The Genius of Church Extension Part III: Methods in Church Extension -- By: Luther L. Grubb

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 119:476 (Oct 1962)
Article: The Genius of Church Extension Part III: Methods in Church Extension
Author: Luther L. Grubb


The Genius of Church Extension
Part III:
Methods in Church Extension

Luther L. Grubb

The world is in a state of constant flux. Times, methods, and even people change in certain respects. Many and varied are the methods of communication, transportation, educational facilities, etc. Until recently who would have thought of placing an electronic speaker under one’s pillow and being taught while one slept. In the total work of the church, and especially in church extension, we must adapt our methods to the day in which we live. Twenty years from now church extension organizations may need to revise the plans we think are best today.

It is true that sin, salvation, the gospel, total depravity, and God’s formula for redemption never change. We also realize that God’s basic method is man, not mechanics, and that what the church needs more today than machinery is men sold out to God. However, the methods for establishing rapport between spiritual truths and the most lost souls in the shortest time may change. Therefore, in any consideration of church extension a study of current methods is absolutely essential. Necessarily, this consideration would deal mostly with technical things.

The Strategy for Church Extension

This is sometimes called “church planning.” Where shall we start new churches? What will be our general overall program of church extension? These questions are especially important to small denominations or fellowships of churches or local churches as they look at their potential. Resources in money and manpower are strictly limited. They must strive for the most rapid growth in the shortest time and at the least

expenditure of funds. Therefore, choosing areas in the overall field which provide largest potential is important.

First, the leading of the Holy Spirit is absolutely paramount in the locating of new churches. Unless these churches are in the will of God from the beginning, they cannot be successful. Church extension is a spiritual process. To say that a community has no church of your persuasion does not necessarily mean that one should be established there at once. In Acts 16 Paul tried to go to Bithynia, probably because he thought the prospects were excellent. But the Holy Spirit stopped him and sent him to Macedonia instead.

Naturally each area in the nation feels that its need is urgent. But, unless there is co-operation and earnest prayer among all the churches of a smaller group to know God’s program of extension for the whole church, the maximum blessing of the Lord will be lost. In fact, complete confusion could result. The whole plan of c...

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