The 3.0

Have you thought about giving up? Has walking away from the church, your family or your life crossed your mind? You may be surprised by what I recently discovered. This new discovery put me into a paradoxical spin, both setting my heart free and weighed it down heavily. On one hand, this new truth revealed to me that I am pretty normal and that some of my lowest moments as a church planter are not that unique to me. On the other, it opened my eyes to see that most planters hit a wall and try to make it through alone. My hope is that as I unpack this you will know you are not alone and you will commit with me to help others.

Not that long ago I was on a retreat with a group of pastors who serve in my town. Of the six of us, four planted the church we currently pastor. We spent a great deal of time sharing our stories, the highs and lows over the years. As each one of us shared I noticed a significant pattern emerge. For each planter there was a point, at about three years, that we reached the end our rope. Planting takes such a toll on you and your family emotionally, spiritually, financially and well, literally in every way. Even the strongest of leaders in the room admitted that there was a time they wanted to quit. One friend admitted that he had thoughts of driving his car into the lake on the way to the office. Another friend of mine tells of how he contemplated driving his car off a bridge. Are you hearing what I am saying!? These people were so tired and desperate that the idea of taking their life was a real option in their minds. Most don't end their life, but they end the church or they end their marriage.

I personally reached my lowest point at three years. If not for my amazing wife, good friends, a great mentor who called me on some poor self leadership and very clear intervention by Jesus, I don't know if I would have made it through that year.

Another interesting thing I have discovered as these stories get unearthed is that no leader is immune. Things can be going really well or really bad; it is more about the complete draining of the planter than the health of the plant. Not every leader will experience this but it is much more common than I would have ever imagined.

My hope is that if you are at this point in your journey you would respond. Church planting is not a solo journey. If you are struggling, please get in touch with me. For those of us who have made it through this difficult season, keep your eyes and ears open. Be ready to fight with and for those who are in the middle of it all.