Nine Essentials of a Faithful and Effective Church Planter
These 9 short videos explore the essential qualities church planters should strive to embody to be faithful and effective in ministry. Each video overviews key aspects of church planting ranging from personal spiritual health to leadership and global mission.
Character
Your chief identity isn’t church planter or pastor but disciple of Christ and child of God. It is a “safeguard for you” (Philippians 3:1) to be trained and reminded about holiness, humility, spiritual disciplines, and your walk with Christ.
Calling
We want to make sure you are confident in your calling to serve in church planting. Starting a new church from the ground up is one of the most challenging tasks in ministry. Confidence in God’s call on your life is crucial to endure the difficult seasons.
Prayer
Church planting is hard work, and to do it well, we need a deep dependence on God that is manifested in both personal and corporate times of fervent prayer. God’s people through the years can testify that when we seek God in prayer, we meet God in power. Prioritize being devoted to him in prayer.
Mission
Church planting is not service starting. We want you to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5) and to disciple and pastor “God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2). Church planters must model a missional lifestyle.
Theology
Planters need to be theologically grounded and gospel-centered. Since you will be a public theologian in your community, you better know your Bible and doctrine. We want planters to be humble teachers and defenders of sound doctrine.
Teaching
Pastors must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). No matter the setting or audience, planters must be skilled in explaining and applying the Scriptures in light of the person and work of Christ. Planters must faithfully stand on God’s Word, no matter what’s going on in the surrounding culture.
The Church
Planters must know what they are planting. By the end of Send Network Training, you should understand essential matters of ecclesiology, leadership, and pastoral care. Jesus loves the church. Every planter must take his cues from Jesus.
The Nations
What is your vision for your church plant to engage the nations with the gospel? Planters who seek first the kingdom of God will pursue global partnerships. Don’t lose the forest (the nations) for the trees (the neighborhood).
Practical Leadership
Planters need to be faithful and effective. Planters are pastors, preachers, counselors, evangelists, fundraisers, and leaders. You have to lead the team, lead services, lead meetings, and lead volunteers. You need the toolbox of wise and practical leadership to be a faithful and effective planter.
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