As you engage in the rigors of church planting, you’ll likely find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activities. If you’re not careful, this can quickly spiral into a chaotic and consuming sense of busyness.
Learning to manage your time well, prioritizing essential tasks, and applying wisdom in every decision will be crucial for staying on track and effectively fulfilling your mission.
One of the most helpful tools in your church planting arsenal is a formal process for evaluating your efforts.
Subjectivity and feelings are unreliable measures of effectiveness. Wise church planters implement an objective process for assessing their progress.
In World Impact’s Church Planting School, we introduce church plant teams to the PWR (Prepare, Work, Review) process. Teams have found that this process provides a valuable framework for evaluating their efforts and ensuring they move in the right direction.
How Can We Fulfill God’s Purpose? Using Wisdom in Ministry
The dictionary defines wisdom as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” In a biblical context, wisdom involves discerning and choosing the best course of action among viable options, aligning our actions with God’s will and purposes.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV) urges us to “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord1 is.”
Proverbs 24:3-6 (ESV) highlights the practical impact of wisdom: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man2 is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”3
Reaping the Rewards: Benefits of Wise Ministry
Imagine a church plant where everyone is on the same page, moving forward with clarity and purpose. This is the power of wisdom in action. Here’s how it can transform your ministry:
Unified Team, Clear Direction
- Shared Vision: When there’s a clear and compelling vision, everyone understands the “why” behind their efforts. This fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
- Defined Roles: With clear direction, each team member knows their role and how it contributes to the overall mission. This minimizes confusion and empowers individuals to take ownership.
- Healthy Turnover: A well-defined vision allows people to self-select in or out. Those who resonate with the vision stay and contribute wholeheartedly, while those who don’t can pursue other opportunities without resentment.
Strategic Focus, Maximized Impact
- Stewardship of Resources: Wisdom helps you discern between good opportunities and the right opportunities. This prevents you from squandering time, energy, and finances on initiatives that don’t align with your core mission.
- Preparedness: Like Nehemiah, who was ready to present his vision to the king when the opportunity arose, wisdom enables you to anticipate and seize God-given opportunities.
Empowered People, Inspired Action
- Freedom to Innovate: Clear direction doesn’t stifle creativity; it unleashes it! When people know the boundaries and the goal, they’re free to explore new ideas and approaches within that framework.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: Wisdom equips you to anticipate challenges and address them proactively, rather than constantly reacting to circumstances.
Overcoming Obstacles: Barriers to Wise Ministry
While the benefits of wisdom are clear, several obstacles can hinder its application in ministry. Let’s explore some common barriers and how to overcome them:
1. The “We’ve Always Done it This Way” Trap
It’s easy to fall into the trap of tradition, resisting new ideas simply because “that’s not how we’ve always done things.” But clinging to outdated methods can stifle growth and innovation. Remember, God is constantly doing new things! Be willing to challenge the status quo and embrace fresh approaches.
2. The “We’re Doing Fine” Illusion
Even when things seem to be going well, complacency can be a dangerous enemy. Don’t settle for “good enough.” Continually seek ways to improve, grow, and bear more fruit.
3. The “Organization Stifles the Spirit” Myth
Some believe that planning and organization hinder spontaneity and the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, wise planning can actually create space for the Spirit to move. Think of it as creating fertile ground for God to work in and through you.
4. The “God Will Bless it Anyway” Assumption
While it’s true that God can work through our imperfections, this shouldn’t be an excuse for laziness or lack of planning. Faith and action go hand in hand.
5. Decision-Making Based on Emotion or Expediency
Don’t let emotions, convenience, or limited resources dictate your decisions. Seek wise counsel, pray for discernment, and make choices that align with your long-term vision.
6. Fatigue and Fear
Fatigue can cloud our judgment and make us resistant to new ideas. Fear—whether of failure, change, or losing support—can paralyze us and keep us from taking necessary risks. Prioritize rest, delegate tasks, and cultivate a spirit of courage and faith.
7. The “Experience Trumps Wisdom” Fallacy
While experience is valuable, it shouldn’t be a substitute for wisdom. Longevity in a community or ministry doesn’t automatically equate to having all the answers. Be open to new perspectives and be willing to learn from others.
Cultivating Wisdom: Practical Steps
So how can we cultivate wisdom in our lives and ministries? Here are a few practical steps:
- Seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture.
- Surround yourself with wise counsel.
- Reflect on your experiences and learn from your mistakes.
- Be humble and teachable.
- Embrace change and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Church planting is a challenging but incredibly rewarding endeavor.
By embracing wisdom as your guide, you can navigate the complexities of ministry with clarity, confidence, and effectiveness.
Remember, wisdom isn’t just about knowing the right things; it’s about doing the right things. So, let wisdom be your compass as you embark on this exciting journey of building God’s kingdom!
