Statistics show that Africa will become a Christian continent by A.D. 2000. To some people this may sound unbelievable, but it is true.

As an instructor in missions at a Bible college I have as one of my responsibilities the task of encouraging my students to consider the possibility that God may desire them to become church planters. In speaking with students of this possibility I find that the term “church planting” or “church planter” is one that is not readily understood.

When I was asked to give the opening address at the 1979 Executives Retreat of the Evangelical Foreign Missions Association, the theme had already been chosen.

It is easy for any organization, including theological education programs, to “press on redundant,” or “when you lose sight of your goals, just double your pace.” This is an ever-present danger that must be addressed.

How do we stimulate our youth to be concerned, aware, and active in reaching the world with the good news of Jesus? We must work to apply three principles in our churches: example, exposure, and experience.