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4 Lessons I Learned From Planting a Church

4 Lessons I Learned From Planting a Church

By Arthur Gonçalves

My name is Arthur Gonçalves: husband to my lovely wife Jessica for 16 years, father to Arabella, Caydan, Paisley, and Leo. I am an undershepherd of Christ whom I love, trust, and follow. My aim is Christ as treasure; the means to that end is to do God’s will, in His power, for His glory. I am the lead Church planter and pastor of Restoration Church of Sanford. I had the great privilege of planting the church in the historic district of Sanford, Florida, in 2021. Throughout the past three years, I've gained valuable insights, and I'd like to highlight four lessons that have profoundly influenced my journey as a Church planter.

Lesson 1: Seek Wisdom

As a church planter, I realize that my greatest need is wisdom. The further I journey along this path of planting, the more evident it becomes to me just how little I know. Church planters require the wisdom of a thousand men. Over the years, I have accessed wisdom through great books, encouraging podcasts, and helpful conversations with wiser and more experienced pastors and courageous leaders (which we will talk about in the 2 lesson).

These are the top five books and podcasts that have been most beneficial to me:

Lesson 2: Seek Pastoral Friendships

In the vast expanse of the unknown, I often found myself grappling with feelings of inadequacy, as though I were the sole wanderer unsure of my path. Yet, this perception, I've come to learn, is far from reality. My dear pastor friends have been steadfast in reminding me of this truth, offering not just solace but tangible solutions.

It has been a profound blessing to confide in these trusted band of brothers, to pour out my uncertainties and fears, and to emerge from our conversations fortified with practical guidance. Together, we have dissected the complexities of ministry, exploring avenues for growth and understanding.

In the sanctuary of their listening ears and the reservoir of wisdom from our shared experiences, I've come to recognize the invaluable role of pastoral friendships. They are the nurturing soil in which healthy pastors and churches thrive, where vulnerability is met with empathy and uncertainty is met with shared wisdom.

Lesson 3: Seek the Lord in Needy Prayer

In the early stages of church planting, I encountered a transformative book titled It Happens After Prayer by H.B. Charles Jr. This insightful read not only unveiled my deficiency in understanding prayer but also illuminated how I had undervalued its significance in alignment with biblical principles. One particular quote from the book resonated deeply with me:

"Prayer is our Christian duty. It is an expression of submission to God and dependence upon Him. For that matter, prayer is arguably the most objective measurement of our dependence upon God. Think of it this way. The things you pray about are the things you trust God to handle. The things you neglect to pray about are the things you trust you can handle on your own."

This quote served as a catalyst for a profound shift in my prayer life and subsequently, in the ethos of our church community. Every week, without fail, you'll hear the refrain, "It happens after prayer, let us pray," echoing throughout our gatherings.

Lesson 4: Seek Rest in Christ

As a naturally driven individual, I often struggle to embrace solitude. While this drive and self-motivation can fuel my endeavor in planting a church, it can also serve as a stumbling block in my journey of abiding in Christ.

In the past year, the toll of my relentless drive manifested physically, as I developed dyshidrosis on the palms of my hands due to severe stress. Despite medical efforts to remedy the rash, I sensed deep within that the true solution lay not in a doctor's office, but at the feet of Christ. My relentless pursuit had led me to the brink of burnout, and what I truly needed was rest—rest for my mind, emotions, body, and spirit. I longed for the steady rhythms of rest in my life.

This rest wasn't always found in traditional spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible or prayer. Sometimes, it looked like cherishing moments with my family at Disney, enjoying a precious date night with my wife, taking leisurely walks in nature, prioritizing a full night's sleep, opening up about my emotions to trusted friends, or seeking guidance through biblical counseling.

Acknowledging the intricate nature of our humanity, God invites us to find joy in His presence in all aspects of life. In His presence, we discover not just fleeting happiness, but enduring joy, profound peace, and abundant rest. Jesus Himself teaches us that true rest is found solely in Him, declaring:

"For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8).

He is the ultimate source of rest. So come, find solace and rejuvenation in the Lord, who reigns over the depths of your soul with boundless grace and compassion.

Conclusion

Seeking is not just an action; it's a vibrant pursuit. I've come to understand that, to the best of my ability, I must wholeheartedly engage in seeking. It's incumbent upon me to invest all my strength in embracing and nurturing the lessons learned, ensuring they not only flourish within me but also yield fruit in the lives of others. This, I've realized, is the essence of joy in the journey of church planting.