Tim Celek

WHAT IS A CALLING?

• In Scripture, we find calling: Abraham, Moses, Caleb, David, etc.
• We don’t “stumble” into ministry. God propels us into it.
• Calling is a definitive part of what it means to be in ministry.

QUESTIONS TO AFFIRM CALLING IN CHURCH PLANTING

• What is your personal relationship with Jesus?
• Do you have a deep heart for other people? Do you show love?
• Do you hold onto the Great Commission tightly?

CALLING VS ASSIGNMENTS

• Assignments change, but your calling doesn’t.
• There is no assignment beneath someone who is called for ministry.
• Assignments test our servant quotient. 

EVANGELISM AND THE GREAT COMMISSION

• There’s a tension in our culture with the expression of evangelism.
• The personal evangelism is lacking.
• Polarization of our culture causes difficulty.
• You don’t drift toward evangelism.
• Evangelism needs to be owned by the planter. Then, it should be hard-wired into your leadership and staff. It rolls downhill.

BEST PRACTICES IN KEEPING AN EVANGELISM FOCUS

• Lean into the “BLESS” approach (Dave Ferguson)
  • Begin with prayer
  • Listen to others
  • Eat with others
  • Serve others
  • Share with others
• Be involved in the community

TRENDS IN CHURCH PLANTING

• Church planters in the last 5 years have a greater sense of weariness and shrunk vision.
  • It began with a big vision, and now they are taking smaller steps.
  • In the last 5 years, people have started to call into question their calling.
  • The cure
    • Dream big and trust God’s calling.
    • Find people to support you.