As Hispanic church planters came together from the four corners of Alabama for a time of retraining and fellowship, there was a stirring in the large room. Over the past four years, 25 Hispanic planters have begun the Lord’s work — reaching out to impact their communities with the Gospel of Christ. Though only 14 attended the gathering, they were eager to learn and celebrate what God is doing in each location. There was no sense of competition — only a true partnership in the Gospel.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE GATHERING
1. Shared Struggles Build Mutual Encouragement
Finding others who are in the battle and suffering beside you brings a deep sense of mutuality and understanding. Many of these planters are not full-time pastors; they hold one or two jobs while striving to see a church planted in their area. Their challenges and lack of resources have driven them to deeper dependence on the Lord. Yet knowing that others share the same struggles lifts the spirit. Paul reminds us:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2.
True partnership in ministry requires taking time and showing genuine interest in one another’s needs. It’s not merely about words or financial support — it’s about showing up for the sake of the Gospel. By the end of the retreat, planters who had never met before were committing to help and partner with each other. Unity in Christ releases the power of the Gospel. As Jesus said:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35)
2. Worship and the Word Are Essential
For these planters, the greatest need was not another administrative session or set of resources — it was time in God’s Word and in worship. The focus of the retreat was on the heart of the missionary-pastor. Through studies in Romans 1 and 1 Peter 5, they reflected on the nature of the Gospel, the heart of a servant leader and the call to faithfulness in ministry.
Programs may come and go, but God’s Word always speaks to the heart. Every leader wrestles at times with expectations, motivation and weariness. Yet church planting especially requires a God-given drive and faith to see a new church birthed for the glory of God.
3. Joy and Fellowship Refresh the Soul
Everyone needs time to laugh and have fun! A marshmallow war was included in the schedule — a lighthearted game that built teamwork and brought laughter to all. For many, it was the first time they had ever experienced the simple joy of tossing marshmallows at one another!
As seen in The Chosen series, there are moments where Jesus laughs and shares joy with His disciples. Laughter and joy are powerful gifts from God, refreshing the soul and strengthening bonds among His people.
A WORD THAT REMAINS
At the close of the retreat, one phrase from Henry — a new church planter — captured the heart of the gathering: “I finally heard and was comforted by others who are experiencing the same things — cultural shock, immigration chaos, uncertainty about the economic future and the daily call to surrender to God’s leadership.”
Church planting was never meant to be a “Lone Ranger” endeavor but rather a collaborative Kingdom effort — uniting for the sake of the Gospel.
All Scripture quoted is from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
State Missionary Brian Harper serves as lead church planting strategist at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. He may be contacted at 1-800-264-1225, ext. 2332, or (334) 613-2332, [email protected].