When the Church Grows

When the Church Grows: A Biblical Response to Global Church Planting in the Philippines

In recent years, the Philippines has seen an increase in international Christian churches planting campuses on our soil. From world-renowned worship ministries to globally recognized movements, these big churches bring in polished sermons, powerful worship, and passionate outreach programs. While this sparks excitement for some, it also stirs questions — even concern — among others in the local Body of Christ.

But how should we, as Filipino believers and church leaders, respond biblically?

1. Jesus, Not Branding, Is the Center of Our Faith

The foundation of our faith isn’t built on a church name, a logo, or an international movement — it is built on the person of Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

That means whether someone meets Jesus in a small provincial fellowship or a massive city auditorium, what matters most is that they meet Jesus, not how or where.

2. God Can Use Any Vessel — Big or Small

Throughout the Bible, God used both the seemingly insignificant (like David and his sling) and the grand (like Solomon’s temple) to carry out His purposes. Today, He is still doing the same — working through the humble barangay prayer meeting and through massive church-planting movements.

Instead of guarding territories or comparing strategies, may we echo Paul’s words in Philippians 1:18, “The important thing is that in every way… Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

3. Let’s Not Give People a Reason to Leave the Local Church

Yes, some believers leave their local churches and flock to newer, flashier ministries. But rather than point fingers, perhaps it’s time we ask ourselves: Are we creating a culture where people encounter peace, grace, and truth? Or are they leaving because they’re searching for something we’ve neglected to nurture?

This is not a time for competition — it’s a time for reflection and repentance. Let’s make our local churches a place where people feel seen, loved, and discipled.

4. Unity Over Division: We’re On the Same Side

We must stop seeing each other as threats and start seeing each other as co-laborers. The harvest in the Philippines is still vast, and the workers, still few (Luke 10:2). Whether a soul is saved through a centuries-old local church or a new international plant, heaven rejoices all the same.

Let us celebrate every hand raised in surrender, every life changed, every heart turned back to the Father. More churches should never feel like a threat — they should feel like reinforcements.

A Final Word to Local Churches:

Dear pastors, leaders, and believers in the Philippines — let us not lose heart or feel overlooked. Stand firm in your calling. Remain faithful to the message of Christ. Don’t compromise your conviction, but don’t harden your heart either. Let’s open our arms to new fellowships, not out of fear, but with faith — because God is doing something beautiful in our land.

In the end, it’s not about who gets the credit. It’s about who gets the glory. And that, always and forever, belongs to Jesus.

Let’s not compete. Let’s complete.

Let’s not criticize. Let’s catalyze.
Let’s not fear. Let’s cheer.

More churches mean more chances for Jesus to be known. And that’s a reason to rejoice.