Four Lessons I Learned (and am Learning) from Planting a Church

Sermon Title: Four Lessons I Learned (and am Learning) from planting a Church

Scripture: Various Scripture

Occasion: Kenya Breakout

Date: TBD

Introduction

PRAY

Greeting:

Ephesians 1:2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Brothers and Sisters, It is a privilege to be with you here in Kenya.

Last time my wife and I were here was in the summer of 2012 with my oldest only 4 months in the womb.

I’m thrilled and humbled to be back!

My name is Arthur Gonçalves, and I serve as the lead pastor of Restoration Church of Sanford in Florida, USA.

By God’s grace, we began our church planting process in 2020, and on January 16, 2022, we officially launched our Church.

I am not here because I have all the answers.

I am still learning every day.

But I want to share with you four lessons from my journey in church planting—lessons I hope will encourage and equip you.

Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, entrepreneur, or aspiring church planter, these truths will resonate because they are deeply rooted in Scripture and filled with hope.

Let us ground ourselves in 1 Timothy 4:16: "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers."

This verse will guide our time.

It highlights the importance of guarding two things:

Your life—your character, health, and relationship with Christ.

(My Focus For Today is “Your Life” / No healthy life no healthy doctrine. You will become a hypocrite if you neglect to watch over your own soul.)

Your doctrine—the truth of God’s Word and the gospel you proclaim.

Church planting and ministry require vigilance.

Healthy leaders produce healthy churches (business and ministries).

Let us explore this through four lessons.

Lesson 1: Seek Wisdom

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." (Proverbs 4:7)

Church planting is not a task for the unprepared.

Wisdom is the foundation on which you build.

Paul’s command to "keep a close watch on yourself" reminds us to grow in wisdom, both spiritually and practically.

During our pastoral residency at Orlando Baptist Church, Pastors Dustin Janney and Cory Cooper taught us to navigate finances, demographics, and cultural dynamics.

Their wisdom shaped the way we planted our church and taught us to honor God in every decision.

Illustration: The Carpenter and His Tools

Imagine a carpenter without tools.

He may have the vision for a beautiful chair, but without the right equipment, he cannot bring it to life.

Similarly, wisdom is the toolset you need for ministry.

Without it, your vision for a healthy church will remain incomplete.

Application:

Seek wisdom through Scripture. It is the ultimate source of guidance.

2. **Learn from experienced leaders. Surround yourself with godly mentors. (FOCUS is here!)

3. Invest in resources like The Pastor’s Soul by Brian Croft and Church Planting Thresholds by Clint Clifton (I will be giving out two of those books today). Podcasts such as 9Marks pastors talk, practically trained pastors, CCEEF biblical counseling etc.

Reflection Questions:

Are you seeking wisdom daily through prayer and Scripture?

What resources are you engaging with—whether by listening, watching, or attending—to gain wisdom and knowledge in the field or area you want to pursue?

Who are the mentors in your life guiding you in ministry?

Takeaway:

Commit to seeking wisdom from God and others.

Don’t plant a church or lead a ministry or start a business without a clear and prayerful plan rooted in godly counsel.

Lesson 2: Seek Pastoral Friendships

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

Paul’s instruction to “persist” in 1 Timothy 4:16 reminds us that ministry is a long and challenging journey.

You cannot walk it alone.

God designed us for community, and pastoral friendships are essential for encouragement (when we are weary and discouraged), accountability (When we face temptations and want to give up not eh fight against sin), and growth (When we reach new heights and need direction and structure to steward well what the Lord has done is us).

Illustration: The Firewood Bundle

Think of a bundle of firewood.

When the sticks are tied together, they are strong and unbreakable.

But when separated, each stick is easily broken.

Pastoral friendships are like that bundle.

Together, we stand firm against the pressures of ministry.

In my own life, pastoral friendships have been a lifeline.

These brothers reminded me that I am not alone, offering wisdom, prayer, and support in moments of doubt.

(Share low moments of my journey. Phone calls I made and conversations that I had that were pivotal. )

Application:

Prioritize building relationships with other pastors and leaders.

Be vulnerable and open about your struggles. (Press into your weaknesses)

Seek out those who will sharpen you spiritually and practically.

Reflection Questions:

Are you walking in ministry alone, or do you have trusted godly friends?

How can you foster deeper relationships with fellow leaders?

Takeaway:

Invest in relationships with other godly leaders.

Ministry is not a solo journey—walk with others who will strengthen and sharpen you. YOU NEED THEM!

Lesson 3: Seek the Lord in Needy Prayer

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2)

Prayer is the engine of ministry.

It fuels our dependence on God and aligns our hearts with His will.

Paul’s call to watch over your doctrine is inseparable from prayer.

Sound teaching and faithful leadership are born in the prayer closet.

When I first began planting our church, I relied too much on my own strength.

A book called It Happens After Prayer by H.B. Charles Jr. convicted me deeply.

It taught me that prayerlessness is a sign of self-reliance, while prayer reveals our trust in God.

(H.B. Quote “The things I pray about…”)

Illustration: The Water Pump

Here in Kawangware, you may be familiar with manual water pumps.

To draw water, you must pump consistently.

If you stop, the flow ceases.

Prayer is like that pump.

The more we labor in prayer, the more we draw from God’s endless supply of sovereign grace.

But neglect it, and our ministries will run dry.

Application:

Commit to daily, steadfast needy prayer. (Always and ever learning to pray like the disciples in Luke 11).

Lead your church to become a praying community. (We started our church upon the foundation of Prayer.)

Trust God for what you cannot accomplish in your own strength.

And give up when you don’t see immediate results. God is working even when you cannot see you working. He is answering your prayers even when its seems your prayers are falling on deaf ears.

(Illustration of person in line for grapes at the produce stand.)

God’s delay is for your good.

Don’t get out of line.

Don‘t give up in prayer.

His best is coming.

His power is at work in you!

Reflection Questions:

What areas of your ministry have you neglected to pray about?

Are you relying on prayer like a beggar looking for his next meal?(Share Luke 11:5-10 with emphasis on v.8 “Impudence”.)

Are you teaching your church to rely on needy prayer?

Takeaway:

Make prayer the foundation of your ministry.

May your Church say with us “It happens after prayer”.

Without prayer, you are building on sand.

Lesson 4: Seek Rest in Christ

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Ministry is demanding, and leaders are often tempted to overwork.

Paul’s command to “save yourself” in 1 Timothy 4:16 begins with abiding in Christ.

A leader who neglects rest will burn out, harming both himself and those he leads.

I experienced this firsthand when stress began to manifest in physical symptoms.

My health was failing because I was trying to carry burdens that only Christ can bear.

Rest is not found in laziness but in trusting Christ to sustain the work.

Illustration: The Overworked Ox

An ox can only plow for so long before it collapses.

The farmer knows to give it rest so it can keep working.

Leaders, we are like that ox.

Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity to sustain the work.

Application:

Schedule regular times of rest and renewal.

Trust Christ to carry the burdens of ministry.

Find joy in God’s presence, family time, and moments of stillness (Emphasis!).

Christ’s rest is the source of true joy and abundant life, touching every corner of our lives.

It is not limited to ministry or spiritual service but extends to our relationships, work, and even the ordinary rhythms of daily living.

Jesus Himself declared, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

This abundant life flows from resting in Him—not striving in our own strength. To discern whether you are truly resting in Christ, take an honest look at all areas of your life and ask, “Do I see the evidence of His life and joy here?”

If certain areas feel lifeless, burdened, or devoid of joy, it may be a sign that you are relying on yourself rather than the all-sufficient rest that Christ offers. Without Christ’s rest, even the most noble endeavors can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

But when we abide in Him, He renews our strength, restores our joy, and fills every crevice of our lives with His abundant life.

Jesus invites us with these life-giving words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

You can remember it like this today “Jesus’s Rest Gives Life” or “Rest means Life”.

Let us heed His call, that every area of our lives may flourish under the fullness of Jesus’ abundant life.

Reflection Questions:

Are you trusting God with the work, or are you striving in your own strength?

How can you build healthy life-giving rhythms of rest into your life?

Takeaway:

Healthy leaders rest in Christ and find life and flourishing in every area of life, not just ministry.

Trust God with the work and prioritize renewal for your soul.

Sobering Reminder: Take Heed

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Paul’s warning is clear: no one is immune to failure.

Pride and self-reliance are the enemies of ministry.

Vigilance over your life and doctrine is not optional—it is a matter of life and death for you and those you lead.

Illustration: The Weak Bridge

Imagine crossing a bridge with cracks in its foundation.

It may hold for a while, but eventually, it will collapse under pressure. If we do not examine our lives and doctrine, we will crumble like that bridge.

Historical Example: Robert Murray M’Cheyne

Consider the life of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, the Scottish pastor known for his powerful preaching and deep devotion to God.

He famously wrote, “The greatest need of my people is my own holiness.”

Yet even this godly man confessed how easy it was to be consumed with ministry while neglecting the state of his own soul.

M’Cheyne’s life serves as both an inspiration and a warning.

Though his ministry bore much fruit, his health broke under the strain of overwork and neglecting his physical rest.

He died at just 29 years old.

While his legacy continues to inspire, it reminds us that even the most faithful servants of God can falter when vigilance over their lives is not sustained.

Historical Example: The Fall of Jim Bakker

One of the most sobering modern examples of this truth is the story of Jim Bakker, a prominent televangelist in the 1980s.

Bakker led a massive ministry, the PTL Club, and built a Christian theme park that drew millions.

Outwardly, his ministry seemed successful and blessed, but beneath the surface, pride, greed, and a lack of accountability were eating away at the foundation.

Eventually, it all came crashing down.

Bakker was convicted of financial misconduct, and his moral failings were exposed.

His downfall shocked millions and caused significant harm to the reputation of the gospel.

In his book, I Was Wrong, Bakker reflects on how he ignored the warning signs and neglected his own spiritual health.

Historical Example: Charles Templeton

Consider the tragic story of Charles Templeton, a prominent evangelist and contemporary of Billy Graham.

In the 1940s, Templeton was widely regarded as one of the most gifted preachers of his time, even surpassing Graham in popularity.

He co-founded Youth for Christ and preached to large crowds, leading many to Christ.

But over time, Templeton’s life and doctrine began to drift.

He allowed doubts about the authority of Scripture to grow unchecked, and his theological foundation began to crumble.

Instead of seeking answers within the church or Scripture, he turned to secular philosophy and science.

Eventually, Templeton abandoned his faith altogether, publicly renouncing Christianity.

His fall was not sudden; it was the result of a slow erosion of conviction and a failure to guard his heart and mind.

His story stands as a cautionary tale for all of us: even the most promising and gifted leaders can fall if they do not take heed of their life and doctrine.

Historical Example: The Fall of King David

One of the most sobering examples of a leader falling is King David.

Here was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), chosen by God, anointed as king, and the writer of many psalms.

Yet even David, with all his love for God and deep theological understanding, succumbed to sin.

In 2 Samuel 11, David, at the height of his success, fell into grievous sin.

Instead of leading his army in battle, he stayed behind.

In his idleness, he saw Bathsheba, the wife of another man, and lusted after her.

David committed adultery and then orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah, to cover up his sin.

David’s fall did not happen overnight.

It began with a series of small compromises: neglecting his duties, indulging his desires, and failing to guard his heart.

The consequences were devastating—not only for David but for his family and his kingdom.

Though he repented deeply and was forgiven by God, the scars of his sin remained.

Four Application Questions (Each Reflecting a Historical Example)

1. Robert Murray M’Cheyne – Personal Holiness: M’Cheyne said, “The greatest need of my people is my own holiness.”

Are you prioritizing your personal walk with Christ above the demands of ministry, ensuring that your soul is nourished and guarded?

2. Jim Bakker – Accountability and Stewardship: Bakker’s lack of accountability and poor stewardship led to his downfall.

Do you have trusted individuals who keep you accountable, and are you stewarding your resources and influence in a way that glorifies God?

3. Charles Templeton – Doctrinal Vigilance: Templeton’s drift from faith began with unchecked doubts about Scripture.

How are you actively guarding your doctrine and addressing any questions or uncertainties with humility within the trusted pastors, bible teachers and students in your church.

4. King David – Guarding Against Small Compromises: David’s fall began with small compromises that grew into devastating sin.

Are there seemingly small areas in your life—such as idleness, unguarded desires, or unchecked habits—that need attention before they lead to greater harm?

Reflection Questions:

Are there cracks in your life or doctrine that need attention?

How are you guarding yourself against pride and self-reliance?

Takeaway:

Take heed. Stay alert!

Guard your life and doctrine with humility and vigilance, knowing that small cracks can lead to great falls, and no one is immune.

Conclusion

Church planting and ministry require wisdom, community, prayer, and rest.

Above all, they require vigilance over your life and doctrine.

Final Takeaways:

Seek wisdom—Plan with godly counsel.

Seek pastoral friendships—Ministry is not a solo journey.

Seek the Lord in prayer—Build your ministry on your knees.

Seek rest in Christ—Trust God and allow Him to renew your soul, bringing flourishing and joy to every area of your life.

Closing Prayer: "Lord, teach us and help us to persist in keeping a close watch on ourselves and on our teaching, knowing that in doing so we will save both ourselves and those we lead.

Make us humble, dependent, and faithful.

Strengthen us to serve You and build churches, ministries, business, families, and lives that glorify Your name, O, Jesus.

It is In Christs Merciful and Mighty name we pray. Amen."