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Encounter With God

Encounter with God - is a proven model for developing sustainable, multiplying and locally-resourced church planting movements in the urban context. In cities throughout the sub continent, AJC Churches are raising the credibility of the evangelical church in society and re-calibrating expectations of what can be accomplished by national churches in majority cities and villages like those that comprise much of India.

The Encounter with God Model is effective in meeting the challenge of the modern urban world. This is particularly vital in Indian cities–one of the most urbanized cities in all the world where more than 75% of the population live in urban areas.

Many strategies and programs have been attempted throughout India—each with varying levels of success. While many programs contain methods that can be incorporated into the Encounter Model, Encounter is unique in that it provides a comprehensive framework of principles that guide the implementation of contextualized strategies, programs and methods.

Following principles culled from the missionary methods of the Apostle Paul and paralleled by the example of the Early Christian Church, Encounter is a field-tested and proven missions model highly relevant to the increasingly urban world of the 21st Century.

The Encounter with God Model is undergirded by 3 Biblical Foundations, 4 Core Concepts and 10 Practical Principles.

 

Three Biblical Foundations

Following principles culled from the missionary methods of the Apostle Paul and paralleled by the example of the Early Christian Church, Encounter is a field-tested and proven missions model highly relevant to the increasingly urban world of the 21st Century. Three biblical priorities form the foundation of the Encounter with God Model, they are as below

  1. New Testament in Model
  2. Great Commission Oriented
  3. Local Congregation Centered

 

Four Core Concepts

The Encounter with God Model is effective in meeting the challenge of the modern urban world. This is particularly vital in Indian cities–one of the most urbanized cities in all the world where more than 75% of the population live in urban areas. From the three previously mentioned biblical foundations, Encounter is guided by four core concepts. These concepts are applied on a national level and help guide decisions on where to plant Encounter with God churches and how to deploy resources.

  1. Take Small Steps
  2. Mobilise Urban Professionals
  3. Concentrate Resources
  4. Focus on the Capital City

 

Practical Principles of Church

The four core concepts are worked out on a local level through ten practical principles. Because of our biblical belief that God is using and blessing the local church, it is essential that there be an operational strategy with the individual churches participating with us. This is not to imply that we run the local church, but rather that we have uncovered nine specific principles which, when acted upon by the local congregations, greatly assist the establishment of strong, nationally led, reproducing churches.

  1. Commit to Unrelenting Prayer
  2. Utilise Team Based Ministry
  3. Select a Strategic Location
  4. Construct Inviting Facilties
  5. Conduct Momentum Evangelism
  6. Disciple New Believers
  7. Prepare Future Leaders
  8. Plant Daughter Churches
  9. Cultivate a Missionary Vision
  10. Teach Financial Responsibility