| The purpose of the study was to determine whether or not the sponsorship of a new church plant had an impact on selected church growth variables in the sponsoring churches. The study involved SBC churches which reported sponsoring a new church type mission (church plant) in 1999. Data for fifteen growth variables over a period of eleven years (1994-2004) were collected for the 624 churches which sponsored a church plant in 1999.;Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing paired samples t tests, comparative analysis, and one way ANOVA. Eight variables were identified as having been impacted by church plant sponsorship with Designated Offerings being the variable most affected. The proximity of the church plant to the sponsor church did not have a significant effect.;This research project found that the sponsor church was positively impacted in eight growth variables. These variables were categorized into two types: monetary variables and worship attendance. The monetary variables included total receipts, undesignated gifts, designated gifts, total missions expenditures, Annie Armstrong Easter offerings, Lottie Moon Christmas offerings, and tithes. Worship attendance referred to the average attendance at the church's primary worship service.;An implication of the study suggests that plateaued or declining churches should seriously and prayerfully consider sponsoring a church plant every three to five years in order to create a missional atmosphere in the local church. A missional atmosphere in the church aids the members to be more spiritually mature by being more receptive to the Holy Spirit. The members will see their community from a kingdom perspective rather than a parochial perspective. The result will be a revitalized local church, the expansion of the kingdom, and the glorification of Christ. |
