Church Planting or Church Revitalization?

"Church planting and church revitalization are really similar," he said. "No. They are not," I replied.The gravity of the New Testament paradigm reveals that churches are birthed from the harvest (Acts 13-14), not started with a pastor and long-term Kingdom citizens. This does not mean the latter is wrong; it is just not the expectation.Church revitalization means a church is already in existence and in need of revitalization. There is tradition, structure, and history in place with the saints and the community.Some folks are asking why be involved in church planting: "We already have so many churches that need to be revitalized." My response: "Yes, many of them need to be revitalized. And more churches are needed; there are at least 540 unreached people groups in North America."Authors write books that equate planting and revitalization. Some church and denominational leaders equate planting and revitalization. I have heard of training programs that simultaneously train leaders for planting and revitalization.I am 110% supportive of church revitalization.  I have trained numerous church leaders to be involved in such ministry. I am 110% supportive of church planting. I have trained numerous people to be involved in such ministry. If you missed what our church is doing in these two areas, this series may be of interest to you.Church planting is not church revitalization.Much of the confusion comes from the lack of an apostolic missiology. Planting and revitalization are apples and oranges. Don't mix them. You create confusion in the Church when you do. Just look around in North America.----------David Platt was my guest last week on Strike the Match. Check out our conversation and subscribe at iTunes or through RSS.