Winning the World

116 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

g. Oikos relationships constantly re-seed new contact base.

D. The healthy, vital indigenous church (whatever its form – community, mega, or house church network)

1. Church will be critical in every dimension of urban church planting, regardless of the form it takes: community, mega-church, or house church network.

2. No church planting movement will make a lasting impact unless its activities and structures make it possible for vital local churches to be both salt and light in their communities, demonstrating and advancing the Kingdom in ways that the indigenous community can both under stand and respect, Matt. 5.14-16 (ESV) – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

3. The relationship between vital churches and godly leaders is indisputable, therefore, all missionary efforts must ultimately dovetail into efforts of identifying and empowering leaders to continue the work, 2 Tim. 2.2.

E. The supportive church association network: denomination, regional, or shared vision/values

1. Denominational association: “churches of a distinct historical sense of identity and belonging”

2. Regional or locale church: e.g., “the churches of God in Christ in Judea,” 1 Thess. 2.14 (ESV) – For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in