Imagine this: it’s May 1940. Hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk, awaiting inevitable doom as German forces close in. What happens next? A call goes out—not just to military ships but to “every boat that floats”. From fishing vessels to pleasure boats, anyone with a seaworthy craft steps up to rescue those soldiers. Together, they pull off a miracle, saving over 300,000 lives.
Neil Powell, author of Together for the City, uses this analogy to describe the urgent need for collaborative church planting. Just like Dunkirk, the task of reaching lost souls is too monumental for any one person—or even one denomination—to handle alone. It requires every “boat,” or church, to play its part.
Why Every Christian Should Care About Church Planting
You might be thinking, “I’m not a pastor, so what does church planting have to do with me?” Neil would argue: *everything*. The need for gospel-centered churches is staggering, especially in cities where secularization and shifting demographics create spiritual voids.
Church planting isn’t just for professional clergy. Neil himself started as an “accidental and reluctant” church planter, simply stepping in to meet the needs he saw around him. He and his team in Birmingham launched 2020 Birmingham, a movement to plant 20 churches in 10 years. The result? Not just 20 churches, but an ongoing multiplication of gospel communities across the city.
How Do We Get All the Boats in the Water?
The Dunkirk spirit isn’t about competition—it’s about collaboration. Neil emphasizes breaking down denominational barriers to work together for the greater mission. His team set boundaries (evangelical orthodoxy) and a shared center (a vision to multiply gospel churches). This framework allowed leaders from different traditions to unite without compromising core convictions.
Here’s a key takeaway: collaboration depends on strong relationships. Neil warns against rushing the process. Instead, he advises building trust one conversation at a time. Movements don’t start with big events; they start with coffee chats between like-minded leaders.
Practical Steps for Everyday Christians
Not everyone is called to plant a church, but *everyone* can play a role in church planting. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
1. Pray: Start by praying for church planters in your city. Ask God to raise up leaders and open doors for new gospel communities.
2. Support: Could your church partner with a local church plant? Maybe you can share resources, provide financial assistance, or offer meeting space.
3. Join: Be open to joining a church plant, especially if it’s in an underserved area. Your presence and gifts could make all the difference.
4. Encourage Diversity: Recognize the unique needs of your city. Neil highlights the importance of planting churches that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of their communities.
Answering the Big Question: What Does It Look Like to Be the Church Here?
Neil often asks two critical questions: What does it look like to be the church here? and at this time? Context matters. A church in a rapidly growing immigrant neighborhood will look different from one in a suburban community. Understanding your local culture helps shape effective ministry strategies.
For established churches, Neil suggests reconnecting with their communities. “Be curious,” he says. “Learn from others—especially younger churches that might be more in tune with cultural shifts.” Sometimes, the best way to revitalize your church is to lean into collaboration and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Neil’s message is clear: the task is urgent, the need is great, and no single church can do it alone. Whether you’re a pastor, a church member, or someone exploring your role in God’s mission, you’re invited to grab an oar and row. Every boat that floats has a part to play.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out Neil’s book, Together for the City, or visit The London Project for more resources and inspiration.
