Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

316 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

Matt. 13.11-12 (ESV) – And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” John 7.17 (ESV) – If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. A. Vital church plant movements in urban America will be ignited when authentic spiritual dynamism is felt in the hearts and lives of those who have a burden to minister within it. 1. The need for dynamic, focused, committed prayer (all of Garrison’s research notices this important element in every vital movement) 2. The power of God’s Holy Spirit, Zech. 4.6 (ESV) – Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” 3. The rediscovery of the apostolic tradition, 2 Thess. 2.15 (ESV) – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 4. The readiness of a new cross-cultural missions company, Acts 13.2 (ESV) – While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

5. The realization for a new level of spiritual warfare and combat, even in the face of persecution and rejection

B. Vital church plant movements in urban America will be ignited when we reaffirm the primacy and centrality of the Church in spiritual growth and mission.

1. “The Church is like Noah’s ark. If it weren’t for the storm outside, you simply couldn’t stand the stink inside .”