The Church Planter's Heart: Essential Habits for Lifelong Ministry

Article by: Tony Merida

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As church planters, we are called to lead out of the overflow of a Christ-adoring heart. But what does that look like in practice?

Church planting is demanding, exhilarating, and at times, overwhelming. It is a calling that requires more than just strategic planning or leadership skills—it requires a deeply rooted relationship with God. As church planters, we are called to lead out of the overflow of a Christ-adoring heart. But what does that look like in practice? How do we maintain spiritual vitality while pouring ourselves into the work of ministry?

Seeking First the Kingdom: The Church Planter’s Priority

The foundation of a faithful and effective ministry is an unwavering devotion to God. George Mueller, a 19th-century pastor known for his work with orphans, once said, “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord.” This perspective shifts everything. Before we plant churches, preach sermons, or shepherd people, we must tend to our own hearts.

A thriving ministry flows from a thriving relationship with God. When our hearts are anchored in Christ, our leadership is marked by joy, perseverance, and clarity. If we neglect this, we risk leading from emptiness, which leads to burnout, discouragement, and even moral failure.

How do we cultivate a Christ-adoring heart?

• Prioritize personal devotion – Unhurried and unhindered time in God’s Word and prayer is non-negotiable.

• Live in Christian community – Isolation is dangerous. Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you.

• Pursue holiness and humility – The greatest need of your people is your personal holiness.

• Establish rhythms of work and rest – Overworking does not equate to faithfulness.

• Demonstrate desperation for God – Recognize your absolute dependence on Him through prayer.

These principles are not merely good advice; they are essentials for church planters who desire to finish the race well.

The Power of Prayer in Church Planting

It’s easy to get caught up in the work of ministry—planning services, meeting with people, developing leaders—while neglecting the work of prayer. But prayer is not just part of our ministry; it is the ministry.

Paul Miller, in A Praying Life, writes, “Learning to pray doesn’t offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart.” A heart at rest in God is a heart that leads well.

Why Prayer Must Be a Priority

• Only God can bring true growth – We can plant and water, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

• Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will – Before we act, we must seek His direction.

• It fuels endurance – Ministry is long and difficult; prayer is the lifeline that sustains us.

• It leads to peace – The anxieties of church planting can be overwhelming, but prayer guards our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7).

Practical Ways to Build a Life of Prayer

• Begin each day in communion with God before engaging in ministry tasks.

• Incorporate prayer into leadership meetings, not just as a formality but as a necessity.

• Engage in corporate prayer, leading your church to seek God fervently.

• Keep a prayer journal to track God’s faithfulness.

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As church planters, we must learn to labor in prayer. Our ministries will only be as strong as our dependence on God.

Pursuing Holiness and Humility in Leadership

Church planters are some of the hardest-working people in ministry. The demands never end. But here’s the truth: you are not a machine. You are an image-bearer of God, and part of bearing His image is learning to rest as He did.

The Dangers of Overworking

• Burnout leads to ineffective ministry.

• Ministry can become an idol.

• Workaholism often stems from a lack of trust in God.

Establishing Healthy Rhythms

• Work diligently – Be faithful, but don’t let work define you.

• Rest intentionally – Schedule Sabbath rest just as you schedule meetings.

• Find life-giving activities – Enjoy hobbies, family time, and moments of recreation.

If we fail to rest, we fail to trust God. True rest is an act of faith, acknowledging that the growth of the church is in His hands, not ours.

Article Submitted by: Jonathan Hill

Director of Evangelism Ministries

Cornerstone Conference IPHC