Exorcising the Demons of Church Planting
While it’s still been only recently that we shut down missio (last December) it is an anniversary of sorts in that the prior summer was when it really started to hit home: This isn’t going to work. It was the pits. And while it sounds cliche, it’s true, failure in starting a new church is like experiencing a death in the family. It hurts for a long time, and does things to your head, messing up your confidence, shaking some of that youthful cockiness you may have once had. Perhaps it’s for so much good. But in the end it still hurts – and you wonder if you’ve got damaged goods.
But I think some words from a fellow planter who ended up doing quite well in New Jersey hit home. Failure creates narcissistic tendencies if taken too far. To be humbled is one thing, to wallow in pity parties is another – the “I suck” should always turn to “now what?” – not necessarily on a note of cynicism, but perhaps expectation? That is the formula after all… blessed are the small, the insignificant, the poor in spirit.
I’ve been realizing that thankfulness is the best response to the things that may cause resentment, or low self-esteem, or bitterness or whatever. It’s hard to exorcise these things. Thankfulness exorcises the soul of toxic build-up. It’s the best treatment I have for those familiar feelings from last summer. It’s the one thing that lifts out of the miry self-beholden narcissism.
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thanks wayne for sharing. it is always beautiful to hear how honest you are about this experience. i admire you and your work a great deal, but in your honesty, there is a certain aesthetic quality that really shines through, and it is sublime. thank you. can’t wait to hear what happens next.
man.. thanks for your really kind words David.
“Next” – is a holding pattern now as I’m still 2/3 done thru seminary. Another year to go, so while holding, we’re keeping our eyes open, actively listening, waiting, and watchign.
just wanted to echo david’s words. there is such a humility in your words and reflection. i’ve always wondered about the ups and downs of church planting, since as a church we support local plants and people are always asking us if my husband and i will be planting soon. God bless as you discover where His path leads.
dear wayne, thank you for your insight and i wait with expectation of the next chapter of the story!
@steph – thanks again. great blogging btw. Pls do keep us in the loop if / of your guy’s church planting journey. It’s a wonderful (although tough) place.
@peter – thanx man… that makes the two of us…
Wayne, I’ve been tremendously thankful that through all of the ups and downs of my 3 year journey just to get off the ground with our first preview services last month, that God has blessed me with kind and open people such as you that are willing to share experiences and give feedback. Having people like you pioneer and show us from your experiences is better than any seminary degree I could ever receive in relation to church planting. Thank you again for all that you have done and all that you will continue do. It was great speaking with you last night and know that you are in my prayers.
I tried to leave a comment on your newest post but the field wouldn’t come up.
thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is really insightful to read them.
in response to the prior comments, we’re not seriously considering planting at this time, but we are often asked whether we’ll plant in detroit simply because we’re doing ministry there. Sometimes I am frustrated when ppl ask this b/c I often feel that Christians have an instinctive reaction to “plant”, when a new church plant isn’t always what a (poor) community needs. I believe that justice and mercy can take root and flourish without always being attached to a new church plant. i am also pretty self-conscious of this because the movement I am in – the Vineyard, isn’t traditionally as diverse as I’d like, and Detroit is, well, about 85% black. I don’t want to be the white church coming into the blackest city in America to plant a church, just because we want to do ministry there. I don’t think you have to plant a church just bc/ you want to work/minister in a certain community.
do you have thoughts on this?
I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. i’m excited to see where the Lord leads you and your family. always encouraging to hear/see people who are responsive to the call. God bless you guys.
I think that’s really insightful.
Church planting should never become tainted with underlying imperialistic motives – which are expansionist and really just plain sinful – this desire to get OUR church in THAT city. The racial dimensions only further heighten this distinction.
I’m starting to think then that church planting is more about invitation than anything else. Is there a core group of people meeting there that welcome you as their minister, to shepherd their community?
In that sense we never choose the community we want to plant in. It chooses us, the people of God call us. If it were up to us we would get bowled over the most ridiculous details – yes we do – like urban trendiness, how people dress, where people buy their coffee, school zoning and etc. Of such is not the kingdom of God.
The tension I constantly face is if I were to receive a call to go minister in some backwoods rural place. Would I go (let alone plant a church) there? If there is integrity to the pastoral calling then we all have to face this question. Going to the urban areas has become more trendy as of late, and I wonder how much of it is call, or just, “wanting to be where all the cool people are”.
Wayne — Forgive me for being so late to comment here, but I love your honesty. It’s never just “being real” for its own sake, but with a genuine desire to live into the mission of God. I am deeply encouraged by your words. Count me in as someone who’s eager to see what’s next for you!
Hey Daniel – thanx man. We’re gonna have to hook up one of these days next time I’m in your neck of the woods. I know I keep saying that but i think sooner or later it’ll happen.