**David Garrison: A Transformative Figure in Christian Missions**

Introduction

David Garrison, a renowned Christian missiologist and author, has left an indelible mark on the field of missions. His seminal work, "Church Planting Movements: How God is Redeeming a Lost World," has revolutionized the way churches think about evangelism and has led to the rapid multiplication of churches worldwide. This article delves into Garrison's life, contributions, and the transformative impact of his teachings.

Early Life and Education

David Garrison was born in 1942 in Pennsylvania. He studied at Ashland Theological Seminary and completed his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1977. Garrison's early experiences with missions in Asia and Africa ignited a passion for reaching the lost and led him to pursue further studies.

Career and Contributions

After completing his doctorate, Garrison served as a missionary in Thailand and Indonesia. In 1981, he joined the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, where he spent the next 30 years leading research and development initiatives in evangelism and church planting.

Garrison's most significant contribution was his research on church planting movements (CPMs). He identified key factors that contribute to their rapid growth, including focused evangelism, effective training of local leaders, and an emphasis on multiplication.

Church Planting Movements: A Landmark Publication

In 2004, Garrison published "Church Planting Movements: How God is Redeeming a Lost World," which became an instant classic in missions literature. The book provided a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing CPMs.

According to the World Christian Database, since Garrison's book was published, the number of churches planted worldwide has increased exponentially. In 2000, there were approximately 370,000 churches planted per year; by 2020, that number had jumped to over 2 million churches planted annually.

Key Principles of Church Planting Movements

Garrison's research revealed several principles that are essential for launching and sustaining CPMs:

• Focused Evangelism: CPMs prioritize reaching the unsaved with a clear gospel message.
• Effective Training: Local leaders are trained to share the gospel effectively and disciple new believers.
• Multiplication: New believers are quickly involved in evangelism and church planting, creating a ripple effect of growth.
• Indigenous Leadership: CPMs emphasize the development and empowerment of local leaders who can sustain the movement.

The Transformative Power of CPMs

CPMs have had a profound impact on Christian missions worldwide:

• Rapid Church Expansion: CPMs have led to the exponential growth of churches in previously unreached areas.
• Cultural Transformation: As churches are planted, local cultures are influenced by the gospel, leading to positive changes in society.
• Social Impact: CPMs contribute to community development, economic growth, and peacebuilding.

Stories of Impact

The Muslim Village

In a remote Muslim village in Africa, a CPM was launched by a small team of local believers. Within a decade, the village became the center of a thriving Christian community with over 200 churches and thousands of believers. The transformation of this village demonstrated the power of CPMs to reach communities that were once closed to the gospel.

The Urban Slum

In a densely populated slum in Asia, a CPM was initiated by a group of young people who had been trained to share their faith. Within a few years, dozens of churches were planted, providing hope and transformation to the marginalized community. This story highlights the ability of CPMs to penetrate urban areas where traditional evangelism methods have struggled.

The Seed Planter

In a rural area of Latin America, a farmer named Juan was inspired by a CPM training. He began planting churches in his community, using his agricultural skills to demonstrate the principles of multiplication. Within a short time, Juan had planted over 50 churches, each led by a local believer. His story illustrates the transformational power of empowering individuals to play a role in church planting.

Why CPMs Matter

CPMs are essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and reaching the remaining unreached people groups of the world. They provide:

• A scalable model: CPMs can be replicated in any context, allowing churches to grow rapidly and effectively.
• Cultural relevance: CPMs embrace local cultures and empower local leaders, making the gospel accessible to people from all backgrounds.
• Sustainability: CPMs emphasize leadership development and multiplication, ensuring the long-term health of the churches that are planted.

Benefits of CPMs

• Increased evangelism: CPMs prioritize reaching the lost, resulting in a significant increase in baptisms.
• Rapid church growth: Churches planted through CPMs multiply at an unprecedented rate, leading to exponential growth.
• Economic development: CPMs contribute to local economies by providing jobs, training, and social support.
• Health and education: Churches planted through CPMs often provide access to healthcare, education, and other social services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a church planting movement and a traditional church planting strategy?

CPMs focus on multiplication and indigenous leadership, while traditional church planting strategies often rely on outside missionaries and a hierarchical structure.

2. How can I start a CPM in my community?

Start by identifying a group of local leaders who are committed to reaching their community and developing a plan based on the principles of CPMs.

3. What is the role of technology in CPMs?

Technology can be used to enhance communication, training, and monitoring, but it is not a substitute for personal relationships and local leadership.

4. How do I measure the success of a CPM?

CPM success is measured by the number of new churches planted, the percentage of those churches that become self-sustaining, and the impact the churches have on the community.

5. How can I get involved in CPMs?

Contact your local church or a missions organization that is involved in CPMs. You can also attend training events or read resources on the topic.

6. How can I pray for CPMs?

Pray for God to raise up more CPM leaders, for the effective training of local believers, and for the rapid multiplication of churches.

Call to Action

David Garrison's legacy is a call to all Christians to embrace the principles of CPMs and join God's mission to reach the lost and transform the world. By partnering with local believers and empowering them to evangelize and plant churches, we can fulfill the Great Commission and bring the gospel to every corner of the earth.

Additional Resources

• David Garrison's website
• The International Mission Board
• Church Planting Movements website

Tables

Table 1: Growth of Church Planting Movements

Table 2: Impact of CPMs

Table 3: Success Factors for CPMs