I have read a lot of books about church planting. I’ve perused as many blogs on the subject too. I’ve taken classes in college about church planting. I’ve physically checked out as many church plants as I could check out just to see how it works in real-time. I’ve cornered church planters with more than a few probing, exploratory questions. I think it is safe to say that I’ve done a lot of research on the subject. Yes, all of those research experiences were/are good, but I have to admit that nothing has enlightened me more to the practical realities of church planting than actually planting a church. I have learned as much about church planting – and church ministry in general – over the course of the past few months spent in the field as I have learned from classes logged over the past few years.
That said, you may be asking yourself, “Does that mean I should skip the classes and books?” Not on your life! Do not do it! You will fail miserably if you skip the classrooms and the books! Fact is, you may fail anyway, even with books and classrooms under your belt, but it won’t be as miserable an experience. Your preparation should be broad, definitely. Read, watch, and listen to everything and everyone who knows anything about church planting. Your preparatory scope should covers books, practical experiences, and everything in between. A broad education is absolutely necessary. So, don’t skip on any of it! Don’t mishear me: I am not saying to skip the books and classrooms and head straight to the real-time experiences! I am simply saying that if the information gleaned from the books and classrooms is not introduced to a real-time situation then you will mine no practical wisdom. Solid preparation requires us to do both!
I’ve learned a lot in the field. I’ve learned some lessons the hard way and they cost me dearly. I’ve learned other important lessons immediately and I made proper and fruitful adjustments quickly. The point is to learn from all of it and – perhaps more importantly – be aware of the opportunity to learn. If you are not learning, you are not growing. I promise that is true.
So, I’m going to be reflecting here for a bit on the lessons I’ve been learning in a series of posts collectively titled “A Portable Horticulture.” Some will be serious lessons; others will be less so. All are, however, important, in spite of their perceived seriousness or lack thereof. So, do take notes, especially if you are going to be planting a church in the future, but remember none of this will really ressonate until you make the leap into real-time church planting and church ministry.
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