Those who are genuinely called by God into the ministry of church planting must carry certain Christ-like qualities and spiritual virtues. Below are the essential characteristics every effective church planter must possess:
1. GENUINE SALVATION EXPERIENCE
A church planter must be truly born again—redeemed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:3-5 – “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again… no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’”
Only those who have encountered the saving grace of Jesus can become vessels to bring salvation to others. You cannot give what you do not have.
2. BURDEN AND PASSION FOR THE LOST
The heartbeat of a church planter must echo the cry of heaven for lost souls. Just like Apostle Paul, they must be driven by the desire to reach the unreached.
Romans 15:20 – “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation.”
Church planters must be willing to go where the gospel has not been preached, seeking souls for the Kingdom of God.
3. VISIONARY SPIRIT
Every church planter must receive and run with a God-given vision. They must be able to see with the eyes of the Spirit what God wants to do in a particular territory.
Habakkuk 2:1-3 – “Write down the vision and make it plain… Though it tarries, wait for it; it will surely come.”
A clear vision gives direction, focus, and the endurance needed for the journey of church planting.
4. THE MIND OF CHRIST
Church planters must not seek personal glory, but should walk in obedience to God’s will, just like Jesus.
John 6:38-40 – “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but the will of Him who sent me…”
Their mission is to do the will of the Father—bringing people to eternal life through Christ.
5. GENUINE LOVE FOR PEOPLE
Church planting must be rooted in love for God and love for people, not motivated by money, fame, or selfish ambition.
2 Corinthians 5:14 – “For Christ’s love compels us…”
Without love, ministry becomes mechanical and empty. Love is the fuel for effective ministry.
6. WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE
Church planting often involves discomfort, suffering, and personal cost. A planter must be ready to pay the price.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12 – “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed… death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
True ministers of the gospel carry the cross daily so that others may receive life through Christ.
7. BAPTISM AND EMPOWERMENT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
No one can effectively plant and grow a church without the power of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses…”
The Holy Spirit gives boldness, direction, miracles, and spiritual authority needed for the work.
8. A SERVANT’S HEART
Church planters must be humble servants, not lords over God’s people.
Mark 10:41-45 – “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Ministry is service. A church planter must wash the feet of others in humility, just like Jesus did.
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9. DILIGENT AND HARDWORKING SPIRIT
Church planting is not for lazy people. It requires consistent effort, discipline, and spiritual labor.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-8 – “We worked night and day… so that we would not be a burden to any of you.”
The church planter must be an example of godly diligence to the believers and the community.
10. INTEGRITY AND GODLY CHARACTER
People are drawn to a leader whose life matches the gospel they preach. Integrity opens doors for ministry and builds lasting trust.
A church planter who walks in truth, transparency, and holiness will earn the respect of both the church and the community.
11. HUMILITY
Pride disqualifies a man from God’s grace. Humility is the pathway to promotion in God’s Kingdom.
Philippians 2:5-11 – “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him…”
A church planter must never exalt themselves. The glory belongs to God alone.
12. PATIENCE
Church planting is not an overnight success. It requires long-suffering and waiting on God’s timing.
There are three dimensions of patience a church planter must develop:
- Patience with God – Waiting on His promises and leading.
- Patience with People – Understanding their growth process, weaknesses, and spiritual maturity.
- Patience with Yourself – Recognizing that you are also growing and learning as you obey God.
Luke 21:19 – “By your patience possess your souls.”
Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us…”
CONCLUSION:
Church planting is not a career—it is a divine assignment that demands spiritual depth, character, and complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. If God has called you, be sure to seek these Christlike qualities and grow in them daily. The Lord of the Harvest will surely equip and reward you.