church planting sucks

The other day I was assessing the church plant and what has been accomplished over the course of the last 1.5 years. The people, the ministries, the people, the bills, the money or lack of it, the people, the vision and so on. As I milled through these topics I found that I wanted to bang my head against the wall. Perhaps its because all these things are fluid and its hard to come to peace with that reality. We don't have control over what people do, nor do you want to. The vision fades in and out, especially during trying times. The money fluctuates causing you to wonder if you will be shelling rent out of your own pocket. Nevertheless, as I mused, I was reminded of all the times I have stepped up to the plate and tried. Perhaps I have stepped up to the plate only to walk back to the dugout after striking out. But that my friends, is better than never having stepped up to the plate at all.

For those who can relate, I found myself strangely encouraged as I thought over all the ideas "God" gave me that I tried to make a reality and failed miserably.

1. I tried to get a computer lab for kids going once, I even got computers donated. I didn't think getting a facility would be as difficult as it was.

2. Our church had a special Mother's Day service at the Roubidoux Resident Theater (we met here for services). Church started at 11 and a catering company showed up at 10:30 to set up for a luncheon. I didn't get that memo. I preached to a crowd of mothers, servers, and chefs to the clang of dishes and people passing in front of our power point as though I wasn't even there.

3. I worked on getting a school of ministry together to launch this past year. After a few years of preparation zero students showed up.

4. Our church worship leader gave me 16 hours notice that he was resigning. Love him, but really?

5. I spent $2,000 of our church money on drawings for a church bldg remodel only to find out the building wasn't for us. Actually, this was a cheap lesson compared to where we could have been but you get the point.

The list could go on and if anyone takes the time to read this, and I assume they won't unless by some accident via google, but if you do drop me a line, share a story, whatever. Hope you know God loves you and if you feel like you've failed, step up to the plate and swing again.

Cheers,

Beau