ARC Church Planting Prayer GuideSample

Launch & Beyond

Devotional:

By Noah Herrin, Way Church, Nashville, TN

Who you are with matters. I learned this lesson recently when I went to Athens, Georgia, to watch THE University of Georgia Bulldogs play football. My Uncle Scott is the football team’s chaplain, which allowed me to experience the game in a way I never thought possible.

When we got to the stadium, our passes got us inside. Then, our passes got us onto the field. We got to high-five players, walk around wherever we wanted, and even throw some balls to the players. Then those same passes got us inside the locker room. We got to walk right by an army of security officers, listen to the pre-game speech, and stand near the team as they ran out onto the field to play the game. It was incredible, and it was all because of who I was with—my uncle.

Launching a church is no small feat. But launching a church is just the beginning! Now, you get to lead a church, which comes with all sorts of unique challenges and fears of its own. Where will the people come from? The money? The space? How do I do this? What about these new challenges that seem to pop up every day?

It can be overwhelming sometimes. That's why Joshua 1:9 is so powerful to me.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

You can be strong and courageous because of the verse's last part - “For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It’s all about who you are with.

When God is with you, He will build His church.

When God is with you, He will provide for His church.

When God is with you, He will open doors that no man can shut.

When God is with you, He will be strong in your weakness.

When God is with you, you have nothing to fear.

It’s all about who you are with. God be with you.

Meditation:

Picture what you want your church to become in the future. What kind of team will you need to get there? Pray over your existing team and the team you will need for the future.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, this season of preparing to launch has been so special. As we prepare for the official launch, I ask that you fill me and our team with boldness and faith. We know that this is the start of an amazing race and that you will be with us every step of the way. Thank you for all you have done for us up to this point and all that you are going to do!