Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

P ART III: P LANTING U RBAN C HURCHES • 345

always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

10. S/he allows the emerging church to develop its own identity and destiny under the leadership of the Holy Spirit .

Acts 20.25-32 (ESV) – And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

B. Implications for the Apostolic Church Plant Team Leader

1. Of all the things listed above, nothing is as important as the recognition of one’s calling to plant churches . Why?

a. If you are called, you’ll be provided for .

b. If you are called, the opportunities will come .

c. If you are called, God will ensure your gifting and timing .

2. Of all the gifts desired above, perhaps none is as important as these:

a. Burden for evangelism

b. Commitment to love and nurture the team as church

c. Ability to coordinate the gifts and efforts of team members for maximum contribution in our mission outreach