A missiological study of Paul's church planting strategy for applying in Formosa-GO, Brazil and beyond

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to answer a question, while taking into account the Apostle Paul's strategy, that is, its flexible modus operandi, as developed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and subject to his guidance and control, while it is based, furthermore, on three pillars, namely his theological convictions that boosted his ministry; his philosophy of ministry, which shaped it; and his ministerial practice, through which his ministry was executed. The question is: how should one plan the planting of a Reformed church in the city of Formosa/GO, Brazil? The purpose of this research is to prioritize the need for a relevant and appropriate church-planting strategy among other necessary supports for church planting. The city of Formosa, like other cities in Latin America it is part of a context marked by the numerical predominance and influence of Catholic doctrine, as well as the influence of spiritist and neo-Pentecostal teaching, combined with economic and social needs such as poverty and low socio-cultural development. In this regard, therefore, the Formosa Reformed Church will be used as a representative microcosm with a view to present and future church planting strategies within the Latin American context and elsewhere.