This past weekend I went to Houston for the Vineyard Southwest Region Church Planting Intensive. It was a great weekend. It definitely confirmed much of what we've sensed God is speaking to us. There was a lot of information about your calling and character as a church planter. Here are a few quick summary points from Bert Waggoner, the President of the Vineyard, about your calling:
- God takes the initiative. We operate under His mandate, not just a good idea.
- It [church planting] is a horrible career, not just something you choose.
- There are no volunteers. You listen, wait and respond.
- Not based on what we have to offer, but on God’s ability.
- It’s not about us!
I think we constantly need to be reminded that--like Bert said--we need to hear God in any career path we "choose", and that it really isn't a choice at all. We listen and obey. And that's a good thing!
As a side note: The Vineyard in the Houston area has a 90% church planting success rate. Not too shabby (AT ALL!) since the rate at one time was in the 40% range for the Vineyard overall. (I think it's much higher overall than that now.) Sounds like the keys are better qualifying calling, character, and readiness of the church planter, and, I believe, improved relationships between church planters and other Vineyard leaders.
Question to think about: Are you currently doing what you're doing because God called you to do it?
It sounds like you learned a lot of good stuff this weekend! I love it!
ReplyDeleteMan... Your question really hits the core of what Nate and I have been talking about lately. Sometimes it can be hard to find what it is God is calling you to do... We're still waiting to see God move on things in our lives.... a lot of things actually... So we just wait, and seek the Lord. ;)
Yup - Bert knows what he's talking about...you guys are in for the adventure of a lifetime for sure!!
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