Date
8-6-2025
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Robert Massey
Keywords
church planting, symbiotic relationship, church multiplication, relationship between mother churches and church plants, missions, church planting partnerships
Disciplines
Missions and World Christianity | Religion
Recommended Citation
Blazer, Timothy, "A Strategy for Helping Mother and Daughter Churches Foster a Healthy Symbiotic Relationship" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7325.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7325
Abstract
This action research project explores the dynamic relationship between mother churches and daughter churches within the context of church multiplication, with particular emphasis on the mutual benefits and shared challenges that emerge throughout the planting process. Central to the study is the guiding research question: “Will applying biblical principles of church planting partnership between mother and daughter churches enable church plants to thrive and flourish?” While much of the existing literature centers primarily on individual church planters, this study focuses on how mother churches and their church plants can experience growth and vitality through intentional and collaborative partnerships. The purpose of this action research project is to design and implement a five-session training course tailored to equip local churches in Northeast Brazil to cultivate nurturing, supportive relationships with their church plants. Drawing on qualitative data from surveys, interviews, and a reflective journal, the research investigates key factors that contribute to healthy, symbiotic partnerships between mother and daughter churches. These factors include vision casting, leadership training, mobilization, resource sharing, accountability structures, and ongoing relational ties. Findings suggest that when mother and daughter churches maintain open lines of communication, foster interdependence rather than control, and pursue a shared mission, both churches are strengthened. Ultimately, this research contributes to the development of best practices in church planting by highlighting how a symbiotic model can enhance long-term sustainability and foster greater multiplication in diverse ministry contexts.
