Key: Concentrate
CONCENTRATE efforts on mobilizing potential leaders
The team kept praying that the Lord would raise up workers for His harvest and they watched expectantly as He did it. [1]
“Work yourself out of a job” was Stephanas’ mentality. He encouraged all believers to step out in evangelism, in discipling new believers, in starting new house churches, etc. He would tell them, “You have seen us do these things, but we believe you can do a better job! We cannot stay. We must go home, but this is your home, your people.” Those who followed through—who took initiative—were recognized as potential leaders and more time was devoted to helping with their progress.[2] [3]
The team was careful not to develop the church around themselves. They kept themselves from being in the center because they knew their task was temporary. They viewed a cross-cultural church planting team’s role as a being similar to a “birds’ nest,” once the young fly on their own, the nest is no longer needed.[4] The team would quickly move on as the indigenous church emerged.
Soon it would be time to withdraw. If not, the local leaders might not have taken responsibility, thinking that the team would do everything. [5] Dependency is a serious threat to the development new churches. [6] The churches found through experience, that they could trust God for all of their needs. [7]
Stephanas modeled and developed non-authoritarian, servant leadership. Servant leaders lead rather than drive their flocks.[8]
[1] Luke 10:2b
[2] Exodus 18:13-27
[3] “In many ways, the formation and training (of local leaders) is the most important aspect of church planting.” David Hesselgrave, Planting Churches Cross-Culturally
[4] John 12:24
[5] For an excellent guide to closure and planned withdrawal read: Passing the Baton: Church Planting that Empowers by Tom Steffen. Available from William Carey Library.
[6] Avoid dependence upon foreign finances in the development of new churches. For information and practical assistance with the thorny problem of dependency contact: World Mission Associates; 825 Darby Lane; Lancaster, PA 17601-2009 USA. Ph: 800-230-5265. WMUSA@xc.org
[7] II Cor. 8:2-3, 9:10-11
[8] Matt. 20:25-28; I Peter 5:1-4