I graduated last weekend. Thanks to all of you who have sent cards and congratulations. So many young(er) people are graduating right now as well, as we all seem to be asking the same question . . . now what? Of course, I'm luckier than most. I have a good job working with people I really like. But a good job isn't always the same as a life calling.
Over the past few months I've begun to dream about planting a church, planting a new Christian community, reaching people with God's story that's otherwise would never experience it. It's a dream that my wife and I have kicked around since our very first years together, but it's always be something we'd do someday. For the first time it seems like maybe I'm supposed to begin seriously exploring the possibilities. Granted, it will be years to process this, but it's exciting nonetheless.
In the coming months I'd like to begin exploring together different ideas, concepts and hopes associated with church planting, but for today I want to talk about dangerous motivations. I have a number of friends that are in the process of planting right now, and I'm inspired and excited by what they are doing. But in the past I've also known church planters who seemed to be planting for reasons that I just couldn't get behind.
To me, one of the most discouraging motivations for planting is to start a new church just to have a place to preach or lead. While it's not always readily apparent, this type of plant ends up focused almost exclusively on the weekend worship experience and attendance numbers. A second dangerous motivation is planting simply to perpetuate an institution. Far too many planters I've known and worked with were planting new denominational outposts, and their relationship with the denomination ultimately became their undoing.
A third errant motivation is planting in order to enact a slight modification or variation on worship or styles or preferences. A vital Christ-centered community has to be about SO much more than the weekend worship experiences. Having said that, worship experiences in this country really do need to be re-imagined from the ground up . . .
The final, and to me most dangerous, errant reason to plant a church is planting out of personal hurt or bitterness. If you're in ministry long enough you're going to get hurt. People will betray you, and hard experience has taught me that the most painful ministry wounds come from those who you have served alongside. While the temptation can be strong to "show them", I believe that a church born with this kind of hurt and unforgiveness at it's root will ultimately manifest that same pain on a larger scale. Some of you reading this know exactly what I'm talking about.
Looking forward to the conversation - I'd love to hear your thoughts . . .
Congrats Alex!!!! Let us know if there's anything we can do, seriously. We'd love to help you and your heart's mission in any way we possibly can! We miss you.
Posted by: Skye | May 23, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Good Luck Alex!
I will graduate (again) in mid-july and am looking forward to what's next.
d.
Posted by: doug | May 26, 2009 at 03:50 PM