Alumni Publications – June 2016

Plant: A Sower’s Guide To Church Planting

In an ever changing cultural landscape many Christians are searching for fresh ways to reach the lost for Jesus Christ. Entering the timeless discussion, Dr. Winfield Bevins reintroduces a timeless method of evangelism and discipleship through his newest book, Plant: A Sower’s Guide to Church Planting. Drawing upon the great commission of Jesus Christ, and the techniques of the Apostle Paul,  Dr. Bevins argues that the planting of new smaller churches provides an ideal flexible approach to reaching the diverse multitudes who are unchurched and do not know Jesus Christ.

Church Plants can meet in a variety of locations. From coffee houses and hotel lobbies, to regular homes and even store fronts, fresh church plants can meet anywhere where the multitudes live and work. The diverse range of locations helps keep a church missional, reaching those who might not even consider visiting a traditional church. Regardless of the location, Dr. Bevins emphasizes the need for a church plant to participate in what John Wesley called “the means of grace”, which includes prayer, the study of scripture, and communion.

While not everyone is specifically called to be a church planter, all members of the church can contribute to this growing expression of missions. Whether that contribution lies in the area of prayer, a church plant partnership, or planting a new church yourself, Dr. Bevins’ book offers practical methods to discerning your role in this exciting missional endeavor.

Dr. Winfield Bevins is the Director of the Asbury Church Planting Initiative. He has a passion for equipping others to plant new churches. His experience includes planting churches and training church planters from different denominational backgrounds. He has written several books including Our Common Prayer: A Field Guide to the Book of Common Prayer. He and his wife Kay, have three girls Elizabeth, Anna Belle, and Caroline.

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