The Truth About Church Planting

Somebody asked me about church planting the other day, and I had to tell them the truth: If you sign up for church planting, you’re signing up for a world of pain.

There’s no other way to put it. You will face financial uncertainty, spiritual attack, insecurity, and more. Things will take longer than you think, and there’s no guarantee of success. I don’t know anyone who’s planted a church who found that it was easy.

But I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t give the other side. Church planting is also incredibly rewarding. There are few things that are worthwhile that aren’t hard, so it’s no surprise that church planting is both painful and joyous at the same time.

My wife sometimes wonders why we didn’t start out church planting in the first place. That’s not because it’s been easy. It’s because it’s been worth it.

This past weekend we took some leaders on a retreat. At one point I looked around the room, and felt profoundly grateful for each person. Two years ago, I didn’t know any of them. And now I have the privilege of serving alongside them, and seeing the gospel advance in a community that needs it.

If you’re thinking about church planting, count the cost. It will be hard. But it may also be the most rewarding and joyful thing you’ve ever done.