Random Thoughts

Been doing a lot of soul searching and thinking over the last few months and some things have really come full cricle and others are still their floating around in my heart and head. I am starting to get some clarity on some things. So here are some radom thoughts I have had:

• Over the last few months I have had people and pastors ask me if I would ever plant a church again. As of right now the answer is no, and yes. I can't see myself doing another plant that rises from nothing without the support of a mother church. It's simply too hard to have enough support and workers to be viable. I would consider planting again if the situation were correct and we had proper support from a mother church.
• That said, it would be a long time before I was ready to do it again, and even if I were I am not sure I would take on a lead pastor role. I am better suited to be an executive pastor that serves as a church planter then allows someone else to take on the work once it is established.
• I see, at least right now, my next vocational ministry being more along the role of an executive/teaching pastor.
• When you're in ministry you face a lot of criticism. Everyone has a better idea than you do about how you should be doing things. A few things I have learned about criticisms:
• First, unless a person is willing to step up and take a share of owning the problem and the solution, their criticisms are hallow and stink of personal preference and possibly an agenda.
• Second, and this I think rings true whether you're in ministry or not. Never trust a person who isn't willing to sit down man to man or woman to woman and discuss their issues with you. If they are willing to tell their problems to other but not you watch your back.
• Since we closed Real Life I have had 3 offers to come help out other ministries. I am flattered and humbled for that. But really, I just don't feel released in my spirit to do anything right now. At some point I hope and pray God puts that passion and his anointing back on my life but I just don't feel it's their right now. Until that happens April and I are content to sit and wait on God.
• We have however begun the process of trying to find a new church home. We are taking our time and looking for the right place for us.