This is the general N.T. pattern for church planting and reproduction (when starting with an unreached area), as I understand it.

  1. God calls 2 (or more) apostles to go to unreached areas (Matt. 10; Luke 9-10; Acts 13)
    • Unless otherwise noted, “apostles” is defined here as those functioning within this ministry (today called “missionaries”), as opposed to the 12 appointed to the office of Apostle by Jesus (though overlap can exist between the two). See Acts 14:4, for instance, where Paul and Barnabas (not part of the 12) are called “apostles.”
    • Church (at least representatives of the church) pray, fast, lay hands on these apostles (Acts 13)
  2. Upon entering the location, apostles seek people interested in Jesus
    1. Often visited synagogues, also marketplaces; alternatively, Jesus commissioned house-to-house visits in Matt. 10 and Luke 9-10
  3. First converts of the city become de facto interim leaders (under apostles’ guidance)  (See “household of Stephanas” in 1 Corinthians)
    1. As more are converted they may meet at the first converts’ house (could also use another house or area as needed) ( See “household of Stephanas” in 1 Corinthians)
    2. Apostles seem to function as “on-loan” elders ( 1-2 Timothy; 1 Pet. 5)
  4. Once group of disciples are fairly established, apostles leave ( Acts 13-14)
    1. group/church meetings continue, and are also observed by outsiders ( 1 Cor. 14:23-24)
  5. Months (or years?) later, apostles return to appoint elders ( Acts 14:21-25)
    1. Apostles look for who God has appointed as elder ( Acts 20)
      1. Used qualifications of elder laid out in Scripture
    2. Apostles pray, fast, lay hands on elders ( Acts 14:21-25)
  6. Apostles stay to teach/lead church ( Acts 14:21-25; 20) (especially focusing on the elders, Acts 20)
  7. Apostles leave, while staying connected to offer support and guidance (Paul’s letters serve this function)
  8. As the church (and its needs) grow, the church appoints deacons to minister physical items (Acts 6; 1 Tim. 3) (apostles guide; but ultimately church decides on its own with God, see Acts 6)
  9. Church meets in small groups and as large assembly (Acts 2; 4; 6; 8:3), under elders’ oversight (Elder = “Overseer”; 1 Cor. 14)
  10. God/church sends out apostles to repeat elsewhere (Acts 13; 1 Cor. 12)