“When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (v. 23)

We need more churches, not fewer.

We have this toxic religious culture, especially in smaller rural communities, and it can be summarized like this: local church defensiveness. Because we’re desperate for increased attendance—or because we’re disappointed by waning membership—we get defensive. “Our neighborhood doesn’t need another church! People should come to the church that’s been here forever!” So we don’t pray, don’t partner, and don’t promote the growth of Jesus’ church beyond our own walls.

But the Christian impulse, from the start, has been more churches. More prayed-for elders and pastors. More fasting with hope. More gatherings in more places across more towns. And all of it is for Jesus’ singular glory, for the Gospel good.

Every time I read about the early church’s missional planting efforts, I’m reminded to pray for planting, still. Yes, even in my own backyard—because the church is about Jesus, not my ego and my preference.

Will you join me in praying for the growth of His church in every place?

— Tyler