The number of national and international ministries focused on "church planting" has risen to staggering proportions! Everybody wants in on the action, but it's beginning to sound a lot like rocket science to me.

Here's the drill. You need to be "assessed" using New Testament principles a subjective, behavioral interview; do lots of research, using demographics and psychographics, so that you will know if your target area can sustain the six-figure salary you hope to receive a couple of years down the line; raise lots of money up front so you can afford that four bedroom, three bath mansion home in the upper middle-class, mostly white, gated community, home to your demographic target; apply for permission through the proper channels, acquiring a slightly brownish tint to one's nose (don't worry, it's a badge of honor in most denominations, especially if you aspire to heights of regional, state, or national leadership); get at least one local church prominent pastor to "sponsor" the new work, crucial to keep from upsetting every other church pastor in the immediate area; attend a concentrated training event developed by specially-anointed gurus; and then develop a prayer team, leadership team, and core group with sufficient potential to "go public" with at least 300 people (small compared to the Day of Pentecost, but considered respectable by most church planting experts). Excuse me, but when I read the New Testament, here's what I see as basic principles for church planting:

1. Recognize that every Christian is "called" to communicate the Gospel message wherever they currently live and work. That's the "Great Commission," so why look for a lesser one? You don't need anyone else's permission, since God trumps everyone, and you certainly don't need an assessment to share the Gospel.
2. Continue in your present occupation (1 Corinthians 7:17-23), so you can meet your obligations, particularly the one that requires YOU to take care of your family (1 Timothy 5:8) and share with those in need (Romans 12:13; Ephesians 4:28). Ministry is not a career path for those seeking a comfortable salary, benefits, and a retirement plan!
3. Act on principle number one and begin sharing the Gospel with your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family members. There is usually no need to go anywhere else, because your world is already full of people who don't know Jesus! Yes, it's okay to relocate, as long as you remember principle number two OR a group of believers voluntarily agrees to support you as a missionary in another culture where it is unlikely that you would be allowed to take jobs away from the indigenous people group to whom you are being sent.
4. Since God has promised to provide a harvest for those who labor like this in His vineyard, begin to disciple/teach those who express an interest in spiritual things, expecting the power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit to bring them to repentance and faith.
5. Meet together with these new believers on a regular basis (Hebrews 10:24-25), thinking of creative ways in which you can stimulate one another to love and minister to others, as well as encouraging each other in the Christian journey.
6. Teach every new believer how to follow the above principles!