Church Planting::Count the Cost

My dad gave this to me a very long time ago. I must admit that for a long time, I really didn't like it. I couldn't appreciate it's drab, almost cynical outlook on the task of church planting. It rubbed my vision and my idealism the wrong way. For my dad, however, I could tell it had become over the years a deep source of solace for him during difficult times; something he returned to regularly, perhaps to remind himself that he wasn't the only one to think and feel many of these things; assuring him perhaps that he wasn't crazy. There were others who had walked a similar road and along the way, had thought and felt many of the same things he had...and amidst it all, stayed faithful, pressing onward.

I couldn't fully appreciate all that this article had to say then. And I'm not sure I can fully appreciate it now, but I am getting there. Church planting is tough. Being the lead guy is tough. Pastoring is tough. Uncertainty is tough. Having a vision so big it terrifies you and no earthly idea how to see it come to fruition is tough. It is a tough road. So future church planters, take the words below seriously. He's not blowing smoke. Church planting is tough, so you'd better know that you know that you know that you're called. Past and current church planters, know that you are not alone and you are not crazy (well, okay, maybe a little bit:).    

"Attn: Future Church Planters -- Count the Cost," by Joe Boyd:

Expect pain.

Expect to be misunderstood.

Expect to be persecuted and expect it to come first from those who follow Jesus.

Expect to be maligned, attacked and ridiculed from all sides.

Expect to grow tired and weary.

Expect to want to give up.

Expect to lose many old friends.

Expect to lose all of your friends where the "church" is the central reason for your friendship. Only your deep and Christ-centered friendships will endure.

Expect to be labeled. (a freak, a hippie, a cult leader, a quitter, a fraud, an idealist, a purist, a heretic, a divider, a communist, a jerk, an egomaniac, a devil worshiper) Yes, I've been called them all to my face.

Expect to weep...deeper and stronger than you ever have.

Expect to doubt your calling, your convictions, your path, your faith, and your life.

Expect to be lonely.

Expect to be seen as utterly unsuccessful.

Expect to die...nothing will be left of you. You will cease to exist. The last things in you to die will be your desire to be great for God and your desire to be happy.

And then, you will finally...Live. 

Expect life.

Expect meaning.

Expect to finally understand the prophets and apostles.

Expect to know Jesus and his life...for that is all that you will have...and that is all that you need.

Comments

[Greg L.]

Thanks Aaron...I really needed to read this right about now! Hang in there son.

[Tim S.]

Aaron, thank you for this. Your transparency and straightforwardness is going to help a lot of leaders.

[Aaron Loy]

Hey thanks, dad. This is a great article. Thanks for sending it my way so long ago.

[Aaron Loy]

Thank you for the kind words, Tim. I don't naturally model transparency well, but I have really been trying to grow and lead in that area.

[Hunter]

I love you Loy. I'll be calling you during some of these times.

[Aaron]

Love this, Aaron. Hate it too. The truth effect. Praying for you, Brother, to walk close with Jesus & courageously obey.

[Lisa C.]

Loved it.

[David B.]

truth

[Aaron Loy]

Hunter, I love you too brother. Sounds good. It is exciting man, I am loving following the journey of Ignition and seeing things starting to materialize as you set your sights on Knoxville. This guy's praying for you and your family, your team, and your city!

[Aaron Loy]

Thank you Aaron! You know, I think we are due for coffee here soon. I'd love to connect and hear how you are doing and how things are going over at Southview.