The Bible describes the Church as the body of Christ. While any analogy can be taken too literally, this one teaches us some important lessons about who we are as the church. Each local body of believers functions with many members who each have their own gifts and roles within the church. Likewise, the Church as a whole works together to impact the growing kingdom of God. One of the ways we do this is by facilitating the start of new churches. Another is by helping hurting churches rethink how they might leave a legacy to invest in the future of a new congregation.
Church Planting is what happens when God births an entirely new church. This may occur because there is a need for a specific language group or community to be reached. Often a church is planted through the vision and resources of a “mother” church leading the way. Centennial wants to be in a position to help churches and church planters who believe God is leading them to plant a new church in our area.
Church Replanting is what happens when an existing church finds themselves in a position where continuing as they are in no longer the most viable or realistic option for them. Then in an effort to continue the God-given heritage of their local church, they help a new congregation start in their location. Existing members of the congregation may continue to be a part of the new congregation. Resources and facilities of the existing congregation are gifted to the new congregation for the sake of a continued presence in the community. Several factors may go into the decision to replant a church. Centennial wants to be in a position to help facilitate this process.
