In the journey of ministry, especially in the realm of church planting and leadership, there is a profound truth that every minister must understand: You must not open a church unless you have clear, divine command from God. Many well-meaning ministers and believers are driven by zeal, ambition, or the desire for influence, leading them to start churches based on human ideas, peer pressure, or financial gains rather than divine direction.
The danger of rushing into church planting without a clear, divine mandate cannot be overstated. Such actions often result in spiritual failure, division, and unnecessary suffering for both the minister and the congregation. The mission of God’s church is sacred, and its foundation must be divinely ordained.
This message aims to stir your spirit, urging you to seek God’s explicit instructions before venturing into church planting. A church started without divine command is like building on sinking sand, destined for failure and spiritual loss.
1. The Biblical Foundation: The Necessity of Divine Mandate
The Bible is replete with examples emphasizing the importance of divine guidance before undertaking significant spiritual endeavors.
a) The Example of Abraham and Isaac
God’s instruction to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) was not based on Abraham’s desire or human reasoning. It was a divine command that tested Abraham’s obedience and faith. Abraham’s willingness to obey was rooted in hearing directly from God.
b) The Mission of the Early Church
In Acts 13:2-3, the Holy Spirit explicitly commanded the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. This divine direction led to the successful spread of the gospel.
c) Jesus’ Ministry
Jesus frequently sought His Father’s guidance before making major decisions (Luke 6:12-13, John 5:19). His ministry was rooted in divine authority, which He received through prayer and communion with the Father.
Every major step in ministry, especially starting a church,lmust be preceded by clear divine instruction. Without this, your efforts may be based on human plans rather than divine purpose.
2. The Danger of Self-Driven Church Planting
Many ministers are tempted to start churches out of personal ambition, peer pressure, or financial motives. Such motives are dangerous because they often bypass divine guidance.
a) Human Ambition and Pride
Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” When a minister steps out to start a church based on pride or personal desire, they risk spiritual ruin.
b) Peer Pressure and Comparison
In the body of Christ, it’s easy to compare oneself with others who are successful or have large congregations. However, God’s calling is individual and specific. Jumping into church planting because “others are doing it” can lead to failure.
c) Financial Gain
Some are motivated by the prospect of financial prosperity rather than divine calling. Starting a church must never be driven by greed. God’s work must be done with integrity and divine approval.
Lesson: Do not be swayed by external pressures or personal ambitions. Seek God sincerely and wait for His divine command.
3. The Importance of Personal and Corporate Discernment
Before opening a church, you must seek both personal and corporate discernment.
a) Personal Discernment
Spend time in prayer, fasting, and meditation. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His will concerning your calling to start a church. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
b) Corporate Confirmation
Seek counsel from mature, Spirit-led ministers and leaders. Proverbs 15:22 states, “Without counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Establishing a church isn’t a solo venture; it requires confirmation from the body of Christ.
c) Signs and Confirmation
God may give you specific signs or open doors, such as divine appointments, prophetic words, or circumstances, that confirm His will.
Never rush into church planting. Wait for God’s clear, unmistakable guidance.
4. The Role of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are vital in discerning God’s will. They prepare your heart to hear from God clearly.
a) Prayer as a Foundation
Luke 6:12 shows Jesus spending entire nights in prayer before major decisions. Prayer aligns your heart with God’s purpose.
b) Fasting for Clarity
Fasting helps remove distractions and sharpens spiritual sensitivity. Esther’s fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16) was pivotal to her success.
c) Listening to the Holy Spirit
In prayer, be still and listen. The Holy Spirit will speak with clarity, sometimes through impressions, prophetic words, or circumstances.
Do not proceed with church planting until you have spent quality time in prayer and fasting, seeking divine direction.
5. The Consequences of Acting Without Divine Command
Starting a church without divine instruction can lead to numerous problems:
a) Spiritual Failure and Loss
Acts 16:6-7 shows Paul trying to go into certain regions but being prevented by the Holy Spirit. Ignoring divine guidance led to fruitless efforts.
b) Division and Confusion
Without God’s direction, churches often face division, doctrinal errors, and confusion, which can damage the reputation of the Gospel.
c) Spiritual Warfare and Attack
Acts 19:21-41 describes how Paul’s plans to go to Asia were thwarted, possibly by spiritual opposition. Acting outside divine timing invites unnecessary spiritual warfare.
d) Wasted Resources
Time, money, and energy spent on a church that is not divinely ordained can be wasted, leading to burnout and disillusionment.
Lesson: The cost of disobedience is high. Always seek divine guidance before starting a church.
6. The Blessings of Obediently Starting When God Commands
When you obey God’s direct instructions, you position yourself for divine favor and victorious ministry.
a) Divine Provision and Protection
God’s guidance ensures you walk in His provision and protection. Deuteronomy 31:8 states, “The Lord, he is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee.”
b) Fruitfulness and Growth
A church planted by divine command will grow and flourish because God’s blessing is upon it. Joshua 1:8 promises success to those who meditate in God’s Word and obey His commandments.
c) Eternal Rewards
Obedience to divine instructions secures eternal rewards. Matthew 7:24-25 highlights that building on the rock (God’s Word and divine guidance) withstands storms.
Obedience is the key to lasting success and divine blessing.
7. Practical Steps to Confirm God’s Command
Here are practical steps to ensure you are following divine guidance:
a) Deepen Your Prayer Life
Spend consistent, dedicated time seeking God’s face.
b) Seek Prophetic Confirmation
Receive prophetic words from mature, Spirit-led prophets or apostles.
c) Look for Divine Circumstances
Open doors, favor, or divine appointments often confirm God’s will.
d) Consult Spiritual Mentors
Seek counsel from seasoned ministers who are led by the Holy Spirit.
e) Examine Your Heart
Ensure your motives are pure, and your desire aligns with God’s kingdom.
Lesson: Never proceed without clear, consistent confirmation from the Holy Spirit.
8. The Role of Patience and Waiting
Waiting on God’s timing is essential. Many ministers rush into church planting because they are impatient or influenced by external pressures.
a) Trust God’s Perfect Timing
Habakkuk 2:3 states, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time…”
b) Develop Your Character and Gifts
Use the waiting period to grow spiritually, develop leadership skills, and gain wisdom.
c) Be Ready When God Opens the Door
Preparation meets opportunity at the right divine time.
Lesson: Patience in waiting leads to fruitful and divinely ordained ministry.
9. The Dangers of Premature Church Planting
Starting a church prematurely can lead to:
Spiritual burnout due to lack of divine support.
Divisions and schisms caused by lack of divine unity.
Reputation damage if the church fails or faces scandal.
Potential spiritual attacks from the enemy exploiting disobedience.
Always seek God first. Do not be driven by pressure, ambition, or superficial motives.
10. The Joy and Security of Following Divine Guidance
There is unmatched peace, joy, and confidence when you know you are obeying God’s direct command.
a) Divine Assurance
Isaiah 30:21 promises, “This is the way, walk ye in it,” when God leads.
b) Divine Protection
God’s guidance shields you from unnecessary pitfalls.
c) Eternal Impact
Churches established by divine command are more likely to grow spiritually and numerically, impacting generations.
Starting a church is a sacred and warfare adventure. It’s to be done by the command of God.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
