Church planting: Two opposing models

The rented premises housing Sanphranet Methodist Church in Chiang Mai. – Methodist Missions Society picture.

By NORMAN WONG

IT HAPPENED again last month. Missionaries, pastors and church leaders are very passionate about planting new churches.

One pastor said: “We prefer to plant churches using the established model of Singapore’s Methodist churches. Each church should have a full-time pastor and a proper church building.”

Another pastor disagreed. “CPM! CPM! The established model is too slow. We must use the CPM model. The Holy Spirit is starting Church Planting Movements all over the world. These churches are lead by lay pastors. They meet in homes. This allows them to multiply rapidly.”

I believe the Lord is using both models. Naturally, it is easier for Methodist churches in Singapore to reproduce the established church model because that is what we ourselves have been blessed with. Several Singapore churches are at this very moment raising funds to redevelop their church buildings because we believe the Lord can use these facilities to bless our communities.

However, it is equally clear that especially in the seven countries that the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) has decided to focus its efforts in, the Lord is also using CPM – Church Planting Movements – to extend His Kingdom.

Freed from the burden of raising funds to support a full-time pastor and purchase a property, it is not uncommon for 100 new house churches to be established within five years.

Up to this point the MMS has been on the fringe of such movements. The MMS has seen the Lord do this with a few of the ministries that it has links with. It has not yet seen this happen within its own circle of churches. But I believe it will, if we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us develop this CPM model which is different from our own experience.

I believe He will lead us into a careful integration of both models. He will help us set up a few significant bases, using the established church model – He will provide the funds to purchase a property, build a church sanctuary and employ a full-time pastor. Each of these bases will train lay pastors to plant many new house churches following the CPM model. 

For the next few years, the MMS’ priority will be to develop its understanding and experience of CPM. At the same time, it will try and listen to what the Holy Spirit may still be saying about using the established church model.

Charis Methodist Church, for example, has been led to donate $71,000 to help Sanphranet Methodist Church (Thailand) in Chiang Mai purchase a property (the church has been renting premises for eight years). The Rev Prasarn Chaisrimonthon and his members are asking the Lord for another $50,000 to build on the vacant property they have just bought.

If you, your small group or your church are interested in finding out more about CPM, please contact me and I will arrange for one of us in the MMS Home Team to share with you what the Lord has been doing. I believe it is possible for you to play a significant role in the planting of many new house churches in the region.

The Rev Dr Norman Wong is the Executive Director of the Methodist Missions Society.