Developing a Core of Leaders Essential

“In every movement that has had worldwide significance in the spread the gospel throughout the history of the church, lay men and women have had a leading role. John Wesley was a man of great learning with years education and religious training, but as the leader of one of the great revival and church planting movements of history he did not go to the establish schools of religious training to find his pastors and leaders. He said:

"Give me 12 men who love Jesus with all their hearts and who do not fear men or devils and I care not one whit whether they be clergy or laity, with these men I will change the world."

And that is just what Mr. Wesley did! To preach the gospel in the open air Wesley’s day was the height of sacrilege and a serious affront to established church. It was unthinkable in the Church of England to outside of the walls of the holy sanctuaries to proclaim the sacred word of God. The Wesley brothers and George Whitefield suffered years of persecution for breaking the long-standing traditions of the established church, but this did not deter them. They knew the Scriptures and were convinced that if Jesus could do it, it was acceptable for them to do the same as well."

(Saturation House Church Planting, Robert Fitts, Sr. Chapter 55 in, “Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader, Rad Zdero, William Carey, 2007 pg 468)