There is an interesting post on the Vineyard USA site which looks at this question. As a church planter myself I often wonder what makes idiots like us go out and do such a crazy thing! It is a lot of hard work, self-sacrifice and heartache. How did we get into this place?
Of course, reflecting on such a question when you have just spent all your physical and emotional energy and grace levels over a busy period is not a particular good idea!
It is an immense privilege to see the birth a church and start to watch it grow. Much like the birth of a baby, it is both exciting and exhausting. Some days it is great to be a father. Other days you find yourself longing for a simple life again. Of course, no-one really wants to go back to how things are before, that was boring, but we do like to let off steam once in a while.
I am truly grateful to God for all those he brings to us as 'pioneers'. They, too, have made a sacrifice. Rather than go to the big church down the road they have made a cognitive decision to get 'hands-on' with us.
Is there a personality type for this type of calling or is it just a Spirit of God thing? Hm!
In my own experience I believe, on the whole, it is the latter? Of course, faith, a sense of fun and a willingness to do absolutely anything and everything are not bad attributes to behold. And the for pastor I would recommend some theological and pastoral training, but the big thing has got to be knowing you are called. If you do not know that you could be in some trouble.
In established churches it is possible to avoid this issue, but in small church plants (and here I am talking in the Vineyard's definition being a church of under 60 people) something deep needs to sustain you.
For me that has been the constant faithfulness of God's blessing on me and my family and the wonderful friendships I have made since staring this thing. I hope that can be said of others too.
Otherwise, when the going gets tough the tough sadly go missing! And that is tragic.
ASD
