1. Don’t look back!
You’ve set your hand to the plow … keep looking ahead. (Luke 9:62 – “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom … “)
2. Don’t despise the day of small beginnings
Keep at it. Sometimes the work is slow. (Zechariah 4:10; Matthew 13:31 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed … “)
3. Don’t over-extend your people
They’re small in number. Give them a break when they need it—during the summer or at other appropriate times. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … “)
4. Don’t hold people too tightly in your hand
They may move on, and it’ll hurt. They may criticize you as they go. (Acts 13:13- “Paul and his companions sailed to Perga … where John left them to return to Jerusalem.”)
5. Don’t let newcomers determine your agenda
Stick to your principles and priorities. “If you would only … ” (2 Timothy 3:14- “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of…”)
6. Don’t overlook a single inquiry into your church
Follow up with them, write a letter, make them feel important. (Matt. 25:40 – “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.”; James 2:1 – ” … as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus … don’t show favoritism.”)
7. Don’t neglect learning languages
Audit language courses, and use it to greet people! (Lev. 19:14- “the sojourner … you shall love him as yourself.” Matt 25:35 “I was a stranger”)
8. Don’t ignore those in need
The widow, the sick, the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the addicts, those behind bars, the “dirty” (Matthew 25:31-48 – Model it yourself)
9. Don’t be afraid to maximize your time
Do things like using the same Bible study in a variety of venues in one week. (Eph. 5:15 – ” … live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”)
10. Don’t forget your day off
Take time for your family and your wife. (Eccles. 9:9 – “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love … “)
Westminster Seminary California (WSC) held its annual Robert G. and Nellie B. den Dulk Lectures on Pastoral Ministry on Thursday and Friday, March 20 and 21, 2025, with Rev. Eric Hausler (OPC pastor/church planter). Rev. Eric Hausler’s lectures were titled “O Lord, Open My Eyes: From Escondido to the Edge of the Everglades.”
Rev. Hausler’s second address explored the lessons gleaned through four decades of experience. His lecture titled, “The Rearview Mirror of a Church Planting Pastor,” considered the words of Paul in Philippians 4:9, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” The lecture included two Top Ten lists: The Do’s and Don’ts of Church Planting. In addition, Rev. Hausler shared 15 Biblical Principles needed for effective outreach and pastoral/practical/purposeful counsel regarding “next steps.” Rev. Hausler’s handout with additional notes, examples, and biblical references is available here.