Three Avenues to Joy
When I look back at what I’ve experienced in church planting these past two or so years, three joys stand out:
- The joy of risk — There’s something joyful about sticking your neck out and risking for the sake of the kingdom. It’s far more joyful than playing it safe. I don’t think I’d want to go back.
- The joy of evangelism — My best friends are increasingly outside of the church. I am intentionally cultivating relationships in my community and being present in my neighborhood.
- The joy of reliance — I am learning new levels of dependence on God. I am also much more aware of my reliance on other people for prayer support, as well as practical support.
If you want to ask me what I love about church planting, these three joys would rank near the top.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a church planter to experience these three joys. Sadly, I pastored many years without experiencing them as much as I am now, but they where there for the taking.
Risk. Evangelize. Rely. I’m finding that these are three avenues of joy available to all of us for the asking.
