Across the globe, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way we think about church. Church Planting Movements (CPMs) are spreading rapidly in regions where traditional church structures are either impractical or undesirable. These movements are not about constructing buildings or hiring professional clergy. Instead, they focus on reproducing lay-led groups that multiply disciples and expand exponentially, often in the most challenging environments.
What Are Church Planting Movements?
Church Planting Movements are networks of small, reproducible groups that grow rapidly through the efforts of ordinary believers. These groups prioritize simplicity, making it easy for any member to start a new group. They often operate in homes, workplaces, or public spaces, breaking free from the constraints of formalized church settings.
Unlike the typical Western concept of church—a centralized congregation led by seminary-trained pastors—CPMs embrace a decentralized model. Every believer is viewed as a potential disciple-maker and leader. The goal is not to grow a single, large congregation but to multiply small groups that reach into every corner of society.
Characteristics of Church Planting Movements
CPMs share several key characteristics that set them apart from traditional church models:
Lay Leadership:
These movements are driven by ordinary believers rather than professional clergy. Leaders are identified within groups and trained to guide others.
One CPM leader explained, “We believe that the same Holy Spirit who empowers pastors also empowers laypeople. Everyone can lead.”
Reproducibility:
Simplicity is key. Groups are designed to be easily reproducible, often following a simple format for worship, Bible study, and prayer.
A common tool used is the “Discovery Bible Study” (DBS) method, which encourages participants to read Scripture, discuss its meaning, and apply it to their lives.
Rapid Multiplication:
Groups are encouraged to multiply within a short time frame, usually six months to a year. This creates a culture of urgency and momentum.
Focus on Discipleship:
The core mission of CPMs is to make disciples who make disciples. This emphasis on multiplication keeps the movement focused on its spiritual purpose.
Indigenous Leadership:
In CPMs, leadership is local. Groups are led by people from within the community, ensuring cultural relevance and sustainability.
How do we prepare for a Church Planting Movement?
A church planting movement is a work of God and cannot be manufactured. However, people who have studied them have come to understand five things we can do to cooperate with God in what He is doing in church planting movements:
I believe there are five basics that would help make multiplication movements a higher priority and much more likely within many denominations.
First, you need leaders who share the vision to build momentum. Pastors, denominational and network leaders cannot make a movement, but they can shape the culture of a movement by empowering and celebrating the right leaders. Having persuasive, passionate leaders out at the forefront calling others to join them is a great place to start.
Second, success stories need to be found and trumpeted. Stories grant the information an emotional connection, which is why the gospel is the greatest story ever told. To help the movement pick up steam, find and tell stories of the impact church plants have had on communities and individuals.
Third, remember that what you celebrate, you become. If you want to encourage church planting, inspire the people of your congregation, take opportunities to celebrate church planters and those who are multiplying the work of Kingdom building.
Fourth, nothing can splash cold water on a tiny spark of a movement quite like someone dismissing or undermining the church planting work. There needs to be buy-in across the people of God if a Church Multiplication Movement is to succeed.
Fifth, we need to trust and follow the Spirit as He, in accordance to His word, births a disciple making movement that becomes an exponential movement toward multiplication.[1]
Perhaps you are thinking, “How do we keep a church planting movement from getting out of control?” We don’t. I’d remind you of the words of missionary pioneer, Roland Allen:
If we cannot control it, we ought to rejoice that we cannot control it. For if we cannot control it, it is because it is too great, not because it is too small for us. Therein lies the vast hope. Spontaneous expansion could fill the continents with the knowledge of Christ; our control cannot reach as far as that.[2]
Stories of Church Planting Movements
Southeast Asia: Multiplying in the Face of Opposition
In a Southeast Asian country where Christianity is heavily restricted, a CPM has grown from a handful of believers to over 200,000 in just a few decades. The movement began with a single group meeting in a family’s home. Using the DBS method, members were trained to lead their own groups. Within a year, the initial group had multiplied into 12, and the movement hasn’t stopped since.
One leader, Mai, shared her story: “I was scared to lead, but my mentor told me, ‘God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.’ Now, I’ve helped start five groups in my village. Each one is reaching people who have never heard the Gospel.”
India: Transforming Communities Through Simple Churches
In India, CPMs are thriving among marginalized communities. One movement began when a farmer named Rajesh started a small group in his home. Using simple tools like Bible storying and prayer, Rajesh’s group quickly grew. Within two years, his village had over 30 groups, each led by a local believer.
“The beauty of this model is that it belongs to the people,” Rajesh says. “We don’t rely on outsiders. God is raising up leaders from within our own communities.”
[1] Todd Wilson, Dave Ferguson, and Alan Hirsch, Becoming a Level Five Multiplying Church Field Guide (Nashville, TN: Exponential, 2015).
[2] Roland Allen, The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church.
