If church planting were easy, everybody would be doing it. While church planting is not rocket science, it is a lot of old-fashioned hard work. The New Testament abounds with applications of the word work in relation to church planting.

Forward to the Work

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

The Holy Spirit that called and sent the New Testament church planters to the work is the same Holy Spirit that has challenged the church today to the work of church planting.

Fulfilling of the Work

“And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.” (Acts 14:26)

As we examine the practice of our modern churches, we must ask ourselves if we are engaged in and fulfilling the same work our New Testament forefathers fulfilled. What is our plan or strategy today to fulfill the work of starting churches and ordaining men to the Gospel ministry as leaders of newly planted churches?

Failure in the Work

“But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.” (Acts 15:38)

John Mark had every opportunity to co-labor in this great work, but he chose to go his own way and sought to do his own thing. How many leaders of our churches are failing this biblical mandate and are choosing by default, as John Mark did, to not go with them to the work?

May we not be guilty today of a lack of willingness when it comes to the work of church planting.

Faithful in the Work

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The church at Corinth was a church planting work that was challenged to preach the Gospel they had received to the regions beyond. May we find ourselves faithful and fruitful in His work.

Friends in the Work

“Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.” (1 Corinthians 16:10)

What are you doing to help encourage the spirit of cooperation as co-laborers together with God in the work of church planting?

Let’s pray and give and help encourage other churches in the work of planting churches through the local church.

Focus on the Work

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

May every pastor seek to do the work of an evangelist—watching  in all things and enduring afflictions—in leading the church they under-shepherd in the great work of seeing new churches started! May God give us a holy unction for the work whereunto we have been called!