The Bible tells us that Jesus is building His Church (Matthew 16:18).
This “Church Universal” includes all believers worldwide. But in a world seemingly saturated with churches, the question arises: “Why do we need more?”
The urban landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for the Church
While thousands of new churches are planted in the U.S. each year, a significant number also close their doors.
At World Impact, we believe healthy urban churches are vital to transforming communities spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. They are outposts of God’s Kingdom, bringing light and hope to the streets.
There is an urgent need
Statistics paint a sobering picture: an estimated 3,850 to 7,700 churches close annually in the United States. This translates to 75 to 150 congregations shutting down every week. While various factors contribute to this trend, the spiritual battle for the heart of our cities rages on.
The Great Commission: Our Marching Orders
Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, provides the foundational reason for church planting.
We are called to:
- Go: Reach out to all nations, taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
- Make Disciples: Lead people to faith in Christ and help them grow in their relationship with Him.
- Baptize: Publicly declare new believers’ identification with Christ through baptism.
- Teach: Instruct believers in the ways of God and equip them to live obedient lives.
This command is not optional; it’s a direct order from our Lord. Church planting is a primary way to fulfill this mandate.
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Our world is a spiritual battlefield. Scripture reveals the pervasive influence of Satan, who opposes God’s kingdom at every turn.
The Bible describes Satan as:
- The prince (ruler) of this world (John 12:31)
- The ruler of the air… spirit at work in the disobedient (Ephesians 2:2)
- The god of this age (world) (2 Corinthians 4:4)
John bluntly states that “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). This highlights the urgent need for more churches to act as beacons of light and truth in a world shrouded in darkness.
But while Satan is a powerful enemy, he is not God’s equal. He is a defeated foe who will ultimately face final judgment and eternal punishment (Revelation 20:10).
The Church: A Glimmer of Hope in a Dark World
The world is under Satan’s influence, but the Church stands as a counter-influence, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This contrast underscores the critical need for more churches.
The Church as God’s “Place of Work”
Ephesians 2:12-22 and 3:10-21 reveal that the Church is the primary location where God works to bring about His purposes.
The Church is:
- The center of salvation: Where people encounter God’s saving grace and experience new life in Christ.
- The dwelling place of the Holy Spirit: Where God’s empowering presence equips and guides believers.
- The expression of God’s Kingdom: Where the values and priorities of God’s reign are lived out.
God desires to create a new humanity within the Church, a community transformed by His love and grace.
The Church as God’s “Agent”
The Church is not merely a recipient of God’s blessings, but also His instrument for reaching the world.
The Church is:
- God’s ambassador: Representing Him and His Kingdom to those who are lost and hurting.
- A force for reconciliation: Bringing people into right relationship with God and with one another.
- A catalyst for transformation: Working to bring about positive change in society, reflecting God’s justice and compassion.
The Church: Our Only Hope
In a world filled with the enemy’s deception, the Church offers hope and freedom. It is a refuge for those seeking escape from Satan’s attacks and a launching pad for those who want to join God’s mission of bringing light to the darkness.
As Jesus declared, He came “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
The Church plays a vital role in this mission, offering a lifeline to those trapped in the enemy’s grip.
So why is urban church planting still essential?
Church planting is not simply about increasing the number of buildings or religious gatherings. It’s about establishing vibrant communities of faith that serve as centers of God’s presence and agents of His transforming power in the world.
Every new church represents a strategic advance in the battle against darkness and a beacon of hope for those seeking truth and freedom.
Are you feeling God’s call to plant an urban church?
World Impact is committed to equipping passionate leaders to plant and grow thriving churches in urban centers.
Through our Evangel School of Urban Church Planting, we provide comprehensive training and support for church planting teams.
