Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).
Quality means doing it right when no one is looking (Henry Ford).
Whether we’re involved in building a doghouse (it’s harder than you think), building a family home or planting (building) a church, I’m convinced that the most important characteristic or aspect of the task involves the quality of the persons and materials involved.
When I tried to build a doghouse I tried to go cheap on the quality. After 3 rebuilds and lots of frustration realized that quality materials mattered. When building our family
home I tried to cut corners on the foundation and electrical work and at great expense realized again that the quality of the people you work with matter most.
When we were church planting we were privileged to be surrounded with quality people who were difference makers as we were guided by the Holy Spirit. At the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada we’re honored by the high quality of people we get to partner with in our Church Plants and in our partnering Churches. There are lots of characteristics we consider in our Church Planters:
- spiritual gifts and abilities
- desire to disciple others
- previous life and ministry experiences
- capacity to take risks
- ability to develop healthy systems
- approaches in reaching out to their community
However, by far the most significant characteristic in a Church Planter and their team is that quality of the person that reflects their relationship with Jesus. Jesus, our Master Builder apprentices us as His Junior Builders in planting and growing His Church. The quality of our relationship with the Master will become apparent in the quality of all the choices and actions we involve ourselves.
Ron Edmondson shares some further and helpful thoughts in this article, and Kevin Kloster offers some great insights into what makes a successful church planter – check out this YouTube video.
We’ve developed a growing relationship with the folks at www.lifeway.com (a shout out to Lizette Beard) and the great work they are doing with many denominations in helping to identify, develop and empower Church Planters. If you or someone you know is interested in taking a Church Planter Assessment please check out Lifeway’s website and contact me at tlavigne@cbwc.ca for a free assessment.
Tom Lavigne
CBWC Church Planting 