Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

342 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

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, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.

3. S/he affirms with confidence the calling of God to represent him in pioneer church planting.

Gal. 1.1 (ESV) – Paul, an apostle – not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.

4. S/he submits joyfully to their leaders under the authority of Jesus Christ.