This is our age old struggle in the Christian faith. James talks about in his second chapter – we talk so much about certain things and yet never get around to actually doing them. Its no different in the area of church planting. I found it fascinating to read Michael Tinker’s thoughts on his recent trip to South Africa. Michael works for the Crowded House in Sheffield, UK and we got the chance to hang out a bit just over a week ago and talk church planting and potential future developments in South Africa. In one of his reflections he mentioned that in discussion with the principal of George Whitefield College, Dr. David Seccombe (my principal), Dr Seccombe had noted that there seems to be a fair bit of talk doing the rounds about the subject of church planting but in reality very little planting is actually talking place on the ground. I think he’s completely right and in some ways I feel like part of the frustration that this situation has caused.
I talk about church planting at least 5 or 6 times a day, I think about it all day (Robin can testify to this) and yet I’m sitting in a library for most of that time and not actually out there doing the ministry – its a complete frustration to me. I desperately don’t want to be part of something that’s safe to talk about but to terrifying to attempt. At the end of this year the rubber hits the road – its time to stop talking and start doing.
Well put. I have the same problem. I talk a lot more than I do. Very convicting.
As someone who have planted … I can say that it’s worth it.
Also that planters need other planters … so jump in !
Nike, guys….
JUST DO IT!!
We’re about to plant a church out of our home in Kirstenhof. Early days yet – we have a small group of interested people, and come sketchy ideas of where we’re going, and about 2 months of prayer – but we need a lot more prayer, thinking, and commitment before we get off the ground.
But should be in about
I think laypeople need to start it in their homes, like we’re going to do. It’s often too risky for a pastor, particularly with a family, to do it – there are very few with the balls to do it!!
But for us, if after a year it hasn’t worked – no matter. We can just shut it down and go back to the Mother church, and thank God for the experiences.
But if it DOES work, then we can get a minister in once we’ve got critical mass, and it’s not such a huge risk for him.