A 'church plant mentality' can be problematic

John Newton Webb  |  Features
Date posted:  8 Aug 2025
Share Add       
A 'church plant mentality' can be problematic

Source: James Kuan via OMF International website.

"The reason that we’re so active in evangelism is because we’re a church plant.” “I suppose we do Sunday services this way because we’re a church plant.” I heard many of these sorts of sentiments expressed when I came to pastor Izumi Church, Japan (which started in 2009) in 2016.

Talking to the believers who thought like this, I discovered a mistaken ecclesiology and a large set of unbiblical assumptions about the difference between having a missionary leader and local pastor. Working through these issues led me to reassess the church and church plant distinction.

My conclusion was that the distinction between church plants and churches is mistaken and unhelpful.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles on:   church planting
Read more articles by John Newton Webb >>
World
First they came for the Moonies...?

First they came for the Moonies...?

The Japanese government have voted to strip the legal status of the Unification Church (also known as the Moonies) following …

World
The sudden death and funeral of Mrs S.

The sudden death and funeral of Mrs S.

Last month, I spent an hour watching a body being prepared for its coffin. It was our oldest church member, …

New here?

Register and get three free articles each month!

Register

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access from just £18/year

Find out more