Why Are You Doing This?

Last week I was asked a question by a church planter that I was coaching. The question was simple, “Why are you doing this?” Now that’s a good question and one that forces some healthy reflection.

My first attempt to answer his question went something like this: “Because I heard your story and wanted to help you.” I meant it. My heart and passion is to help church planters do well what God is calling them to do. That was the heart of Barnabas in the New Testament as he “adopted” Paul in order to disciple him in the faith and ministry and help him do what God had called him to do. And that’s why I welcome the opportunity to be a church planting coach in the Pacific Northwest. I want to be a Barnabas.

Then I added something like this, “Because I love church planters.” Marty and I have “been there and done that” and we know that church planters and their families need lots of love and understanding. Church planters and other missionaries are often targets for Satan’s attacks and for criticism by God’s own people. Those who are called by God to start and multiply new churches have to deal with the dark clouds of discouragement, depression, loneliness and unrealistic expectations. They need lots of love and encouragement. I want to be there for church planters, the pioneers of the kingdom.

But I’m writing this on Good Friday. As I reflect on the meaning of this day, I am reminded of the most important reason for why I am doing this. Jesus died for sinners like me because he loves us enough to pay the awful price of sin - my sin, and the sins of millions of people who do not yet know him personally.

Church planters are those people who carry the message of Good Friday and Easter Sunday to other people who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. As this wonderful message of the gospel spreads throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, followers of Jesus are being multiplied and new churches are being planted.

In the end, it’s all about Jesus and his kingdom. Jesus crucified, Jesus buried, Jesus raised from the dead and Jesus’ church. That’s why I do what I do. To God be the glory!

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

- Charles Wesley 1738