Apostle Paul’s Pattern of Church Planting: A Model for Contemporary Churches in Romans 10:1-17

Author: Olulowo Segun Ayotunde,Samuel Sunday Alamu

Abstract:

This study examines Apostle Paul’s missionary strategies, emphasizing evangelization, church planting, and discipleship. It underscores the urgent need for modern churches to adopt biblical paradigms, advocating for accountable leadership focused on discipleship’s role in societal transformation. Findings highlight the significance of effective discipleship in molding believers and fulfilling the Great Commission. The study identifies a paradigm shift in church planting, proposing holistic approaches guided by biblical principles and echoing the enduring impact of the early church’s model. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines literature review and empirical research. The literature review delves into biblical scholarship, historical analyses, and theological reflections on Pauline missions, elucidating foundational principles. Additionally, a structured questionnaire was administered to clergy and lay leaders from diverse church groups in Lagos metropolis, with 116 respondents randomly chosen. Titled “The Apostolic Blueprint,” the questionnaire addressed the research problem and collected personal data, administered virtually via Google Forms. Data analysis involved simple percentages, tables, and charts, supported by theoretical frameworks including Discipleship Theory, Church Growth Theory, and Biblical Theology Theory. Key findings emphasize the urgent need for standardized biblical criteria for church planting, advocate for missionary leaders to undergo accredited discipleship training, and stress the importance of leadership equipping before initiating church planting efforts. The study concludes by highlighting the imperative for contemporary churches to align their strategies with biblical principles, emphasizing the pivotal role of discipleship in fostering enduring impact and spiritual growth. By embracing Apostle Paul’s model, churches can cultivate thriving communities grounded in faith and service.
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