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Planting a Church? Remember This Verse
First Corinthians 16:9 serves as a blueprint for church planting, highlighting both the open doors and the inevitable opposition that come with advancing the Kingdom of God.
Church planting is both a thrilling and challenging endeavor. It is a call to step into the unknown, trust God for provision, and engage in spiritual warfare for the sake of the gospel. For those called to this mission, the road is filled with both great opportunities and great obstacles—but we are not alone in the journey. The Apostle Paul captures this reality in 1 Corinthians 16:9:
“For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”
This verse serves as a blueprint for church planting, highlighting both the open doors and the inevitable opposition that come with advancing the Kingdom of God. Every word carries weight and wisdom for those stepping out in faith to plant churches. Within this single verse, we find eight key insights that every church planter should take to heart. Let’s break it down:
1. “Wide” – Jesus’ Harvest is Big
The door God opens is wide because the harvest is plentiful (Matthew 9:37). There are souls waiting to hear the gospel, lives ready to be transformed, and communities needing the hope of Jesus. The scope of church planting is vast because God’s mission is global.
2. “Door” – Jesus Invites Us to Step Through
A door is meant to be walked through. Jesus is the one who opens opportunities for ministry, but we must step forward in faith. Hesitation leads to missed opportunities, but obedience leads to kingdom expansion.
3. “Effective” – Jesus’ Power Will Do It
The work of church planting is effective not because of our skill, charisma, or strategy, but because of Jesus’ power. When God opens a door, He supplies everything needed to see fruitfulness. His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).
4. “Work” – Jesus Deserves Our Labor
Church planting is not for the faint of heart. It is work—hard, exhausting, joyful, and rewarding work. Jesus deserves our sweat, sacrifice, and service because He gave everything for us.
5. “Opened” – Jesus’ Presence Goes Before Us
We are not forcing doors open; God opens them. When He does, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is already at work in the places He calls us to.
6. “Me” – Jesus Calls Us Personally & Specifically
Church planting isn’t a general mission; it’s a personal calling. Paul recognized that God had opened a door for him. Jesus calls each planter specifically—by name, to a place, to a people, for His purpose.
7. “Adversaries” – Jesus Has an Enemy
Wherever God is moving, the enemy is opposing. Every church planter will face spiritual warfare, discouragement, opposition, and even persecution. But take heart—Jesus has already won the victory.
8. “Many” – Jesus’ Enemy Attacks in Multiple Ways
Expect opposition in many forms: internal doubts, external resistance, financial struggles, relational tensions, and cultural pushback. The enemy will try to stop the work, but Jesus is greater (1 John 4:4).
9. “And” (Not But) – Jesus Will Win
Notice Paul says, “and” there are many adversaries, not “but.” The adversaries do not negate the opportunity. The battle does not cancel the mission. The obstacles are proof that the work is worth doing. Jesus wins. The Gospel prevails. The church will be built (Matthew 16:18).
Final Encouragement
If you are planting a church, take heart! The door is wide, the work is effective, and Jesus goes before you. Expect opposition, but move forward in faith. The mission is worth it, and the victory is sure.
Step through the door. The harvest is ready. Jesus is with you.
