I’m Tired of People Giving Me Looks!

What kind of looks do I get? “Heard it all before” looks… irritated expressions… perplexed faces… and occasionally a smirk. When do I get looks like these? When I attempt to answer the question: “So, John, what do you do?”

My answer is simple: “I’m in church planting.” For me, that’s an exciting statement. A power-packed, thrilling answer! But as soon as I say that, I get looks.

For months, I didn’t see what the problem was. But recently, I’ve figured out that I’m speaking another language. So, in an effort to clear the air, let me translate.

When I say, “I’m in church planting,” some people hear: “I’m copying another great Church.” (Understandably, these people roll their eyes like they’ve “heard it all before.”)

Christians that go to a good church hear: “I’m competing with your Church.” (This kind of person gives me an irritated face.)

Others hear me saying: “I’m starting an organization like your old, stodgy Church who is still reaching the 1950s generation.” (No wonder why these folks look perplexed.)

And I’m sure at least one person out there has heard: “I water the plants at my Church.” (That must be what’s behind that smirk!)

If I were saying any those things, I would give a look too. After all, people don’t need to copy or compete with great Churches. That’s ludicrous. People don’t need to reach the 1950s generation. We’ve got Bingo parlors to do that! And why do we need people to water the Church’s plants? They’re all silk!

Just like you, I think people don’t need more programs in their life; they need to experience the Redeemer Himself. And they don’t need to become a member of an organization; they need to be a partner in Christ’s mission!

So listen: when I say, “I’m in church planting,” I’m really saying: “I am called to be His tool in the Kingdom that He’s planting. I am among a great host of no-name pioneers who God chooses to use to launch people into new, Kingdom-expanding ministries that multiply transformed hearts across the street and around the globe.” (No joke. That’s what I think I’m saying.)

So, maybe I should stop saying “I’m in church planting” and start saying “I’m in Kingdom planting.” Nah… that would never work!

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