Prayer – A fervent personal prayer life of the leader was transferred to new leaders being as they are discipled. Prayer is the source of power from God. Without prayer, leaders will end in failure, and the churches they lead will crumble.
Abundant sowing of the Gospel – Evangelism must be present throughout everything done. Personal testimonies of the life-changing power of the Gospel are shared to unbelievers. Testimonies of God’s goodness, provision, healing power, encouragement and even discipline will encourage both the lost and the saved. These testify of God’s continued interaction with humanity on a regular basis.
Intentional – Churches are intentionally and deliberately planned and carried out. Church planting movements are started and maintained with a proactive attitude and approach. Developing new leaders, targeting new areas and launching new churches, is an ongoing intentional process that follows a plan and strategy.
Scriptural Authority – The Bible is the definitive guiding source for doctrine, function, and life itself. Scripture must remain central. Drifting from Scripture will quickly lead to dysfunction, heresy and failure.
Local Leadership – Strong local leadership. Each church planted must develop and raise up leaders within itself. Leaders must lead themselves well, so that they may be able to lead others well.
Strong “Lay Leadership” – All members are seen as ‘ministers’ of the Gospel. There is no secular and sacred divide. Ephesians 4 makes it clear that all should be equipped for the work of the ministry. This does not mean that all will be full-time vocational ministers. On the contrary, all people should be ministers in their sphere of influence. Affecting change in these various spheres of influence will allow the church to multiply rapidly.
Cell or House churches – Buildings are not required. The churches are outreach-focused. Most ministry activities occur outside of the building or meeting place. Outreach is an evident expression of the work of Jesus, and a demonstration of the Great Commission in action. Outreach does not happen inside the walls of a church, it must happen where the people are.
Churches planting churches – Reproduction is natural and a part of reaching more people. Church planting movements maintain momentum by instilling a DNA of reproduction. No church ever has the intent on not reproducing, and this should never be a consideration.
Rapid Reproduction – Urgency of reaching people for Christ. Followers of Christ should exude an emergency for the sake of the lost. This will manifest in the rapid reproduction of churches and aggressive outreach.
Churches are healthy – Healthy churches always have five core purposes: worship; evangelistic and missionary outreach; education and discipleship; ministry; and fellowship. These core purposes will keep the church healthy, vital and maturing. These core purposes also lead to a reproductive nature and attitude.