Church Planter: Book Launch
Every established church was first a church plant.
By planting churches, we have the privilege of being part of God’s sovereign work in the world. God’s redemptive plan has always involved having a people for himself. Our cities desperately need theologically sound, missionally effective, multiplying churches planted. For this to happen, we must develop faithful and effective church planters. The better equipped planters we send out, the more missionally effective churches we’ll plant.
Dr. Tony Merida explores nine essentials for church planters to be faithful and effective in engaging their cities with the gospel, making disciples of Jesus Christ, and planting gospel-centered churches. Whether you’re an aspiring planter, a sending church, a seasoned pastor, a member of a planting team, or someone leveraging your time, talents, and treasures for the kingdom of God, this book will inform and inspire as you grow in your affections for Christ and in your effectiveness in ministry.
Endorsements
“I have been greatly helped by Tony Merida’s preaching and have been inspired by his friendship. The nine essentials Tony lays out in Church Planter are applicable to far more than leaders of the church of Jesus Christ; everyone would do well to ingest these lessons.”
Dr. Bryan Loritts, Teaching Pastor, The Summit Church; Author, The Offensive Church
“Church Planter: Nine Essentials for Being Faithful and Effective by Tony Merida is a must-read for anyone serious about church planting. The combination of biblical truth and practical guidance stands out in the world of church-planting books. Tony provides both the inspiration and the tools necessary for planting faithful and effective, gospel-centered churches. As a church-planting professor, I highly recommend this book to all aspiring and current church planters who desire to faithfully serve God’s mission.”
George Ross, NAMB Church Planting and Ministry Center Director; Professor of Church Planting and Evangelism at NOBTS
“The coaching Tony Merida offers in Church Planter is solidly biblical and readily applicable. It’s packed with practical wisdom for planters and their teams. Each chapter is worth visiting again and again, because no ministry leader will ever outgrow these truths. Every church planting team member will benefit from this book!”
Jen Oshman, Author; speaker; women’s ministry director
“If we want to see a gospel movement in North America, we must intentionally develop the next generation of church planters. Tony Merida’s new book, Church Planter: Nine Essentials for Being Faithful and Effective, can play a critical part in preparing godly men who will be ready for the task ahead. I’ve seen Tony’s work firsthand, and I know he is committed to training faithful, biblical leaders for Great Commission churches. As you and your church help equip church planters to pursue the Great Commission in North America and around the world, this book will be an essential resource!”
Kevin Ezell, President of the North American Mission Board
“When I planted The Austin Stone in 2002, I would have given the world to have a resource like Church Planter. Tony Merida has written the go-to, all-encompassing manual for church-planting efficiency. The church has desperately needed a resource like Merida has delivered.”
Matt Carter, VP of Mobilization for Send Network/NAMB
“If people around the world are going to hear the gospel proclaimed and grow in godliness, then we need sound leaders planting sound churches. And if the Lord has called you to participate in this essential work, then Church Planter: Nine Essentials for Being Faithful and Effective is the book you need to read. In his well-known winsome and wise way, Tony Merida not only provides you with practical tools, he reminds you to pursue Christ as you proclaim him, to rest in Christ as you labor for him, and to love Christ as you love his people.”
Courtney Doctor, Director of Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition; Bible teacher and author
“With his extensive experience planting a church-planting church and training hundreds of church planters, Tony Merida distills his pastoral wisdom and a wealth of church planting literature into nine essentials that every planter must consider. This book is an invaluable resource for equipping the next generation of church planters to be theologically sound, spiritually robust, and relationally healthy.”
Walter R. Strickland II, PhD., Teaching Pastor Imago Dei Church; Theology Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Church planters who are effective but not pragmatic are rare gems in the Kingdom landscape. Tony is one such rare gem. This helpful resource flows straight out of his robust biblical convictions in ecclesiology and missiology, and delivers practical, cross-cultural directives for faithful and fruitful church planting. Every church planter and every partner for church planting will be served well by Tony’s work.”
Adam Bailie, Senior Lead Pastor, Christ Church
“Tony Merida is one of my favorite preachers and authors as well as one of the most faithful church planters I know. In Church Planter: Nine Essentials for Being Faithful and Effective, Dr. Merida uses his considerable gifts and experience to produce this essential work for actual and potential church planters. I highly recommend Church Planter to every minister, especially those engaged in the work of church planting.”
Jason K. Allen, Ph.D., President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary & Spurgeon College
“Tony Merida’s introduction to church planting is soaked in Scripture, laden with practical and pastoral advice, enriched by episodes and quotations from heroes of the faith, all in a highly accessible form. Tony touches on the great issues—calling, leadership, and relationships—and adds welcome commentary on a host of helpful topics, such as ambition, marriage, and exercise. The prompts for prayer and reflection make the book even more valuable.”
Dan Doriani, Author and professor of theology at Covenant Theological Seminary
“Church Planter: Nine Essentials for Being Faithful and Effective is a must-read for anyone passionate about the Great Commission. This book is biblically refreshing, practically accessible, and theologically driven. Tony Merida writes not only as a pastor and planter but also as a church planting network leader, theologian, and spiritual father. His wisdom is rich, complete, and Christ-exalting. Every chapter breathes grace and practical insight, making it an invaluable resource for those committed to building gospel-centered churches that glorify God.”
Dr. Doug Logan, Jr., President of Grimké Seminary and Dean of Grimké Urban; Author of On the Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vii
Foreword xi
Introduction 1
1. The Heart 7
2. Relationships 21
3. Calling 35
4. Theology 49
5. Mission 63
6. Teaching 77
7. The Church 95
8. The Nations 107
9. Practical Leadership 121
Conclusion 135
Appendix 1: Our Sufficiency Is from God 141
Appendix 2: Recommended Book List for Planters 147
Appendix 3: Eight Marks of a Faithful and Joyful Marriage 155
Appendix 4: Sermon Evaluation Form 159
Bibliography 163
About the Author 167
About Gospel-Centered Discipleship 169
Resources from Gospel-Centered Discipleship 171
About the Author
Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, vice president of Planter Development for Send Network, and a Board member of The Gospel Coalition. He’s the author of several books, including The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. He and his wife, Kimberly, have five children.
You can buy the book on Amazon and Gospel-Centered Discipleship.