we’re standing on giants

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As we prepare for our move to New Orleans, I’m reminded daily that this isn’t a solo mission. In 2020, when we first attempted to plant a church, pride held me back. I thought I needed all the answers and to know every tactic from the beginning. That mindset led to neglecting guidance and mentorship, and I believe it was a key reason we lacked the vision and faith to continue. This time, we’re doing it differently. I’m grateful for the experienced ministry leaders rallying around us, but it’s still a balancing act: How do I ask for advice while fully trusting God’s control?

I’ve been reflecting on that tension. We are called to rely on God’s sovereignty (Proverbs 19:21), yet the Bible emphasizes seeking wisdom from others. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). At first glance, these ideas seem to contradict each other. If God’s plans always prevail, why seek advice? Does human counsel even matter if God will do what He wants?

What I’ve learned is God often speaks through people. Isaac Newton’s quote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” resonates here. If we wait only for a booming voice from heaven, we might miss His whispers through mentors and friends. The truth is, wise counsel isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. This applies not only to church planting but also to marriage, parenting, leadership, and so much more. Seeking counsel isn’t weakness; it’s obedience and you reap the reward by seeing a bigger, brighter, and bolder future.

This is a few of my "wise counsel". Reply to this email with "Steadfast Way" if you want to learn more.

I’m currently working with five godly men (giants in the faith) whose advice has been invaluable in shaping our life’s vision and helping us avoid common mistakes. They have opened up their calendars, wallets, and wisdom to make us immeasurably better. However, as incredible as they are, human advice isn’t perfect. Recently, I’ve received competing recommendations, which forced me to reflect on who has the final word. God often provides direction through wise people, but their voices must never replace His.

This is where I’ve learned to hold plans loosely. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Even when advice seems solid, it’s crucial to leave room for God’s redirection. For example, when deciding whether to ask for financial support on social media, our advisors were split. I ultimately felt led not to make a formal request but instead to mention it more naturally in our weekly newsletter (like I’m doing now). The important thing to remember is that all advice must submit to the lordship of Christ.

So how do we balance seeking advice and trusting God’s sovereignty? Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Start with Prayer and Scripture: Before seeking advice, I pray and turn to God’s Word for clarity. Scripture provides the foundation to discern whether the counsel aligns with His truth.

• Surround Yourself with Godly Mentors: Not all advice is good advice. I intentionally seek out spiritually mature mentors who care deeply about the mission God has placed on my heart.

• Stay Open to Redirection: Holding plans loosely doesn’t mean being uncommitted. It means remaining willing to adjust as God refines the path forward.

• Trust the Process: This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Wise counsel provides thoughtful, strategic steps, while trust in God keeps us moving forward when the path feels unclear.

As we continue preparing for this next chapter, I’m convinced that spiritual advisors are crucial to building something that lasts. The wisdom of others accelerates the vision God has given us. At the same time, His sovereignty remains constant. Even when we don’t have all the answers, He faithfully guides each step.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are vital as we build something beautiful in New Orleans. Let’s keep trusting Him together.

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