← Church Planters

ETS ACADEMY · LESSON 2

Calling & Preparation

Teaching points

  • Church planting is not a career choice — it is a calling. The calling must sustain you when the excitement fades and the work gets hard.
  • Preparation has three dimensions: personal (your walk with God), relational (your team and network), and strategic (your research and planning).
  • Z Thinking: Start with what God wants to accomplish in your region, not what you want to build.
  • The church planter must be called, equipped, and sent — not just willing. Sending church accountability is essential.
  • Research your context before you plant. Know the people, the culture, the needs, the existing churches. Context is everything.

Read in Scripture

  • Acts 13:1-3
  • Acts 16:6-10
  • Nehemiah 2:11-16
  • Luke 14:28-33
  • Proverbs 24:27

Reflect

  • How did God call you to church planting? What evidence do you see?
  • Do you have a sending church? A prayer network? A team?
  • What research have you done on your target area?
  • What preparation gaps do you need to fill before planting?

Put it into practice

  • Write out your calling story — how God led you to church planting.
  • Connect with one experienced church planter for mentorship.
  • Begin researching your target area: demographics, existing churches, spiritual climate.

Jesus Generation Movement Academy teaching. Sources and credits →