The effective planter possesses the ability to see opportunities in the midst of circumstances. He sees a clear picture of what the future can and should be and can share it with those who are part of his team. His vision for planting a healthy church will help him persevere in difficult moments.
Nehemiah saw possibilities in the midst of the desolation of Jerusalem:
“Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Nehemiah. 2:3
“If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Nehemiah. 2:5
An important attribute of a church planter is his or her ability to involve others in the ministry. The planter knows how to include others in ministry so that they feel a part of it. People join in the vision of the new church because the planter makes them an integral part of the mission.
“Two are better than one…” Ecclesiastes 4:9
The church planter has the ability to make healthy connections with other people, and has influence due to his/her social gifts.
The planter relates well to:
• The team of leaders in the church plant.
• Those he wants to reach.
• Community leaders.
• People in the community.
• Other leaders.
People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Finally, the planter should know what the community is like and guide the church to relate to it. The planter responds to the needs of the community. This enables him to get to know more and more what the community is like and how the church can serve it. Congregations that get involved with and focus on the needs of their communities are going to have greater penetration into the community and will be more accepted by them.
“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Mark 8:1-2
What do you see at the possible needs:
• Family/marriage problems
• Alcoholism
• Loneliness
• Injustice
• Hunger, poverty
• Literacy education
• Inadequate housing
• Employment • Others
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
- St. Francis
"There is a terrible hunger for love.
We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness.
We must have the courage to recognize it.
The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them. Love them."
"Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart."
"Give yourself fully to God.
He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness."
- Mother Theresa of Calcutta
Nehemiah saw possibilities in the midst of the desolation of Jerusalem:
“Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Nehemiah. 2:3
“If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Nehemiah. 2:5
An important attribute of a church planter is his or her ability to involve others in the ministry. The planter knows how to include others in ministry so that they feel a part of it. People join in the vision of the new church because the planter makes them an integral part of the mission.
“Two are better than one…” Ecclesiastes 4:9
The church planter has the ability to make healthy connections with other people, and has influence due to his/her social gifts.
The planter relates well to:
• The team of leaders in the church plant.
• Those he wants to reach.
• Community leaders.
• People in the community.
• Other leaders.
People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Finally, the planter should know what the community is like and guide the church to relate to it. The planter responds to the needs of the community. This enables him to get to know more and more what the community is like and how the church can serve it. Congregations that get involved with and focus on the needs of their communities are going to have greater penetration into the community and will be more accepted by them.
“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Mark 8:1-2
What do you see at the possible needs:
• Family/marriage problems
• Alcoholism
• Loneliness
• Injustice
• Hunger, poverty
• Literacy education
• Inadequate housing
• Employment • Others
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
- St. Francis
"There is a terrible hunger for love.
We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness.
We must have the courage to recognize it.
The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them. Love them."
"Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart."
"Give yourself fully to God.
He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness."
- Mother Theresa of Calcutta