ENTREPRENEURS AND FEAR

Entrepreneurs are very interesting people. I work with entrepreneurs in both the vocational ministry world and the business world. I love them. It is true that most people perceive entrepreneurs to be “risk-takers” but I’ve learned that most entrepreneurs are also thoughtful planners!

Yes, they take risks that the average person would not take, but they are more like the wise builder and the wise king of Luke 14:28-33 than probably most people realize. The best entrepreneurs that I have known are not fool hearty people who act impulsively, throwing caution to the wind. They measure the risk. They plan. They envision the end result. But what makes them entrepreneurs is they act with courage and determination.

Do they feel fear? Most of the entrepreneurs I’ve know say “yes.” But fear does not stop them. In fact, they find that acting in the face of fear is exhilarating! They are alive, passionate, ambitious people. Most of them think and plan, but then they act. And once they act, they typically never look back. They remind me of Paul in Philippians 3:12-14.

Church planters are kingdom entrepreneurs. They think, plan, and pray. But then they pull the trigger! They step out. They take risks. They trust their calling and they trust God’s faithfulness. Their fear does not stop them or cause them to look back. Their fear keeps them on their knees and pressing ahead with passion!

How to Train Church Planters

Last fall I had the privilege of doing research and writing for the Leadership Network on the subject of "Models for Training Church Planters." In this article we explored various models that different ministries used around the country. We also touched on some of the critical aspects of planting healthy, reproducing churches. We then explored some of the critical issues surrounding new churches and how these are addressed or overlooked. I concluded with an overview of the Leadership Pipeline that I am helping churches institute in order to raise up leaders from within their congregations.

We've gotten great reviews from readers! If you would like to read this article, email me and I'll be glad to send you a copy. Email me at glenn@nciglobal.org.

A Great Spiritual Formation Resource for Churches

One of the ministries that we partner with is Ascending Leaders. The founder is Dr. Mike Johnson, a great friend. I highly recommend that you check this out. This is a powerful tool for making missional disciples in the church! The website is www.ascendingleaders.org.