•  Examines Pauls missionary strategy

• Applies theory to cross-cultural church planting

• Emphasizes strategic planning over haphazard evangelism

Planting Churches Cross-Culturally
By David J. Hesselgrave
Baker Books
2000
348 pages

For the serious student of missions, this updated missiology text will be an invaluable resource. Using the New Testament record, Hesselgrave has developed a pattern for church planting based on the Pauline Cycle. Without discounting the prerogatives of the Holy Spirit, he asserts that successful church growth requires careful planning and structure.

The Pauline Cycle attempts to define Pauls strategy in his work with the early churches. Initially, strategic areas are identified and missionary-evangelists are commissioned. The missionaries make contact, share the gospel and begin to bring converts together into a congregation. As the congregations develop, new leaders emerge and eventually the church matures into a sending unit with its own missionaries and outreaches.

An important consideration for cross-cultural church planting is to thoroughly plan your initial contacts and strategies. Identify the respected leaders within your target community and begin your work there. If these people respond favorably they will pave the way to reaching others. However, if you jump into haphazard street evangelism, your first converts may end up being a detriment to your continued work rather than an advantage. While some may argue that Jesus centered His ministry on the poor and downtrodden, it is worth noting that His first priority was to establish a core group who would carry on the work when He was no longer there.

Hesselgrave documents each segment of the Pauline Cycle with scriptures, appropriate theory, research and examples. Numerous charts and graphs provide visual reinforcement. This is a thoughtful and scholarly approach to missions and church planting across cultures in North America and beyond.