KNOW you are called…and stick it out

When we were looking at different towns to plant RSC in, we had purposed in our hearts not to plant in a town where there was someone doing the style of church we would be doing regardless if the town needed another one or not. So after much prayer we decided on Canton, Ga. We thought we had found this hidden secret that no one know about. Wrong.

Since we started RSC on August 15th, 2004, there have been 6 church plants start within driving distance of us. Not only have there been 6 church plants, one of them was a plant of one of the largest churches in America and another one was a satelite of a very large church in a neighborhing town. On top of that, another church, which is one of the largest in America is partnering with a church plant here and they are coming at the end of the summer.

I say all that to say this: This area is wide-open. I just heard today that out of 150,000 people in the county, only 35,000 attend church. It doesn’t matter if there was 100 more church plants here, it would not change the fact that I feel God called me here to plant RSC.

With the coming of the new church at the end of the summer, I have been asked non-stop my opinions on it. If I get asked one more time if I think this church coming is the death of us, I will scream. The fact is, yes, initially in the flesh it freaks you out. But I know God called me here and I am glad they are coming because they will reach people who will never darken the doors of RSC.

I think this is very important for church planters: KNOW God called you and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.

My worship pastor recently took a Sunday off and visited National Community Church in Washingto, D.C. This is a very sharp church and they are blowing the doors off. But, 5 years into their plant, they were running 50 people. That convicted me. Would I have hung in there? Would I have stayed? I hope the answer would be yes.

I hope my vision would have been so strong that I would have stayed until God moved me.
I think far too many church planters look for the best place instead of God’s place. Seek God’s will and then do it.

If I can encourage you planters in any way, I hope it is this: Be Strong about your Vision.

If you are in a growing area, there will be other plants to come along. Though your flesh gets riled up, those churches are good for the Kingdom.

Just rest in the peace that God called you, no matter who else comes or how many come.