Church Planting & Replanting: Models, Biblical Examples, and Practical Steps
Church planting and replanting take different forms, each with unique strengths and challenges. Below, we explore six church planting models—Stamp, Single Sending, Several Sending, Sole Starter, and Splant—along with church replanting. Each includes biblical examples, pros and cons, and ways churches can be involved. Each may take the form of a traditional plant with a building or utilize the house/organic/cell model of meeting in homes or third places like a coffee shop or restaurant meeting room.
Church Planting Models
“Stamp” Planting (Campus Model Planting)
In this model, a church multiplies by launching new campuses that mirror the mother church in doctrine, leadership, and structure. These campuses often share a teaching team and resources.
Biblical Example:
The early church in Jerusalem influenced the gospel’s spread to new regions (Acts 8:14, Acts 15), with apostolic leadership maintaining doctrinal unity.
Pros:
- Consistent teaching and leadership
- Shared resources reduce financial strain
- An established “brand” fosters trust
Cons:
- Less local autonomy
- Risk of becoming overly centralized
- Dependence on the mother church’s health
Church Involvement:
- Pray and provide financial support
- Develop and send leaders to new campuses
- Encourage members to commit to new locations
Single Sending Planting (One Church Raising Up and Sending a Planter)
A single church trains and sends a church planter without external partnerships.
Biblical Example:
The church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3). Antioch invested in them and supported their mission.
Pros:
- Strong doctrinal consistency
- Deep relational support
- Clear accountability structure
Cons:
- Financial burden on one church
- Limited support network
- High pressure on leadership
Church Involvement:
- Identify and train church planters
- Create a church planting fund
- Provide pastoral support and accountability
Several Sending Planting (Churches Partnering to Plant Together)
Multiple churches pool resources, leadership, and support to plant a new church.
Biblical Example:
Paul’s ministry was funded by multiple churches (Philippians 4:15-16, 2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Churches in Macedonia and Achaia partnered to advance the gospel.
Pros:
- Shared financial and logistical burden
- Broader leadership support
- Greater unity in the body of Christ
Cons:
- Potential for theological or leadership conflicts
- Slower decision-making
- Can become overly bureaucratic
Church Involvement:
- Form a church planting network
- Support a planter financially and prayerfully
- Help establish doctrinal alignment
Sole Starter Planting (Not Sent by Anyone, Parachute Planter)
A Sole Starter moves to a new area and plants a church without being officially sent.
Biblical Example:
Philip’s evangelistic work in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8). He wasn’t formally sent but was later affirmed by the apostles.
Pros:
- Flexible and responsive to God’s leading
- Can reach unreached areas
- Not hindered by denominational structures
Cons:
- High risk of burnout or theological drift
- Lack of financial and relational support
- No built-in accountability
Church Involvement:
- Offer mentoring and theological oversight
- Provide financial and logistical support
- Encourage connection with a network
Splant Plant (Church Plant from a Church Split)
A splant occurs when a group leaves a church due to theological, leadership, or cultural differences and starts a new congregation. Please don’t do this one! I include it in the list because they happen. It’s rare that leadership in a church splant will call it what it is. They have often been hurt, and it’s easier to explain a traditional plant than a splant. While not all splants need to be affirmed by you or are biblical, the individuals involved need love, care, and biblical guidance.
Biblical Example:
Paul and Barnabas split over John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Though painful, both continued fruitful ministry.
Pros:
- Can allow for doctrinal or cultural alignment
- Creates space for healing and refocusing
- Often driven by strong convictions
Cons:
- Often rooted in conflict rather than mission
- Can cause lasting division in the body of Christ
- Risk of repeating past issues
Church Involvement:
- Seek reconciliation before separation
- Encourage healthy leadership transitions
- Promote biblical unity in disagreements
Church Replanting
Church replanting focuses on revitalizing dying or declining congregations by restructuring leadership, vision, and outreach.
Biblical Example:
Jesus’ call to the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-3). He urged them to strengthen what remained and return to faithful ministry.
Pros:
- Preserves an existing church’s legacy
- Utilizes existing facilities and relationships
- Immediate opportunity for gospel impact
Cons:
- Resistance to change from existing members
- Can require significant leadership restructuring
- The emotional weight of letting go of past traditions
Church Involvement:
- Identify struggling churches and offer assistance
- Support replant efforts through leadership and resources
- Help build a new vision while honoring the past
Next Steps for Churches Considering Church Planting or Replanting
- Pray Intentionally – Ask God to raise up church planters and replanters.
- Disciple Future Leaders – Invest in members with pastoral gifts.
- Partner with Others – Collaborate with like-minded churches.
- Support Financially – Set aside a budget for planting and replanting.
- Encourage Participation – Challenge members to be part of the work.
By choosing a model that aligns with your church’s strengths and mission, you can play a vital role in spreading the gospel and strengthening the Church. Pastor/Elder/Staff, what are your next steps in leading your church toward planting? I suggest regular prayer, investigation/education, and a beginning conversation with leaders and highly capable disciple-makers. Let me know if I can encourage you!
Toby DeHay 