November 14, Thoughts about church planting
With Terry leaving life has been really busy. Tim and I are trying to get everything done and I haven't had time to write on my blog. Looking forward to our new tech guy getting here. Just spent entirely too much time on power point for Sunday.
I had lunch today with Patrick & Andy. Two young men who want to plant a church in Wilmington, North Carolina. I could hear the excitement in their voice. They made me think about the past four years. I remember dreaming about starting a church that would reach people who had been burnt in church or had never been. This luncheon made me reflect about the past three years. Here are some of those thoughts:
* Started September 12, 2005 at Pickens High School with 30 - 40 people. This included children.
* No matter how prepared you think you are, you'll never be ready for the experience.
* A lot of joy goes along with the pain.
* People left I thought would be at 5 Point when Jesus returns. Literally ripped out my heart but good some left.
* A pastor's family is under the microscope at all times.
* Some churches will support you - others will detest you.
* Do whatever you can to get momentum and then fight, kick, and scream NOT to lose it.
* We should have developed volunteer leaders a lot sooner.
* Take a few Sundays off. I haven't done this near enough. I learned my lesson towards the end of this year.
* I was scared to preach on giving. It is biblical and I owe it to our people to teach them what God’s Word says on
the subject. Already looking forward to our "All In" financial series in March.
* Learn and Return. I have had people pour into my life and therefore I pour into the lives of others.
* If you lose your church, God might give you another one. You lose your family, you’re done.
* Go after the unwanted people. You CAN build a church with those no one else wants. Look at 5 Point.
* Other Churches in our area are NOT our competition.
* Lead as God tells you, not as others think you ought too.
* There are times you have to do what others think is crazy and do it standing alone. That is called being a leader.
* Never let money deter you from what God has told you to do.
* Hire ahead of your growth. Experiencing this now. We can't grow until were properly staffed. If you wait until
you can afford to hire, you will never do it.
I had lunch today with Patrick & Andy. Two young men who want to plant a church in Wilmington, North Carolina. I could hear the excitement in their voice. They made me think about the past four years. I remember dreaming about starting a church that would reach people who had been burnt in church or had never been. This luncheon made me reflect about the past three years. Here are some of those thoughts:
* Started September 12, 2005 at Pickens High School with 30 - 40 people. This included children.
* No matter how prepared you think you are, you'll never be ready for the experience.
* A lot of joy goes along with the pain.
* People left I thought would be at 5 Point when Jesus returns. Literally ripped out my heart but good some left.
* A pastor's family is under the microscope at all times.
* Some churches will support you - others will detest you.
* Do whatever you can to get momentum and then fight, kick, and scream NOT to lose it.
* We should have developed volunteer leaders a lot sooner.
* Take a few Sundays off. I haven't done this near enough. I learned my lesson towards the end of this year.
* I was scared to preach on giving. It is biblical and I owe it to our people to teach them what God’s Word says on
the subject. Already looking forward to our "All In" financial series in March.
* Learn and Return. I have had people pour into my life and therefore I pour into the lives of others.
* If you lose your church, God might give you another one. You lose your family, you’re done.
* Go after the unwanted people. You CAN build a church with those no one else wants. Look at 5 Point.
* Other Churches in our area are NOT our competition.
* Lead as God tells you, not as others think you ought too.
* There are times you have to do what others think is crazy and do it standing alone. That is called being a leader.
* Never let money deter you from what God has told you to do.
* Hire ahead of your growth. Experiencing this now. We can't grow until were properly staffed. If you wait until
you can afford to hire, you will never do it.
* Know the vision God has given you and let nothing or no one change it.
* Small groups that work are an amazing and powerful thing.
* Enjoy the ride. Far too many guys miss out the awesomeness of the ride.
* Don't be shocked when you take a lot of criticism from other church people. It WILL happen.
* Never lose sight of changed lives over numbers.
* I’m as excited and sold out to this thing as I was the day we held our first service.
* I love being the pastor of 5 Point and wouldn't do anything else.
I have more but gotta get out of here and go hang out with Jacob tonight.
* Small groups that work are an amazing and powerful thing.
* Enjoy the ride. Far too many guys miss out the awesomeness of the ride.
* Don't be shocked when you take a lot of criticism from other church people. It WILL happen.
* Never lose sight of changed lives over numbers.
* I’m as excited and sold out to this thing as I was the day we held our first service.
* I love being the pastor of 5 Point and wouldn't do anything else.
I have more but gotta get out of here and go hang out with Jacob tonight.
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