THE CHURCH PLANTER

INTRODUCTIONWhenever God wanted to do something He

called forth a man. In saving the human race (Noah), in founding a nation (Abraham), in delivering His people (Moses), in establishing the throne (David), in building the Temple (Solomon) and in redeeming humanity (Jesus Christ).

Church planting is no different. God uses a man to accomplish this task.

ACTS 11:22 - 24 NASB

“The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they

sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he

rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the

Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable

numbers were brought to the Lord.”

ACTS 4:36 - 37 NASB

“Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

ACTS 13:2-3 NASB

“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

ACTS 14:26-28 NASB

“From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. 27 When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a long time with the disciples.”

THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHURCH PLANTER

1. He called (Acts 13:2)2. He sent (Acts 13:4)3. He filled (Acts 13:9)4. He directed (Acts 16:6-7)

The anatomy of a church planter

“Are you ready to plant a church?”

1. Do you have God’s calling?2. Are you flexible?3. Are you an original thinker?4. Do you have what it takes?5. Are you driven by a vision?

6. Is anyone listening?7. Are you connected?8. Can you lead into unknown territory?9. Can you hold your own under fire?10.Do you take the longer view?

Who we areWhat we value

Our code of ethicsEmpowerment of the Holy Spirit

What we knowPerspectives

Ideas, thoughts

What we doHow we act

Skills, talents

Characteristics of a church

planter

J. Allen Thompson Model1. Personal Characteristics – prayer, spiritual

vitality, integrity, call, family, humility2. Ministerial Characteristics – leadership,

evangelism, management, preaching, philosophy, training leaders

3. Intrapersonal Characteristics – flexibility, likability, emotional stability, sensitivity, dynamism

Dr. Timothy Keller’s Model1. Personal Qualifications

– humility, love, integrity and spirituality, and 2. Functional Qualifications

– nurture, counseling, discipling, communication, leadership and mission

Spiritual Vitality Personal relationship with Jesus Vibrant, growing, disciplined devotion Deep commitment to Biblical authority Evidences fruit of Spirit and Gospel Evidences of Spirit-filled life Demonstrates an above reproach life

Theological Clarity Guards Doctrinal door Understands centrality of the gospel Apologist for Faith Committed to local church in mission Grace for those with differing views Biblical church governance Learning ability for theology

Clarity and Strength of Calling

Communicates a clear call to plant Spouse supports husband/wife’s calling Sacrifice to plant is evident Vision for planting is evident Commended for planting by church

Strong Marriage and Family Exhibits healthy marriage Integrity with finances Family members are joyful in mission Good Dad and provider Balance of family and ministry Professes healthy sexual relationship

and purity in marriage

Relationship Building Has healthy relationships Friendly and initiates relationships Conversationalist and Listener Team builder – equips others Empathetic and compassionate Patient and sincere with others

Leadership Abilities Develops leaders Resourceful in reaching goals Builds men to be leaders in all areas Resilient under opposition Adaptable, strategic, articulate Inspires people to accomplish goals Demonstrates courage to lead

Emotional Maturity Identifies own strength & weaknesses Confidence without arrogance Accepts input from others with grace Accountable to others Flexible and adaptable to changes Problem-solver

Missional Lifestyle Shares faith effectively w/unchurched Passionate to reach the city Understands idols & culture of city Leads others in mission Strong relationships with unchurched Cultural fit to planting city

Disciple-making Skills Effective plan for discipleship Preaches with effectiveness Creates gospel communities Inspires others to spiritual maturity Models a lifestyle of following Jesus

Entrepreneurial Aptitude Starts new ventures effectively Innovative and strategic visionary Contagious passion to start new works Ability to fit others into new work Self-starter Hard worker

Church Plant Stoppers

Arrogance - displays conceited self-sufficiency

Takes criticisms of ministry programs personally

When under tension is cold and aloof making others feel inferior

Seeks to be the ultimate authority in the ministry

Tends to be abrupt and impatient in manner Tends to live a parallel life from spouse

Betraying of trust:  breaks confidence placed in him by

others Is a people pleaser and consequently changes

mind frequently Fails to follow through on commitments Says one thing and means or does another Betrays trust by sharing confidential

information with others Fails to listen to and understand the needs of

spouse

Unethical Lifestyle:  lives on the margins of moral standards and

values Is involved in indiscreet relationships with the

opposite sex Wrestles with an addiction (excessive eating,

smoking, drinking, etc.) Operates too close to the margins of

appropriate behavior Tends to cut corners (sacrifice good theology)

to reach goals

1 TIMOTHY 4:12-15

“Let no one despise you for your youth, butset the believers an example in speech, in

conduct, in love, in faith, in purity…practice these things, immerse yourself in

them so that all may see your progress.Keep a close watch on yourself and on the

teaching.”