There are many people in ministry, corporations, government, and small business that all of us can learn from in order to grow as an individual. We have been presented to and bombarded by leaders messages, both in the religious and secular in regards of how to grow as a person or leader. We have books by Jack Welch, Tony Robbins, Steven Covey, and John Maxwell to name just a few. There’s one person in the category of ministry that I think many or most of us can learn much from – the church planter. It is possible that you have no idea what a church planter is or what one does. In order to save time and space, please refers to this Wikepedia definition of a church planter.
Having been a church planter and now after working with dozens of them, I want to share what YOU can learn from one to help you grow as person, as a leader, and/or as business professional. This is not an exhaustive list, so please feel free to share others you think would benefit us all.
1. Faith
Faith is that captivating word that is used in religious circles as well as secular circles. Churches talk about faith and George Michael sings about faith. What can you learn from a church planter when it comes to faith? Pretty simple – don’t put your trust in yourself. I am not talking about having a self-esteem issue or having a lack of confidence in your abilities, but rather having a higher, more loftier discernment that someone else is in control, specifically God.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things unseen, according to the writer of Hebrews. It takes quite a bit of faith to start a church where there is no church, no people in that church, and no financial support. In my life I need more faith to do what I know is the right thing and to make a difference in this world. I have to stop believing in me and believe more in Him.
2. Risk Taking
There is a dilemma in our society about taking unnecessary risks. We live in a play it safe culture that tells our kids they can be whatever they want to be and when they grow wanting to be something we are uncomfortable with, we try to dissuade them toward a different path. Church planters area all bout taking risks because they know that time is not on their side. Their imperative is to start a church that reaches people with the gospel of Jesus. So, they may leave well paying positions in the business world or a thriving ministry to go places that are hard to live and do what they are called to do.
What is keeping you from taking risks to do what you dream and what you are called to do? The best way to take a risk of faith is to take a small step, then another, then another and so on.
3. Entrepreneurship
Have you ever wanted to start a new company or had an idea that you just knew would make a difference, but you never acted on it? Everything might have been in place but you just couldn’t pull the trigger. Don’t be discouraged for you are not alone. There are many people around you where you work, play, and live that have had those same feelings. What is the difference between someone who does and doesn’t? I believe it is the word Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is basically the ability and drive to start something from scratch either with resources or without resources.
I believe that you probably have a great idea or plan that you haven’t executed yet because of fear. Church planters know where you are coming from, trust me on this one. What you have to do is start. That’s it, just start.
4. Team Building
I believe everyone wants to belong. yes, there are those who call themselves loners or they might be described as introverts, but I truly believe that God put within us the need to be with other people. Teams are an expression of that need as we may have played on a sports team or still do. You could possibly have served on a team at church or the company where you are employed. Teams have a way of getting things done quickly and efficiently. When I started a church, it was just my wife Julie and our teenage daughter Emily. I joked for a long time that Emily was the youth group. Before the church had it’s first service I knew I had to build a team of people who would help us start this new church.
Do yourself a favor, be a part of team in some domain of your life, whether at your church, on a sports team, or by joining a club. You will be glad you did.