Now, again, having relationships (or sharing in appropriate efforts like Bible distribution) should not mean forsaking one’s theology. Nor does it mean forging ties with bodies that are clearly outside the faith. There are all sorts of horrific things done in the name of “ ecumenicalism” that the wise pastor will steer clear from.
The (unstated) rationale for why a lot of churches are planted often boils down to this: “City XYZ doesn’t have a church like ours, and since our doctrine / ecclesiology / distinctives are so essential, therefore City XYZ must need us.”

Now, at least on some level, this makes sense. Sound, biblical churches should seek out those areas that are underrepresented. If a community is lacking, say, a church that emphasizes reformed theology, then it makes sense that a reformed body would consider planting there.

With that said, this philosophy for church planting runs several risks. Among these is the risk of underestimating what God has already been doing in a given community through its existing churches. Beyond this, the planter, if he’s not careful, may begin the new work with a “savior mentality,” thinking that his plant will have a monopoly on the region’s truth as soon as he hits the ground.

A better approach (for the church planter to take) is the one that many missionaries do; to seek out local believers and existing churches in order to build the relationships that will be necessary for the work ahead. In any given place, God has saints who’ve been plowing the ground ahead of the prospective planter. They may not share the same denominational distinctives, but they still have a wealth of information and experience to share. Good Christians like these are not your competitors, they are your allies.

In other words: these folks are footsoliders of the same Kingdom you are hoping to advance.

If a planter approaches a new community with a “lone ranger” mentality, and writes off all of the existing pastors/churches as inadequate or apostate (some, of course, may be), then his work will be all the more difficult. And what’s more, the church that he plants will develop the same inward mentality.

Conversely, the planter who develops relationships with other area pastors and congregations will be demonstrating that his belief in the “unity” of the church has real, substantive application. And this will send a healthy message to the church membership and the community at large.

Now, again, having relationships (or sharing in appropriate efforts like Bible distribution) should not mean forsaking one’s theology. Nor does it mean forging ties with bodies that are clearly outside the faith. There are all sorts of horrific things done in the name of “ecumenicalism” that the wise pastor will steer clear from.

Yet, to steer into the most remote corner of the sheepfold, and discount the value or validity of God’s other sheep (as congregated in other area churches) is not the best call either.

My own experience has been that it is possible to hold the line for one’s beliefs and one’s theology, while at the same time extending love and humility to other congregations. In our church’s case, the fruit of this has been great; not only have local churches benefited, but our community has come away with a greater sense of the unity we share in Christ.

Could the same be achievable in your area? Probably. Each town is different, but no matter where one lives, the belief that we are “members of one another” (Romans 12:5) should affect and inform our ministry.

Toby B. Holt is a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.