Welcome to the “Church Plant Journey” blog series. My name is Blake Farley. This year my wife, Taylor, and I are planting Ascent church in Woodward, Oklahoma. We are excited, nervous, confident, humbled, and the list of emotions could go on for days! Church planting is unlike any other journey. Starting a life giving church is an impossible task apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. I am well aware that it can be overwhelming sometimes. In fact, here are a few things you have to juggle.
These are just 15 of the endless amounts of different tasks that I find myself working on and planning for as a church planter. They all have to be done and there is no one besides you to take responsibility (and blame) for them. In the beginning, all you have is a vision for what could be. For the first few months of our journey the only money in the church account was the money that Taylor and I deposited into it. Church planting is often glamorized and is seen as the “cool” thing to do in the modern evangelical church world. I am not here to spread pessimism and discourage anyone from planting a church, because I honestly love what I am doing. I believe that if you are called to church planting you will also love the church planting journey and the fruit that is born out of it by God’s grace. Please Discern Your Call That’s just it though, you must be called to this. If you are planting because you need a job or for any other reason besides the call of God, just don’t do it! Like all meaningful and lasting things starting a church is hard work. The only thing that will give you the encouragement and grit that you need is to be able to do this is the call of God. That is to be able to look down deep in your heart (metaphorically speaking) and know that God has truly called you to do this and at this time. That’s why Taylor and I are planting Ascent. We didn’t just feel like starting Ascent would be good idea. We knew Ascent was what God was calling us to do and anything else would be running from His plan for our life. I don’t write this as an experienced church planting expert, because truth be told I’m not! We are in the early stages of what will one day, by the grace of God, become Ascent church. Why I Am Writing This Blog Series My prayer is that as you journey along with us on this church planting journey over the next 9 months you would be equipped and encouraged. I will share from our experience in real time. I hope that this blog is a practical resources for those of you planting or considering planting. I want you to be able to learn from our successes and failures. There are plenty of experts much smarter than me with great practical tips for your church plant (I will soon share the resources that have helped me most). The real reason I am doing this series is for your encouragement in the trenches. It is so helpful for me in this season to look back at what those who have already completed this journey with their sanity still intact. I love what I practically learn from looking back the journey's of others, but mostly I love it because it silences my doubts. I realize our God is big and He uses even the most foolish of plans and peoples to do eternity changing work. I pray that this blog provides that kind of encouragement for those planting or considering a call to plant. I am so pumped to document this journey. I believe God is going to do amazing things in and through Ascent. And I believe He is going to do the same in and through you. If you have any questions comments or concerns feel free to shoot me an email at ascentchurchwoodard@gmail.com.
1 Comment
Delmer Owens
5/26/2020 08:43:21 pm
My wife and I moved to Woodward 1.5 year ago to get closer to the grandchildren Played bass at different churhes for over 30 years but looking for out let for my calling and I need a real pastor.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |