Today is the final installment of “The Four Loves of a Church Planter.” You can find the first three here: Love #1, #2, and #3.

Successful church planters love the…

PEOPLE IN THEIR CHURCH

I talked last week about the importance of loving your city and the people of your city, but today I’m talking specifically about the people in your church. It never ceases to amaze me the spite and disdain that I sometimes hear from church planters toward the very people we’re called to shepherd.

We have to keep in mind what a privilege it is to be a part of God’s mission in the world and that we are in the “loving God and loving people” business (remember Matthew 22?). It isn’t always easy but if you signed up for easy, starting a new church probably isn’t the right move for you.

In spite of the challenges, conflicts, and pains that inevitably arise, I can honestly say that I have never met a successful church planter who didn’t care deeply for the people of his church.

Here’s the truth: It is only through cultivating a love and concern for the people of your church that you will find satisfaction and success in church planting (and ministry in general).

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly — not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. – 1 Peter 5:2 (NLT)

Church Planter:
- Are you praying daily for the growth, health, and well-being of the people of your church?
- Will you closely monitor your attitude toward your church people over the next week?
- Do you need to repent of any resentment or bitterness in this area?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this series of posts as much I have. May God bless each of us and our churches as we work to keep our hearts properly focused.

P.S. Are you getting ready to start a new church? Check out The Launch Conference on DVD:
https://nelsonsearcy.infusionsoft.com/cart/store.jsp?view=4&i=p92&navicat=45