Discovering Church Planting: An Introduction to the Whats, Whys, and Hows of Global Church Planting

by J.D. Payne, David J. Hesselgrave (Foreword)

In Discovering Church Planting , J. D. Payne explores the biblical, historical and missiological principles of global church planting as well as unfolding practical strategies for confronting contemporary challenges to our vital task in reaching a lost world. This comprehensive introduction to church planting shows the reader how to apply effective, international church planting practices to specific contexts. J. D. speaks from personal experience, research and training and focuses on crucial issues every planter should consider. His well researched and easy to understand concepts are crucial for anyone who takes seriously the call of Scripture to Declare His glory among the nations and His marvelous deeds to all peoples.

Genres: Church

458 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

J. D. Payne (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is pastor of church multiplication at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, and has served as missionary.

Reviews

[Zack Clemmons · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is a line in this book that goes, “Church planting is located at the intersection of ecclesiology (doctrine of the Church) and missiology (science and art of missions.” A fine observation, helpful even.

The next sentence is, “(See figure 1.1.)” You turn the page, and find Figure 1.1. It is a Venn diagram, with one circle labeled Ecclesiology, one labeled Missiology, and in the middle—you guessed it—the overlap section is labeled Church Planting.

That’s what the book is like.

[Peter Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, but honestly had way more information than was necessary. I am the founding pastor of a church plant that is now almost ten years old. There is not much in this book that would have helped me ten years ago. It felt like overkill for most situations. The best chapters were the ones on ecclesiology, discipleship and caring for one's family. It might be more helpful for those in global situations.

While church planting does bring challenges that a pastor does not find when he goes to an established church, I believe books like this make it more complicated than it needs to be.

[Marcus Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed intro to church planting. Super helpful and will reference often.

[Eric Gagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

JD makes a clear case from Scripture that in the west the apostolic missionary example in Scripture is sadly neglected.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid (and thorough) introduction to Church Planting. This reads more like an academic text book and is very informative. Lots of references to further reading and exploration. He lays out the Biblical basis for church planting quite well leaving the reader with a good resource to quickly reference again in the future. I am beginning to work with a church planting organization for my job so this was a timely read.

[Cody Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good introduction to church planting for North American and international church planters. Payne does well in defining basic terminology associated with missiology and with addressing the topic from biblical/theological, historical, and methodological angles.

[Seth Channell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the books I have read on church planting, this book gives the best theological and historical reasons for planting churches.

[J. Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated this book, had to read it for a class and found that it gave me a new interest in church planting and gave a lot of valuable information on the subject.

[Mclason · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book with great overview of all things church-planting