We were never created to do ministry alone. The Arkansas Baptist Church Planting Team exists to help established churches give birth to and stay connected with church plants all across the state. These “sending churches” are the real heros in the story as they encourage church planters and their families by praying consistently and giving towards the mission of the church plant. However, there are more ways to give than through finances; many churches have found a stronger relationship comes from practical giving of resources and time. 

1. It starts with a relationship

Our planters and their sending churches are encouraged to have a “mentor/mentee” type of relationship as they go through life together. Most church plants are beginning from the ground up (literally). So, it’s important to maintain a strong connection with their sending  church in order to continue to share the gospel with people in their community. There is always something to do when you first begin a church plant; sometimes the greatest need is an encouraging word and a five-minute phone call.

2. Resources

Partnerships provide more than just a phone call. There are several items that church plants might overlook when planting a new work without the essential relationship of a sending church. These partner churches help church planters by allowing the new church to use day to day resources such as computers, printers, and books to help in their community evangelism and discipleship of new believers. Whether it’s people resources or physical resources, church planting doesn’t happen in isolation. 

3. Time

We’ve contacted several of our planters and asked them how their sending churches have changed the game for them and their communities. Under normal circumstances, here are multiple ways sending churches in Arkansas have helped church planters throughout the years.

• On-site church renovation
• Clothing closets
• Laundry ministry
• Block parites
• Collaboratice revival services
• Community prayer walks
• Collaborative VBS programs
• Food pantries

• Canvassing neighborhoods

Above all, sending churches are encouraged to pray consistently for the planter, his family, and the mission of their specific church plant. There is power in prayer. In fact, prayer is the fuel of ministry, especially church planting. 

Colossians 1:9

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.”

 

Read a story of successful church partnership here: https://www.arkansasbaptist.org/post/park-hill-baptist-partners-with-oasis-church-for-live-stream-help-during-pandemic