Stay inspired and encouraged on your journey with these church planting verses.
We often set off to complete a big task, filled with inspiration and vision but soon find ourselves questioning what we are doing and how to do it.
Have you found yourself in this situation?
This happens all the time with church planters. We begin with such enthusiasm but along the way, the road is long and filled with obstacles, which can be discouraging and leave us second-guessing our mission.
We know that church planting work is critical to expanding the Kingdom, but sometimes we forget where these truths come from. Church planting verses from the Bible are treasures that we should hold close to our hearts. They will fill us with truth and bolster us when we feel weary.
This is why we’ve collected 11 church planting verses from the Bible and formulated a helpful list for you to come back to, time after time, and help you on your journey.
11 Church Planting Verses from the Bible
1. Zechariah 4:10
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.
Though your congregation may start small, focus on the advantages of beginning this way and don’t compare yourself to others. Remember to seek contentment and satisfaction with where God has you right now.
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:9
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
Church planting is hard work – the kind of hard work that should not be side-lined or ignored. The people we minister to are watching us and we should want our hard work to be an example that the church follows.
Beware: You won’t find any church planting verses that say the work is meant to be an easy journey.
3. Romans 10:14–15
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Evangelism is key to extending the Kingdom but it is often neglected when there is a lot going on within the workings of a church. But church plants infuse the body with momentum and energy. Though church planting takes a lot of resources and energy to put into motion, always remember that your endeavors will mean that someone else (or many) hear the Word of God.
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4. 1 Corinthians 3:5–7
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
It all comes down to God and church planting is His work. We are partners in this work, but any growth that we witness is because of God. Let this be your focus.
Reminder of the day: With church planting, it all comes down to God and church planting is His work. We are partners in this work, but any growth that we witness is because of God. Let this be your focus. Click To Tweet
5. Luke 14:23
And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’
An amazing part of church planting is that it reminds us of God’s instruction of going out into the community to draw in visitors. This means that the physical building of the church is not the draw-card, but Christ’s people, stepping out into their communities, bringing the church to people.
6. Matthew 13:33
He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”
Church planting is not only about saving individuals. It is about God’s Kingdom infiltrating the world, which brings about transformation. The effect that church planting has on communities is immense and although we may not see an immediate transformation, planting churches brings light to the darker corners of our towns and cities.
7. Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
If God called you to plant churches, then He has a plan. Through the more challenging days and weeks of church planting, keep this in focus. With flexibility and a keen focus on God’s plan, you will come to see that His plan is good because God is good.
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8. Acts 15:19
And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
When planning to plant a new church, it is easy to have elaborate dreams of an established church with many staff members, a myriad of programs, and a large budget. There is nothing wrong with dreaming, but don’t overcomplicate things. Not everything needs to be elaborate and for people who are new to the faith, you want to make their paths simple to follow, focusing on what is most essential: God.
9. Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
All church planting journeys are different. But some of them involve very bold moves and spiritual battles that can leave you feeling dismayed and weak. This verse certainly reminds us that God is our strength and we must trust in His help and sovereignty.
10. Luke 18:27
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Can’t find a building to rent? Encountering extreme resistance within your chosen church plant community? What seems impossible to you is not impossible to God. He has a good plan that may not be what you imagined but will come to fruition in His timing.
11.Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Days and weeks of searching for the ideal building to rent for your new church plant, hours of meetings, planning, and scheduling, plus everything else that we encounter day to day can leave us feeling exhausted and disheartened. Take heart in knowing that the work you are doing is good and that you can turn to God for strength and a renewal of energy in your journey. He is able!
THE VALUE OF SEEKING TRUTH IN CHURCH PLANTING BIBLE VERSES
It can be a long and arduous road, this journey of planting churches. A curated list of church planting verses from the Bible can be a useful resource that you can go back to, time and time again when you need to be reminded of the importance and value of your work.
And, of course, talking to someone who knows the kind of work you’re invested in is also hugely beneficial. Do you have someone who you can chat to about church planting and all the highs and lows involved in it? Do you have someone who has already planted churches and has extensive knowledge regarding the best steps to take?
Talk to an expert in church planting and gain invaluable insight and support.
