The Unshakeable Foundation: Faith
The journey of starting a new church is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding endeavor. Numerous resources and models outline essential building blocks for success, often focusing on vision, leadership, strategy, and community engagement. However, according to Ridley's 13 Characteristics for Church Planter Assessment, there exists a foundational element informing all the others: Faith. While not always explicitly listed as a distinct step in every church planting manual, faith acts as the bedrock upon which all other efforts are built. It is the unwavering belief in God's calling, provision, and ultimate success that sustains a planter through inevitable trials and uncertainties.
Faith in Christ’s call to plant is the spiritual engine that keeps the church planting vehicle moving forward. The Scriptures are replete with examples of individuals whose unwavering faith propelled them to accomplish God's purposes. In the Old Testament, we see this vividly in the life of Abraham.
Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."
God's promise to Abraham of numerous descendants and a promised land seemed impossible from a human perspective. Yet, Abraham's faith in God's word, despite the apparent improbability, was the foundation upon which God's covenant was established. Similarly, a church planter will face seemingly insurmountable challenges – financial limitations, lack of initial interest, spiritual opposition – and it is their faith in God's promises and provision that will sustain them.
The Apostle Paul, a prolific church planter himself, emphasized the necessity of living by faith.
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, says "For we live by faith, not by sight."
Paul's ministry was marked by hardship, persecution, and uncertainty. Yet, his unwavering faith in Christ and the power of the Gospel fueled his tireless efforts to plant churches throughout the Roman Empire. Church planters today will undoubtedly encounter circumstances that seem contrary to their vision. It is in these moments that living by faith, trusting in God's unseen hand and sovereign plan, becomes crucial.
Ed Stetzer notes, "Church planting is an act of faith. You are stepping out into the unknown, trusting that God will lead and provide." Starting a new work carries with it inherent risks. Robust faith anchored in a dependence on God must fuel the vision of planting.
For any individual wishing to embark on the journey of church planting, it is crucial to honestly assess the strength and depth of one’s faith. Here are five questions a potential church planter should ask themselves:
In times of significant uncertainty and when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, where do I naturally place my trust and find my security?
How has God demonstrated His faithfulness in my past experiences, and how can I actively recall and build upon those moments to strengthen my faith for the future?
Am I willing to step out in obedience to God's calling even when the practical steps and outcomes are unclear?
How do I actively cultivate my faith through prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers, and am I committed to prioritizing these practices amidst the demands of church planting?
Am I prepared to lead a congregation in faith, modeling dependence on God and encouraging them to trust Him in their own lives?
In conclusion, while strategic planning, effective leadership, and community engagement are vital for successful church planting, they are all ultimately anchored in the unwavering foundation of faith. It is the 13th building block, the invisible yet indispensable element that empowers planters to persevere, to trust in God's promises, and to ultimately see His Kingdom advance. A tenacious and active faith is not merely a desirable trait but a non-negotiable prerequisite for those called to plant the seeds of a new church.
