20 Ways to Affirm (or Deny!) Your Call as a Church Planter

Confirm Your Call: A Self-Assessment from the book Church Planting Thresholds by Clint Clifton

Give yourself a score on a scale from 1-5, 5 being high. 5 – Always. 4 – Usually. 3 – Sometimes. 2 – Rarely. 1 – Never.

___ I have a “woe-unto-me-if-I-preach-not-the-gospel” burden. The Word of God is like a fire in my bones.

___ I have a sincere aspiration to the office of elder.

___ I meet the biblical qualifications of eldership.

___ I have been affirmed and sent out by the leadership of my local church.

___ I have voracious appetite for the spreading of the gospel.

___ I have a soldier-like, brave, faith-filled, “whatever-it-takes,” “gut-level,” missionary drive to plant a church.

___ My aspiration is not to make myself known; it is to make Christ known. Therefore, in my aim to put Jesus on display, I am willing to remain unseen.

___ My life is truly characterized by evangelistic fervor. I do not struggle with boldness, clarity, or consistency in sharing the Gospel with non-Christians.

___ I have the personal drive to initiate the many conversations, relationships, and partnerships that are necessary to plant a church.

___ I do not give up easily or grow discouraged quickly. I press through problems rather than retreating from them.

___ I have an ability to cast vision in a way that the people who hear believe that the church really will come to fruition.

___ I have asked those who know me well to give me an honest assessment of my weakness as they apply to the church planting initiative.

___ I have asked my spouse to affirm or deny my fitness to the office of pastor and my readiness to pursue church planting at this time in my life and ministry.

___ I am seeking after the guidance, wisdom, and assistance of a mature congregation and a faithful body of leaders to help me make decisions.

___ I have been part of a healthy local church that teaches biblical doctrine, has godly leaders, communicates the Gospel clearly, views other churches as allies, has leaders who have mentored and discipled me, would rescue me if I fell into grievous sin, and has members who are maturing in Christ.

___ I believe that there is no greater honor in life than to serve King Jesus by building His church on earth.

___ I believe Jesus can send me any place He wishes at any time He wishes, and, when He does, I should joyfully obey Him.

___ I will not abandon Christ’s call; no matter how difficult the conditions may be of how discouraged I may become.

___ I believe that God will accomplish His purposes through me and in me.

___ I believe that if I had gotten what I deserved, I’d be doing something far less meaningful in some place far less pleasant.

___ Your Score

Where did you score highest? How will you celebrate God’s grace in that high score? Where did you score lowest? How will you use that low score as an impetuous to grow? What does this score tell you about your calling to plant a church? What are 2-3 steps you can take to either confirm or challenge your call to plant a church?What does Jesus need to change in you so He can plant His church through you?

Now, talk through your answers to these questions with others who are spiritual leaders and mentors in your life. Remember, "With those who receive counsel is wisdom... He who walks with wise men will be wise" (Proverbs 13:10b, 20a).