We spent our day at Plant Chicago. Plant Chicago is part of Plant Midwest which is a group from the IBSA that helps train church planters. This is the first training event that I have actually been able to attend. This is of course, because I am actually able to spend the time with my husband in training for what we are called to do.
#1 Most of the church planters are YOUNG… or at least seem WAY YOUNGER than us! One of the leadership referred to himself as the “not young, but not old” crowd. Yup, that is us. I realize that I am officially not young anymore. One of the church planters that met today was twelve and half. Okay, so he just looked that young, but he was really 25 with a wife. I remember when I was a young whippersnapper….sigh.
#2 Church planting is tough… EVERYWHERE! Sometimes, I look at our insane life and think that there is no way anyone can understand. Our situation while unique, is just a different kind of unique. Church planters all over deal with interesting things and face interesting situations continually.
#3 Victory in Jesus can be performed with guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums. I am not sure how I feel about it yet. The fact that I am not young might affect my evaluation of the song.
#4 I wish more women came to these events. I realize that women are busy. I have been one of those women. I know that many times if your family is living the life of church planters, the wife often has to work as part of the sacrifice. I would love to see more wives able to take part of events. Women are wired to need the camaraderie of other women. These kind of events are perfect chances for us to connect.
#5 People who talk continually during the sermon annoy me. If you need clarification refer to the “I am old” concept in #1.
#6 The theme, while directed to our church planter husbands, it timely for the wife too. I needed to hear what I heard today. The first session in particular impacted me. I have heard often that if you don’t take of yourself, there is no way you can take care of anyone else. Well, the speaker Joe Thorn, whom I enjoyed thoroughly, preached about shepherding your own heart, so you can shepherd those you serve. Amazing. The second session was directed more to the shepherding of the flock your have been given, but as a wife if reminded me of what I need to be helping my husband with. After all, that is my job, to help him! It is important to that we know what we are supposed to be helping with.
I can tell you are growing up. I remember when “we” might have talked through many a “retarded ladies banquet” or two.
Considering my feelings on ladies banquets….