By: Nathan Young
Mistakes have often been my greatest teachers. The sting of defeat equips me faster and further than any book or professor. If sitting in a classroom is like learning in a slow cooker then being a new pastor of a church plant is like learning in a high-powered microwave. I stopped counting the number of mistakes that I’ve made a long time ago, but there are a couple that stand out like a red neck at Ruth Chris Steak House.
1) Impatience
When you listen to the church planting stories at the big conferences you hear about plants that go from 0-1000 in two years. I didn’t expect things to take off that fast, but I was hopeful that if we had dynamic worship, a fun children’s environment, and life changing Missional Communities (our version of small groups) then we would grow quickly.
I’m reminded of the Israelites who became impatient waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain. It led them to melt down their gold earrings to form an idol to worship. It is so easy for us to seek out satisfaction in other areas when we become impatient with God.
Impatience leads to frustration, doubt, and disobedience. I was arrogant to believe that we would easily convince people far from God to turn away from their sins and become fully devoted followers of Christ. I was arrogant to believe that people who have been hurt by a church in their past would instantly trust a new church plant.
The Lesson I’m Learning: Trust God and enjoy the journey. Leaning on God’s grace, mercy, and love is enough. The further we get in the journey the clearer it becomes that God’s timing is always perfect. Looking back at where we were two years ago is really helpful. I am amazed at what God has done and how he has brought together an amazing team that loves Jesus and our community. Things may not progress as fast as I would like, but I’m thankful for the struggle because I know that nothing great comes easy.
2) Neglecting Leadership Training
They say that planting a church is a lot like trying to build an airplane while you are in mid-air. You are constantly trying new things, hoping that they work, and worrying that you may crash and burn. In the midst of the busyness of sermon prep, planning for outreach, coordinating volunteers, and counseling it is easy to forget about the importance of leadership.
John Maxwell defines leadership simply as influence. As a human, my influence potential is limited, which is why equipping leaders is essential for multiplying the church. Unfortunately, the tendency for me is to focus on the here and now, the urgent rather than the important.
The Lesson I’m Learning: We need to have a reproducible system in place to identify, equip, and release leaders for ministry. Jim Putman’s Real Life Discipleship has been very helpful as we develop our strategy.
In identifying leaders, it is easy to mistake talent for leadership. Just because someone is a good communicator, knows the Bible, has multiple degrees, or can sing doesn’t mean that they should be in a leadership position. I am learning to be patient in identifying leaders. The biggest things that I look for is their willingness to serve, take initiative, and passion for the Gospel. People will follow the passionate servant leaders.
Another lesson I have learned is that equipping is not simply transferring information. Equipping involves modeling leadership, giving opportunities to lead, and giving feedback. Developing leaders involves sharing life together. It involves formal and informal times together. Life on life. Equipping leaders is essential for multiplying the church.
Eventually leaders need to be released not only to lead, but also to help equip other leaders. We are using the phrase “spiritual parent” more often now at Mercy Hill. We want our people to be intentional about raising up fully devoted followers of Christ.
If I took the time, I am sure that I could write a whole book on the lessons that I have learned through my mistakes. Even though they are painful and embarrassing at times, I am thankful for them. I’m most thankful for a Father in heaven who looks at me and doesn’t see my flaws, because they have been wiped away by the precious blood of Jesus.
What about you? What mistakes in ministry have you learned from?
Nathan Young has been happily married to Camaron since 1998. They have five children, Hannah, Eli, Jacob, Sam, and Hope. Nathan is the Teaching Pastor at Mercy Hill Baptist Church which launched in 2013. Before starting Mercy Hill, he served as the Minister of Activities and Outreach at First Baptist Church Mt. Washington.