Like most anointed men of God, I woke up at 6am, grabbed a cup of coffee and read the newspaper in our veranda. What a beautiful morning! By 6:30am, someone drove up and began thanking me for the healing they received as a result of my prayer. They also handed me a thick envelope with cash as a gesture of their thankfulness. After opening the envelope I quickly informed them that the amount was too small for such a great man of God. They quickly doubled the amount without hesitation, apologizing profusely.
At about 9am I opened a devotional app and listened to the audio while checking my calendar to see the entire spread of invitations to speak at prominent events. By then, someone drove up with a brand new car and handed me the keys, expressing their gratitude for my ministry. They told me that a man with such a high level of anointing ought to drive a new car each year. I was delighted that they recognized my stature and impeccable record of ministry.
These are just a few examples of the good life of a minister of the Gospel with such anointing. Must I say more about the fancy dinners, cruises, vacations to exotic places, and all the delightful experiences? A great man of God deserves nothing less than the best.
(if you believe what you just read, please check the meaning of the word satire, then read Hebrews 11).
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Seek out fellowship
Why do some church plants fail? I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve had to constantly seek out fellowship for me and for my family.
Like-minded individuals connect at deeper levels for more meaningful relationships. This is not only for the sake of convenience but it is a vital aspect of healthy families during the church planting stages.
Although we made a conscious effort, we could not build meaningful relationships with other pastors in our area. Either they were suspicious of us or they felt that we were not up to their level of expectations.
This forced us to seek out relationships with like-minded pastors in other areas. But the initiative was mostly on our part. We had to initiate the contact and work to develop the connections. I don’t recall anyone making the effort toward us.
We could not wait for others to initiate the relationships. We were in desperate need to connect. Looking back, those relationships were often a significant source of strength for us.
Read the entire series: Why do some church plants fail?- Trail of failures
- Persist in the process
- Stick to your values
- Continually share the Good News
- Seek out training
- Find fellowship
- Become a voracious reader
- Ask questions
- Leave a trail of influences
- Learn from criticism
- Learn from your mistakes
- Constantly raise up leaders
13. Be in it for the long run
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Fear will stifle and control the “atmosphere” of the relationship. Fear of losing the relationship or at least there might be a fear that one will lose favor, or that the peace might me disturbed. (Tweet this)
The attempt to gain power and control may come from fear. If fear does not have the upper hand, then the relationship can go on with mutual love and respect. Then there would be no issue of control. (Tweet this)
Anger results from frustration over unfulfilled expectations. Unresolved issues from the past may also be a key factor in producing anger. Learn to forgive, release and lower expectations. Anger as an emotion may not be wrong, but the expression needs to be healthy.
Retaliation is childish. No need of this in a mature relationship. Forgive. Release. Accept. That is the best way. Maybe, that’s the only sensible way.
Jesus is our best example. Although we falter in our relationship with him, he continues to love us. He gave up his life as a result of that love. He asks us to do the same for others.
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Seek out training
Why do some church plants fail? I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve had to seek out training for myself in the process.
Now as I look back over the years, I remember the numerous seminars we’ve attended and books on church planting that I’ve read. Sometimes I’d put the book away thinking that I’m wasting precious time reading someone else’s experience. But now I see how each one encouraged me and gave me perspective in what I’m doing.
I’ve tried numerous approaches through the years and sometimes I get tired of these “approaches.” But I’ve learned from all of them. Some were specifically local but others were international in nature.
There has also been a trail of audio, video and online training for planters that were helpful. None of these were the special “key” that enabled the process but all of them played an important role in molding my thinking and giving training and encouragement to move on (Tweet this).
Read the entire series: Why do some church plants fail?- Trail of failures
- Persist in the process
- Stick to your values
- Continually share the Good News
- Seek out training
- Find fellowship
- Become a voracious reader
- Ask questions
- Leave a trail of influences
- Learn from criticism
- Learn from your mistakes
- Constantly raise up leaders
13. Be in it for the long run
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Just as a gift is given, the Holy Spirit also gives gifts to God’s children. Once the gift is given, the person is able to use it immediately – no strings attached (sort of).
On the other hand, fruit takes time to grow and ripen. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
It can be utterly annoying to see someone flowing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit but lacking character in various areas of their personality (Tweet this). The person may be angry, rash, or bitter. Or impatience may be destroying the person in their personal life. Their relationships may be shattered due to habits that pull them apart from others.
When we see such problems in people, we may question the genuineness of the gift. In such people, we may disregard the gift because of the gaps in their character. It is the responsibility of the person to work along with the Holy Spirit as the Spirit molds their character and person to reflect that of Christ.
Don’t be troubled by the disparity between gifts and fruit. It’s natural.
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Continually share the Good News
Why do some church plants fail? I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve had to keep sharing the Good News personally with people in my community and encourage others to do the same.
Since I teach in a Seminary, it’s difficult for me to connect with unbelievers on a daily basis. I’ve had to make an extra effort to reach out and connect with others.
Praying for an unbeliever who is sick naturally gives opportunity to share my faith. But even otherwise, I look for opportunities to “turn the conversation deeper” Then I share my experience with Jesus.
I’ve made it my goal to pray for one sick person or share Jesus with one person every day. Although I’ve not been successful every day, I’ve been able to do that several times per week.
When I teach people in church, I use my personal experience as I encourage them to share Jesus. This gives them perspective and encouragement to do likewise.
Read the entire series: Why do some church plants fail?- Trail of failures
- Persist in the process
- Stick to your values
- Continually share the Good News
- Seek out training
- Find fellowship
- Become a voracious reader
- Ask questions
- Leave a trail of influences
- Learn from criticism
- Learn from your mistakes
- Constantly raise up leaders
13. Be in it for the long run
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They are a unique breed, often misunderstood by others. But they relate well with other risk-takers. They seek out each other’s company as they are often rejuvenated by each other.
When Mary accepted God’s offer and became pregnant with the holy Child, she quickly sought out the company of her relative Elizabeth. In her old age, Elizabeth was pregnant and quite unique among the other women of her land. Both were risk-takers and they connected with each other in a unique way (Luke 1:35-45).
As they both gathered, their time together erupted into worship to the Lord as recorded in Luke 1:46-56. They acknowledged that God in all his might chose to use simple and ordinary people to do extraordinary tasks for his Kingdom.
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Stick to your values
Why do some church plants fail? I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve had to stay faithful to who I am. My values cannot be compromised regardless of local trends.
When things aren’t moving along as expected, it’s common to doubt yourself – especially to doubt who your are: You’re values. You begin to think that just maybe, you should be like someone else, someone more successful.
I’ve been approached by pastors in our area regarding some of my practices. Their question was clear: Why aren’t you like us? These questions were quite difficult as I struggled with the church planting process.
Sometimes I’ve wondered if being culture current for my town means being like the other churches. After all, they’ve been around much longer and seem to be successful.
Over the years, I’ve come to the realization that my values define who I am as a minister of the Gospel. If I try to change who I am, I’m trying to change what God wants to do through me in my community. I’ve got to stick to who I am.
Read the entire series: Why do some church plants fail?- Trail of failures
- Persist in the process
- Stick to your values
- Continually share the Good News
- Seek out training
- Find fellowship
- Become a voracious reader
- Ask questions
- Leave a trail of influences
- Learn from criticism
- Learn from your mistakes
- Constantly raise up leaders
13. Be in it for the long run
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Each day, I sense that resistance within me to go my own way or to give up. My way might be more satisfying for my ego (I think). And to give up might be the easiest thing to do.
But those two options are not really options. Because God’s calling within won’t let me go. It’s trenched too deep within me that it is such a part of me. If I go my way, I would be constantly fighting with my own heart.
So the best option and the only option is to submit to God’s plan. Every day is a new beginning as I resubmit.
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Persist in the process
Why do some church plants fail? I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve had to persist in the process. With little or no results, I’ve had to stay with the task and continue doing those things that God has called me to do.
There are numerous hindrances to persistence. Each one presents an opportunity that you would not have if you persist with the church plant. Every opportunity points you in a direction that is different from your calling.
Job opportunities elsewhere are one form of hindrance. Often, this is quite appealing as many church planters face financial difficulty as a result of the commitment they have taken. The same struggle may be there even when you work and plant as a bi-vocational church planter.
Paid ministry opportunities are another form of hindrance. It’s a great way to fulfill your calling. This also allows them to take a different route than the difficulty of the planting process.
These are just a few examples of deviations. But the real struggle is to persist and persevere through every difficulty.
Read the entire series: Why do some church plants fail?- Trail of failures
- Persist in the process
- Stick to your values
- Continually share the Good News
- Seek out training
- Find fellowship
- Become a voracious reader
- Ask questions
- Leave a trail of influences
- Learn from criticism
- Learn from your mistakes
- Constantly raise up leaders
13. Be in it for the long run
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Click here for more resources.
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