Planting a church is anything but easy. In fact, it is quite difficult. I’m sure the only reason people actually do it is because the intersection of God’s call and personal passion/gifting creates missional unction that can not be ignored. Why else would someone choose the personal and vocational insecurities that accompany church planting over a comfortably secure and salaried position at an established church? If you have ever planted a church, or are planting a church, then you know what I mean. There are great joys to be had in church planting, but there are also great trials and tribulations. It’s the nature of the mission; it’s a direct result of being on the bleeding edge of Christ’s expanding kingdom. The bleeding edge comes with all sorts of challenges, spiritual and otherwise. Overall, I have to say, that church planting is an exciting, joy-laden, and incredibly rewarding ministry, but it is not for the faint of heart.
I recently discovered a post by Dan Taylor, a church planter in Edmonton, Canada (h/t Mike Clawson), called “Why Church Planting Sucks.” It was a great read, and completely accurate! I’ve experienced everything on the list in five months time. The following are quick hit and miss excerpts of the most resonate and sometime humorous points raised by Dan in this fun and encouraging list.
1. It’s harder than you think – but not in that ways you expect. I expected it to be a lot of work and I expected there to be discouraging times and I expected there would be times I would want to quit, but I didn’t expect that I would spend most of my time doing stuff that I don’t love and doesn’t excite me …
2. It’s more fun than you think it’s going to be. Strap on your helmet, but it is fun. You’re building something from scratch and fighting and winning and failing …
3. There are people who don’t want you to succeed … Identify these people and ignore them …
4. There are people who desperately want to you to succeed … Identify these people and seek them out …
5. It is not easy to figure out who are #3 people and who are #4 people.
6. Weather will kick your ass … There’s not much you can do but be ready for it …
7. You will also schedule something no one will show up for …
8. This is not the church you built in your head … Trying to be the church in your head will kill your joy for the church you have, so kill the church in your head …
9. Don’t take anything personally. People will come to your church and go, and friends will choose to be a part or not … If your confidence and self image depend on the “success” of your church, you are screwed as a pastor and will be a terrible person to live with …
10. Settle the failure question before you start …
Note: Why Church Planting Sucks is an encouraging list because it really does let other planters know they aren’t the only ones experiencing such things! It’s good to know that other planters are experiencing the very same things! Let’s pray for one another, and keep working for Christ’s glory and fame.
Related Posts:
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- Church Planting Assessment Day!
- The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2006
- Are Low Impact Woodland Homes the Future?
- A Final Fulfillment: On Eschatology
- A Bible Atlas Built Upon Google Maps
- A Portable Horticulture: On Planting Churches
Tags: Church, Church Planting, Ministry, Missional
If you dont mind I took the liberty of adapting the above list. I think my Church Planting Vision Team will enjoy it.
10 things to think about before beginning a church plant
1. It’s harder than you think. So don’t start without realizing that it’s impossible for you to succeed. However, nothing is impossible for G-d.
2. Its more fun than you think it’s going to be. Enjoy the process of beginning a work for G-d’s glory. Remember, if you fail its ok G-d still loves you and His grace is sufficient for you.
3. There are people who don’t want you to succeed. Identify these people and ignore them.
4. There are people who desperately want to you to succeed. Identify these people and seek them out …
5. It is not easy to figure out who are #3 people and who are #4 people.
6. Don’t let the weather discourage you, just grab a hot chocolate or cappuccino and start preaching people out of hell.
7. You will always schedule a meeting that no one will show up for. Take the opportunity to pray and study the bible.
8. This is not your church plant its G-d’s.
9. Remember you will always find people who don’t have the chutzpah to leave their spiritually dead churches. Some people enjoy the company of zombies.
10. Don’t take anything personally. People will come and go. Some will be committed and others will simply die insignificant lives.
Rev. Dr. Peter L. Riquelme
Church Planter/Senior Elder
Grace Community Chapel
Brooklyn New York
Sounds like you, toilet boys, need your mouths washed out before you try planting “churches”. Sucks? ass? screwed? Grow up. The world can say a lot worse than that. Who needs your little pale vanilla attempts at relevance?
@Val: “Toilet boys?” Seriously? You couldn’t ignore the need to interact with a post you didn’t like, eh? I should just tell you to move on, because you clearly have no idea what you are talking about, but, like you, I can’t resist the need to say … something.
Actually, I’ll say five things:
#1: I didn’t right the article I referenced, so your plural use of the word “boys” is misguided.
#2: I don’t believe the author of the aforementioned article is a boy. So, you shouldn’t refer to him as such.
#3: Both of us are already planting churches.
#4: Lighten up a bit. It will be good for you and the Gospel you are most likely smothering to death.
#5: Have a great day. Seriously. I mean it.
We are busy preparing to plant a church in RSA ! Please pray . Thanks and God bless.
Thanks bro! I’ll be back. Good stuff.
Right on, Joey! Thanks for stopping by. Your blog is great, BTW. I’ve never seen it before, but will be back regularly.
This is a great reminder to keep it real and stay focused. Thank you!
Thanks, Jonathan! Encouragement and prayers to you and your plant as well!
Keep up the faith, bro. We’re nine years into our little church planting venture and we still have struggles. Still, God is the author and finisher of our faith, and the daily blessings we receive are almost too much to handle.