Church Planting Insights From 1 ThessaloniansSample

Men and women do not choose to plant churches in unreached places because they want to grow rich in money or material goods. And those seeking fame and renown don’t go to hard places to start churches among the unchurched.

So, what motivates church planters to go to a place that does not know Christ? Why do they work so hard so that people will know and trust Jesus? We know the cost of church planting is high. It takes so much time. It is often emotionally draining. There are so many difficulties.

Frankly, church planters are motivated by hope. They go to a new place and preach Christ, hoping that some will respond. They pray for the sick and declare the goodness of God in the face of much opposition because they hope that the light of Christ will dawn in darkened minds and hardened hearts. Church planters walk beside the weak who constantly give in to temptation, hoping they will one day grow strong. Yes, it’s hope that motivates the beginning church planter.

But after a few years of ministry, the beginning church planter gains a new motivation. Because after a few years of sowing and reaping, church planters have more than just hope for motivation. They have fruit. They see transformed lives; they regularly worship the living God with people who, just a few years ago, despised God. They enjoy a meal with a husband and wife who previously almost hated each other. Church planters’ hearts swell with pride when their disciples lead others to Christ, pray with authority, and testify or teach with deep conviction.

The apostle Paul was just this sort of church planter. He loved his disciples so much! He longed to be with them! He grieved when he could not be by their sides. Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 1:18-20, “For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

How about you? What keeps you going when you get discouraged? If you are motivated by hope, that is good. But if you can, take a moment to reflect on the grace of God at work in the lives of your disciples. As you do, your heart will feel joy, and you will sense just a little bit of the glory that will be revealed when Jesus comes.

o 1 Thessalonians 2