During His earthly ministry, Jesus often used creation to illustrate deep spiritual truths about Himself and His Kingdom.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed…” (Matthew 13:31)
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field…” (Matthew 13:24)
“The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind…” (Matthew 13:47)
Following this pattern—though without the inerrancy of Christ’s words—we see a fitting analogy for church planting in God’s own design: Planting a church is like planting a tree.
At first, it is small and flexible.
Over time, it grows.
Its roots stretch deeper into the soil, drawing strength.
Its branches expand, offering shade and refuge.
Strong and mature, it stands firm through seasons of trial and blessing.
Church planting is not simply about launching a congregation. While rapid growth and immediate impact are often celebrated, our calling is greater. We must plant with a vision that extends far beyond our own lifetime, striving for a God-glorifying goal—churches that will thrive for 100 years and beyond and produce the seeds of future churches who will do the same.
The Call to Long-Term Thinking
Switching metaphors for a moment, the Apostle Paul puts it this way:
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds.” (1 Corinthians 3:10)
Church planting is not just about starting something—it’s about laying a foundation strong enough to endure the test of time.
Short-term strategies might bring quick success, but without deep roots, they won’t last. A church that will last for generations requires a long-term mindset, one that prioritizes biblical teaching, leadership development, dependence on God, financial sustainability, and deep community connections.
The Blueprint for a Century-Strong Church
Faithful Preaching and Discipleship
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
This almost doesn’t need to be said in our circles. The churches we work with love the Word of God and wouldn’t dream of building their preaching upon anything else. That said, it’s worth saying again.
Trends come and go—but not the Word of God. A church that lasts is grounded in Scripture through expository preaching, sound doctrine, and a culture of discipleship equipping future generations to remain anchored in truth.
Leadership Development and Succession
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
Churches that last 100+ years do not depend on one remarkable leader. Instead, as 2 Timothy so clearly articulates, our churches must cultivate the practice of teaching the Word to subsequent generations of strong, biblically sound leaders.
Paul’s words in this passage are especially weighty. Leaders must be committed to training others—equipping them to carry the work forward and continue building on the foundation already laid.
A Culture of Prayer and Dependence on God
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Jesus said it. He is the one who founded and is building the Church, so it stands to reason that our churches will not stand apart from reliance on Him.
For this reason, prayer isn’t just a ministry—it should be the foundation of a church’s decisions, identity, and outreach. Without God’s power, a church’s efforts will be fruitless.
Financial Stability and Wise Stewardship
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
Many churches close their doors not because of a dwindling congregation, but due to poor stewardship, debt, or an inability to adapt to changing economic realities. A church that stands the test of time uses a sustainable financial model: generous giving, thoughtful budgeting, and sustainable investments.
Deep Community Engagement
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Churches don’t just exist in a city—they become woven into its fabric, meeting real needs and faithfully sharing the gospel. Over time, they become trusted community fixtures where people turn for truth and hope. Churches that last love their neighbors well.
Building for Future Generations
Church planting is often spoken of in strategic terms—models, methods, growth curves. But in God’s economy, it’s ultimately about something far more personal: people. A church is only as strong, faithful, and fruitful as the individuals who make it up.
Scripture paints a vivid picture in Psalm 1 of the kind of person who thrives in God’s Kingdom:
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
This is the blueprint not only for a godly life, but for a godly church. When individuals in the body are rooted deeply in God’s Word, drawing daily nourishment from Him, the whole church flourishes.
If we want to see 100-year churches, we need 100-year believers. We need men and women whose faith is durable, whose lives are marked by conviction, and whose love for Christ compels them to build up the Church with sacrificial faithfulness.
May we plant churches by firmly planting ourselves in Christ.
May we pursue deep roots over flashy results.
And may God raise up churches that bear fruit in future generations as well as our own—churches that are strong, enduring, and unshakably anchored in Him.
Lord willing, these churches, and the people within them, will still be standing, still proclaiming, still making disciples when we’re long gone because they weren’t built on us. They were built on Him.
Baptist Church Planters exists to help churches build healthy disciple-making congregations. If you or your church are ready to grow in godliness and leadership, reach out to us today. Let’s partner together to make disciples who make disciples.
