Church planting is not just a strategy or a program; it is a divine mandate rooted in the heart of the gospel. As Bishop Samuel Munene of God’s Love Assembly Kitengela has repeatedly emphasized, planting churches is central to fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. It is about spreading the message of hope, love, and salvation to the farthest reaches of the world. Through his leadership, God’s Love Assembly has been committed to the vision of establishing new churches that serve as beacons of Christ’s love and truth.
The Biblical Foundation of Church Planting
Church planting is deeply rooted in Scripture, and there are numerous examples in the Bible that provide both the command and the example for planting churches. One of the clearest commands comes from the words of Jesus Himself:
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is the Great Commission, the foundation of every church planting effort. Jesus’ instruction to go and make disciples is not just about reaching the immediate community but also about expanding the kingdom of God across nations. The call to baptize and teach is an invitation to create communities of believers that will continue to spread the gospel through new churches.
For Bishop Samuel Munene, this command is not just an abstract ideal, but a daily reality. He believes that the core mission of the Church is to disciple nations and create spaces where believers can grow in faith. Thus, church planting becomes a way of multiplying disciples, establishing spiritual homes, and bringing the light of Christ to every corner of society.
The Example of the Apostles
The apostles were the original church planters, responding to Jesus’ commission by spreading the gospel across the ancient world. The Book of Acts offers several accounts of how the apostles went from place to place, preaching the good news, making disciples, and establishing churches. These early church planters had a vision for reaching the lost and bringing them into a vibrant, loving community.
Acts 14:21-23 (NIV)
“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
This passage highlights the process of church planting: preaching the gospel, winning disciples, establishing leadership, and nurturing the new believers. Church planting is not a one-time event but a continuous process of strengthening the faith of new believers and ensuring they grow in their relationship with God.
Bishop Samuel Munene, in his ministry, continues to follow the example of the apostles. His work focuses not just on establishing new churches but on developing leaders who can sustain the work and ensure that the newly planted churches are vibrant, healthy, and growing.
The Role of the Church in Society
Church planting is also about transforming communities and societies. Jesus called His followers to be the salt and light of the world, which includes being agents of change in the places where they live. Church planting, therefore, becomes a tool for societal transformation, where the gospel is not just preached, but its power is evident in the way believers live and interact with others.
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
A church that is planted with the purpose of being a light will shine in the community, offering solutions to societal problems and becoming a place of refuge, hope, and transformation. Bishop Samuel Munene emphasizes that a healthy church does more than preach the gospel—it actively engages in the betterment of its community, reaching out to the needy, educating the youth, and helping to create a society that reflects God’s kingdom values.
Overcoming Challenges in Church Planting
Church planting is not without its challenges. There are often financial, social, and spiritual obstacles that must be overcome. However, the Bible encourages church planters to press on in faith, trusting that God provides the resources, wisdom, and strength needed to accomplish His work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
This verse assures that God will supply the needs for the work of church planting. Bishop Samuel Munene continually trusts in this promise, believing that the resources—whether financial, human, or spiritual—are provided by God as His work progresses. The success of church planting is not about human effort alone, but about trusting God’s provision and timing.
The Call to Every Believer
Church planting is not just the responsibility of pastors and leaders like Bishop Samuel Munene; it is a collective call for every believer to participate in the expansion of God’s kingdom. Every Christian has a role to play in reaching others and building new communities of faith. Whether through prayer, support, or direct involvement, the church body must come together to fulfill the Great Commission.
Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
Bishop Samuel Munene often reminds his congregation at God’s Love Assembly that each believer is called to play an active part in reaching the world for Christ. The vision of church planting is not limited to those who are sent out to establish new congregations but also involves the active participation of those who support the mission in various ways.
Conclusion
Church planting is an essential part of the Christian mission, rooted in Scripture and exemplified by the apostles. Under the leadership of Bishop Samuel Munene, God’s Love Assembly Kitengela continues to embrace the call to plant churches and spread the gospel. The goal is not merely to establish physical structures but to create thriving communities of believers who shine the light of Christ in their neighborhoods and beyond.
As we reflect on the biblical principles of church planting, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to carry the gospel to all corners of the earth. Through prayer, sacrifice, and faithful service, we can partner with God in building His kingdom, one church at a time. The call is clear: Go, make disciples, and plant churches.
