Preaching in small groups to stimulate church planting

Abstract

This study evaluated three aspects of pastoral practice which, when applied together, serve as a healthy model for the expansion of the kingdom of God. The first aspect is the preaching of the word of God as a basis for church planting; the second, small groups as a methodology for church planting; and the third, church planting as a result. In recent years, small groups have been a very common component of the church's work of evangelism. Small groups are made up of individuals who share the same beliefs and goals. While there are many pragmatic approaches within the church planting movement, making preaching the basis for missionary expansion is arguably the best way to expand the kingdom of Christ. The purpose of this study is to affirm that the preaching of the word of God is essential for missionary expansion, especially in the work of church planting. There is a need to return to the central duty of the church, which is proclaiming the glory of God through preaching, in order to create new churches. The goal of planting churches is to glorify God and produce healthy churches. Therefore, the glory of God through the missionary effort is what leads to the multiplication of new churches. This missionary action must be intentional, and preaching in small groups is the intentional strategy for carrying out this work.