Principles and Practice of Indigenous Church Planting by Dr. Charles Brock
A review written by Rev. Virgilio S.Larraga – Church Planter


Introduction


The writer of this review considers Dr. Charles Brock as one the pioneers of church planting movements in the Philippines specifically in the 70’s. His influence in the field can not be undervalued even outside Southern Baptist denomination in the country.

The 70’s could be considered as the transition from traditional missionary work .i.e. foreign in favor of an emerging responsiveness among Filipino leaders cross denominationally. The culture may have provided raw materials for this church planting movement so called, though vague and primordial.

His books revolutionizes this idea and may have provided a clearer conceptual framework for further studies and practice, more practically among SB students of church planting.

Charles Brock had set forth the two (2) purposes in writing this book on church planting i.e. “to set forth theological and practical church planting principles from which indigenous church planting is feasible and to give practical suggestions as to how to plan an indigenous church. (page 1).



Book Summary

The book has 12 chapters including the Appendices on preliminary materials on Leading a Bible Study and Good News for You.

Chapter 1 Purposes. A proper theological understanding on the principles and practice of church planting vis a vis proper theology and that produces right methodology in a given context, helps a missionary or church planter find the right tools or handle. It also speaks of practical steps on how to plant a church by defining who the church planter is and his goals :( not methods) the indigenous church.

Chapter 2 – Theology that produces methodology - the author emphasizes the importance of correct theology, basically as it relates to one’s salvation. The church planter knows that the church is made of saved, baptized believers in Christ in all simplicity using indigenous materials available to bring about his purposes in church planting.

Chapter 3 – Essentials in Church Planting – These are :the indispensable nature and works of the Holy Spirit,:the seed or the word of God, practically the Gospel:the sower and in this case, the church planter and the soil, the different kinds the people.

Chapter 4 – Know your Objectives - The importance of definite and measurable goals cannot be ignored. The strategy or plan for reaching those goals must be related, intentional and focus. “ The church planter has more than one objectives, namely: the immediate – or the salvation of individuals and the intermediate : the birth of the indigenous churches, and the ultimate: fellowship of indigenous churches.” ( 19)

Chapter 5 – Speaking the Language of the People – Language is important for maximum efficiency. Foreign or local church planters to be effective and efficient must not only learn the language or the vernacular, he also must by all means identify with the people his working with.

Chapter 6 – Meeting the People where they are and Leading them to Dignity and Freedom – A thorough knowledge of who these people are, helps the church planter in bringing about a change brought by the Holy Spirit. Starting from people's salvation and eventually, their spiritual growth. This change not only saved the soul but also provides avenues for them to realize their potentials in Christ.

Chapter 7 – Thinking Reproducible… - The church as an organism is capable of reproducing itself. In the authors parlance i.e. 3 Self’s. A church planter must freely employ reproducible principles such as; in the use of materials things, the detail of strategy used, the leadership skills and potentials.

Chapter 8 – Getting Started – Here the author of the book discusses on the w’s and the H., The techniques/methods used/the target groups/materials and etc., are subject to the church planter’s sensitivity in the field. The bottom line is the people’s response. Techniques vary, theology had to be constant. The Good News is indispensable.

Chapter 9 – How to Employ Indirect Leadership in Church Planting – Indirect leadership is preferred by the author, as the one of the most effectvie way of leading them through series of Bible lessons. According to him “ indirect leadership involves guidance by the leader and participation by the group that will result in rapid transfer of leadership.” (55). Dr. Brock somehow outlined a non-structured meetings and pointers. Trainings for leaders here is greatly encouraged.

Chapter 10 – From Bible Study Group to a Church – Right from the onset the church planter already had the end in mind i.e. church. The key is the church planter, his willingness to share the responsibilities. According to Dr. Brock “ a Bible Study becomes a church when people dead in sin become, through faith in Christ, a living organism characterized by a Christ sustained ability to govern, support and propagate itself..” (67). Again trainings is greatly encouraged. Such as TEE etc.

Chapter 11 – Church Planting Unhindered – The author here speaks about the church and churches.


Critical Evaluation

As mentioned the book the author started with the two purposes, both theological and practical. Throughout the book, the theme is very consistent. Just like as he said “ Theology is constant, methodology vary”- This book may be in seed form – but plainl enough to provide us one comprehensive, practical and universal precepts in church planting.
The explanations are simple and practical even to beginners.

Words such as “ from BS becoming church – is relly intriguing - no one however, could argue it is not theologicallyand practically attainable. The timeframe or tramsition is not subject to material aspect in "church life".

A church is born when people are changed spiritually by virtue of the new birth, and they grow because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and are useful for the kingdom work and eventually expansion.

This book, is flexible and thought provoking. Providing a church planter freedom, and a desire to find materials fit in his own context.Of course, in the direcion and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion
Dr. Charles Brock, a professor, practitioner and mentor of church planting movement in the Philippines for many years has provided us a strong foundational framework in the subject.
Without hesitation,. I highly recommend this work for students as well as church planters in th field to read and to see through the authors minds and experiences principles that really work here in the Philippines.