Published August 26, 2016
New BBS Master’s Program Prepares Church Planters
New churches are effective in reaching the lost.
Research confirms that in every generation, new churches are one of the best ways to do evangelism and discipleship. In the past 15 years, there has been a church-planting resurgence. More men, sensing God’s call to be church planters and revitalizers, need to be equipped for the challenge. In response, Baptist Bible Seminary initiated a church-planter training program as part of its Master of Divinity program; the Lord has used Project Jerusalem to launch 10 new churches. Taking another step, BBS recently unveiled the new Master of Arts in Church Planting and Renewal.
Why Plant Churches?
As America moves from a Christian to a post-Christian, postmodern culture, it will become increasingly vital to start new churches and revitalize established ones, so the timeless truths of the gospel are presented to future generations in a culturally relevant and biblically sound manner. With 230 million lost and unchurched in our population, the United States is now the third largest mission field in the world.
Younger generations are historically attracted to new churches. While many established churches have the ability to connect with the younger cohort, each generation also seems to need their own type of new church that speaks with their cultural values and communication style.
New churches are also the only truly effective means to reach the growing ethnic populations coming to America. Ethnic Americans now number 37 percent of the US population. By 2042, The US Census predicts we will be a “majority minority” nation. Every people group needs to hear the gospel in a way that makes sense to their culture. It is difficult for established churches to become diverse. Church planting can effectively create both ethnic-specific and multiethnic congregations.
Well-Prepared Church Planters Are Required
Leaders with the necessary knowledge, experience, skills and confidence to initiate new, biblically sound churches within many diverse cultures are urgently needed. To reach our growing unchurched populations and emerging younger generations, leaders with the appropriate calling, character and competencies will need to be adequately trained.
For over 15 years, BBS has been a leader in equipping men to be effective church starters. The seminary has mobilized next-generation leaders for the ongoing challenge of evangelism, offering unique partnerships local churches, mission agencies and networks. Resident CSU and BBS students have opportunities to get hands-on training in Project Jerusalem church plants.
In close proximity to New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and other large metro areas in the spiritually impoverished Northeast, BBS is ideally suited for equipping 21st century church planters. With a proven track record of successfully training church planters and launching growing new churches, several of which have already reproduced daughter churches, the seminary is positioned to multiply both planters and churches ready to share the hope of Christ.
Ken Davis, D.Min.
Project Jerusalem Director at Baptist Bible Seminary
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