If you have been in ministry for more than a minute, you know it’s no walk in the park. In church planting, the roller coaster of emotions can be extreme. How do you get through it? Knowing your “why” absolutely helps. (Why you got into ministry) Knowing your calling and who called you is another major factor.
On a very practical level, here are three big questions that keep me in ministry and actually stir me to do more. We should ponder these questions and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to each of us personally.
1. Why do people need Jesus?
I know that is a simple question, but we need to realize this is at the very heart of our faith. I mean, if there isn’t a need, then what are we doing? There are so many things we can do besides ministry and church planting.
The scripture tells us that without Jesus, there is no hope. “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father.” John 14:6
There is no other way, and eternity is a very long time.
May we ask ourselves this question often. May this question stir us to risk more and do greater things in Jesus’ name.
2. Why do people need the church?
I’ve heard people ask – “Why do I need to go to church?” A statement that I hear when speaking to those who don’t attend church is – “I don’t have to attend church to be a Christian!”
The church is essential to God’s plan for our lives. Something beautiful happens when we gather corporately to worship the one true King. Being a part of a healthy congregation is a source of great joy and a means for personal growth in the life of a believer.
Hebrews 10:25 “We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.”
While we don’t “have” to go to church to be a Christian, I have never seen a non-church-going Christian increase in their enthusiasm and zeal for the mission of God. God did not set us apart from the world so that we could hide away and keep our faith a secret.
Within the local church, we have the opportunity to use our gifts and talents to glorify God. In the local church, we can pool resources to expand the Gospel. Simply put – we are better together!
3. Why do people need YOUR church?
This question is the “Biggie” in church planting and church revitalization worlds!
Think about it. I’m willing to bet there are so many other churches in your city.
- Why do people need yours?
- What is unique about your church?
- What do you offer that is different than other places of worship?
- How are we uniquely equipped to reach this community for Jesus?
- What vision has God given you to be the light in your community?
Every life-giving church has something in common. It has a group of people who understand that the local church is the only hope for the world. The local church is God’s plan A, and there is no plan B.
Because of this conviction, these churches are courageously, passionately, and even sacrificially giving their time, talents, and resources. They are relentless in their pursuit of those who are far from Jesus, to tell them that Jesus is the answer! Without that deep conviction and commitment, a church will flounder and eventually become powerless and ineffective.
The church has been uniquely designed to do the job of making disciples who make disciples. May we press forward like never before!
We are the Church. We are His Church! Let’s go!!
