Several years ago, as we were content serving in a wonderful ministry in Alabama that we served for the past twelve years, the Lord began to burden our hearts about church planting. Fast forward to March of 2024, by the grace of God, we launched the City Light Baptist Church in Irvine, California.
Although I do not consider myself an expert in church planting in any way, shape or form, here are some things the Lord taught my family along the way as He was preparing us for church planting.
- Be sure of your calling from the Lord.
Church planting is definitely not something that we do as a side hobby in our spare time, but it must be a distinct calling from the Lord. If we are unsure about our calling when the rains come pouring down, our family and ministry will also be unsure. Often through hard times, it was the reminder and assurance of the calling of God that got us through. We believe that when God calls, He also enables, provides, and guides!
Jeremiah 1:5 — "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
- Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
As we sought God’s will in where He would have us plant a new church, we needed to stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We had some areas that seemed like great options for us, but at the end of the day, we surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit because He knows what is best for us, and we want to be in the center of His will. This doesn’t end when the location of the plant is confirmed but is rather the beginning of trusting the Lord and His leading for everything we do.
Galatians 5:25 — "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
- Be steadfast in where you stand doctrinally.
Ministry philosophies or preferences may change some through time, but the truths from God’s Word must be without compromise. You must know what you believe and why you believe it. Because there will be many voices and pulls from every direction to get your attention, especially in the early days of church planting, you must stand firm in God’s Word.
Ephesians 4:14-15 — "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
- Be strategic in how you reach your city.
We all must be good stewards of the time, energy, and resources that the Lord allows us to have in reaching our city for Christ. I recommend every church planter change his phone number to the local area code and get the license plate of the state that he is planting in. This relays the message to the community that you are here to stay and that you are all in. Diligently study the area, knock on doors in various parts of the city, meet with the city officials, ask questions, and continue to become a valuable citizen in your neighborhood so you can more effectively reach and influence the city that God has called you to.
Proverbs 4:7 — "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
- Be strong through the ups and downs.
There will be some challenges that we face along the way as we serve the Lord — some unique to church planting and some universal. Sometimes they come in the form of financial difficulties, mental struggles, family problems, and personal burnout, but all of these should be dealt with on the front end. Numbers come and go in church work, but our focus should always be on the Lord. My motto has become, “One week and one family at a time.” Our walk with the Lord will be one of the strongest towers and places of refuge that will help us get back on track for the Lord. Also, surround yourself with good brothers in Christ! Having a few close pastors that you can be accountability partners with will be a tremendous help and a blessing.
1 Corinthians 15:58 — Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
- Be secure in who you are and be yourself.
This is some of the best advice I have received from a pastor friend when we came to California. As we were traveling on deputation, we were in churches of every spectrum of our wonderful movement, and we enjoyed and learned from every pastor and church that we were in. However, I was reminded that I shouldn’t try to become like any of them, but rather be who God has created and called me to be. No pastor is expecting you to be a "copy and paste" of his ministry. When all is done, you will be giving an account to God about who you were and how you led your flock as the pastor. Be relevant to your community and demographics, but you must be secure in who God has called you to be and be faithful to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 — "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."
- Be supportive of like-minded ministries around you.
One of the biggest blessings of being a part of California for Christ was the support system it offered on so many levels. Striving together behind the common goal of planting more independent Baptist churches in California has helped our family see the unity, collaboration, and heart of so many supporting pastors. Every pastor and church that we have visited to raise support has been overwhelmingly good to us. In California, over 90% of the churches we have visited have taken us on for monthly support, and others have given generous offerings toward our start-up costs. Church planting in our movement is not and should not be done as a "lone ranger." Being in Irvine for less than a year, I have many friends and pastors that I can call or meet at any given time should I have questions or need help regarding our young church plant. Receiving all this support and love from them only encourages our hearts to have the same spirit of unity and collaboration toward others coming to our great state to plant churches.
Psalm 133:1 — "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
This deserves to be first on the list, but all of this would not be possible but by the grace of God and with a supportive family. Always make your family a priority. Your place of ministry may be replaceable, but your family is not. I am so thankful for the family that the Lord has given me to serve together in church planting. May the Lord strengthen all our families and ministries for His glory!
