Christopher Ruppe: http://www.chrisruppe.com
Lead Pastor: North Rock Hill Church in Rock Hill, SC
Personal Notes: I met Chris while at Intensive Church Planter's Training earlier this year. Chris is a fun, super energetic guy that is very intentional about reaching those far from God. In just 10 short years as a church planter, Chris & his church have planted 3 churches locally, 3 in Costa Rica, and 9 in Cuba. Thanks Chris for your enthusiasm. 

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Chris' Answer:

I am not sure I am the best to give advice on church planting from personal experience. I know more about what not to do. I think my legacy will be how God takes crap and uses it. Why? So that I can not take credit for it.

So let’s look at what not to do.

Don’t build “A” Kingdom

I think what I have noticed is how Church planters are no different than churches of the past, other than they are cooler. They are still trying to grow a church rather than join God in expanding His Kingdom. The Gospels only mention “Church” twice… However, Christ talked about the Kingdom… A LOT!

Don’t Forget to Hang Out with People Far from God!

Am I the only one tired of the phrase, “I want to start a church for Lost people!” Please! give me a break… As Neal McGlohon says all the time, “If Lost people wanted to be in Church where would they be? In Church.” People far from God are not waiting for our cool churches to launch. Please do us all a favor and do not start a church unless you are currently hanging out with a “butt load” of people who are far from God. (Yes, I said Butt Load. I am not sure how much that is exactly… but I know it is a lot.)

Don’t Be Just Another Pastor in the city… Be a Missionary!

We don’t need another pastor… we need missionaries. Find out what the needs are in your city and begin meeting those needs. Look to see where God is at work and join Him. Spend 75% of your time and resources in reaching your city… Not planning another service. Use this to find your core people and weed out those “Church” people!

Don’t Lead until you are Led.

Find Mentors. The best advice I received after planting was from Glenn Smith in Houston who is a brilliant Church Planting Strategist (http://newchurchinitiatives.org). He told me to find areas where I was weak and find mentors who could coach me in those areas. For example… I needed some help with leadership development, so I found a successful leader in the community and met with him and picked his brain on leadership principles. I also needed a personal spiritual mentor, a church planting strategist, etc… You can have lots of Mentors. Simply meet and agree on how often, what you will accomplish, and how long will this relationship last. It is hard to lead when you are not being led.

Don’t… Et cetera Et cetera.

Let me use this last section to hit on some stuff others have said… Don’t Plant A Church!!!!! If I can’t talk you out of it… then Don’t do it alone! Including without your wife. Don’t begin gathering for “Services” too soon. It will be a terrible distraction from the most important which is hanging out with those people who are far from God. Don’t sacrifice Vision and Mission for more people and more money. Don’t forget that your best still pales in comparison to what God can do. Don’t try and be someone else… God made you just the way you are.

Wow! I can go on and on… I did not realize what an absolute loser I am. I have a ton more, but I doubt anyone wants to read a book, so I will end with this last piece of advice… Don’t forget to have fun! Don’t take yourself so serious and miss out on the greatest adventure you can possibly imagine. (If you are really called to plant that is.) I honestly wake up many mornings and say, “Wow! I get paid to do this!” By the Way… that is a good place to be.

Brad Martin: http://www.bradmartin.org
Lead Pastor: RiverPoint Church in Halstead, KS
Personal Notes: I have never met Brad in person, but have been following his blog for some time. He sent this in the other day, and I thought it was TOO RICH not to share!  Thanks, Brad!

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Brad's Answer:

Don't Be Afraid To Let People Go From Your Team

This is a big one, and one that has helped from day one. From the very beginning of our church planting journey, I have always struggled with this. I know people are important to church planting, but not all people. When we first began searching for our launch team, we were looking for the right people. The right people were people who were passionate about reaching lost people! But just like every other church plant, the devil sent us some of the wrong people to trip us up! The wrong people wanted their agenda, their way, their leadership, etc. They wanted us to adopt their vision from what they liked.

I was told by my mentors, "Don't be afraid to let people go!" They were so right. If I would've kept those few people that were so far off our page and drowning in committees and crap. Having the freedom to let people go have been great for us. If we meet people and they are not sold out to the vision of RiverPoint Church, then they don't belong at RiverPoint Church. And that's OK! We're never mean to the people, just ok with letting them go.

Dustin Willis: http://dustinwillis.com
Pastor: Midtown Fellowship in Columbia, SC
Personal Notes: See first post.  Dustin sent in such great stuff, I had to give him two slots!

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Dustin's Answer:

CHURCH PLANTER or DOMESTIC MISSIONARY

If you were to go on a mission trip to Rwanda, Africa tomorrow, what would you do?

The Facts

There are 8 million people. They speak a Bantu language. AIDS is the leading cause of death among adults. Dirty Water kills more children than anything else. There are millions of children living life as orphans. What would you take? Where would you live? Who would you serve? What needs would you meet? What language would you speak?

The Plans & Results

You would build wells, learn their language, live where they live, educate them in the area of AIDS awareness, open orphanages and share the love of Jesus. This is what missionaries are doing all over the globe, and God is moving through them in incredible ways. Over 24,000 new churches will start in India this year. Over 50,000 people will give their life to Christ today in communist China. It is absolutely amazing to see all that God is doing through missionaries across the globe.

The Facts HERE in America

The church is dying. The unchurched population has grown at a rate of 100% in the last 10 years. People hate the church. There are more Christians in China based on percent population than there are in the American city of Seattle, WA.

The Plans & Results HERE in America

Be missionaries. Discover the wells that need to be built in the neighborhoods and cities across our country. This has the potential to result in a revolution that will look a lot like the book of Acts. I dream and hope for that and am giving my life to that cause. I am not a Pastor of a church I want to grow. I am a missionary in a city that I desire to see transformed by the gospel. There is a difference. Don’t be a church planter, be a missionary.

John Sharp: No blog yet... working on him though...
Pastor: North Point Community Church in Columbia, SC
Personal Notes: John is one of the nicest guys I know. He was also the first person I met while getting started with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He was my assessor... man... he asked some tough questions that cut deep... God is working in my life because he cared enough to confront my weaknesses.

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

John's Answer:

This is a question I wish I could have asked a bunch of church planters over a decade ago when I was praying about planting.  Thank God for a mentor that walked with me through the process.  I'm actually still asking this question to guys that are doing this thing well!  There will never be a shortage of new wisdom and knowledge to gain on planting missional churches.  That being said, I'm still learning too! 

The most important thing in my book is hearing from God.  I meet far to many pastors that want to plant the kind of church that plays cool music, doesn't have a Sunday night service, and where they can "be the boss".  Make sure you have a word from God, and that your spouse hears as well.  If God doesn't CALL you, and your spouse, don't do it!  I would have quit 10 times this month if it weren't for the call of God on my life.  My wife feels the same way!

Assuming you've heard from God, stay in a position to keep hearing him each day.  Ed Young & Steven Furtick's sermons will only take you so far, and you'll probably stink them up in the process.  Stay in the place where God fills you up each day and you'll never have a shortage to share with the people God has called you to. 

Finally, as you are learning and preparing to do what God has called you to do.........  Get as close to as many guys doing it well as you can.  Ask questions, experience the atmosphere, take note, attend services, whatever you can do to immerse yourself in the missional community of God.  Listen way more than you speak.  It saddens me to have a church planter call or drop by to ask me a question, then spend more time talking about himself and what he has done thus far than listening.  Shut up and listen! 

Finally, finally......... As you go, make sure you are hanging out with lost people every step of the way.  If you don't know any, don't proceed with your plans to plant until you make the lost world a part of your life.  Not by going to bars or strip clubs (yikes)....... go to the Y, look around at the t-ball field, any place you can make connections.  You are here to reach the lost, not live inside the church.  Your church won't do it if you don't do it!

I could go on and on, but I think I'll practice what I preach and listen to what other guys have to teach us!  Lean into God and rock on!  He won't let you down!  (That's 3 exclamation points.... whoa!!!)

Pete Wilson: http://withoutwax.tv
Senior Pastor: Cross Point in Nashville, TN
Personal Notes:   Pete actually found me!  He commented on a post of mine, and we have been following each other ever since. I have never meet Pete in person, but I have tremendous respect for him, and appreciate all he has done to encourage me on this journey.

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Pete's Answer:

PALM LICKING TIME

The one thing I underestimated about being a church planter was the number of times I would be faced with grueling, life-changing decisions that would require more wisdom, strength, and courage than I have.

As a church planter you will make decisions on locations, staff, message series, strategy, vision, and finances just to name a few. It seems like every day you are making a decision that feels as if it could sink the whole deal.

And to make matters worse, this pressure NEVER stops. We are five years in to Cross Point and we are constantly faced with these overwhelming decisions. At the end of 2007 we were faced with some major budget issues. We were 22% behind budget for the year and yet were moving forward on a 2008 budget that was 27% higher than the year before (I know this makes no logical sense). To complicate matters even further, we were about to release 150 core group people to plant our first satellite campus in Dickson, TN, knowing we would take a financial hit at our Nashville campus. What did we do? We moved forward with what we sensed God was calling us to do (to date we are actually ahead of budget for the year...a total God thing).

These are the kind of decisions that make your palms sweaty. These are the kind of decisions that make your mouth dry. So what do you do? Lick your palms.

There are going to be a lot of palm-licking moments for you in church planting. I believe the key to making these decisions boils down to your time with God.

Joshua is my leadership model for this. Joshua is the one who had the faith to trust God when others didn’t (Deut. 1 & Joshua 3). Joshua is a leader who stared fear in the eyes.

How did he become this kind of leader? How can you become this kind of leader? Here’s the secret.

Exodus 33: 7,11 “Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the ‘tent of meeting.’ Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”

CONTACT WITH THE CREATOR IS CRITICAL FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP.

Please know that going to conferences is important. Listening to advice from Steven Furtick and Mark Batterson is helpful. Reading blogs and articles on leadership is a good idea. But NOTHING will replace the time you are personally spending with your Creator. If you want to become a transformational leader, you have got to spend quality time in the presence of God. Then and only then can you lick your palms and move forward with what God is calling you to do.

Dave Anderson: http://MoviePastor.com
Pastor: Crosspoint Community Church in Decatur, AL
Personal Notes: Got to meet Dave for the first time at Evolve Church Planter's Conference back in February.  Gotta be da' man... He is from Alabama... ROLL TIDE! Just a personal warning... do not have coffee or other drink in your mouth while reading his fifth item... AND DON'T SKIP AHEAD TO THE FIFTH ITEM!!!

Chris asked "What advice would you give to a man who is called into church planting?"

I honestly could have written a book on this stuff.  I narrowed it down to the first five things I thought of.

Note: I asked my wife and 18 year old daughter what their advise was.  Without reading this my wife gave me number 1 and my daughter gave me number 3.

Hope this helps someone.  

First -  Don't!  If you can do something else for God - do it.  I think a lot of planters will tell you this.  The bottom line is you better be dang sure of your calling because there will be dark days when you question everything and wonder how you got where you are and no one will care about your situation.   I suggest a thorough reading and study of 2 Corinthians 11.  Make sure of your calling because the hardship you will endure will seem overwhelming most of the time.

Second - Sober up! Its easy to be drunk on the dream of a large church plant.  You read the books and blogs and went to the conferences - now you drank the kool-aid.  Now you need to detox.  Reality is more churches fail than succeed.  The ones that make it are much smaller than the people you follow and idolize.  You will not be Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, Gary Lamb, Rick Warren, Bill Cornelius, Mark Driscoll, Craig Groeshel or <Insert famous preacher here>.  Get that through your head now!  Then ask yourself - if I am under 100 people five years from now will I still be doing this?  This is reality for MOST church planters so get used to the idea that you may just be average!  Can you live with that long term?  See #1.

Third - If momma ain’t happy - ain’t nobody happy! Prepare your wife (and family) emotionally and financially and develop habits NOW that you want to have AFTER the work begins.  Emotionally this is going to be the hardest thing in the world for your family.  The church can become your mistress.  The only thing is you will openly talk about her as if she were a welcome friend.  She will demand your time and your attention constantly.  The emotional strain will creep into your marriage and the pressure to perform will affect your wife and children.   You need a solid financial plan for your family too.  No one gets rich doing this - but if you are broke and cant pay bills or have debt piled up - you are in serious trouble.  Two things get pastors in trouble - their zipper and/or their wallet.   Have solid plans and healthy habits NOW to ensure your marriage stays strong and you AND YOUR WIFE are taken care of financially.  If your church tanks (and it might) they are all you have left.  You can get a new church - not a new family.  See #2 and #1.

Fourth - Laser Vision!  Have a vision from God and don't let anyone tweak it.  Vision hijackers WILL show up early on.  They will want a say in what happens and how the church looks.  They are most likely trying to build what they used to do at their old church.  The problem is they left there for a reason.  Just because they are breathing and have a pulse (and potentially a wallet) doesn’t mean they are going to be good church members.  Everyone has an agenda.  You need to know what it is and do everything possible to make sure your agenda and vision is not hijacked.  That may mean you give people permission to leave very early in the process.  You will be tempted to compromise - a little here - a little there.  Then one day someone with influence WILL blow out because of a vision issue.  In a small church this can be a BIG deal.  

Fifth - Learn from Foghat - Slow Ride!  Church planting is a lot like sex - the longer you wait to launch - the better it will be.  Once you launch, Sunday comes every seven days.  You will be tempted to launch prematurely.  Money may be the factor driving this or you have a preconceived idea of how many people it takes to launch.  Most church planting coaches will tell you premature launch is the surest way to become a statistic.   A premature baby will die without intense neonatal care.  Just like a baby needs healthy lungs, heart, kidneys and other vital organs - your church needs healthy systems.  There are systems and processes that need to be in place and working.   Those systems require people who live and breathe the vision and who are willing to work the vision and finance the vision.  People will be anxious to launch.  If people in your team want to “do church” take them to a new church every week to learn something - but delay the launch as long as possible and keep building a team and launch healthy!

Paul Peterson: http://PaulPetersonLive.com
Pastor: Walls Down Church in Cincinnati, OH

Personal Notes: I met Paul "Mr. Systems" Peterson and his wife Sherri at Evolve earlier this year. (Though I had been following his blog for some time.) Paul is  a great guy. After reading this post... Go visit his blog and read some of the comments about Church systems.

A few weeks ago my friend, Chris, asked me to participate in a conversation and answer this question, “What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?”

In the interest of full disclosure I must say that I have not planted yet. However, as we prepare to launch Walls Down Church in Cincinnati, Ohio I have to say that the following points make me confident as we move ahead:

1. God has called us and confirmed this call through multiple means.
2. My bride is fully on board with this decision and has embraced the sacrifice that comes with it.
3. We have spent one year of our lives in a church planting internship at Mountain Lake Church in conjunction with ChurchPlanters.com.
4. We have a strong calling to a specific area.
5. We have a team and a plan to carry out our vision of helping people find the life Jesus promised.

If I had to boil it down to one “Must do” I would say, expose yourself to as much “real-life planting” as possible BEFORE you launch. This would include:

1. Visiting multiple church plants. Get there early and stay late helping set up and tear down.
2. Talk with church planters behind the scenes and get the real scoop about the sacrifice, etc. required of planters.
3. Go through an internship. Suggestion… ChurchPlanters.com.

Until later…

Dustin Willis: http://DustinWillis.com
Pastor: Midtown Fellowship in Columbia, SC

Personal Notes: Dustin is the epitome of "missional" and "intentional"; he is a die-hard Clemson fan that shares Christ with a bunch of Gamecocks. I have had the opportunity to meet him in person and I can honestly say that his passion for the Gospel is contagious.

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Dustin's Answer:

Moses had Aaron. Nehemiah had Ezra. Peter had John. Paul had Timothy, Silas, and Barnabas. The disciples had each other. The trinity had the rest of the trinity. Jesus sent his boys out in Teams. In the garden, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone…” God embodies team and pushes team throughout the bible. What would make us think we can plant a church as The Lone Ranger? (By the way the Lone Ranger is dead…I am not really sure if that makes my point, but it sounded good) Every amazing story that we find in scripture involves a team. There are many more great stories to be told if we embrace what team is.

Team is…

• The strengths you need and do NOT have.
• The combined gifts that God will use to reach your community.
• The accountability you desperately need.
• The people who cry and laugh with you.
• The people who defend you.
• How church planting was intended to be done.
• God’s idea.

Whatever it takes: Postpone the launch. Buy 1,000 cups of coffee. Meet with people over and over again leaking vision. Boldly ask people. GET A TEAM!

How to get a team:

• Ask God to send you a team.
• Live the gospel… people want to follow people who follow Jesus.
• Display the vision of what could be and should be. People desire to be apart of something that is bigger than themselves.

What to look for in team members:

• Character – Are they living out the gospel no matter what it costs?
• Capacity – Can they actually get some crap done?
• Chemistry – Do you get along? If you do not have this from the get go… it is NOT something you work out in due time. I have tried that one, and it does NOT work. Eventually, you end up saying painful goodbyes.
• Commitment – Are they going to run at the first sign of trouble? You and your team will want to quit at least 47 times in the first 18 months. Jesus took 11 committed men and changed the world. I am sure when they were being crucified upside down and filleted like fish they thought about quitting, but they were committed to the mission.

So go get a TEAM. It’s not my idea. God is the one that said it is not good to do this thing alone.

Jay Hardwick: http://JayHardwick.com
Church Planter: In Columbia, SC
Personal Notes: (Great friend, awesome brother in Christ, and someone I really look up to even though he is younger than me. I'm seriously learning a lot from this guy!)

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Jay's Answer:

If you sometimes have no idea what you are doing, then welcome to the club!  In fact, most days I have no clue what I am doing.

Our default actions are most all the same when we feel like we don't know what we are doing: pray, read a book, seek out a planter who has done well, study a church that is a few steps ahead, attend a conference, etc.  These are all helpful activities and I have done all of them.

But the one action that I too easily ignore is probably the action that is nearest to the heart of God.  And, I have learned, it might be the action that helps me know what to do more than anything else.

Spend consistent, intentional, and uninterrupted time in the harvest.

I have certainly found plenty of general answers by spending time with other leaders, reading books, and attending conferences.  But nothing helps me understand my culture better than spending time with the people who make up that culture.  And, nothing fires me up more than putting new names and faces in my prayers for God to move in our city.

The challenge is that spending time in the harvest is not urgent, so it is easily ignored or put off until later.  The problem with waiting is that the DNA of our churches will reflect the priorities of the lead planter's family...and those priorities are being built from day one.  When you put off spending consistent, intentional, uninterrupted time in the harvest in order to plow away at the urgent, you run the risk of creating a DNA that will allow the same behavior from those who will join you.

The good news is that the harvest is not hard to find.  What relational networks are you already tapped into? Your neighborhood might be one.  You favorite coffee shop might be one.  Your kids sports teams might be one.  What can you do to be more intentional about those networks? Throw a block party at your house. Get to know the baristas names and stories. Coach your kids teams.  Spending time in the harvest doesn't mean slamming four point gospel tracks down people's throats.  Spending time in the harvest means building relationships, building trust, listening to people's stories, and genuinely caring for people.  All the while, you're praying like crazy, "God, what does church look like amongst these people?"

Our goal as church planters should be to plant unique, missionary churches that reach deep into the harvest.  Books, conferences, and conversations are helpful, but they only go so far.  The lessons learned in those activities must be paired with what we learn from consistent, intentional, uninterrupted time in the harvest.  When that happens, I am convinced that we'll see movements unleashed!

J.R. Lee: http://jrlive.net
Lead Pastor: Freedom Church in Acworth, GA

Personal Notes: (J.R. is one of the most encouraging people I have ever met! I was very excited to meet him at Evolve earlier this year. The fact that he took time to speak into my life and encourage me meant more than he will ever know.)

Chris asked me to answer the following question... What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?  To be fair, we are only 12 weeks into this journey called Freedom Church and that feeling hasn't left.  I suspect it never will.  To be honest - I don't think I want it to.

That being said, I have had to come to grips with a few things in order to not be paralyzed by fear.  One phrase that I consistently have to remember and that I try to communicate on a regular basis is that...

Incredible journeys start with irreversible steps.

There is no way around this.  When Joshua was leading people across the Jordan River, the command was to walk out into the water... It was only then - that the water would part.  The people were going to have to get their feet wet before the miracle would take place.

Taking time to learn from the right people is invaluable.  Truth be known, to not do so is irresponsible and arrogant.  I believe that with everything I have, but ultimately, the day will come when theory must meet practice and the irreversible steps must be taken.  For Joshua, it was taking a few steps out into the water.  For you, it might mean leaving behind a stable salary, moving to a new community, establishing new relationships, and the list goes on and on.  What's the point?  If you wait until you have all the answers - the church will never come into existence.  Move forward understanding that incredible journeys start with irreversible steps - and get ready for the most invigorating, exhausting, challenging, and rewarding journey of your life!

Tomorrow starts a series here @ ChrisReeder.com.

I will be hosting several guest bloggers... one each day for the next week or two.

These special guests will all be answering the same question asked by yours truly:

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Stay tuned... I promise... it is going to be good!

BTW; If you are not currently subscribed to this blog, now would be a great time for you to consider either subscribing by Email or by (RSS) to get the latest updates as they happen.

Ok... I have made you wait almost a week.

Starting next Monday, ChrisReeder.com will be hosting several guest bloggers... one each day for the next week or two.

These special guests will all be answering the same question asked by your's truly:

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Well... let's just say... this is going to be pretty awesome!!! I would tell ya the names of the special guests... but that wouldn't be any fun would it? (Guesses are welcome... just leave a comment)

Maybe if your lucky... you can find out who the guests are by them recommending to their readers to tune in @ ChrisReeder.com over the next couple of weeks... but I am not telling...

Jay shared a few quotes on his blog that hit home...

When you think Kingdom, you think 'What's the best way to reach our city,' not 'What do we need to do to make our church look better'. --Randy Pope

That really confirmed what God has been placing on my heart for the past few months. We have for so long been looking at how we, the church, can make ourselves more attractive to those far from God. "If we do this in the church.. they will come..." or "if we provide that... they will come". To use a quote from my pastor... "Ya gotta go out and get em!"

It's not about whether a chimney or a steeple is on the roof - it's about the relational vitality. -- Panel Member (either Bob Roberts, Randy Pope, Ron Sylvia or Neil Cole...not sure!)

It does not matter where the church meets... We can meet in a traditional church building, contemporary building, movie theatre, school auditorium, or a house. The church is not about a building... it's about the loving hand of Christ reaching outside the church building to minister to those hurting from a broken marriage or the financial struggles of a single parent. We, The Church, need to be about building relationships and investing in the lives of those not interested in church, Jesus, or any of God's people or ideas. The old adage is really true... People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!

One of the greatest obstacles to church planting is great preaching. Great preaching can feed the idea that church is an event. --Bob Roberts

WOW... Another home run! It is my prayer that Revolution Church will not be known for the great preaching, no matter how awesome it is . The CHURCH IS A MOVEMENT. A JESUS MOVEMENT. Sunday Services, Sunday School, Small Groups... are all events... A Revolution is when the church is on the move. I pray Revolution Church will be known as the most loving, caring, and helpful place (not just church) in Florence, SC. I pray our membership will show so much love that people can't help but be drawn to Christ! May we see people accept Christ through showing love on the ball field. May see to see lives changed through the compassion at the work place. May see lives restored through people caring enough to invest their heart and souls to help someone in need. All this is possible if we let Jesus flow through us...

I will be writing more on the vision & mission of Revolution Church over the next month, or so.

Hang in there...

NO... I don't see dead people... (not today anyway...)

NO... I'm not Susanne's not pregnant... (that we know of...)

YES... The waiting may just tick some people off... (oh well...)

BUT... I wanted to let you all know that something pretty awesome will be taking place here @ ChrisReeder.com very... very soon... I have been wanting to do this for some time, and it is finally happening.

Thanks to Dave Anderson for giving me the motivation to finally do it.  Don't go emailing him to try and find out... He won't tell you... hold up... he might, if the pay off is big enough...

"I love it when a plan comes together" --Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith

Tune in next week for the official announcement.

Hint: Church Planters/Pastors will definitely want to stay tuned...

I caught the last 1/3  of the cartoon Barnyard tonight with the kids. Who would have thought it had such deep stuff... For those without kids, and those who have never seen it... read more here.

"a strong man stands up for himself, a stronger man stands up for others" --Otis the Cow

As I was watching this.. it reminded me of the call on my life to pastor Revolution Church. When God calls... we are to look out for those placed under our care.

In the movie, several of the chickens were captured to be devoured by the coyotes. Otis had to make the choice to do what was easiest for him (quit and let it go) or to go into the pit and fight for those poor souls captured by the enemy.

There are tons of people in Florence that are captured in a pit and they do not even realize it. God has called us to show others the hope that only Jesus can provide. It is up to me and you to be a stronger man (or woman) and stand up for them. Put ourselves aside for others.

Who would have ever thought God would use this movie to drive home His vision???  The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways!

(now... switching gears a bit...)

When the cows and other animals jumped on the Harley's and other nice looking bikes, and soared down the road while "Slow Ride" was playing... For some reason, I thought about David Putman @ Evolve.

One final thought...

WHY IN THE WORLD DOES A MALE COW NAMED OTIS HAVE UDDERS?!?!?!

Who is that sharp dressed man sitting with my family?

YES... I do own a suit... and it looks good on me!

Last Sunday night (March 30th, 2008), I was Licensed to Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ by South Florence Baptist Church.

(Thanks Karian for taking and supplying the pictures)

It was a very special night!

So good to know that the church affirms God's calling in my life!

I was one of four licensed, which takes the total to 17 men licensed by SFBC in the past 17 years.

We are all starting a great journey. It was an honor to share the experience with these four guys and their spouses.

Tim Bonnett, Richard Pitts, Randy Butler, and Chris Reeder

Please feel free to contact/recommend any or all of us to fill-in preach/teach.
We are all rookies but have a great desire to share Christ with anyone who will listen!

I read the following in my new Bible before going to bed last night.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.  --Acts 2:42-47

That is my prayer for Revolution Church. For any of you that have kids or have been around kids for any amount of time... Kids fuss and fight with each other... As a father, it disturbs me that my children, who I took part in creating, can't always get along.

Ohhhhh... but when they do (see picture), it brings GREAT JOY to a father's heart.

When I fixed this cup of chocolate milk for Sam... Emilee and Jacob wanted to have some, too. Sam could have said, "It's mine!" but he didn't. He let them get a straw and join in! Awww... JOY to a father's heart!

Our Heavenly Father feels the same way about His children. Just as the kids, drinking from the cup together, had the enjoyment of that milk in common... We should all, drinking from The Cup, have Jesus as a commonality.

I pray that we will always seek Jesus and have Him as a common thread. Through that, we will experience God together, do life together, and turn Florence, SC up side down together!  And through that... many will come to know Christ!

Monday:

I was tired from a long day at work. Mondays are always fun (can you read the sarcasm?). 4:45 PM... had to leave early to make it to the Astros' scrimmage game by 5:30 all the way across town. We had all the kids show up ready to play! They were throwing, catching (sometimes), and really HITTING that ball! Several of the kids hit their first home runs! Everyone was smiling the entire game. After the game, we always "take a knee" for coach to player talk. They were still beaming from excitement... After a little praisin' on the kids... they all said almost at the same time... "Can we do the Goooooooooooooo ASTROS!!!!" And we did.

God showed me how those kids  lift me up and encourage me!!!

Tuesday:

I had my hair cut at 12:30. On the way there, I realized I was hungry. (you may think that is funny... but sometimes I get so caught up in work... I forget to get hungry.... sometimes...) I thought I would stop at Checkers, before I get my hair cut, and get a good nutritious Cheese-Double-Cheese Burger, two apple pies, and a cup of water. Ya see... I only had 2 dollars in my wallet... 48 cent in my cup jar in my truck... I ordered... Grand total... $2.48

God showed me that He is in control and He will provide!

Wednesday:

I was praying about ways that Revolution Church can minister and serve Florence, SC. On the way home from work at one of the busiest intersections in town (2nd Loop & Cashua @ 5:00 PM)... I notice waaaay up ahead near the light there are cars swerving into the median and then back into the lane. As I got closer (4 light changes), I noticed a car was broken down in the left lane and every car for the past 8 minutes just passed right by and sometimes even stopped beside them. NO ONE helped these two little ole' ladies. I jumped out of my truck about the same time another guy jumped out of his and commenced to pushing the car to the median out of the way. They were thankful and then I drove off. I did not loose one place in the long line of cars or miss a stop light.

God showed me that we can serve the widow in Florence. God will provide ways for Revolution Church to serve and show the love of Christ to Florence! God also showed me He can control the stop lights!

Thursday:

Nope... This one does not start out about me being on the way home from work. In fact... I was on the way to work. I just dropped my middle child off at school and started a sermon on my iPOD of J.R. Lee preaching on Loving Others. I found myself praying for chances to love others... low and behold... In front of Carolina's Hospital... more cars swerving around a broken down car. I eventually got up to the car and went to help. A guy, his wife, and daughter were in the car. The guy got out and we started pushing... UP THE HILL... Cars BEEPING their horns... Cars not wanting to stop while we crossed the road... even a school bus about hit us... (I guess people were just in a hurry to get to work) My legs turned to jelly but we got the car moved out of the road... The guy with tears in his eyes told me "you are a good man" and then gave me a BIG OLE' MAN HUG. WOW... I started to tear up too.

God showed me people need to know people care! It is up to us to show them that through Jesus Christ, we care! God also showed me how crazy it was to try to cross a busy street on foot pushing a car!

I can hardly wait to see how He blesses me tomorrow!

To everyone that reads this blog. Most, if not all, of you know that Susanne and I were called to plant a church here in Florence, SC.

That church is Revolution Church.

Next week, I will be attending Intensive Church Planters Training (ICPT) on Monday, March 10th through Wednesday March 12th. This will be three very intense days (hence the name) preparing me to plant God's church.

What I need are some dedicated prayer partners. I would like to ask each and every one of you to commit to pray for Revolution Church and me during those three days (every day is appreciated).

• Pray that my family will be strong in my absence next week and be safe.
• Pray that God will make clear the Vision He has already placed in my heart.
• Pray that I would get a lot of the answers to questions that are unanswered about church planting.
• Pray that I would receive new questions without answers for more growth.
• Pray that I will never stop growing and always be open for new, innovative, and different ideas to reach people with the love of Jesus.
• Pray that I will love people more and more.
• Pray that I will never be judgmental and always be a good listener.
• Pray that I will become the best husband and dad a man can be.
• Pray that I will love my wife and kids more and more everyday and always tell and show them that.
• Pray that I will never knock or criticize methodologies for reaching people for Jesus Christ.
• Pray that I will not be uneasy when I first encounter a crack addict or professional stripper when they visit Revolution Church.
• Pray that I will be the best friend I can be to all whom I encounter.
• Pray that I will learn to be the best leader I can be.
• Pray that God can turn this Stupid Programmer into a great Church Planter.

My family and I would greatly appreciate your prayers during the next week, and for this entire adventure!

Will you be our Prayer Partner?

You have no idea what Monday and Tuesday meant to me at Evolve. On this blog, and in person, I have always tried to be real and very transparent. So... here is my story.

I know with out a doubt that God has called me to plant a church to make a difference for Jesus in Florence, SC.

Over the past month... the devil has had a hay-day (southern for field day) in my brain. He has told me often that I am not good enough to lead a church. I have had a hard time dealing with this. Upon examining myself, my weaknesses showed up in an awful way. It is hard stuff to hear and realize!!! Since that time... I have been really defeated.

This week, I have realized (little slow sometimes) that I am not good enough to plant a church!

BUT GOD IS!!!

I met so many great people this week that truly ministered to me and probably have no idea how much! I want to take just a few minutes to share how...

On Monday morning, before the Evolve Conference even started, Susanne and I went to the Waffle House to get some good quality breakfast. Our waitress was a hoot. She was so happy to be alive. Her coworker received a phone call... evidently she had man issues. Our waitress looked at her in a stern voice after a little bit of chatting with her... "Girl, you need to put your faith in God up in Heaven, not some man". It hit home... I cannot put my faith in some man (me), Susanne, or a core team... My faith belongs in God alone! Through Him I can do all things!

When we arrived, we were greeted by a great bunch of volunteers. Thanks everyone for making us feel so welcome! While walking around, Shawn Lovejoy and wife Tricia stopped us to chat a little. What great people! I see a lot of myself in him. He is even an Alabama Fan! Thanks so much Shawn for allowing us to come and get ministered to!

Later Monday, I spoke to to Steven Furtick and shared a little about how the devil was messing with me and that I did not feel good enough to plant a church. He shared from his heart with this comment: "Florence needs you!" Please note what he did NOT say... He did not say God needs me. God does not need me but He wants me! Florence needs people to show LOVE and GRACE and live the The Gospel in front of them.

After speaking with Steven, we ran into Mark Batterson. I had to share with him how much his book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day changed my life. (He is probably one of the most humble men I have ever met.) He shared with us how much he needed to hear that. He mentioned to us that he was struggling a bit with his new book. God told me pray for him right there. I reasoned with it... my mind kept saying, "That is Mark Batterson, he has places to go, people to talk to"... so I was disobedient and did not pray. God cleaned my clock about it while heading to the hotel. Needless to say... it was a little late, but he did get prayed for. God spoke to me that I was to always pray for others! Always... even when I don't feel like it, or question the timing!

Yesterday evening, I spoke with Bil Cornelius after his sermon in the final session. I shared how discouraged I have been, and how I did not feel like I had what it takes. He told me a quick little story about Saul. Saul had all the great markings of a leader (in man's eyes)... There was one problem. He was not the man God wanted and called. God called the young, unqualified, clueless shepherd-boy, David. That is so me! Susanne has been telling me that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called! Man... That has never resonated so strongly.

So, here I am a day later... conference is over... I have finally accepted what the devil told me... I cannot do this nor am I good enough...

But my God is! I am trusting in His calling!

I will share my notes from Day 2 of the conference over the next couple of days... If you missed day 1, check it out here.

I did want to send a shot out to some other great people I met: Paul Peterson and his wife (he called me astute... had to look that one up...), J.R. Lee, Rindy Walton, Chris Elrod, Tadd Grandstaff, Boyd Bettis and his wife, Jamie Limato, Gary Lamb, Casey Graham (BAMA FAN... he even knew where Opp, AL was located!), David Putman, Dave Anderson, Adam Walker (check out the video he posted here... WOW).

I know I am missing some and I am very sorry... I want to thank you all for spending time to encourage me and lift me up!

You all were matches that helped ignite the fire! Now I am ready to burn for Jesus, and give him all I've got!

Today was such an awesome day in my life. It was a time that enabled the fire in me to be turned up just a little more...

I want to start out by thanking Shawn & Tricia Lovejoy and the the Mountain Lake Church staff for allowing us to be a part of such a great conference.

Shawn, thank for cleaning my clock!!! (did I just thank him for that???) Seriously, we are just starting our church planting adventure and I already see so many areas in which I need discipline (the worst word in the dictionary). "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7) Thanks for loving us me enough to share those hard word to hear.

"Great leaders are healthy."
"Christ has to work in me before He can work through me."
"If the only time I open my Bible is to study for a message, I've got a problem."
"Balance building great churches with building a great family."
"Self control is about getting under God's Control."
"People won't respect us as spiritual leaders if they don't see us as disciplined people."
"Discipline gives us authority."

Thanks Shawn, I have already started journaling my daily Bible reading, but after your message, I am going to start journaling my prayers too! Roll Tide!!!

Devin Hudson, thank you for reminding me to trust in The Gospel. Devin has left the religious south to go to SIN CITY. He has seen more "stuff" in a little over two years than we will ever encounter in Florence, SC. Already in ministry, we I have gotten caught up in all the "business" of church planting... Devin reminded us to trust in The Gospel. Music, methodologies, dress code, and meeting locations do not change people...THE GOSPEL changes people! It is not about us and what we can do... it is about what God can do.

"To make it about us, empties the Cross of it's power"

Do I trust the Gospel?
Do I trust the Gospel for my people?
Do I trust the Gospel in my culture?

"Am I keeping my bar as low as Jesus."
"Only the Gospel changes lives."
"I am careful what I criticize, the Gospel is larger than my preferences."

He left us with this question concerning guests of our churches... "What do people think they must DO to be a follower of Jesus?"

Steven Furtick, Man... I really wish you would learn how to preach... (JUST KIDDING!!) Today was the first time I ever heard him in person. WOW sums it up! He challenged us me to become an audacious (marked by originality) leader.

"Courageous leadership is not a product of cut and paste. It must be born from inside out."

Steven shared from Joshua 10 where Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still. It is funny to think about what he said next "what if Joshua would have said... I will pray for a miracle like Moses did and maybe God will part the land like He did the sea." Joshua prayed for a new miracle. His own... Joshua was not to copy Moses... He was to be the leader God called him to be!

"Don't mix and match miracles, let God do His own in you."
"Don't build a Mr. Potato Head ministry." (in reference to taking different pieces from different churches)

Thanks Steven for inspiring me to dream big!

I met so many people today. It was truly an awesome experience I will never forget.

Congrats to Paul Peterson for advancing to the next round of the Guitar Hero contest! Now if I can just get Jay Hardwick past the first round tomorrow... Sorry Chris, I gotta root for Jay!

I can hardly wait to see how God will bless tomorrow!

Watch out Cumming, GA! The Reeders have landed!

The rain, darkness, and my eyes did not make a great combination, but through God's grace we made it...

Now... time for some grub. Longhorn is calling our names...

Do you hear the old George Michael's song... "Ya gotta have faith.. faith.. faith..."

Some of you are to young to remember that... so never mind...

When God called me to plant Revolution Church, I was scared out of my mind! Really...

I know what you are thinking right now:

"You gotta have faith Chris, God is always faithful."

For the record, I agree. For all of you that have been in my shoes and are currently traveling down a similar path of planting a church... You can feel me when I say this...

I am sure you have probably heard this before...

The analogy goes... You have a chair, and you tell people it will hold you if you stand on it. But until YOU actually stand on it, they are not going to believe you because you are not putting feet to your faith.

As a church planter, sometimes our chair that we are standing in is much like the chair in the picture to the right. God himself has called us to stand in the chair telling us all the time to trust Him. We look at it and think... "God, there are so many missing pieces, are you sure it will hold? ...God, part of the foundation is missing, and the backing is not too strong either".

God assures us that His Vision will not fall nor fail. We, like Peter, sometimes get distracted by the natural. Peter was WALKING ON WATER!!! (Matt. 14:29) He was totally focused on Jesus! It never dawned on him that he was doing something supernatural. It wasn't until he began to realize that what he was doing was not humanly possible that he started to sink. 

We may not have all the answers, pieces may be missing, but we have to trust in the Carpenter that constructed the vision. We have to have the faith to step on the chair and focus on The One that planted that Vision for Florence, SC.  In His way, and in His time, the pieces will come together.  He is calling us to step out on FAITH!

We have been praying for months now for God to bless us with a name for our church plant. He has answered our prayers!

Revolution Church
Changing Hearts, Changing Lives, Changing the World

Revolution literally means: A total or ra