In March 2015, several Tanzanian church leaders were among the 123 leaders from eight countries who attended the launching of the East Africa GACX (Global Alliance for Church Multiplication). At that event, the Tanzanian delegation was inspired by the vision to plant a church for every 1,000 people in their country. Upon returning home, they agreed to work together and set a national goal of 67,500 vital churches. As they collaborate across church denominations and mission agencies, they learn from and support one another, they avoid duplication and competition, and they make a greater impact for the kingdom through increased fruitfulness.
GACX is a worldwide network of churches and mission organizations committed to accelerating global evangelization through multiplication of missional and sustainable churches and faith communities. The network was established in 2011 when GCM and four other ministries agreed to work together toward planting a church for every 1,000 people worldwide, primarily among the five billion unchurched and non-Christian people of the world. This goal would lead to an additional five million churches and faith communities.
Since then, GACX has grown to a membership of 90 global ministries with several national and regional expressions (like the one in East Africa). Between 2010 and 2018, through mutual inspiration and encouragement, intentional collaboration, and generous sharing of resources and strategies, GACX members have collectively planted more than 1.75 million churches and groups.
Every tribe, tongue, people, and nation
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus gave us a vision: “And the gospel of this kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Jesus didn’t say, “it might be preached” or “it could be preached.” Instead he said, “it will be preached.” Jesus has also shown us the panoramic view of his kingdom, where people who have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation will gather and worship God for eternity (Revelation 5 and 7).
God is working in powerful ways all over the world, despite increasing government restrictions, persecution, and anti-Christian sentiment. Churches and organizations are working together, and believers who have been entrusted with resources are giving generously. Furthermore, the gospel of the kingdom is being preached, churches are rapidly being planted and technology has accelerated the way we do evangelism and send missionaries.
It’s all part of God’s plan: a former fisherman now catching men and women for Jesus, the Tanzania national plan to see a church planted in every village and neighborhood, the growing work of GCM in Cru and the intentional collaboration of the body of Christ through GACX. Jesus’ vision of the gospel being preached in the whole world is becoming reality.