Over the past decade of ministry, I’ve never met a pastor who lacks the desire for their congregation to function more like the early church we see in Scripture. This longing for a biblically functioning church is often the driving force behind establishing small group ministries.

The Gospel spreads like wildfire, igniting hearts and transforming communities. Church-planting movements embody this Spirit-led dynamism, bringing the Gospel rapidly and broadly to a generation. Yet the long-term health of these movements depends on something deeper: roots.

This post explores how sending churches and sending agencies complement church-planting movements, drawing lessons from Scripture and church history to envision a fruitful partnership between these vital expressions of God’s mission.

Jesus is coming back by 2025, y’all!

Gathered outside in the parking lot of the nearby public school’s gymnasium, we would always pray before going two-by-two to knock on doors to share the good news.

We lived in one of the world’s largest cities, bustling with noise and commotion, and yet we could not avoid this silence. It was a Christmas silence.

This nation was over 99% Muslim, and as we went about the routines of life, there were no discernible signs that the Christmas season was upon us: no Christmas music in stores, no lights, no Christmas trees, no manger scenes – nothing.

Mission drift is one of the biggest things you will encounter in the long haul of multiplying disciples. For one reason or another, your initial drive, focus, and trajectory toward the vision God has given you will get derailed. You will find yourself off track and not making any progress.

The Vital Role of Women in The Great Commission

What’s the ideal size for a group of believers given what God wants to accomplish through it for His glory?

But what does it mean to abide? At its core, abiding is joyfully being in proximity to Christ through fellowship with His Word and prayer. It means keeping His commandments and bearing fruit by partnering with His work for the Kingdom of God, all to the glory of the Father.

Recently, I was reflecting on the real meaning of being a disciple of Jesus and was reminded of the childhood game Follow the Leader. You probably remember it—the leader sets the pace and everyone else mimics their actions. If they step over a rock, you step over the rock; if they wave their arms, you wave your arms. The objective is simple: follow the leader as precisely as possible.

As disciple-makers passionate about seeing the Great Commission furthered, we often start with an admirable big-picture vision like "reaching India" or "impacting the Arab world." These massive ambitions stir our hearts, fuel prayer, and mobilize action. However, until we define a more focused entry point, the overwhelming scale can leave us unsure of where to begin.