When Tim and I were in “church planting boot camp” as part of a church planting “cluster plant” in Washington in the early 90’s, we were told that the results of a church plant was 80% God and 20% us. We were admonished to do our 20% well, so as not to “mess up” the 80% God was doing. We learned that a big part of our 20% was to be involved in prayer and spiritual warfare to prepare hearts and remove obstacles spiritually to allow God to do his part, and to bring favor with those who would have authority in areas we would need favor.

It was a relief to know that it wasn’t the other way around — 80% us and then God would bless. But also a challenge to know that our 20% needed to be done well and was essential to God’s ability to move and direct and provide favor where needed.