresh and needed approach to ministry.
- Church Planting because of Elder Leadership. After much prayer, the elders of Trinity Fellowship felt the Lord leading them to initiate this church plant ministry. This church plant is a "supportive church plant." It is not born out of conflict or disagreement, but from unity and joy, with congregational support and excitement that God would use us, together, to impact our city and world in this way.
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