How does the Assemblies of God define "church planting"?

The definition of "church planting" within the Assemblies of God specifically refers to establishing new congregations for the gospel. This process involves initiating communities of faith where individuals can come together to worship, grow spiritually, and reach out to their surrounding communities with the message of Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on creating new church environments that foster spiritual development and outreach, which aligns with the mission of the Assemblies of God to spread the gospel and disciple believers.

This understanding of church planting is rooted in the biblical model of evangelism and discipleship, reflecting the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. It highlights the importance of planting new churches as a means to expand the Kingdom of God, rather than simply forming social clubs, building large facilities, or merging existing congregations, which do not capture the essence of spreading the gospel and developing new communities that can thrive in their own right.