Steps to Planting a Church in a New Context

Introduction

Planting a church is one of the most exciting and meaningful ways to share the message of Jesus. It’s not just about starting a new service or building but it’s about building a new community of faith. A church plant helps people meet Jesus, grow as disciples, and serve their neighborhoods with love.

Starting a church in a new area takes prayer, preparation, and wisdom. This guide walks through the key steps, offering simple advice and biblical insight for each part of the journey.

1. Listen to God’s Call

The first step is to be sure God is leading you. Church planting should come from a clear calling, not just a good idea.

Spend time in prayer and fasting. Ask, “Is God calling me (or us) to this area?” Church leaders can also help confirm the call, just like in Acts 13:2-3 when Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the church.

A clear, Spirit-led vision is important. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Your vision helps guide decisions and shape the direction of the new church.

2. Study the Community

Before planting a church, learn about the people you want to reach. Ask:

• Who lives here?
• What do they believe?
• What needs do they have?
• What other churches are already working here?

The Apostle Paul adjusted his message for different people (1 Corinthians 9:22), and we should too. Learn how to speak the Gospel in a way that connects with this community without changing the message itself.

3. Build a Core Team

You can’t do it alone. Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1), and Paul always traveled with others.

A strong core team brings different gifts, skills, and support. Train your team in:

• Evangelism
• Discipleship
• Serving and leadership

Make sure your team shares the same vision and values. The team’s health and unity will shape the culture of the future church.

4. Start Building Relationships

People connect with people before they connect with programs. Spend time getting to know the community and don’t wait for people to come to you.

Build trust through:

• Community events
• Small group gatherings
• Acts of service
• Conversations at coffee shops, schools, or parks

Look for “people of peace” (Luke 10:6)—those who are open and may help you reach others.

5. Share the Gospel and Make Disciples

The church’s main job is to make disciples, not just gather a crowd (Matthew 28:19-20).

Begin with simple evangelism:

• Share your story
• Listen to others
• Host outreach events
• Help those in need

When someone responds to Jesus, don’t stop there. Help them grow through:

• Bible study
• Prayer
• Mentorship
• Baptism

This is how faith grows deep and wide.

6. Lay Legal and Practical Foundations

Even though it’s not the most exciting part, legal and structural steps are important for long-term health.

Depending on your country or region, this may include:

• Registering the church legally
• Finding a place to meet
• Setting up finances with integrity

These steps allow you to operate openly and responsibly. 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, “Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

7. Train Leaders and Multiply

Don’t build a church around one person. A healthy church raises up new leaders and teaches others how to do the same.

Train your people to:

• Lead small groups
• Teach others
• Serve with their gifts
• Help plant more churches

Ephesians 4:11-13 shows that God gives leaders to equip the whole church for ministry. The long-term goal? Multiplication is not just more people, but more disciples, leaders, and churches.

8. Evaluate, Celebrate, and Adapt

As the church grows, regularly take time to reflect and adjust. Ask:

• Are we making real disciples?
• Is the community being changed?
• Are new leaders rising up?
• Are we staying true to our mission?

Celebrate the wins! Give God thanks for what He’s doing. And when needed, be willing to adapt your methods but never your message.

All Peoples Church supports church planting through its Church Planting & Ministry Apprenticeship Program (CPMAP) by providing a biblical, structured, and relational pathway to help individuals and teams plant churches in new contexts. Through CPMAP, All Peoples Church provides practical tools, spiritual mentoring, and biblical teaching to equip church planters for the real world. The focus is always on Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:18: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

By trusting God and following these Spirit-led steps, CPMAP helps leaders faithfully plant, grow, and multiply healthy churches where lives are transformed by the Gospel.

Conclusion

Church planting is a big step of faith, but it’s also a joyful and biblical way to spread the good news. Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). We’re called to plant, water, and care but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Trust Him as you follow His lead, love His people, and build His church.