Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey in the book of Acts provides us with an inspiring model of perseverance in the work of making disciples and planting churches. Numerous sacrifices are made on this journey. At the end of the trip, Paul is nearly stoned to death by his persecutors. But Paul gets up and keeps going. He then tells the saints that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
Church planting, like all true gospel ministry, will involve suffering. This does not mean everyone will suffer to the same degree or extent. But suffering—in some form—will come. This is not only true of Christian ministry, it’s also true of the Christian life. Paul told Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:14). It doesn’t get much clearer.
As church-planting pastors, we will not only experience our own suffering, but we will also be responsible to shepherd the flock through theirs. How do we do this well? What does it look like to endure suffering and shepherd others who are suffering?
Today, I’m excited to have Philip Moore with me on the podcast to talk about suffering and church planting.
You can listen to this podcast episode here.
Is there enough evidence for us to believe the Gospels?
In an age of faith deconstruction and skepticism about the Bible’s authority, it’s common to hear claims that the Gospels are unreliable propaganda. And if the Gospels are shown to be historically unreliable, the whole foundation of Christianity begins to crumble.
