The Evangel Dean School - Developing Wisdom

106 • T he E vangel D ean S chool : D eveloping W isdom , C onviction , and P erspective in C hurch P lant T eams

The Heartbeat of a Church Planter: Discerning an Apostolic/Pastoral Identity , continued

some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. b. The truth of the matter: Sometimes, the very one who appears the least likely to be used of God as a missionary pastor may become the very one whom the Lord calls to bear much fruit for the Kingdom.

II. The Profile of a Church Plant Team Leader

A. The Profile of the Apostolic Pastor

1. S/he maintains a mature walk with Jesus Christ that is worthy to be imitated .

Phil. 4.8-9 (ESV) – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

2. S/he represents the Lord through a compelling personal witness and solid reputation among outsiders and among believers .

2 Cor. 6. 3-11 (ESV) – We put no obstacle in any one’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor,