Apicontent

A. God uses teams to carry out His purposes. (2 Timothy 2:2)

1. The Trinity is an example of a team.
2. Jesus poured His life into twelve men for three years.
3. Jesus sent out teams of two. (Luke 10:1, Mark 6:7)
4. Teams are a Biblical pattern (Acts 13:2)
5. Marriage is an example of a God ordained team.
6. Your first teammate is and should be your spouse.
   • The husband and wife should be in unity before attempting to plant a church.
   • God calls husbands to be the spiritual leaders of their families. Your family’s spiritual health is your responsibility. Husbands are to show the same sacrificial love for their wives that Christ shows for His bride, the Church. (Ephesians 5:25.)
   • Other than your relationship with God, your relationship with your spouse is your most important relationship. God requires husbands to love their wives and to commit themselves to the spiritual growth of their wives. (Ephesians 5:25-28.)
   • There are steps you can take every day to help your marriage grow. Each day is an opportunity to make your marriage either better or worse. Just as a gardener gives constant attention to his garden, you should continually cultivate your marriage. These four simple practices will go a long way toward strengthening your marriage.
     • Every day, pray together.
     • Every day, tell your wife you love her.
     • Every day, do something to help her.
     • Every day, pay her a sincere compliment.

B. Teams are more effective than going alone.

1. Diversity of gifts and skills are represented in a team. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 2 Timothy 4:11)
2. Teams offer support during adversity and struggle. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
   • One horse can haul a two-ton load.
   • Therefore, two horses independently can haul four tons.
   • But yoked together two horses can haul nineteen tons.
3. Ask God and seek to build a 5-Fold Ministry Team. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
   • The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer. A close look at Ephesians 4:11-13 shows that not all believers have a 5-Fold ministry gift. Scripture clearly says ‘some’.
   • Example: Just because one prophesies, it does not mean that person is a prophet. Likewise, there are some who are in pastoral positions who are not gifted as pastors, but may instead be gifted with the motivational gift of ruling/leadership.
   • The gift should make way for the title. Do not go around, announcing yourself as ‘Prophet X’ or ‘Apostle X’. If you are an apostle or prophet, or you have been graced with any other ministry gift others will see the gift inside you and will acknowledge you and the gift.
   • This acknowledgement does not always include the TITLE of the ministry office or gifting. People who announce and proclaim themselves may or may not be true to their claims. Abuse of this “office” or gifting has caused much concern over the years.

The 5-Fold Ministry Team (gifts) can be presented in an illustration using a hand.

• Apostle – An apostle establishes and builds churches; he’s a church planter. An apostle may function in many or all of the ministry gifts. He is the “thumb,” the strongest of all of the fingers, able to touch every finger.
• Prophet – Prophet in the Greek means to “forth tell” in the sense of speaking for another. A prophet functions as God’s mouthpiece, speaking forth God’s Word. The prophet is the “index finger,” or pointer finger. He points to the future and points out sin.
• Evangelist – An evangelist is called to be a witness for Jesus Christ. He works for the local church to bring people into the body of Christ where they can be discipled. He may evangelize through music, drama, preaching, and other creative ways. He is the “middle finger,” the tallest one who stands out in the crowd. Evangelists draw a lot of attention, but they are called to serve the local body.
• Pastor – The pastor is the shepherd of the people. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The pastor is the “ring finger.” He is married to the church; called to stay, oversee, nurture and guide.
• Teacher – The teacher and the pastor are often a shared office, but not always. The teacher lays the foundation and is concerned with detail and accuracy. He delights in research to validate truth. The teacher is the “pinky finger.” Though seemingly small and insignificant, he is designed specifically for digging into tight, dark places, shinning light
• and picking apart the Word of truth.

When it is not possible to have all 5 Ministry Gifts represented in your team, a church planter must be sure that the team has a diversity of gifts to be sure that the team is more effective and can reach all kinds of people.

C. Training a team is more than recruiting. Training is discipleship.

1. Instill the church planting vision into your team members so they can embrace the vision and plan.
   • Vision should be clear, distinct, brief and compelling.
     • Clear: Vision should be written and communicated in a way so there are no questions about the vision.
     • Distinct: Vision needs to be real and tangible for people to engage.Brief: Vision need to be concise so that your team can easily understand and communicate it to others.
     • Compelling: Vision needs to be compelling and able to motivate team members, as well as future church members.
2. Instill the church planting values into your team members.
   • Values of the church planter and the team should be consistent.
     • Consistent values bring unity to the team.
     • Consistent values allow the team to solve problems together without division.
     • Consistent values bring stability should a problem arise, or an accusation be made.
   • Teach about values that define your personal walk with the Lord, as well as the values that define your church plant.
     • Model and practice the values in your home.
     • Model and practice the values in public.
     • Engage your team to model and practice these values in their every day lives.
3. Discipleship requires time and energy.
   • Discipleship is not a program but a process of growth through relationship.
   • Jesus invested the entirety of his time, energy and effort into twelve men for three years.
   • Some people will grow faster than others. Some people will grow more mature than others. All people require time and energy to be discipled.
   • Limited time spent in discipling and training your team, will produce disappointing results.
   • Guide people to a place of spiritual maturity so that they can begin to help others in a similar fashion.
   • Identify people’s talents, skills and knowledge. Help people determine what they are really good at, and then position them to serve in that capacity.
   • Focus on people’s strengths, and help them grow and succeed with their strengths.
   • Address character issues in the process of discipleship. People with skills, knowledge and personality that lack integrity will end in moral failure.
   • Having the right people in the right places is essential to team building. A team’s dynamic changes according to the placement of people. Review the following information from Dr. John Maxwell on team building and placement.

• The Wrong Person in the Unnecessary Role = Regression, you’ll decay
• The Wrong Person in the Necessary Role = Frustration, you’ll be disappointed
• The Right Person in the Unnecessary Role = Confusion, they won’t know why they’re serving here
• The Right Person in the Necessary Role = Progression, you’ll move forward with success
• The Right People in the Right Roles = Multiplication, you’ll build momentum with many

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

A. Spiritual warfare will take place. (Ephesians 6:12)

1. The enemy will resist the efforts of God’s people and His agenda. (Mark 3:27)
2. Spiritual warfare will ensue on multiple battlegrounds.
   • In your personal life. (James 4:7)
     • Overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11)
     • By position of authority in Christ. (Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:6, Colossians 2:13-15, Luke 10:17, Matthew 28:18)
     • By the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:16,1 Peter 5:9, Matthew 4:4,7,10)
     • By controlling thoughts and bringing them into subjection. (Romans 12:2)
   • In various levels of powers and various inhabitations.
     • Gabriel needed the help of Michael to defeat the Prince of Persia. (Daniel 10:11-21)
     • There are habitations of spiritual powers from regional, to city/village to the individual. They need to be dealt with on proper terms of identification. (Ephesians 6)
     • Pray that God would give you spiritual discernment to see and identify the reigning strong man. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

B. Identify the location or multiple locations of outreach. (Luke 10:8)

1. Places without any churches.
2. Places that are strategic areas of influence.
3. Places that will have high impact on the entire community or city.

C. Look for places of great need.

1. Places with high levels of poverty.
2. Places with high levels of dysfunction.
3. Places with high levels of sick, destitute and forgotten people.
4. Places that are spiritually dark.
5. Places that are disregarded because they seem like they have no need.
   • Wealthy communities.
   • High caste communities.
   • Locations with politicians or government officials

D. First go and reach out to the unreached. (Romans 15:20)

1. Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
2. Paul made it clear his aim was to go where nobody had preached the Gospel.
3. Go where there is a harvest of lost people ready to be reached.

E. From here and unto the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

F. Fast and prayer walk the identified location. (Joshua 1:3)

1. Pray against spiritual strongholds.
2. Pray for blessing over the people.
3. Pray for the Lord to identify receptive hearts for the Gospel. (Matthew 10:11-13; Luke 10:5-9)

G. Evangelize the unbelievers in the identified location.

1. You and your team share the love of Christ.
2. Approach people in love and compassion, never condemnation.
3. Share your testimonies and God’s redemptive work in your life. (Romans 15:18)
4. Explain who you were before Christ, and who you are now with Christ.
5. Show how Christ can bring hope, love, acceptance and redemption to them as well.

H. Pray for people. (John 14:12, Matthew 10:8)

1. Pray for the sick to be healed.
2. Pray for the oppressed to be delivered.

I. Clearly explain the Gospel.

1. Jesus Christ as the only way. (John 14:6)
2. Pray with the lost in repentance, confession of Jesus lordship and commitment to serve Him.

J. Engage people in a tangible way beyond evangelism

1. Invite people to church.
2. Invite them to an ongoing personal relationship.
3. People are looking for authentic relationships, not just a sales pitch.
4. Give the new believer a Bible if possible.
5. Explain to them the next steps in their faith, and help them enter a process of discipleship.
6. Encourage new believers to tell others about their faith in Christ. (Romans 1:16)

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

A. Location of meeting.

1. In the home of a new believer.
2. In a local business.
3. Under a tree outdoors.
4. Only if necessary: In a rented or purchased building when the growing congregation can financially support the meeting venue.

B. Consistent meeting is important. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

1. Provides an atmosphere for fellowship.
   The Greek word for fellowship expresses the idea of sharing, of having something in common with somebody else. Common participation takes on a form: giving and receiving. Christian fellowship seriously involves both aspects.
   Our fellowship on the human level is seeking to share what God has made known of Himself with others, as a means of finding strength, refreshment, and instruction for spiritual growth. In fellowship, one seeks to receive as well as to give. According to Romans 1:11,12, Paul’s understanding of fellowship is clear: it is a two-way channel where by both he and the believers may find mutual encouragement in the bond of Christian fellowship.
2. Provides an atmosphere for accountability.
   In the face of temptation, many believers need an “accountability partner” to pray with and help share the burdens that come with doing spiritual warfare. It is good to have a brother or sister we can count on when we are facing temptations. King David was alone the evening that Satan tempted him into adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The Bible tells us we fight a war not of flesh but of the spirit, against powers and spiritual forces who threaten us (Ephesians 6:12).
3. Provides an atmosphere for prayer.
   Prayer is that intimate communication with the Father in heaven and the house of prayer is the earthly expression of what is in heaven. Jesus was adamant about prayer in Matthew 21:12,13, when He came into His house and saw what it had become–this house includes two types of houses. People are to be an individual house of prayer (1 Corinthians 6:19), and the assembly or fellowship of believers should also be a house of prayer (Matthew 18:20).
4. Provides an atmosphere for study and discipleship.
   To disciple someone we need to develop character and competency. While much of this will be addressed in a more planned discipleship approach, the fellowship with other believers cultivates and refines this process.
   The atmosphere should assist in developing a lifestyle marked by peace, grace, love, transformation by the Scripture and humility.
5. Provides an atmosphere for worship and praise.
   Corporate worship and praise is vital for refreshing, encouragement and energizing. Additionally, it provides a safe place for prayer and direction from God.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

A. The church planting team now disciples the new believers based on their experience of discipleship with the church planting pastor.

B. If the team was only one or two people, then these new disciples will become your first “team” as they engage in a process of discipleship.

C. During the process of discipleship, engage the new believers in practical application of what they learn.

1. Model, exhibit and practice what is being taught (Matthew 4:19)
   Example: Evangelism
   • Demonstrate to them as they watch.
   • Do it together so they get experience.
   • Release them to do it, while you watch and assist.
   • Release them to do it on their own.
2. Teach through your Vision Statement and Values. The values for the church should help construct and guide the discipleship process.
   • Teach them how to read the Bible for themselves.
   • Teach them how to study and pray through Biblical concepts.
   • Teach them how to pray and converse with the Lord. (Matthew 6:5-13)
   • Teach them the importance and value of honoring the Lord with the tithe.
   • Teach them the purpose of giving offerings to the Lord.
   • Teach them the proper role of the family and a healthy marriage that is submitted to God.
   • Take advantage of teaching opportunities to celebrate, coach and encourage. (Luke 10:17-20)

D. Begin your process of discipleship with the end in mind. Consider what you perceive as a spiritually mature person. Describe and define what that person looks like. From this definition begin building a process that will assist you in guiding the new believer from immaturity to maturity. Consider the options above, but also seek the Lord and ask Him to guide you in creating the unique process of discipleship for your church.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

A. Planting and reproducing disciples and churches should be infused into every church. The Dominion Mandate that was given to Adam, and the Covenant that God made with Abraham requires a posture and attitude of multiplication. Churches and believers are not exempt from this mandate.

B. Be sure you are seeking the Lord for fresh vision, wisdom and direction as you repeat the process and train others to do the same. While reproducing, new leaders will need to be released to lead and grow. It is possible that the new leaders you raise up and release will eclipse your ministry influence. Rejoice with these who succeed in God’s plan!

C. The model of reproduction and discipleship encouraged by the apostle Paul contains four or more generations. (2 Timothy 2:2)

1. Paul (1st generation) to Timothy. (2nd generation)
2. Timothy to faithful men. (3rd generation)
3. Faithful men to others. (4th generation)

D. Practical reasons for repeating and reproducing the process.

1. Planting a new church is the most effective form of evangelism. Statistically people may respond in large numbers to evangelistic crusades, yet up to 80% of them will leave the faith if they are not connected and engaged in a local church. Therefore a church with strong evangelistic outreach is the most effective form of evangelism.
2. A new church offers a place of help and nurture to those who are in need. Churches are to proclaim the good news, liberty to the captives and to help the oppressed. (Luke 4:18-19) Although humanitarian outreach is necessary and vital, it does not replace the need for the proclaiming of the Gospel! The spiritual state of people is more important than anything else. (Mark 8:36)
3. An existing church offers stability and resources to new churches. Once a new church is established, it is positioned to launch other new churches and be a place of stability and strength for God’s Kingdom.
4. An existing leadership team can offer prayer, support, wisdom and counsel to the new church plant. Just as parents train their children for entering the world, a new church can rely upon an existing church for guidance and support. All churches should prepare to be spiritual parents and daughter new churches on a regular basis.
5. Reproducing churches stirs spiritual passion and excitement in a region. People get excited about new things, and as followers of Christ this is especially true. A new church plant will invigorate a community and will instigate change in the spiritual atmosphere.
6. Reproduction leads to multiplication, which is much more effective in growth than addition. Multiplication comes from a proactive approach, seeking ways to increase influence in a broad way. Reproduction is much easier when all team members are encouraged to engage their sphere of influence for the Lord.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

1. Prayer – A fervent personal prayer life of the leader was transferred to new leaders being as they are discipled. Prayer is the source of power from God. Without prayer, leaders will end in failure, and the churches they lead will crumble.
2. Abundant sowing of the Gospel – Evangelism must be present throughout everything done. Personal testimonies of the life-changing power of the Gospel are shared to unbelievers. Testimonies of God’s goodness, provision, healing power, encouragement and even discipline will encourage both the lost and the saved. These testify of God’s continued interaction with humanity on a regular basis.
3. Intentional – Churches are intentionally and deliberately planned and carried out. Church planting movements are started and maintained with a proactive attitude and approach. Developing new leaders, targeting new areas and launching new churches, is an ongoing intentional process that follows a plan and strategy.
4. Scriptural Authority – The Bible is the definitive guiding source for doctrine, function, and life itself. Scripture must remain central. Drifting from Scripture will quickly lead to dysfunction, heresy and failure.
5. Local Leadership – Strong local leadership. Each church planted must develop and raise up leaders within itself. Leaders must lead themselves well, so that they may be able to lead others well.
6. Strong “Lay Leadership” – All members are seen as ‘ministers’ of the Gospel. There is no secular and sacred divide. Ephesians 4 makes it clear that all should be equipped for the work of the ministry. This does not mean that all will be full-time vocational ministers. On the contrary, all people should be ministers in their sphere of influence. Affecting change in these various spheres of influence will allow the church to multiply rapidly.
7. Cell or House churches – Buildings are not required. The churches are outreach-focused. Most ministry activities occur outside of the building or meeting place. Outreach is an evident expression of the work of Jesus, and a demonstration of the Great Commission in action. Outreach does not happen inside the walls of a church, it must happen where the people are.
8. Churches planting churches – Reproduction is natural and a part of reaching more people. Church planting movements maintain momentum by instilling a DNA of reproduction. No church ever has the intent on not reproducing, and this should never be a consideration.
9. Rapid Reproduction – Urgency of reaching people for Christ. Followers of Christ should exude an emergency for the sake of the lost. This will manifest in the rapid reproduction of churches and aggressive outreach.
10. Churches are healthy – Healthy churches always have five core purposes: worship; evangelistic and missionary outreach; education and discipleship; ministry; and fellowship. These core purposes will keep the church healthy, vital and maturing. These core purposes also lead to a reproductive nature and attitude.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

*most appropriate in urban contexts or emerging centers of economy

Pastors and church leaders have a vital role to play to equip and disciple men and women in the marketplace and partner with them to be catalysts for change. The church is more than a Sunday only meeting. The church is alive and active every day and should be represented in the world through all followers of Christ.

A. Importance of empowering the church in the Marketplace

Definitions of the Marketplace:

• The marketplace is the arena of business, education, and government. In a broader sense, the marketplace is almost everywhere outside the walls of a church.
• The marketplace is a seat of power and authority where societal change can take place.

Importance of the Marketplace:

• We have been given a clear mandate from Genesis 1 to subdue the Earth. This dominion mandate to steward all things for God’s glory is still in effect and it applies to the marketplace. Genesis 1:28-30
• We have been given the Great Commission: We are also commanded to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15
• Work is Worship: If someone is working in the marketplace to the glory of God, his or her work is SACRED! A.W. Tozer: “It is not WHAT a man does but WHY he does it that makes his work secular or sacred.”

The Seven Spheres of cultural influence:

These seven spheres of influence represent the foundational elements of any society or culture. Each sphere of influence shapes the minds and perspectives of the people in that society. We are called to have an impact on culture, but these elements of society also impact believers. Whether that impact is Godly or not is determined by those who hold power and control over these mountains. We must raise up Godly leaders to have influence in these areas:

1. Government
2. Family
3. Education
4. Church
5. Media
6. Art & Entertainment
7. Business

Economics is the engine that runs all seven of these cultural mountains. It is vital to have Godly marketplace leaders driving this engine. Globalization is God’s plan. He is using globalization to connect people in unprecedented ways. There is a great opportunity to make an impact.

B. Pastors are equippers and the church is the equipping center

1. The Church is the equipping center. It is a primary function of pastors and teachers to “prepare God’s people for works of service.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
2. The Marketplace is a mission field! By training businesspeople to be ministers in the marketplace pastors can greatly expand the Kingdom of God. Statistically, businesspeople come face to face with many more lost people on a weekly basis than a pastor.
3. The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. (Luke 10:2)
4. The goal is to equip leaders in our churches who can carry out their calling and extend God’s Kingdom in the church, the community, the workplace, and the world. Equip them to be equippers, disciple to make disciples.
5. Connection with the local church should result in believers receiving spiritual tools to accomplish societal transformation for God’s kingdom outside the church walls.
   Consider your process of discipleship as an opportunity to engage and equip believers for effectiveness in their spheres of influence.

All of humanity shares these common questions:

• How can I provide for my family?
• How can I live in relative peace and safety for my family?
• How can I have meaningful relationships?
• How can the system I live in provide security, justice and economic opportunity?

Kingdom business leaders can be equipped to help answer these questions. That is why intentionally raising up Godly, effective business leaders (laity) is so vital.

C. How to equip business leaders in the church

Teach business leaders to be fishers of men.

In fishing, it is vital to use the right bait. Fish will not change their feeding habits. Christians must demonstrate how to live successfully on the earth. Economic issues are universal bait. We must apply God’s word practically to our spheres of influence.

As the businessperson is trained and equipped by the church, he or she can more effectively “fish” in the marketplace. Train business leaders to have a biblical perspective on the common questions of humanity.

Validate and teach about the ministry of the marketplace (money, corruption, Godly relationships and leadership):

• From the pulpit
• In small groups
• In the community

Foster and encourage the call to business:

• Help businesspeople see their work as ministry
• Encourage them to put a “ministry plan” into their business plan
• Preach the doctrine of work as worship from the pulpit and in small groups
• Lay hands on business leaders and commission them

As a pastor or ministry leader, you should intentionally build relationships:

• Choose a few business leaders to meet with regularly
• Meet them individually at their place of business. (Jesus went to where the disciples were when He called them)
• Discuss and study relevant issues to the marketplace
• Help marketplace leaders see, think, and plan multi-generationally

Learn from marketplace leaders:

• Allow for their input and ideas related to church management
• Conduct the business of your ministry or church with integrity; manage money and people well

Things and attitudes to avoid:

• Treating businesspeople as “cash registers”
• Treating businesspeople as a necessary evil or secular
• Viewing money as ungodly
• Avoiding businesspeople
• Being fake or manipulative

D. Significant results can be expected

1. God’s people will begin to establish the Kingdom of God in their spheres of influence—outside the walls of the church
2. Multitudes of Kingdom Businesses will be established around the world.
3. New capital will be generated by God’s people for God’s purposes
4. Local Churches that become Equipping Centers will see:
   • Maturity of believers
   • Discipleship movements in the workplace
   • Relevant impact in their cities and communities
   • Lost people attracted to the Church
   • Kingdom projects that reach beyond the four walls of the church
   • Growth in numbers and finances
   • Over time, the level of “spiritual capital” will increase in the nation (integrity, justice, righteousness, prosperity)
5. The church planter is called to equip all believers with spiritual truths that enable them to be effective salt and light in the world.
   • Commit to preach and teach about the marketplace, money, and work from the pulpit of your church.
   • Commit to disciple a group of marketplace leaders in your church.
   • Commit to conduct the business of your church or ministry with integrity and asking for input from the marketplace leaders in your church.
   • Commission business leaders to take the Seven Spheres of Influence for the Kingdom of God.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

A. A church is a gathering of believers for the purpose of biblical worship, prayer, learning and mission. The word church comes from ekklesia, which is defined as an assembly or called out ones. (Matthew 21:13, Psalm 150:1-6)

Jesus made it very clear that the church should be a dwelling place of prayer. Although churches have many programs and activities, the primary purpose of the gathering of believers should be for prayer, worship, and an intimate relationship with God.

The passage in Psalm 150:1-6 gives another description that gives an indication of our conduct and activity. Praise, glory, and exaltation of God are critically important. As believers can become discouraged, a posture and attitude of praise to God quickly minimizes the troubles of the world and refocuses attention upon the Almighty.

B. Jesus is the head of the church, which is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)

The purpose of the Church must be defined and directed by Jesus who is the head over all things. Although He has chosen you for the great task of planting a church, it is He who is the author and finisher of all things. It is He who directs, guides, provides, and draws people unto the Father. Do not allow pride to enter your heart as the task He has called you to endeavor is a great and admirable one.

Reminding yourself that Christ is the head will give you confidence and reassurance that you are a steward of His plan. It is a great responsibility to steward something for the Lord, but we also have the support and assistance from the head of the church as we need.

C. The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2) until Christ’s return. The body of Christ is comprised of two aspects:

1. The universal church consists of all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
   The world might have a class or caste system, but no such thing exists in the universal church. All people who have a personal relationship with Jesus are members of the body. No matter how rich, poor, young, old, educated, or uneducated – God is not a respecter of persons in such regard. His desire is for relationship and surrender to Him.
2. The local church is described in Galatians 1:1-2: “Paul, an apostle … and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia, there were many churches—what we call local churches.
   As a church planter, God has selected you to be one of His representatives in a local setting, yet still part of the universal church. Your church plant is an integral part of the body of Christ universally, as well as locally. Additionally, each person within the local church subsequently has a critical role of the body within the local church. All churches and all people within the church are important.

D. What a church is not

1. A building.
2. A denomination.
3. A piece of land.
4. A business.
5. A place of entertainment.
6. A social club.

Although there is value in buildings, land, resources, and socialization, the church is not and should not be defined by any of these things. A church should only be defined and regarded as a group of people meeting for worship, prayer, study, and mission.

As a visionary leader, it will be your responsibility to ascribe the appropriate value to the church and disassociate these other items from the purpose of your local church. People are now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit; no longer does the Lord reside in a temple on earth.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).

A. Motivation for planting must be in response to a personal vision and call from God.

1. This is always the first step. God must give you a glimpse of what He wants to accomplish. A vision may come from scripture, a dream, confirmation from others, prophecy, or an overwhelming burden for an area or group of people. (Acts 13, Acts 16:9-10)

Some church planters first respond to the call of God, but then become distracted. Some plant churches out of selfish ambition. Some church planters begin in response to the call of God, but then become driven by success.

People who are driven are:

1. Gratified by accomplishments.
2. Consumed by symbols of success. (fame, wealth, power, worldly wisdom)
3. Lacking in integrity. (immoral, selfish, prideful, demanding)
4. Highly competitive. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
5. Abnormally busy. (Luke 10:41-42)
6. Willing to sacrifice relationship for activity.

2. If the vision, call or motivation to plant a church did not originate from God, there will almost certainly be failure. Knowing you are called is not just a good idea. It is absolutely crucial. (Psalm 127:1)

Being called is a work of the Holy Spirit, but being driven is a work of the flesh. The vision, call or motivation must always be rooted in response to the Holy Spirit.

B. Benefits of knowing you are called.

1. Focus of purpose by being colaborers. (1 Corinthians 3:9)

As a colaborer, we have Holy Spirit empowerment and help to accomplish the vision. Venturing out on our own without the Holy Spirit is a posture of presumption and isolation. Additionally, it is an act of pride and selfishness. Colaborers are quickly reliant upon the Holy Spirit, and are not selfish in do not hoard acclaim or credit for success.

2. Blessings and provision. (Philippians 1:3-6)

Some have said, “Where God guides, He provides,” and others have said, “God pays for what He orders.” These sayings represent and affirm the truth of God’s faithfulness and provision. God’s name “Jehovah Jireh” in Genesis 22:14. The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. Provision and blessing are available and promised to those who are walking in obedience to God.

3. Faith and perseverance through trials. (Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, James 1:2-4)

Our attempts to practice self-control over our actions and resist temptations to sin will never be completely successful this side of heaven. As long as we live as human beings, we will struggle with fallenness and sinfulness each and every day. We must remember that failures do not mean the end of our fruitfulness. Christ has a complete understanding of our weaknesses and limitations, and in Him we can receive new mercy every day (Hebrews 4:14-16, Lamentations 3:22- 23). As long as we confess and repent of our sins and shortcomings, God promises to cleanse, heal, and restore us. (1 John 1:9)

Paul writes, “. . . let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). No matter how difficult your circumstances are, never lose faith in God’s purpose to see you through to the end. Persevere, looking to Christ for help and remembering always that trials will build your perseverance, and perseverance will make both you and your ministry into a strong witness for the faith.

C. Embracing the call and vision to plant.

1. The Lord can call you to church planting whether you are “receptive” or not.

1. Moses was called to service from a burning bush.
2. Gideon when he was threshing wheat.
3. Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh and proclaim repentance. However, Jonah ran away trying to escape God and the call to obedience.
4. Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:20-26)

2. Pray for wisdom and ask clear and definitive questions of the Lord. (James 1:5,6b)

1. Ask God if He is directing you to plant a church.
2. Ask God where He is directing you to plant a church.
3. Ask God when He is directing you to plant a church.
4. Ask God how He is leading your to plant a church.

God is not afraid of your questions, and He is not afraid to answer you. Too often we fail to ask the right questions, and therefore, our response to His call may easily get off track. Even the apostle Paul was directed specifically by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to Macedonia. This was not Paul’s original plan or intent, but God made it very clear that he was supposed to go and visit a man named Cornelius. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, there was already a man ready, waiting, and receptive to the Gospel. Asking for clear directions and wisdom is critical.

3. Seek counsel from Godly men, preferably three or four. (Proverbs 11:14)

1. Be sure that at least two of them have experience in planting and pastoring a church.
2. Ask for insight as to what they see as your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to potentially planting a church.

Counsel and wisdom from multiple experienced leaders will likely save you from heartache and potentially assist you in avoiding problems. People who have already walked down the path of church planting can share wisdom from their own success and failure.

Be quick to listen, but keep all counsel under prayerful consideration before you act (James 1:19). As others might point out potential downfalls or weakness they observe in your life, keep a posture of humility and receptivity. Do not take offense if you do not like the counsel you are given, but prayerfully submit the counsel to the Lord and ask for His confirmation and revelation.

4. Pray and fast, allowing God to direct your decision. (Acts 13)

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. (John 14:26a)
2. Do not move, act or invent your own calling!

This sacrificial form of prayer produces powerful results. (Ezra 8:21-23; Isaiah 58:6) Throughout both Old and New Testaments, fasting and prayer was an expected discipline and always preceded great breakthroughs.

Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted forty days and reminded his followers to fast. King David humbled himself in fasting. Believers are encouraged to fast to experience breakthrough, a more intimate relationship with Jesus, transformation, personal revival, and the supernatural.

Prayer and fasting is a necessary form of spiritual warfare. Whether in the early stages of planning the church plant or if you are already futher along in the process – when it seems you have reached an insurmountable hurdle that you cannot overcome, it is likely time to fast and pray for a breakthrough.

5. Seek confirmation from your local church and leadership. (Acts 13)

1. Paul and Barnabas were called out, recognized and their callings affirmed.
2. Serving in a healthy local church will provide a similar opportunity for confirmation and commissioning.

If you are currently serving in a local church, submit yourself to the leadership and seek their affirmation. If you are not in a local church, but are studying as a Bible school student or are the only believer within your community, seek counsel and affirmation from other Christian leaders if possible.

Affirmation of your calling will often provide prayer, support and blessing as you are sent out to plant the church. However, if you make an attempt without seeking affirmation, your decision could be viewed as rebellion or an attempt to split the church.

6. Ask and expect inner peace as confirmation of the call. (John 14:27)

1. After various practical confirmations, the church planter should be convinced and experience peace. (Philippians 4:6,7)

It is to be expected that there will be some level of apprehension or anxiety. However, this should not be a feeling that will immobilize you. God guarantees peace in supernatural portions. It is from this place that you can move forward with confidence.

Peace and unity need to reign in your heart as well as your spouse if you are married. The Lord blesses unity with peace, but you can be guaranteed if your spouse and family are not in unity, it is unlikely to experience true peace.

7. God does not speak to cause strife or confusion. Even when uncomfortable, God’s direction will bring inner peace (Ephesians 1:17-18, Luke 10:21)

Direction from the Lord is often made very simple. Even though the greatness of God is very profound and incomprehensible, His directives are given to us in a way we can understand and implement.

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This article was provided by Joshua Nations (JoshuaNations.org).