As we examine the church plants in the book of Acts, we can discover several principles that will help us in our own church planting endeavors.

Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-47)

Jesus’ first church plant took place in Jerusalem. I think it is worth noting that the Lord only let Peter have a "one-day crusade" in order to get this church "off the ground." Did you ever wonder why they only continued the "meeting" for one day, when three thousand people were saved in that short a time? Most of us would have extended the meeting, and stayed as long as we could, once we saw that kind of success!

• Internal Growth

This is growth in Grace. Out of the good treasure of a good man’s heart, be brings forth good fruit. If you want to bring forth more fruit, then increase the treasure in your heart. In our local churches we want to put value into people. We want to see them grow to the place where they reproduce themselves.

• Expansion Growth

This is the numerical increase of the church within its own community. We wall want our churches to grow. I couldn’t stand just maintaining the same number of people year in and year out. God has not called us just to maintain. He has called us to “occupy until He comes.” (Luke 19:10)

The Great Commission provides us with the scriptural foundation behind our desire to plant churches. In Mark 16:17, Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." There are several conclusions we can draw from this verse of Scripture.

First, the Commission is universal. The term "every creature" is certainly all-inclusive. There is no "people group" on the face of the earth that is excluded from our Commission. We cannot afford to rest until every person in our community, regardless of their race or social position, has had an opportunity to hear the gospel presented effectively enough to allow them to make an informed decision.

1. The Mother-Daughter Model
1. An existing church plants in close proximity to itself.
2. People and resources are released from the mother church.
3. The mother church usually carries all of the expenses.

1. The Apostolic Team Model
1. A new work in a larger center lying outside the reach of an existing Victory church.
2. A pastor/planter and several experienced full-time or lay leaders form a team.
3. Financial support comes from VCI for a certain period of time.

1. The Single Apostolic Model
1. Planting in a smaller area, but outside the reach of an existing Victory church.
2. A pastor and his family move into the area.
3. Funding comes through VCI.

1. The Pioneer Church Model
1. Begins with a person who sees the need, or has a burden for an area.
2. Must be a reasonably credible person.
3. VCI may not be sure this person can do it, but we’re willing to take a risk on him.
4. He/she may use the VCI name, but receives little or not financial support.

1. The Partnership Model
1. A region of churches work together to plant a new church.
2. There may not be any one church within the region that is strong enough to plant a church by itself.