The Timothy Conference

T H E T I M O T H Y C O N F E R E N C E

b. The truth of the matter: God uses both men and women whose ministries are not primarily public in terms of speaking, but effective in terms of personal witness.

8. S/he must not be a person prone to weakness, insecurity, or neediness.

a. Biblical rebuttal:

(2 Corinthians 12.9-10, ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

b. The truth of the matter: Missionary pastors are acquainted with their own weaknesses within and difficulties from without, and God demonstrates his power through them in spite of these weaknesses and hardships.

9. S/he must always be perceived by everyone in leadership as valuable, helpful and credible.

a. Biblical rebuttal:

(Acts 15.35-40, ESV) But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. [36] And after 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.” [37] Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. [38] But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. [39] And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, [40] 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.

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