Pastor Michael Henderson, Converge MidAtlantic Church Planting Director
Why Church Planting
Jesus said in Matthew 28, "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). While the times and culture have greatly changed, the impact of our Lord's words are just as clear and convincing.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to continue the work and ministry that Jesus began! The Apostle Paul and the early church leaders evangelized their world through new, Christ-centered churches - we are called to do the same. Planting new churches is a key strategy for evangelism and discipleship. There is no greater tool for touching unchurched people with the love of Christ.
The Vision of Converge MidAtlantic
is to catalyze a movement of reproducing churches across the MidAtlantic region of the United States and around the world! We truly want to see hundreds of new churches planted in the coming years; churches that are transforming communities and that are engaged strategically in reproducing new disciples, new leaders and new churches.
Geographical Areas Being Targeted: Some of the key areas in the MidAtlantic region of the United States being targeted for church planting include:
- Northeastern Ohio - Cleveland/Akron and surrounding communities
- Central Ohio - greater Columbus, Mansfield, and surrounding communities
- Southwestern Ohio - Cincinnati/Dayton and surrounding communities
- Youngstown/Warren, Ohio and surrounding communities
- Western Pennsylvania - metro Pittsburgh, New Castle, and surrounding communities
- Central/Eastern Pennsylvania - State College, Harrisburg, and the Philadelphia area
- Metro Washington D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia
- Central Virginia - including Richmond and surrounding communities
- Raleigh, North Carolina and surrounding communities
- Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding communities
- Buffalo, NY / Western NY / NW PA
- West Virginia, moving into this State!
- The District of Columbia
Vision for the Future
Current Goals: In 2010, the 6 LEAD Teams in our District, developed specific goals for church planting in their areas. In combining the specific plans of each LEAD Team, we have targeted a Region wide goal of planting at least 32 new churches between 2010 and 2015. Many believe we can plant more than that. Yet, this is a target we are trusting God for! We’re positioned to help to reach our region as a part of the Converge Worldwide goal of planting 335 new churches all across the U.S. during this same 5 year period of time.
Interested in starting a church with Converge? "Planting with Converge"
Interested in parenting a new church? "Churches Planting Churches"