Simulator training event equips, encourages students to share the Gospel in New England

Students gathered in the Liberty Mountain Conference Center on Saturday for a Church Planting Simulator, hosted by Liberty University’s Center for Church Advancement, where they heard from experienced church planters, researched how to evangelize in different communities, learned about ministry programs, and pitched their ideas.

The CCA, which operates under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, seeks to support church leadership in church planting and church revitalization by targeting three distinct areas for success: students, churches, and the mission field. By meeting these objectives, the center is carrying out Liberty’s mission of Training Champions for Christ, who will in turn champion churches and advance the Kingdom.

The annual Church Planting Simulator provides students the opportunity to learn about the importance of researching evangelism and discipleship when planting churches.

“I’ve seen a lot of churches planted well and a lot that have not,” Christian leadership and church ministries senior Cherish Weed said. “Being able to take part in this event and see firsthand what’s a healthy way to structure a church plant is so helpful.”

The event began with a message from CCA Director Dr. Chris Dowd on the importance of “knowing the soil before plowing” and keeping the Gospel relevant in modern society while retaining its core message.

Students were then given a series of prompts to survey their assigned cities and study the demographics, such as geography, average wealth and education, nearby colleges, and family dynamics. During the lunch break, the students prepared presentations with their ideas on planting churches in their areas and then pitched them to the church planters Shark Tank-style, acting as a church planting team.

Students of all majors were encouraged to take part in the simulator.

“The Church Planting Simulator shows (students) how to leverage their gifts to share the Gospel in the environment they work in,” said School of Divinity Associate Administrator for Communications and Resources Emily Johnson. “Watching students of other majors realize that there is a place for them on a church planting team is so encouraging.”

Focusing on the Northeast region states of Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, students were encouraged to use their individual abilities, career paths, and hobbies to intentionally evangelize to their assigned community. Ideas to reach these communities ranged from organizing book clubs and visiting childcare facilities, gyms, coffee shops, and barbecues, to participating in ESL lessons, prayer, and intentional Gospel conversations.

“I think the simulator encourages them to be more creative in how they can use their unique gifts and talents,” Johnson said. “A lot of people think if you are not going to be a pastor, then you’re on the B team and you’re not the one who’s planting the Gospel or recruiting people to come to church. So I think it’s cool to see students get creative and see where their hobbies and talents can be used to encounter people and work together.”

After group presentations, CCA campus mobilizer Umwami Ndenga, encouraged students to continue to look into ministry opportunities such as GenSend Summer, a six- to eight-week missions experience in cities throughout North America.

Through the simulator, students learned how to live missionally, engage their community, and share the Gospel with those they encounter with the goal of making connections to the local church and church planters.

“It’s cool that you get to collaborate with people from completely different majors or people who are wanting to go to different places of the world,” Weed said. “We’re able to come together and collaborate for the mission of the church, and together we can accomplish the Great Commission and share Jesus with other people.”