When to Stay, When to Shake the Dust Off: Church Planting, Resistance, and God's Timing
The church, no matter how well-intentioned and kind-hearted, is sometimes rejected by the local community. This is a painful reality that can be hard to accept. It’s one thing to face indifference, but when opposition is organized, vocal, and hostile, it can leave church planters and mission teams wondering, “How long should we stay and endure this?”
This question arose in a coaching session and follow-up discussion about a church plant in a Northeastern city that encountered threats, picketing, and negative press. An organized LGBTQ group led the resistance, spreading misinformation and openly attacking the church. Despite good intentions, the church faced a storm of hostility that lasted for months. Was it time to stay and fight, or shake the dust off and move on?
A Village in Ghana: Finding the Right Time to Speak
Years ago, in Ghana, I traveled with Builsa pastors to remote villages with no churches. Each day, we searched for a person of peace, then visited the village chief to request permission to share the gospel in the village square.
When visiting Zanwara, a village with a mosque but no church, we had no idea how we would be received. Initially, everything seemed to go well—until we arrived at the chief’s house.
After hearing our request, the chief firmly responded: “I have been the chief here for over 20 years. In that time, no one has preached about Jesus in this village—and that is not going to change tonight!”
We were stunned. Confused. Disappointed. We had traveled rough roads to get there, only to be told our mission was in vain. But Jesus’ words in Luke 10:10-11 came to mind:
“When you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you.’”
So we respectfully told the chief that we would honor his authority, even though we believed we had a message that could bless his people. Then, we shook the dust off our feet and prepared to leave.
Resistance Isn’t Always the Final Word
As we packed up, several villagers approached us. They were sorely disappointed. They wanted to hear what we had to say. In a remote village like Zanwara, visitors—especially foreigners—were rare. What message had we brought? They were curious.
A few days later, on a market day in a neighboring village, some Zanwara villagers found our team and asked, “What were you going to tell us?”
We shared the gospel with them, particularly how God sent His Son to break the power of witchcraft, evil spirits, and ancestral curses. Several joyfully accepted Christ and began meeting in their homes. Over time, a small church took root in Zanwara.
The next year, we returned—not to the village square, but to the home of our new Christian friends. We visited the chief again and explained that we had been invited back by his own people.
His response? “As long as you meet inside their buildings and not in the village center, you are welcome.”
That was the beginning of the church in Zanwara.
Lessons for the Church Facing Opposition
What does this story have to do with the Northeastern U.S. church plant that faced LGBTQ opposition? Timing is crucial. A wise missionary once told me:
“If you are seeing blessings in ministry, it’s because someone before you has suffered.”
Paul and his church planting team said, “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
This means:
If you’re facing opposition, don’t assume your work is wasted. Resistance is often part of the process before God brings fruit. Someone will eventually realize God’s blessings – it may be you eventually OR someone that comes after you.
If you’re experiencing success, don’t get proud. Instead, thank God for those who suffered before you.
Three Questions to Ask When Facing Resistance
So, when church planters or missionaries are feeling the heat, whether in Zanwara or a secular Northeastern city, what should they do? Consider these three questions:
1. Should we move away for a time and continue in prayer?
Sometimes, the wisest move is a temporary retreat. Jesus Himself left places where He wasn’t welcomed (Luke 4:28-30). Stepping back allows emotions to settle and creates space for God to work in hearts. Leaving does not mean giving up. It means trusting that God is still at work even when you’re not there. This reminds me of Marine Major General Oliver P. Smith during the Korean War. Facing encirclement by Chinese forces, General Smith reportedly said, “We’re not retreating, we’re just advancing in a different direction,” reflecting the Marines’ resolve to fight their way out despite overwhelming odds.
2. Who are the “people of peace” in the community?
In Zanwara, it wasn’t the chief, but some of the villagers who were open to the gospel. Find the people who are receptive. Stay connected with them. They can keep you informed about when and how to re-engage with the community.
3. Is there a more receptive place to focus on now?
Missiologist Donald McGavran emphasized that periods of receptivity must be prioritized. When people are open to the gospel, act quickly—because spiritual openness can be short-lived.
If one community is hostile and resistant, where is there fruit elsewhere that is ready to be harvested? Stay strategic—focus on areas of openness while keeping an eye on places of resistance, waiting for the right time to return.
Final Thoughts: Shake the Dust, but Stay in Prayer
The Good News of Jesus is not meant to be forced on unwilling communities. Jesus told His disciples to shake the dust off their feet when they weren’t received—but that doesn’t mean abandoning those places forever.
God’s timing is everything.
If you are facing resistance in your ministry, don’t lose heart. Sometimes, leaving for a season makes way for a future harvest—whether for you, or for those who will come after you.
About the Author: Dr. Jay Moon, PhD, MBA, P.E. is a storyteller, strategist, and scholar with a passion for bridging faith, work, and mission. With 13 years as a SIM missionary in Ghana among the Builsa people, he has firsthand experience in church planting, water development, evangelism, and discipleship. Now a Professor of Evangelism & Church Planting at Asbury Theological Seminary, he also leads the Office of Faith, Work, and Economics, equipping leaders to integrate faith in everyday life.
A prolific author, Jay has written six books—including Intercultural Discipleship and Effective Intercultural Evangelism—and edited seven more. A sought-after speaker on church planting, marketplace mission, and evangelism, he has served as president of APM and GCRN and is the incoming president of AETE and ASM.
Beyond academia, Jay thrives in hands-on creativity, from building treehouses and throwing axes to mentoring small business innovators—always looking for new ways to connect faith and action.