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Coaching from Peter: 12 Lessons for Church Planters
The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 5, provides invaluable exhortations for pastors and planters in this journey.
Church planting demands vision and perseverance. As planters work toward the dream of a thriving church, they must also labor in the trenches of ministry. The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 5, provides invaluable exhortations for pastors and planters in this journey. As a fellow elder, he writes with both authority and empathy (1 Peter 5:1), offering encouragement and direction for those leading churches in their early stages.
1. Shepherd the Flock You Have, Not the One You Want (1 Peter 5:2)
“Shepherd God’s flock among you …”
Church planting is inherently visionary, requiring leaders to imagine services, small groups, and ministries that do not yet exist. However, this forward-looking mindset can become a temptation to fixate on the church that is not yet, rather than faithfully shepherding the people God has already entrusted to you. Every planter must first be a pastor, caring for the present flock with diligence and joy, rather than allowing discontent to grow over numbers or circumstances.
2. Shepherd with Passion, Not Pressure (1 Peter 5:2)
“… not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you …”
Are you shepherding with genuine passion, or are you driven by other desires? A true call to plant a church means you cannot do anything else without disobedience to God. Church planting should be about reaching people and growing disciples, not simply leading, preaching, or calling the shots. Examine your hunger—what truly drives you in this mission?
3. Lead for God’s Glory, Not Personal Gain (1 Peter 5:2)
“…not out of greed for money but eagerly …”
While church planting is rarely financially lucrative, it can still become a means to a self-serving end. It’s vital to ask yourself: Is this journey a genuine calling to serve God’s people, or has it become a stepping stone to personal ambition? Are you driven by the desire to shepherd, or by the opportunity to build a platform for yourself? Examine motives, surrender personal ambition, and ensure that your heart remains aligned with God’s purpose rather than self-interest.
4. Be a Leader, Not a Boss (1 Peter 5:3)
“… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
True leadership in church planting is not about exerting authority but about setting an example. A boss gives orders from a distance, but a leader walks with the people, guiding them through action rather than mere words. The most effective church planters embody servant leadership, demonstrating commitment, selflessness, and humility in their daily lives. By living out the principles they preach, they inspire others to follow Christ—not through force, but through the compelling witness of their own faithfulness and sacrifice.
5. Measure Time by Christ’s Return and Success by His Word (1 Peter 5:4)
“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Ministry success cannot be measured by arbitrary deadlines or human expectations, nor should it be defined by visible achievements alone. The true harvest comes at God’s appointed time, often in ways that are unseen or unexpected. Faithfulness in church planting is not about hitting specific growth targets or reaching worldly milestones but about steadfast obedience—enduring in the work until Jesus returns or calls you home. This perspective shifts our focus from short-term pressures to the eternal impact of our labor. When Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears, He will be the one to reward and affirm those who have labored for His glory. This assurance frees church planters from the burden of comparison and competition, allowing them to work with confidence, knowing that their efforts are not in vain.
6. Learn from Those Who Have Gone Before You (1 Peter 5:5)
“In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders …”
Experience is a valuable teacher, but wisdom allows you to learn from others without enduring every hardship yourself. Seeking counsel from seasoned pastors and church planters can help you navigate challenges more effectively and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Their insights, gained through years of ministry, can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies for leading well. Pursue mentorship with humility and a willingness to listen. The wisdom of those who have walked this road before you is a gift from God to strengthen and equip you for the journey ahead.
7. Stay Humble, Even as You Gain Experience (1 Peter 5:5-6)
“All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God …”
Longevity in ministry is often about enduring through seasons of hardship, uncertainty, and even personal failure. Many leaders do not fall due to a lack of skill or gifting, but because they succumb to burnout, disqualifying sin, or disillusionment. The road is long, and those who remain steadfast often find themselves in leadership not because of exceptional ability, but simply because they are still standing when others have faltered. This reality should not foster pride, but deep humility—recognizing that ministry is sustained not by our strength, but by God’s grace. Everything belongs to Him, and He will ultimately require an account of how we have stewarded the people, opportunities, and responsibilities entrusted to us. Endurance in ministry is not about personal grit alone, but about continually returning to God’s strength, walking in integrity, and maintaining a posture of surrender before Him.
8. Trust in the Lord’s Perfect Timing (1 Peter 5:6)
“… so that he may exalt you at the proper time …”
Exaltation comes in God’s time, not ours. Many church planters struggle with impatience, longing for rapid growth, full sanctuaries, and immediate influence. Yet, the work of ministry is more like farming than manufacturing—it requires patience, faith, and endurance. Seeds must be sown, watered, and nurtured before the harvest comes. God, in His wisdom, often allows slow growth to deepen our dependence on Him, refine our character, and prepare us for future ministry. Trusting in His perfect timeline means surrendering our ambitions and resting in the assurance that He will bring the increase in His appointed season. Trusting His timing is about releasing control and accepting that His plans unfold at the right moment, even when they don’t align with our expectations.
9. Return to the Affection of God (1 Peter 5:7)
“… casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.”
Anxiety often takes root when we believe the weight of ministry rests solely on our shoulders, as if God may not intervene in our struggles. Yet Scripture offers a clear and liberating command: cast all your cares on Him, for He truly cares for you. This is not a passive suggestion but an active invitation to entrust every burden to the One who sustains His people. Daily anchoring ourselves in the reality of God’s unwavering love provides the strength and perspective needed to navigate the trials of church planting with resilience and faith.
10. Remember Your Enemy So You Can Resist Him (1 Peter 5:8-9)
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith…”
Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour church planters, knowing that if he can take down a leader, he can weaken an entire flock. His attacks often come in three distinct but interconnected forms: hunger (dissatisfaction with where you are or what you have), isolation (the loneliness that creeps in when burdens are carried alone), and exhaustion (the burnout that results from relentless striving without necessary rest). These tactics aim to shake a planter’s confidence in God’s provision, presence, and power. The antidote? Intentional rhythms of rest, deep and authentic community, and healthy outlets that not only sustain your well-being but also glorify God. These are not luxuries; they are necessities for enduring in ministry and resisting the enemy’s schemes.
11. Build Brotherhood (1 Peter 5:9)
“… knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”
True brotherhood does not happen by accident—it must be built with intentionality and commitment. Ministry can be isolating, but forging deep, gospel-centered relationships with fellow pastors and planters provides a vital network of encouragement, accountability, and wisdom. These connections are not merely for comfort but serve as a safeguard against burnout, discouragement, and spiritual attack. Investing in these relationships ensures that no one walks the path of ministry alone, but rather, in the strength of a shared calling.
12. Raise Your Gaze Toward God and His Promises (1 Peter 5:10-11)
“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen.”
After enduring seasons of suffering, God Himself restores His servants. He will personally confirm their calling, strengthen their resolve, and establish them on a firm foundation. This assurance is not rooted in fleeting circumstances but in the unshakable sovereignty and power of God, whose reign is eternal. Our hope, therefore, is not anchored in momentary relief but in the certainty of His promises, which transcend every trial and hardship.
A Final Encouragement
Have you ever taken the time to write down the vision God has placed in your heart for your church plant? If not, set aside a moment to prayerfully articulate what you believe He desires to accomplish through this work. As you do, lay your hand over your words and commit them to the Lord in prayer. Ask not only that He would bring this vision to fruition but also that He would grant you the perseverance to remain faithful even if progress seems slow or the dream feels distant. Hold fast to the encouragement found in 1 Peter 5, and trust in the unwavering faithfulness of God to sustain you in this calling.
