Exploring the Role of Jesus in Establishing the Foundation for Church Planting

Two figures in traditional robes gesture toward a torn curtain, symbolizing the openness and access to divine presence, relating to the foundational role of Jesus in church planting.

The paradigm of Jesus is the cornerstone for authentic and effective church planting. His life, teachings, and mission provide the ultimate model for the church's operation, structure, and outreach. Reflecting on His paradigm compels us to rethink ministry objectives, methodologies, and the roles believers play in fulfilling the Great Commission (Frost, 2015, p. 43).

Jesus challenges the church to reconsider its foundational principles. In Revelation 3:20, we see Christ knocking at the door of His church—a startling image of the Lord of the church seeking entry. This imagery invites the church to realign itself with its true Master, not through formality but through a transformative encounter (White, 2006b, p. 19).

1. The Radical Paradigm of Jesus

1.1 Jesus’ Countercultural Ministry

The religious practices during Jesus’ time were deeply flawed, rooted in ritualism and disconnected from their divine purpose. Jesus confronted six critical aspects of religion:

1. Ceremonialism: Overemphasis on rituals without mercy or sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).

2. Sacred Spaces: Restricting worship to temples rather than the streets (Acts 17:24; Isaiah 57:15).

3. Form Over People: Focusing on outward formality over justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23).

4. Hypocrisy: Inconsistency between faith and daily living (Matthew 23:14).

5. Leadership Dependence: Reliance on hierarchical leaders (Matthew 23:4).

6. Meaningless Sacrifices: Rituals devoid of heart and understanding (Psalm 51:17; Romans 15:8).

Jesus’ message upended these norms, calling for a transformative approach to worship, leadership, and sacrifice. His ministry redefined the temple, priesthood, and sacrifices to align with His kingdom mission (Skarsaune, 2004, p. 81–162).

1.2 Jesus’ Transformative Actions

Jesus introduced a revolutionary perspective:

1. Temple: He became the true temple, dwelling among humanity (John 1:14; 2:19–21).

2. Priesthood: He expanded priesthood to all believers, emphasizing a direct relationship with God (1 Peter 2:9).

3. Sacrifice: He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, eliminating the need for animal offerings (Hebrews 9:14; 10:12).

On the cross, Jesus finalized this transformation (Mark 15:37–39):

• The temple veil was torn, signifying the end of sacred spaces.

• The sacrificial system was fulfilled in His atoning death.

• The priesthood was universalized, empowering all believers (White, 2006b, p. 123).

This paradigm shattered the old framework, inaugurating a mission-driven, Christ- centered movement.

2. Historical Disruptions to the Paradigm

2.1 Constantine’s Influence

The simplicity of Jesus’ paradigm was disrupted by Constantine in the 4th century. He institutionalized Christianity, reintroducing elements Jesus had abolished:

• Temples: Construction of basilicas and cathedrals.

• Priesthood: Creation of a clerical hierarchy.

• Sacrifices: Introduction of sacramental rituals like the Eucharist as a "means of grace."

Ellen G. White notes that Constantine’s nominal conversion merged pagan practices with Christianity, diluting its transformative power (White, 2005c, p. 49–50).

2.2 Challenges Post-Reformation

The Protestant Reformation restored some elements of Jesus’ paradigm, particularly the doctrine of salvation through grace and the priesthood of all believers. However, it fell short of reclaiming the full vision, particularly in redefining the church as a movement rather than an institution (Knight, 2010, p. 65).

Adventism, as a prophetic movement, is uniquely positioned to reclaim the full paradigm of Jesus:

• Non-dependence on buildings: A mission-first approach.

• Shared priesthood: All believers as ministers.

• Christ-centered worship: Emphasizing the gospel of His grace and sacrifice.

3. Implications for Adventist Church Planting

3.1 A Return to Jesus’ Mission

Adventist church planting must align with Jesus’ paradigm, fostering:

1. Gospel-Centered Churches: Avoiding legalism and liberalism, focusing on Christ’s redemptive work (Keller, 2014, p. 29).

2. Community-Centered Churches: Engaging with society rather than retreating into subcultural isolation (White, 2006b, p. 143).

3. Mission-Centered Churches: Empowering every member for ministry and mission (1 Peter 2:9).

3.2 Practical Applications

1. Redefining Worship Spaces:

   Church plants should view buildings as mission hubs rather than sacred spaces. This encourages mobility and flexibility in reaching communities.

2. Empowering Lay Leaders:

   Training and deploying lay members as ministers reflect the New Testament model (Acts 6:7). This decentralizes leadership and multiplies the mission.

3. Proclaiming a Balanced Gospel:

   Churches must avoid extremes, offering a clear understanding of grace, obedience, and hope in Christ’s return (White, 2013, p. 19).

4. Challenges in Today’s Context

The contemporary church often mirrors the flaws of 1st-century Judaism and post-Constantine Christianity:

• Temple-Centric Thinking: Overemphasis on physical structures limits the church’s reach.

• Clericalism: A hierarchical model stifles lay participation.

• Doctrinal Extremes: Misunderstanding of Christ’s sacrifice fosters either legalism or liberalism.

Church planting must address these issues by cultivating balanced, mission-driven congregations (Knight, 2016, p. 112).

5. Building Christ-Centered Churches

The paradigm of Jesus calls for churches that are:

1. Gospel-Centered: Rooted in the message of salvation by grace through faith.

2. Community-Centered: Serving and transforming their local contexts.

3. Mission-Centered: Engaging every member in disciple-making and church multiplication.

Such churches align with the Adventist vision of proclaiming the three angels’ messages and preparing the world for Christ’s return (Revelation 14:6–12; White, 2006b, p. 19).

Conclusion

Reclaiming the paradigm of Jesus is essential for effective church planting. This requires churches to:

• Abandon dependence on buildings and institutional frameworks.

• Empower all believers for ministry.

• Center their mission on Christ’s life, death, and intercession.

As we align with His model, we fulfill the prophetic calling to proclaim the everlasting gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20). The next step is to integrate these principles into the operational practices of church planting, ensuring alignment with Adventist mission and vision.

References

1. Frost, M. Surprise the World: Five Habits of Highly Missional People. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2015.

2. Keller, T. Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.

3. Knight, G. R. The Apocalyptic Vision and the Neutralization of Adventism. Tatuí: Casa Publicadora Brasileira, 2010.

4. Knight, G. R. Organizing to Beat the Devil: The Development of Adventist Church Structure. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2016.

5. Skarsaune, O. In the Shadow of the Temple: Jewish Influences on Early Christianity. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

6. White, E. G. The Great Controversy. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2005c.

7. White, E. G. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2006b.

8. White, E. G. Steps to Christ. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2013.

9. Wright, N. T. The New Testament and the People of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992.