CHURCH PLANTING INSIGHTS

ACC interview with MARK VARUGHESE

Q: IN 2006, IN A BOLD LEAP OF FAITH, YOU LEFT AUSTRALIA AND PLANTED KINGDOMCITY IN MALAYSIA. CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY OF THAT FIRST INITIAL CHURCH PLANT?

MARK: The only reason I planted our church in early 2006 was an obedient response to a ‘burning bush’ moment I had in September 2005.

This genuine God encounter was one that I didn’t earn, deserve or really even ask for. But I needed something so undeniable for what was in store. The nature of that encounter meant every other decision (which looked like a bold leap of faith) was actually much easier than it appeared. To sell your house, buy a one-way ticket to an Islamic country without a visa to plant a church seems like a bold leap of faith, but in light of my God encounter, it was obedience that I felt completely graced for.

Q: KINGDOMCITY HAS SINCE EXPANDED INTO AFRICA, THE MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE, ASIA AND AUSTRALIA. WHAT HAS HELPED YOU SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE DIFFERENT CULTURES AND NATIONS WHEN PLANTING A NEW CHURCH?

Q: THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MODELS AND OPTIONS, SO HOW DO POTENTIAL CHURCH PLANTERS WORK OUT WHAT WILL WORK BEST FOR THEM?

Q: WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL TIPS YOU’D GIVE TO PASTORS WHO ARE STEPPING OUT IN FAITH AND PLANT A NEW CHURCH OR CAMPUS?

MARK: Three things to remember when planting a new church. I. Value God’s kingdom over the city. Our name is “Kingdomcity” - because we are supposed to bring the kingdom to the city. This has helped guardrail the value that I need to be more influenced by the kingdom than I am by the culture of a city. So the diversity of the cultures are subservient to the values of the kingdom.

2. Contextualise but don’t compromise.

It’s important to respect, understand and learn about the context in which you are going to plant. But only to the extent that you appreciate the setting in which change is going to happen. The danger is to ‘idolize’ local context which then becomes excuses and barriers against change and growth.

3. Unite around principles, not preferences.

Unity is a weapon that triggers blessing and acceleration, but whether that weapon builds or destroys depends on what we unite around. It’s vital that we unite around Principles, because it cements foundation. Uniting around ‘preferences’ encourages segregation.

We have found that expanding into any part of the world is an adventure that produces fruit provided these principles aren’t violated.

MARK: There are essentially two streams; either start your own autonomous church or join a team and start a campus or location. The question is best answered by having an honest and sober assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, dreams and desires.

There are advantages and disadvantages with both but knowing yourself and what God has called you to is vital. If you don’t have a clear word from the Lord, it’s better to expand the Kingdom as part of a team.

If you want to be part of a team, understand the culture and learn all you can. There are many models and the culture of the team needs to be a fit with you if it is to work. Get to know what you are part of before you join up.

With increased governance pressures and stronger apostolic relationships, there seems to be a lot more ‘team’ centred expansion. But either way, we need to pray for more labourers. The system, model and wineskin is a preference, but the Great Commission isn’t.

MARK: If you are planting a campus, seek alignment and unity with the model and team that you are part of. If you are planting an autonomous church from scratch, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Build community, create memories and stir up the adventure within the team you build. If you are starting, people aren’t joining your church because it’s the best, but because of the potential, the vision.

Faith is required whether you start a campus or a new church. Stay connected to others who are ahead of you and stay teachable. Size is not as important as strength – build a core team who will buy into the adventure and the growth will come. Be true to yourself and enjoy the journey.

MARK VARUGHESE is the founder and senior pastor of Kingdomcity, and member of the ACC National Executive.