The main goal of Kerala Christ Church Mission is converting people to Jesus and planting new congregations. This has resulted in 40 churches being planted in Kerala and its neighboring states, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. 30 are alive and growing today.
Planting churches is a 6-stage process:
COMMUNITY SURVEY
Unchurched areas are surveyed to discover the level of need and interest in the Gospel message. This includes establishing small group home Bible studies with a goal of leading people to Christ.
FINDING A TEMPORARY MEETING PLACE
A suitable facility in the area is rented for Bible studies, preaching and worship. As the group grows spiritually and numerically, preparation is made for a permanent structure, while their group meetings continue throughout the week.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CHURCH BUILDING
Property is selected and a building is designed and constructed with funding from its India mother-church and sponsoring U.S. churches. Most of the new church buildings accommodate 200 people people and include an apartment for the pastor and his family.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Construction and land costs average around $25,000 in villages. A pastor can be supported for about $200 per month, which is also contributed by the planting congregation and American churches and individuals.
NEW CHURCHES TO PLANT NEW CHURCHES
From the beginning of its establishment each new congregation understands that they too are to become a church-planter. This is to be taught by the pastor from its first day of existence.
ENCOURAGING AND TRAINING LEADERS
The Mission has established a program of encouragement for ongoing teaching and training through Cluster Leaders. Each Cluster Leader is an established and trained pastor who meets regularly with four or five newer pastors. The purpose is to ensure continued spiritual health and growth.
