Knowing Your Role in Good Works: Are You a Planter or Waterer?

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 1 Cor 3:8 - 9 (KJV)

There are basically two types of people needed in order to start and continue good works. These are the Planters and the Waterers.

PLANTERS
The Planter gets things started, but may find it difficult to keep things going. Others rarely catch their vision because they simply do not have or understand their way of thinking. Planters need to learn how to write the vision to make it plain so that others will run with it. Planters have a difficult time getting others to truly follow them because by the time someone almost catches up, they have already moved on to the next phase. Meanwhile, their willing followers are still trying to find out where they fit.

Planters are not necessarily the best at personal development for others. While they are definitely visionaries, they are not the “people persons” that followers tend to require in order to continue offering their support.
Planters may appear to be flighty because they seldom stay with something long enough to see it progress into tangible success. Others often see planters as “hard working” more than “smart working”, with little to show for all of their laboring. Still many recognize them as great visionaries who are blessed with innovations.

Planters seldom get the opportunity to reap the benefits of their efforts. This is because their efforts are vast and many who profit from their labors are not moved to hunt them down in order to show their appreciation. However, Planters should know that God sees all and that they will reap rewards in due season.

WATERERS
Waterers are the careful and mindful supporters of a work that has been planted. They are the faithful eyes, arms, legs and sometimes the heart of a ministry. They are keenly aware of when there appears to be a drought that threatens the life of what has been planted. They will often sacrifice their own resources to replenish and nourish a good work.

Waterers are not eager to be “the one in charge”, but are adamant about doing what is needed to make things run effectively. Because of their stern commitment and belief that they know what is best, they may appear to want to take over. However, they tend to be terrified of operating in a position of ultimate responsibility.

If a Waterer determines that there is no longer any need for the support that s/he brings then, that person may begin to look for other efforts to support. They have a need to feel needed and productive. Waterers need to be reassured that being the one in charge is not the only (or even the best) way to be recognized for their diligence and faithful works. As they are fed validation and appreciation, these faithful laborers will provide valuable support that causes good works to grow.

Both Planters and Waterers are needed for any good work to continue. Good works are most successful when the Waterers and Planteres are operating in their roles according to how God has gifted and anointed them. They may not be able to work together (perhaps due to communications issues, etc.) although they may both labor on the same project. Both are essential for development and need to have an appreciation and value for each other. Most importantly they must realize that the ultimate glory belongs to God.

(Extracted from the Faith Legacies book, by Dr. Margaret Jamal)