In these past weeks of our Church Planting Cohort 101 course, there have been quite a few fresh concepts that have been buzzing around in our heads and challenging our hearts. It would be difficult to say that we gained more from one than the other since it all dovetails together so nicely. There are two key areas: (1) the personal challenge; and (2) the ministerial challenge.
On a personal level, we have been challenged to slow down spiritually, move into a sabbath rhythm, face our shadows, and to redirect priorities as husband and wife so that ministry would flow from out of that relationship (and not in spite of it!).
On a ministerial level, we have been challenged to see the church as a “force” instead of “field”. Concepts such as the “Immanuel Principle” have also helped us the direction in which our church plant needs to go – taking the church outside of its four walls and into the community around us.
Challenges are good! It’d be great to have it all just run on autopilot, but life isn’t designed that way. We thank God for new challenges, new experiences, and new opportunities to draw ourselves nearer to Him in childlike helplessness!
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
Psalm 61:2 (NKJV)
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”