Grace Baptist Church · Care Group · Session 1
Plant Churches
for the Glory of God
Before we start
Have you ever wondered
why our church exists?
If a brand-new church were planted on the other side of the island…
The big idea
God saves for His glory.
Christ builds His church.
Healthy churches multiply.
So the question for us: what would faithful going, staying, sending, and praying look like?
Why plant at all?
God saves and sends for His glory.
1 · Created
for His Glory
Genesis 1:27–28
Made in God's image and told to fill the earth — His purpose was always a world full of people who reflect Him.
2 · Saved
for His Glory
Exodus 14:4, 17–18 · Ezekiel 36:22
“Not for your sake… but for the sake of My holy name.” Salvation is wonderfully for our good — but not ultimately about us.
3 · Sent
for His Glory
John 1:14 · Matthew 28:18–20
In Christ we have seen His glory — and once we behold it, we are sent to make that glory known to the nations.
“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.”Ephesians 3:21
Christ builds His church · Acts 9:31 ESV
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
“Was being built up” — by whom? The Lord. “I will build My church.” That kills our anxiety — it doesn't finally rest on us — and it kills our pride — we don't build it; He does.
Matthew 16:18 · John 10:28 · Romans 8:38–39
What kind of church should multiply?
A healthy, faithful church.
Guard our hearts
What must we watch against?
Comfort
“Why disturb what we have?” Sometimes that's not wisdom — it's protecting our own ease, routines, and preferences.
Conflict
A plant must never be a church split with nicer language — no escaping hard relationships. Pursue unity, humility, love.
Brand-building
The goal is not GBC's name, platform, or success story — it is Christ known, His gospel proclaimed, His church built.
The cost — either way
Go, or stay and send.
If some go
Leaving comfort, familiarity, friendships, stability — starting smaller, carrying more uncertainty, serving less settled.
If some stay & send
Not just clapping from afar: ministry gaps, heavier burdens, relational loss, greater responsibility.
Pray. Give. Disciple. Welcome. Teach. Host. Serve. Lead.
This is a question for the whole church: what would faithfulness require of me?
Discuss · 1 of 3
Theology — what has God shown us?
What has become clearer to you about why churches multiply?
How does “God saves and sends for His glory” shape the way we think about church planting?
How does remembering that Christ builds His church humble and encourage us?
Discuss · 2 of 3
Weight — what does this cost?
What concerns, fears, or costs do you feel as you think about church planting?
What questions would you want to ask the church? — we'll take these down and relay them to the pastors
Discuss · 3 of 3
Posture — how should we respond?
What motives do we need to guard against — comfort, conflict, or brand-building?
Whether we go or stay and send — what does faithfulness look like for me?
The big picture
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” PSALM 127:1
Paul planted, Apollos watered — but God gave the growth (1 Cor 3:6). Not our strength, our plans, or our name: it is Christ who builds His church.