The Evangel Dean School - Developing Wisdom

110 • 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

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

III. Issues Surrounding the Missionary Apostleship

A. What level of Preparation and Training are necessary for someone to be missionary church plant team leader?

1. Ideally, the missionary apostle has made disciples within their own cultural setting before s/he has shifted to do the same cross-culturally in pioneer mission. 2 Cor. 8.18-22 (ESV) – With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.