"Murray reviews some of the failures of the fashion for church planting in the 1990s. He remains convinced that church planting offers 'fresh ways to incarnate the gospel in a changing context' (5). But it needs to be:
- Planting that reflects deeply and continually on the cultural context in which churches are planted.
- Planting that pays attention to the criticisms of those for whom present forms of church are not working.
- Planting that attempts to incarnate the gospel into areas and people groups beyond the reach of existing churches.
- Planting that refuses unthinkingly to replicate models of church or imperialistically to impose models on communities.
- Planting that encourages creative engagement with diverse communities and allows this to inspire theological and ecclesiological developments. (5)
Churches, says Murray, are normally planted too quickly rather than too slowly. People rush ahead without adequate consultation and preparation. The planting church needs to be prepared. 'There are three priorities: preparing the church to become a planting church, clarifying expectations, and selecting and equipping the planting team.' (111)"
From Tim Chester's review of an interesting new book on church planting: Stuart Murray, Planting Churches: A Framework for Practitioners
Have you seen these things not being done in church plants? I know that I have.