Christmas is here again, and you can feel it everywhere—the trees, the lights, and the never-ending cycle of Christmas music (yes, I love it, but I also hit my limit after hearing “Last Christmas” on repeat). This season is special for so many reasons, but one thing I keep coming back to is the story of Jesus’ birth and how it speaks directly to those of us in the trenches of church planting.
The Christmas story isn’t just nostalgic; it’s a roadmap for mission. Jesus’ birth was the launchpad for the greatest movement in history. And as church planters, there’s so much wisdom in this story that we can carry into our own calling. Let’s dive into a few lessons straight from the manger.
1. Small Starts Aren’t Insignificant
Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a stable—not a palace or temple, but a stable. Think about that. God’s grand plan to redeem humanity didn’t begin in luxury or comfort—it started in the middle of a mess.
If you’re planting a church, you might feel like your start is small, unimpressive, or chaotic. Maybe you’re meeting in someone’s basement or a school gym that still smells like middle school lunches. But don’t dismiss what God can do with humble beginnings.
The manger reminds us that greatness isn’t about where you start—it’s about who’s with you. Jesus in a stable changed the world, and Jesus in your church plant can do the same.
2. God’s Timing Is Never Off
Let’s talk about timing. From the outside, the timing of Jesus’ birth looks… inconvenient. Mary and Joseph were forced to travel during her pregnancy. The town was overcrowded. The conditions weren’t ideal. Yet, Galatians 4:4 tells us that Jesus came “when the set time had fully come.”
Church planters, I know how easy it is to feel like the timing isn’t right. Maybe you’re looking at your budget, your team, or the challenges around you and thinking, God, shouldn’t I wait for better conditions?
But God’s timing is never late. He doesn’t wait for us to feel ready; He moves when the time is right. If He’s called you to plant a church, trust He knows the perfect time to launch His mission through you—even if it feels inconvenient or messy.
3. Expect the Unexpected People
Who got the birth announcement for Jesus? Shepherds. Not royalty. Not priests. Shepherds. In first-century society, shepherds weren’t exactly influencers. They were average, overlooked, and often dismissed.
As you plant your church, don’t underestimate the power of “unexpected” people. God has a way of drawing the broken, the messy, and the overlooked into His mission. These are the people who often become the backbone of a church plant—the ones who stick with you through thick and thin and help carry the vision forward.
Shepherds didn’t just show up; they became the first evangelists of Jesus’ birth. The people who walk through your doors may surprise you with how God uses them.
4. Focus on the Mission, Not the Mess
Let’s be honest: the first Christmas was chaotic. Mary and Joseph were exhausted. The stable wasn’t exactly sterile. And yet, in the middle of all that mess, the mission of God was unfolding perfectly.
Church planting can feel messy, too. There’s always something—volunteers cancel, the sound system crashes or your budget looks more like a wish list. But don’t let the mess distract you from the mission.
Jesus’ birth wasn’t about the stable; it was about salvation. In the same way, your church plant isn’t about perfect logistics or flawless execution. It’s about bringing the hope of Jesus to people who need Him. Stay focused on the bigger picture.
5. God’s Presence Changes Everything
The most beautiful part of the Christmas story is Emmanuel—God with us. When Jesus came to earth, everything changed. And here’s the good news for you: that same Jesus is with you today.
You’re not planting your church alone. You’re not trying to grow it alone. Jesus is with you, and His presence makes all the difference. When the challenges feel overwhelming or doubt creeps in, remember: you don’t have to do this on your own.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the bottom line: the Christmas story isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we live out. Jesus’ journey from the manger to the mission is the same journey we’re called to as church planters.
So this Christmas, let the story of Jesus’ birth remind you of your own calling. Embrace the small beginnings. Trust God’s timing. Welcome the unexpected people. Stay focused on the mission. And lean into the presence of Jesus, knowing that He’s walking with you every step of the way.
Merry Christmas, friends. Let’s keep building His Kingdom—one humble, messy, beautiful step at a time.
In His Grace,
Jeff
Resources by Jeff Hoglen
