5. The local church needs a reproducing mission.
Aubrey Malphurs believes that the secret to a vibrant Christianity is a pregnant church, culminating in reproduction. He emphasized the importance of a sending church preparing itself for reproduction (Nuts and Bolts of Church Planting, Malphurs, 2011). As a church is developing leaders, clarifying vision, sending people and resources, articulating doctrines, and strategizing for mission, it will have a spiritual vibrancy accompanying these prebirth activities. In a scientific research project done in a PhD dissertation researching 624 SBC churches that had planted a church, attendance rose 21.5 percent for the five years after a church plant. Additionally, monetary growth was favorable in seven of the eight variables tested, including designated gifts (77 percent increase) and tithes (48 percent) (Source: Jeffrey C. Farmer, 2007). A church on mission prioritizes its sending capacity over its seating capacity. This reproductive generosity brings health to the mother church as well as to the baby churches. Five follow-up questions are in order once a person or church understands the five reasons why church planting is beneficial: 1. Who? Who are the next planters, the senders and the support team? 2. Where? Where is a strategic location for the plant? 3. When? When will the church plant begin gathering and launching? 4. What? What resources of people, money, technology and training will the sending church provide? 5. How? How will the church planter relate to and be encouraged by the sending church?