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OMF.org > Japan > Get Involved > Needs > Church Planters

Needs

Church Planters

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What is Church Planting?

 

Just as in any other kind of "planting", the focus is on preparing the ground and on nurturing the young plant as it grows and matures! The goal of church planting is to reach out through evangelisation into new areas, and to nurture and train the emerging group of new believers until they are ready to call their first Japanese pastor. OMF works closely with the Japanese Evangelical Churches Association, of which these new churches become a part.

 

How are Churches Planted?

 

Methods vary widely, depending on the needs of the area and the skills and gifts of the missionaries. Children's Clubs, Mothers and Toddlers' Groups, Cooking or Craft Classes, English Conversation Classes (or Korean, German etc!) are just some of the ways used to reach out into the local community. Building up friendships takes time but is a vital part of "preparing the ground", leading to opportunities to share the wonderful news of the Gospel. As contacts are made these can lead on to opportunities for Bible Study with individuals and small groups, a central part of church planting ministry. Alongside evangelism, there is the teaching and discipling of the new believers, training them to reach out too, and the ongoing preaching and pastoring as the church grows and develops.

 

What Kind of Workers are Needed?

 

The Biblical gifts of evangelism, preaching, teaching and pastoring all play their part in church planting. Patience and perseverance are also important, along with a willingness to adjust to new situations and new people. Undergirding all these is the longing to share God's love and the "Good News" of His salvation with the people here in Japan.

 

 

How are New "Church Planters" Trained?

 

2 years of full-time language study at OMF's Japanese Language Center not only give language training but also teach the new missionaries about Japanese customs and culture. Then come at least 2 years of "on the spot" training through working in a church with a missionary team or a Japanese pastor.

 

Where are New Churches Needed?

 

With only one church for more than 16,000 people, the needs and opportunities are unlimited! Around 8 cities and more than 70 towns with a population of more than 20, 000 still have no church at all. Then there are the smaller towns and villages in the rural areas that still have no Christian witness. What of the new areas in the ever expanding mega-cities?

 

When are New Church Planters Needed?