The End of a Chapter

This Sunday, July 9, 2006, was the last worship service for Ancient Hope - the church I have been pastoring since March, 2005.  In the face of many (many) Providential variables, the session felt it was better to wind-down than postpone what seemed to be inevitable.

Of course, this is quite a humbling time for me - because in principle, I have always believed that behind every organizational failure there is some fundamental failure in leadership.  As a Calvinist, I know that "some things aren't meant to be," but as a man, I know that I also "carry a lot of water."

Suffice it to say, I have learned a lot - A LOT.  For whatever it is worth - and for any small church pastor / tent-makers who might read this, here is a list of things I learned through this experience:

1. Don't be Gnostic:  Worship is central - and from my point-of-view, "covenant renewal" is absolutely the way to go, but if the worship does not result in communal / missional realities, your ministry is a proverbial soul without a body.  Theological / conceptual tidyness will not get the job done.  Ideological commonality is not enough.
2. Don't be Maverick:  What I mean by this is - have the deepest team you can find.  We all believe in this intellectually, but in practice, it is too easy to attempt to "do it yourself" because it is faster / better, etc.  Big mistake.  People around you need to own big responsibilities - and that doesn't mean they have to be elders or deacons.  Rank-and-file parishioners need serious and vital ownership as well.
3. Its all about relationships:  Growing the church is all about the personal networks you and your people have.  All of the outreach materials and programs in the world will not work without deep and meaningful personal relationships.  If you are going to an area that is new to you make sure your people know it like the back of their hand.
4. Don't Relax:  When times are good, don't assume you're safe.  Always move forward with a sense of purposeful urgency.  Time is a very necessary variable for maturity and growth, but don't work on the assumption that you have lots of time to get things done. 
5. Don't Focus on Strife:  Conflicts, crisis, and internal strife will happen in your church - it just will.  Don't let it stop your forward progress.  I did.  I let it stop me for the better part of six months and that was a very costly error in judgment.  You must deal with conflict - you must often jump in the middle of it, but if your ministry is consumed by conflict management and not with forward motion - the price will be high.
6. Tent-Making should be temporary if possible:  Tent-makers are usually ground-breakers, but tent-making should not be a state of being.  I could quote a bunch of Scripture here, but I will just assume that you already know or will take my word for it.  If not, I will post later in the comment section.

I could go on and on - and on, but these are things that rise to the top.  I will continue blogging as I can, but my blog may take on a different character as my role in life changes.

I thank God for the saints of Ancient Hope - and I eagerly anticipate God's leading for the future!

Comments

[Eric]

Dear brother,
Our visiting pastor today told us how William Carey preached on Psalm 46 the Sunday after a fire burned down his print shop and the book in which he had invested 20 years of Sanskrit translation. I pray that you will trust in the Lord to provide another opportunity to shepherd. I have greatly enjoyed your gifts and hope I have the opportunity to worship with you and sit under your teaching again in the very near future. May the Almighty bless all your labors for His eternal glory.

[John]

Brett, thanks for these lessons. They're things I'll need to know for the church plant here in Medford.

We prayed for you on Sunday. May the Lord continue to strengthen you and provide you new opportunities to serve Him.

[mark]

I'm sorry to hear about this, Brett. You are in my prayers.

Just to add a thought about tentmaking: it makes more sense if you are single or at least childless.

[Geoff]

Hi Brett,

I'm sorry we couldn't be there for the last worship service of Ancient Hope. We are praying for you and your flock, and we know that the Lord has greater things ahead for all of you.

Geoff

[Troy]

Sorry to hear that Brett. Thanks for the wisdom on these issues. Please keep us informed.
Peace.

[Troy]

Also, know that you and your family are in my prayers.