Reforming v. Planting
Hey brothers,
Aaron, thanks for your thoughtful reflections. Jonathan, you asked if I was a planter or a reformer. I don't know what you'd call what we're doing out here at Guilford. Revitalization, maybe?
I was on staff at CHBC as a church planter. We knew that we wanted to start something in the Dulles Airport region. It's located 45 minutes outside of DC and it's the fastest growing county in America. As we were preparing to put together a planting team, the Lord led us to Guilford, a 150 year old Southern Baptist church that was dying. They had a little chapel (that seats 90), no pastor, and 10 people in regular attendance. We brought 7 people from CHBC (plus my beautiful wife, who should count for 100 regular church members).
So I know some of the trials of a church planter: looking out on the first Sunday at all those empty chairs, leading the music and preaching every Sunday, having your wife do pretty much every other thing in the church that you're not able to do.
And I know some of the trials of a church reformer: the opposition from old members, the entrenched unhealthy church culture, the seemingly insurmountable history of failure.
But I'll tell you, I wouldn't want it any other way. Practically, having a building and chairs and pews and pianos and money in the bank really helps. You don't need those things in order to have a church, but if they're just sitting there going to waste, you might as well leverage them for the kingdom. Spiritually, it's great to turn a poor witness for the gospel into a thriving one. That's like a double-whammy.
So, would I ever do it again? To quote Matt Schmucker on the turn around at CHBC, "I've only got one of these in me". But I'm glad the Lord has led me to do this one.
I really appreciate this series of posts. I am entering my 5th year in a "I've only got one of these in me" situation.
I'm sure it has not been as difficult as yours. The Lord has sure been gracious... more gracious than I deserve.
I look forward to future posts. I have to say 9 Marks has been a real blessing to me through these last 4 years (and before). The Lord bless you!
Posted by: Keith Crosby | Jul 5, 2007 11:33:55 AM
I really appreciate this series of posts. I am entering my 5th year in a "I've only got one of these in me" situation.
I'm sure it has not been as difficult as yours. The Lord has sure been gracious... more gracious than I deserve.
I look forward to future posts. I have to say 9 Marks has been a real blessing to me through these last 4 years (and before). The Lord bless you!
Posted by: Keith Crosby | Jul 5, 2007 11:34:23 AM
I am so grateful and encouraged by these posts. I helped with a church plant for about 16 months before coming to my present church. Here I am the Senior (only) pastor and am looking for reformation in our church. God has been gracious to us and thus far (only 10 months) things have gone very well. These posts have been very helpful and I look forward to the wonderful discussions to come.
Posted by: Randy Alston | Jul 5, 2007 2:08:54 PM
Michael,
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I'm interested in knowing how this church plant is doing now. How long have you been there? How healthy would you say the church is now? Did you lose some of the older members when you began reforming the church?
Keep up the good work!
Mike Hess
Posted by: Mike Hess | Jul 6, 2007 9:17:13 AM
This is a question I've been struggling with for some time:
What is the church going to look like in the future. The current structure of our denomination is fading- we are almost returning to the society- pre -1850 style loose confedaration of churches. State conventions are losing any connection with local churches as NAMB, IMB, Guidestone, and Lifeway renew contacts with local churches. In the Northwest our churches are struggling because we have patterned ourselves after traditional structures. I am pretty disillusioned about the future of the church as it is now practiced. I'd be interested in your thoughts and responses.
Posted by: Steve Schenewerk | Jul 25, 2007 11:28:41 AM