Our vision is to multiply indigenous, healthy, Kingdom minded churches, so that the Gospel transforms our society socially, spiritually, and culturally. 

Read more about our Church Planting philosophy here: Why Should West End Presbyterian Church Plant New Churches?"

An Essential Strategy: We are convinced that the continual planting of new congregations is the single most essential strategy for growth of the number of followers of Jesus Christ in Richmond, Virginia and beyond. Additionally, nothing is more crucial for the ongoing revival of existing congregations than starting new congregations.

The Most Effective Way: We believe the most effective way of accomplishing the mission and changing our city is by contributing to a movement of new churches in the greater Richmond area. Further, we believe the relationships God has cultivated through outreach and missions create opportunities to reach different people groups in Richmond and around the world.

Central to the Gospel: We believe that church planting is a central part of living out the Gospel for us at WEPC and for all Christian churches. There is no more effective way to reach the lost. Church planting fulfills scriptural mandates such as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), enhances practical outreach, and ensures adaptability in a changing world.

The Witness of Scripture: Paul’s missionary strategy was to plant local churches and “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5). The new converts to Christianity were organized and given direction for faith and worship in the living context of a local church.

Reaching Non-Christians: Church Planting, planting a movement of new congregations, is not only Biblical, it is the only far reaching way to bring large numbers of Christians into Richmond’s churches in a permanent way. And new believers often have networks of non-Christian friends that long-time Christians do not, which opens up a multitude of avenues and relationships that were previously closed to the churches in this city.

The Need for New Churches: If we want to renew our country spiritually, we will have to plant thousands and thousands of new churches annually. In light of this research, it is clear why America has become decreasingly influenced by a Christian world and life view. It takes new churches to reach new generations, and new ethnic groups—but there are far fewer churches being planted.

A Radical Vision: It means that, for some to be faithful to the vision and mission of West End Presbyterian Church, they will have to leave WEPC to be a part of one of her planted churches! Here we see Jesus’ principle of the Kingdom in practice: We grow rich by giving away, and we gain our lives by laying them down for Christ’s sake (Mark 8:31-38). WEPC can have the opportunity to bless and renew our city by giving away money, leaders, ministers, and members to new churches.

Remembering Our Mission: Our church must remember its missional status. New church planting is the only way believers in Richmond can see the number of followers of Jesus Christ increase while seeing existing congregations renewed. The Biblical, sociological, and historical reasons compel West End Presbyterian Church to give ourselves to the initiative of planting of new churches.

 

WEPC's Daughter and Partner Churches & Initiatives