» Hanging out

Just returned from a two-day retreat with some Aussie church planters. Spent the first session listening to their stories.

One planter had been on the roller coaster ride. Dramatic growth followed by a big crash. Found God in the chaos and now he’s rebuilding. Another was scrambling to cope with the 300 Sudanese refugees that had just walked into his plant. Another was reaching soccer families out in the ‘burbs. Others were just beginning the journey of church planting.

I heard the story of the gym instructor who is coming to faith in the midst of some struggles in his marriage. He’s telling everyone he knows they need to check out this faith thing too. Even hassling the planter to make sure he follows them all up.

Everyone had a war story to tell. They were all paying a price. It takes faith to plant a church. At the end of one of the stories the planter leans back and says, “It’s been tough, but I love the freedom.” The whole room erupted in to murmurs of agreement.

It’s not that these guys want control. They want the freedom to make a difference in people’s lives.

It seems to be how God has wired some of the best church planters. They are action-oriented individuals. They are willing to take the risk and pay the price as long as they can make a difference.

I love hanging out with them.