When I was first approached about planting a church, my first thought was, absolutely not! Little did I know, I would be writing this newsletter celebrating three years of pastoring a church in Texas.
I was very hesitant and cautious about starting a church because of all the bad experiences I had heard about and have seen with my own eyes. My family came to Texas to work alongside another church which soon dissolved. It was heart wrenching. I couldn’t believe how nasty people could be within the church!
The question that lingered was, “Am I cut out for this?” My wife and I fasted and prayed. We diligently sought the Lord and by the leading of the Holy Spirit, knew that God was calling us to this church plant. We started in a living room, moved to a workshop, then to another office building, and then finally to the place we are now.
I have made many mistakes on this journey and will make many more, but I have learned much in these last three years. Here is what I have learned.
1.) Spiritual Warfare is intense
The spiritual attacks are by far the worst I have ever experienced. If you are not called and serious about the work of the church, you will be crushed. A work like this demands much prayer, fasting, and the deep study of God’s Word. This is a real war, both for lost souls, and the health of God’s people.
2.) Betrayal lurks around the corner
Many of the people you think will be the best companions in battle turn out to either quit, cause trouble, turn on you, and/or seek to devour you. They will accuse, lie, slander, and smear your name and the name of Christ. Pride drives these people to do things that you only thought the world was capable of.
3.) Rejection is part of the package
I have learned that much of true ministry is followed by much rejection. People will show up to your church, ready to conquer the world, then a week or two later they disappear, fade out, or drop off the face of the planet. Usually these people are looking for some form of leadership. But on a good note, the ones you least expect, will oftentimes surprise you and stick it out for the long haul. They also will bear much fruit in their service.
4.) Sickness can almost knock you out of the race
2019 was by far my worst year. I had been stricken and hijacked by a nervous breakdown. My body literally shut down. I suffered the worse kind of torment a human being can suffer on this side of eternity. At least in my opinion, and the opinions of many others who have suffered the same lot. My whole body was in torment and pain, waves of agony and terror shot through my body continuously for days on end. My body would pulsate and vibrate with painful anxiety, fire would shoot up and down through my chest, my legs would tremble uncontrollably, and all I could do is just lay in bed and stare at the wall. I did this for days until God by His providential Hand lifted me out of the darkness. This sickness was an instrument to drive me to the feet of my King. God used it for my good, and for His glory.
5.) Disappointments come left and right
Starting a church from scratch is an enormous undertaking. I had read many books on the subject and talked to many pastors about their experiences. I found it interesting that a majority of those I talked to were hesitant to help or just didn’t have the time. Sadly, many church planters that I did get to know over last few years, eventually quit. So far, what I can say from my personal experience, is that I can see why 1,800 ministers quit ministry every month. But realizing that Christ’s church never fails, we can rest in His strength, promises and future hope.
6.) Family
It seems the enemy relishes on attacking marriages and kids. He thrives on our failures, doubt, and unbelief. The work of church planting seems to stir up all kinds of threatening offenses, fear, and miscommunications within the household and in the household of God. Elders of the church must learn to pray alone, pray together and with their wives and children. Any slack in spiritual exercises could be the demise of your calling. On the other hand, there is nothing more beautiful than working together as a family to see the will of God unfold. I love my family and am so thankful for their support! It is awesome to see the church work together as well. The family of God is a beautiful thing. If there is one thing I have learned to appreciate, it is my church family. We have cried together, fought together, failed together, and succeeded together. I love my church!
Remember, if you are called to plant a church, Jesus will carry you through. We have experienced many ups and downs, and will probably experience many more. The financial struggles, disappointments, failure, pain and loss will all be worth it in the end. This is a difficult, daunting and demanding work, but it also can be a blessed, exciting, and memorable journey that will leave behind a legacy, and an inheritance that is eternal.
No King But Christ,
Jeff Rose
