Type:
Teach for genuine spiritual growth of all ages. Every sermon is important (1 Cor. 1:23- “We preach Christ crucified…” – John 21:17 – “Feed my sheep.” – they will come!).
Biblical, joyfully reverent, touching the heart, careful planning, strive for excellence (Heb. 12:28- “Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Psalm 66:2!).
Believing God can do anything (He can even bring in a drive-by visitor to drop a $100K check in the plate…which happened the very same night we prayed!) (Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”).
Visit them at work, meet them for lunch, make disciples: through weekly men’s Bible study. Focus on the women (pray for a teacher): Women’s Bible studies, fellowship places to invite others. (1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:2- “The things you hear me say… entrust to reliable men…”, Titus 2:3-4).
Simultaneously, keep the outward focus always before the people (brainstorm about outreach), and focus on fellowship of the body (John 4:35 – “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” – Acts 2:46 – “…they ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”).
Offer specific responsibilities and work to do (Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”).
You will see your people become a hospitable church! (Romans 12:13- “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”)
Remember: Location, location, location! (Matt. 5:14- You are the light of the world! Where you meet is so important! (Isaiah 12: 5- “Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.”).
We’re part of something bigger (Matthew 28:18 – “Go and make disciples of all nations…”).
Church planting can be grueling work! Find a Barnabas wherever you (Psalm 92:13-15 “…they still bear fruit in old age.”; Philemon 1:20- “Refresh my heart in Christ.”).
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.
