If you were to plan the preparation of a church planter, you would likely include things that have to do with study and experience and would certainly have many options. But when you detailed the part about experience, what kind of experience would you consider most valuable?
Sure, you know that God can and does use experience from anywhere and any kind of ministry to prepare a church planter, but what is the preferred path? Ultimately it is the path of God’s providential choosing, and I’m convinced He has chosen well for me.
As I minister with
Grace Bible Church of Menifee as part of the church, the leadership, and church planting team, my gratitude grows toward God who has put me in what I would consider a preferred path of preparation for Southern California church planting.
Rather than being in some other part of the state or the country, I’m here among the people that God is sending us to edify and equip long-term (Eph. 4). GBC Menifee is established enough in ministry to provide a wide range of ministry experience, but still new enough to be “practicing” church planting. The leadership and people I work with have just gone through what our next team is about to go through—providing fresh insights and warnings.
There are so many benefits to the
present ministry, location, people, and projects going on at GBC Menifee that make me praise the Lord for the path of preparation He has chosen for me. GBC Rancho is and will be His work through GBC Menifee, but He is graciously preparing me to lead it, and His path thus far gives me confidence for the road ahead.
