The ups and downs
I was once again reminded the past week (as if I needed it) of how difficult church planting really is. As far as ministry goes, I believe that church planting is the most challenging endeavor in America. There are so many variables that can make or break a new plant. For me and for us this past week, it was division and tension with other ministries here in Tampa as well as some inner dissension. All of this just absolutely ripped me a part. It pushed me to the boiling point. At times I felt like I was on an island. I felt like I was in this alone. I felt like I wanted to give up many times. And this was all amidst the wonderful things that are actually taking place. I mean, I definitely have a lot to be excited about. God is accomplishing great things through our little ministry.
But with the ups of church planting, there are always going to be downs. What I am learning is that if you can capitalize on the downs…actually use them to help thrust you and the plant, then it will actually work. Momentum is building as a result of my new found insight. I have a better understanding. And much of it has to do with the book that we are going through as a church. Philippians is all about capitalizing on struggling circumstances. Our series right now, as we meticulously study through chapter 2, is called “attitude.” We are looking at prime examples of dudes who have been through much worse and who are shining through it. And it all comes out of a desire to serve God without expecting anything in return. I get this weird mind set sometimes that if I give so much of myself, I should get as a result. Well, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus all gave pretty much everything and they didn’t really have anything to show for it. But these men still possessed the kind of attitudes that Christ exemplified…lowering oneself to the lowest possible point. And this was all for the sake of seeing others benefited and seeing the kingdom of God expanded.
I am learning constantly that as the attacks come, and the disunity tries to rear its ugly head into what God is doing, that if I humble myself to the point that these dudes in Philippians chapter two did, and have the attitude of service and sacrifice that they possessed, that nobody and no-thing will be able to disrupt me from fulfilling the calling that God has placed on me and this church…and this church planting movement.
Thanks Jesus for Your faithfulness to me in spite of my short comings.
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers! I pray you don’t get discouraged but are continually ENcouraged by the Holy Spirit and those around you who love and support you. Know that You’re right where God wants you!
Aaron- I would never have known you felt discouraged, from listening to your teaching last night. What a blessing it was to hear the passage about Epaphrodites opened up. What struck me the most was how you pointed out that EVERYONE, including Paul, was serving the greater body, the church. So Paul, likewise, put the needs of the bigger gp, over his desire to keep his buddy E. with him. And that when one person thinks and acts selfishly, the chain is broken. What an interesting concept…I got a glimpse, truly, of how one can say that everyone in the body is important. But I think everyone in a church needs to be plugged into some kind of smaller group where they see and feel that being played out. As I think about it even more, I imagine that each member is in at least 2 different groups…one where they are fed, are shepherded and serve and one in which they are a leader and can shepherd others.
This was the best blog you ever wrote Aaron. Im teaching kindergartners and 1st graders 2 corinthians, and Im telling them that the corinthians didn’t have respect for Paul and doubted his apostleship, even though Paul was beaten with rods, stones, animal bones, glass, shipwrecked, swimming alone at sea for who knows 24 hours, and all this for the sake of the people who were persecuting him and ultimately Christ. Like you told John Wooden, “I appreciate your testimony!” I really do buddy! Keep on finding the depths and extent of the love of Christ! See you tomorrow too buddy!
AP – thanks for writing this, Abby and I are facing some of the same challenges right now as we try to instill the “strange” vision of a student church in our friends and ministry partners in Tuxtla. Praying for you guys.