The UK is experiencing both a decline in traditional church attendance and an exciting surge in grassroots church planting movements. In this shifting spiritual landscape, Matthew 28:19 stands as a powerful call to action: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This mission verse is not just history—it is the living mandate of Jesus Christ to His Church.
This reflection explores why Matthew 28:19 is vital for church planting in the UK today and how pastors, planters, and believers can practically live it out.
Why Matthew 28:19 Matters for UK Church Planting
Church planting in the UK faces unique challenges—post-Christian culture, skepticism toward organized religion, and competing secular narratives. Yet Matthew 28:19 speaks with clarity: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
First, it highlights movement. The command to “go” breaks the comfort of staying inward. For churches in the UK, this means moving into neighborhoods, campuses, cafés, and workplaces, embodying the Gospel where people already live their lives. Church planting is not about erecting new buildings but about living missionally.
Second, Matthew 28:19 emphasizes making disciples, not just converts. In a culture where many are spiritually curious but unchurched, discipleship means walking with people, teaching, mentoring, and modeling faith. Church plants thrive when they prioritize life-on-life transformation.
Third, the verse reminds the UK church of its global vision. Britain has become increasingly diverse, with communities from every corner of the world. The mission field is not “out there” but right here. Church planting under Matthew 28:19 calls believers to embrace multicultural discipleship and Gospel hospitality.
How to Live Out Matthew 28:19 in UK Church Planting
Living out Matthew 28:19 in UK church planting requires prayerful strategy and faithful obedience.
First, UK believers must embrace a sending mindset. Church planting cannot flourish if churches cling only to internal growth. Leaders and members alike must see themselves as “sent ones,” empowered to carry Christ’s message wherever they go.
Second, discipleship must remain the core metric of success. Instead of counting numbers, church planters can invest deeply in raising disciples who disciple others. This multiplication mindset ensures that new churches are sustainable and mission-driven.
Third, church planters in the UK must contextualize the Gospel without compromising it. Matthew 28:19 is timeless, yet it must be spoken in today’s language—whether through creative liturgy, community service, digital outreach, or simple table fellowship. The essence remains baptizing and teaching, but the methods must resonate with modern Britain.
Matthew 28:19 – Mission Bible Verse for UK Church Planting, 27th October 2025
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Christ reassures planters that they are never alone. Church planting is hard, but His presence sustains every step.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse grounds planting not in human ability but Spirit-empowered witness.
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? … And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
A call to UK planters: people need to hear the Gospel, and God sends His church to proclaim it.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Church planting begins with availability to God’s call.
1 Corinthians 3:6
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
Church planters plant, but God alone brings true growth.
John 20:21
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’”
The mission of Jesus flows directly into the mission of His church.
Psalm 67:2
“So that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”
Every UK church plant carries a global ripple effect in God’s plan.
Colossians 1:28
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
Church planting is not about buildings but maturing disciples in Christ.
Luke 10:2
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
The UK is ripe for Gospel sowing—planters must pray for more workers.
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say … entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
A multiplication principle essential for sustainable church planting.
Hebrews 12:1–2
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”
Planting requires endurance and focus on Christ.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
The heart of planting is declaring God’s glory in every community.
Mark 16:15
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
The Great Commission simplified: Go and preach Christ.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Encouragement for weary planters—God promises fruit in His time.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people … that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Every church plant exists to display God’s light.
Jeremiah 1:7
“Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ … You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
Age, size, or resources are no barrier to God’s mission.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
Planters are ambassadors of heaven in UK communities.
Acts 2:47
“…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Growth comes when God blesses faithful planting and disciple-making.
Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid … for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Courage is essential for stepping into new places of mission.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Church planting is not just starting but trusting God to complete His work.
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”
The call to evangelism knows no borders. For the UK, this verse urges believers to engage communities, neighborhoods, and cities with the gospel. From London to rural towns, God’s people are called to proclaim His message of love.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Church planting in the UK thrives not by human effort but through Spirit-empowered witness. This verse reminds believers that mission begins locally yet expands outward to all nations.
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Church planting answers this question. Communities across the UK need churches that declare Christ’s message so people may hear, believe, and be transformed.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Church planting requires hearts willing to respond to God’s call. Across the UK, God raises servants who say, “Here am I,” ready to build faith communities in new places.
Matthew 9:37–38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
The UK is ripe for spiritual renewal. This verse highlights the urgency for more church planters and leaders to step into God’s mission field with faith and perseverance.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
The mission of church planting is to declare God’s glory. In multicultural UK cities, this verse comes alive as churches embody worship and witness among diverse peoples.
1 Corinthians 3:6
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
Church planting is planting gospel seeds. While leaders may work faithfully, God alone gives growth. This brings hope to UK church planters, trusting God’s Spirit to bring fruit.
Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Every new church plant in the UK is part of fulfilling God’s global vision: the gospel proclaimed in every corner of the earth until Christ returns.
Luke 10:2
“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Church planting in the UK requires prayer. God calls His people to intercede for more workers and faithfully step into the field ready for harvest.
Psalm 2:8
“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
Church planters in the UK can be bold in asking God for souls. His promise extends to nations, and the UK is part of this inheritance.
Colossians 1:28
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
Church planting is not merely about starting gatherings but about discipling people to maturity in Christ. This verse shapes the vision for UK churches that form strong discipleship communities.
Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.”
The mission of church planting is life-giving. Like trees offering shade, new churches in the UK provide spiritual nourishment and hope to communities.
John 20:21
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’”
This verse establishes the sending nature of the mission. UK church planters carry Christ’s peace as they are sent into neighborhoods longing for light and truth.
Hebrews 10:24–25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Church planting creates spaces for community and encouragement. In the UK, where isolation often grows, new churches bring people together under Christ’s love.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Church plants remind believers of their identity and mission: to declare Christ’s praises. In the UK, this verse empowers communities to shine light in cultural darkness.
Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
Every church plant is a ripple of God’s glory across the UK. This verse assures planters that their work contributes to the larger vision of God’s glory filling the earth.
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
Church planters in the UK can walk with boldness. The gospel they carry is not weak—it is the power of God to transform lives and communities.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”
UK church planting is rooted in God’s choice and appointment. The fruit of this mission is eternal, carrying significance far beyond earthly boundaries.
Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
Church planting is beautiful because it brings peace and salvation. In the UK, every new church community is a proclamation: “Our God reigns.”
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Church planting in the UK depends on multiplication. Leaders are not only called to disciple but to raise up others who will teach, plant, and carry the mission forward.
Titus 1:5
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”
This verse mirrors church planting in the UK: appointing leaders, establishing order, and building communities that can thrive under godly guidance.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Church planters in the UK can be confident that the Lord will finish what He starts. Each church plant is a work begun by God, and He will see it through.
Jeremiah 29:7
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Church planting in UK cities involves seeking the welfare of communities. By planting churches that serve, pray, and love, entire towns are blessed.
1 Thessalonians 1:8
“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
The mission is multiplication. As UK church plants grow, the gospel rings out beyond their borders, making faith in Christ known across nations.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Church planting in the UK creates new lights in places of spiritual darkness. Every new community becomes a visible sign of God’s kingdom.
Genesis 12:2
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”
God blesses His people to be a blessing. UK church plants carry this Abrahamic promise—called not to exist inwardly, but to bless communities around them.
1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
Church planting in the UK requires cultural flexibility. This verse calls planters to engage people in relevant ways so Christ may be known.
Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
The UK is increasingly diverse, and every church plant is a glimpse of the heavenly vision: people from all nations worshiping Christ together.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Church planting in the UK can be slow and difficult. This verse reminds planters to persevere, trusting that God’s harvest will come.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
For planters stepping into new, uncertain areas across the UK, this verse brings courage. God’s presence empowers mission in unfamiliar territory.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
Church planting is an ambassadorial mission. UK churches represent Christ to their neighborhoods, showing His love and proclaiming His truth.
Acts 16:5
“So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
This verse paints the picture of healthy church planting. In the UK, the mission is not only planting new works but strengthening them in faith for lasting growth.
Zechariah 4:10
“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”
Small beginnings in UK church plants should not be despised. God rejoices in the faithful start, knowing He will bring completion.
1 John 4:12
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
Church planting is about creating communities of love. In the UK, where loneliness abounds, churches reveal God’s presence through love.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Church planting is action. UK believers are called not just to hear Matthew 28:19 but to obey by planting churches that make disciples.
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
Church planting in the UK must be Spirit-led. Without God’s hand, human effort will falter, but with Him, the house will stand.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
New churches must embody justice, mercy, and humility. In the UK, these values are a compelling witness to Christ’s kingdom.
Hebrews 12:1–2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
Church planting is a race of endurance. UK planters are encouraged to keep their eyes on Jesus, drawing strength from those who have gone before.
Summary
Church planting in the UK stands as a living response to the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19 calls believers to “go and make disciples of all nations,” a command that echoes across cities, towns, and villages throughout the United Kingdom. The mission is not merely about expanding church numbers but about embodying Christ’s presence in diverse contexts—whether in bustling urban centers, rural parishes, or multicultural neighborhoods. Each new church becomes a light set on a hill, proclaiming the hope of the gospel and creating spaces where people can encounter God’s love.
This vision is strengthened by Scripture’s assurance that God Himself builds His house. From Psalm 127:1, reminding planters that “unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain,” to Philippians 1:,6 affirming that “He who began a good work will bring it to completion,” the work of planting is never carried out in human strength alone. The journey is marked by small beginnings, cultural challenges, and seasons of perseverance, yet God’s Word assures that every faithful step contributes to His unfolding plan. Just as Paul appointed leaders and strengthened churches across the Mediterranean world, UK church planters today are entrusted with the same Spirit-led mission of multiplication, equipping others to disciple and lead.
Ultimately, UK church planting is both local and global in scope. With the UK’s increasing cultural diversity, new churches reflect Revelation 7:9’s vision of every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping Christ together. In prayer, justice, mercy, and bold proclamation, these communities witness to the transforming power of the gospel. Though challenges of secularism, skepticism, and societal change persist, the mission of Matthew 28:19 endures as both a command and a promise—that as the Church goes, baptizes, and teaches, Christ Himself is with them always, to the very end of the age.
