Praying for a Church Plant Team
I love the Golden State Warriors. Sure you may call me a bandwagon fan if you want, but I started watching them before they started winning championships. The thing that I love about them goes deeper than talent. It’s that these talented players work very well together. Put simply: the sum is greater than its parts. These individual players are exponentially more productive together than they would be alone.
I view church planting the same way. My wife and I could go about church planting as pioneer missionaries. But knowing the way that God wired us, we need a team. We don’t have all the spiritual giftings to bring about a healthy and successful church plant alone. And I’m okay saying that because I know that God wants me to plant and do church in the context of community. As one wise man once said, “our personal sanctification is a community project” and this church plant will take communal effort.
Here is one of the ways that we are praying that God would send forth gospel co-laborers (Matt. 9:38). Here are some of the types of people we are praying that God would lead to plant with us.
The Co-Pastor and His Family. I would love to plant with a like-minded pastor who has a “Big-God theology”, who is passionate about the Gospel, the local church, and reaching out to the community. Statistically speaking, church planting goes way more successful if you have another co-pastor who can help shoulder the load (e.g., the caring of members, the equipping of the saints, and the missionally-minded).
The Wise, Prayer Sages. I may have gone to seminary, but there are old sages who have loved Jesus longer than when I was merely a sparkle in my mothers eye. There is still tons I could learn from our members, but especially these prayer warriors. I don’t think the plant will be successful without it.
The New Christian. I’d love the of many of these types! People who don’t have it together. People who are messy. People who are ordinary (kinda like the guys who Jesus picked to be on his team!). I’m looking forward to seeing the evidences of grace sprout up in their lives as they become the future leaders in our community.
The Old Christian. I’d love to have a few people who have “been around the block.” People who actually have physical bibles and (without looking at the table of contents) know where the book of Habakkuk is! People like this are gems. I want you guys.
The Disciple Maker. I’m praying hard for this one. I’m looking for people who are not merely disicples but are passionate about disciple-making. Why do I want you? Because I want to reproduce people like you. I want lots and lots of you.
The F.A.T. Person. I’m praying for F.A.T. people (that is: Faithful, Available, and Teachable) who are willing to use their gifts and talents to serve Christ’s church and advance His Kingdom.
The Young Family. I want those families who are still trying to figure out this parenting thing. Rahcel and I are with you! Let’s love, and learn, and pray, and grow together.
The Family with lots of Kids. That is one way to grow the church–have lots and lots of kids. But in all seriousness, you guys are definitely invited to the party. We want to cultivate a culture having kids live church life with us. Kids are not a hinderance to our ministry; they are a significant part of our ministry.
The Seasoned Family. I want people to look at that are empty-nesters. Those who could give hope to us young families that need your help and encouragement.
Young Marrieds & Singles. This is a very vital stage of life. We’d love to make memories with you as we live life and serve together in this church planting stage of our church. You guys are definitely needed!
Ethnically Diverse Person (& Family). I want people from every tribe, kindred, people, and nation (or at least what is demographically here on the island).
And as I pray hard for these things, I take comfort in the fact that even before I thought about church planting, God knows who will be a part of the leadership team, how big the church will be, who will be its members, and who will be on the church planting team (Matt. 6:8).
