Church Planting Movements 1990-2021: Stagnation, demise and possible antidotes

Abstract

Church Planting Movements (CPM) have become a phenomenon in missions over the last 30 years. Much research has been conducted over the last 20 years on the dynamics and methods regarding CPMs but relatively little has been done regarding the factors that cause the stagnation and demise of CPMs. A qualitative approach was used in conducting this research. Empirical research and a survey of relevant literature were used to discover what the factors are that are hazardous to a CPM. The research was conducted through interviews and questionnair33es with practitioners and members of movements. Both successful, stagnated and failed movements were researched to discover the factors that were of influence. A socio-historical exegesis of relevant New Testament passages on movements was conducted. Additionally, three historical movements were examined to determine what led to their stagnation, particularly in light of the exegetical findings. These insights were then compared with the empirical research findings. . Based on the results, conclusions were drawn, and biblically sound practices were proposed to benefit current and future movements, their leaders, and the Church worldwide