A church planter maintains a hope-filled faith in God through the ups and downs of church planting. He is a God-centered optimist.
Planting invites problems. But a planter believes that God will accomplish what he has sent him to do, and will supply every resource needed to get it done. He knows he will face obstacles, but sees them as opportunities for God to come through. He lets failure humble him, not undermine his trust in God. He prays big and expects big. When others around him are doubting, he reminds them and himself of Jesus’s promise, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). His faith inspires others to hope in God. Deep in his heart there is a humble confidence that many disciples will be multiplied and matured, and that a congregation will be established because Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful” (Matthew 9:37) and “I have many in this city who are my people” (Acts 18:10).
Questions to Consider
Do I have a strong sense of faith that God will accomplish what He has sent me to do?
Do I have the resilience to persevere through trials and difficulties with a humble confidence in God by depending on Him?
Do I have the ability to lead those around me, especially my spouse and family, to trust God and have faith in him?
Can I handle failure in a constructive way, learning from mistakes with the confidence that God will help me grow?
Scripture to Reference
Nehemiah 1–5; Matthew 7:24–27; Luke 14:28–32; 16:1–8