The dandelion is a fascinating flower.

As it is ripped from the ground by a child, and is blown to smithereens, it is simultaneously a moment of death and of new life.

As the dandelion dies, the seeds are scattered all around, and wherever they settle new dandelions spring up.

Churches get started the same way.

Over a few posts, I want to highlight some of the models of church planting found in the book of Acts – particularly those models that diverge from what is often seen today.

The church in Samaria was planted by accident.

There was no grand vision, no prophetic word, no 5-year plan.

It was just a dude, legging it from people who were trying to kill him and telling people about Jesus on the way.

Stephen had just been killed in Jerusalem. Enemies of the church were looking for others to face a similar fate. The apostles stayed put, but everybody else left Jerusalem and were spread to the surrounding towns and communities.

What would you do in their shoes?

Despite the risks to their own wellbeing, the believers who were scattered continued telling people about Jesus. Philip went to Samaria. People believed. The apostles visited. The Spirit came. A church was started.

It just happened.

Could it happen today?

Yes, and it should. Persecution is not the only reason people move to new areas. People move because of jobs, or family or study. There isn’t always an obvious church to join, but there is an obvious move to make. Talk to people about Jesus, if you find a warm reception to it, then gather some people together, meet, pray, sing, eat. As things take off, get the apostles involved and let your church plant flourish.

Speaking of the spread of the church in Acts, David Devenish says that three factors combined:

1 – Apostolic initiative

2 – Gifted evangelists with signs and wonders

3 – Lots and lots of ordinary unnamed believers who had the freedom to take initiative.

Devenish argues that this third factor was the biggest one.

As you go, take the initiative.

Talk about Jesus.

Gather people.

Plant a church.