We sometimes think of renewal as a shot in the arm we need in the last stages of our race—when we’re weary, worn, and battle-scared. Biblically, however, renewal is something we need every day and at every stage of the journey. (“The inward man is renewed day by day,” 2 Corinthians 4:16.)
This is one of the reasons we host an annual Church Planters Luncheon* on the Monday afternoon of Spiritual Leadership Conference. Each year, this free luncheon is designed to encourage and equip church planters and their spouses at the starting line. Of course, not all of the church planters who attend are new to ministry—some are veteran church planters beginning a second, third, or eighth church plant. In any case, we pray that this luncheon will be a refreshing time of spiritual renewal and fellowship.
At the luncheon, we ask an experienced church planter (this year my brother, Pastor Stephen Chappell) to share a challenge. This year, we are also including a question and answer panel with experienced church planters.
I thank God for men who have the courage, commitment, and compassion to plant biblical Baptist churches, and I want to do everything I can to encourage them. The truth is, we need more biblical Baptist churches in more cities across America.
Even as we seek to encourage men who are already planting churches, I pray that God will raise up many, many more.
*If you and your wife would like to attend the church planters luncheon, please email larry.chappell@lancasterbaptist.org to RSVP.
