I’m getting sick of the term ‘church planter’.  Really, we need to find new (ancient?) vocabulary.  We mean well, of course, but it must be offensive for God to see his creations giving themselves titles that belong only to him, and taking credit for works only he has done.  It’s as misleading as our twisted use of the words “church” and “worship.”  

Gospel planters.  That’s what we are as Jesus’ disciples. 

Church planter.  That’s what the Holy Spirit is (among other roles). 

If we’re going to see church planting movements we need to faithfully assume the roles we’ve been given and let God be God.

We lay a foundation, yet it is Jesus Christ who builds his church. 

We plant and water the seed, yet it is God who makes it grow.

How audacious we are to call ourselves ‘church planters’ and claim we will do what Christ alone can do – that is, make people into a new creation. 

[Thank you to my friends for showing me our biblical role as Gospel planters.] 

Categories: the why
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