Way before Arise launched, I did much research on new church planting and attended new church training events (both live and online), as I still continue to do today. I must say that they have all been very helpful and educational in some fashion or another. BUT, I have to say that one very important element has not been present in nearly 100% of these events: how to be a pastor.
Let me explain what I mean. Much of the content and events that surround new church ministry in general revolves around leadership. This is great. However, the image it paints is one of a pastor who basically tells people what to do because "he" (unfortunately, a lot of the content surrounding new church ministry is Eurocentric and male dominant) has the vision and knows what's going on. I understand this concept, and quite honestly, I agree with the importance of strong leadership in new church ministry. The new church planter/pastor must/should have strong skills in administration, strategic planning, team building, budgeting, etc. But the way it is presented creates a utopia that everyone that comes to help build and start the church under the leadership of the planter/pastor is "perfect." It's as though the people under the pastor have nothing wrong with them, and they are equipped to do everything "he" says.
I do not believe this is accurate and true. Yes, God does bring people to help build the church with God-given gifts, to be a part of a new, growing community of faith. There is no doubt in my mind that God participates in this, and does a great job with it. But to think that these people don't need pastoral care is not realistic. Just like any other parish ministry, people are going through stuff: grieving, sadness, loss, depression, stress, confusion, etc.
I raise a few rhetorical questions to challenge this utopia:
- How can a new church pastor be an effective administrator and leader, and still balance the importance of offering pastoral care?
- Is it worth starting a cool, new church at the expense of a lack of spiritual care?
- What is the role of self-care in new church planting?
I hope that eventually as more content is created for new church ministry, that more time is taken to discuss and teach what it means to be a new church pastor, and just not a new church leader. While in many respects, they are one in the same, and one cannot be one without the other, they each need to be discussed respectfully in its own personality.
I must say that I am so grateful that I took 3 1/2 years for seminary training to help me wrestle with these tough questions. I honestly cannot imagine how I would be able to take on this calling that God has placed before me without appropriate preparation. It's a shame that many people who claim to be called by God for ministry think that they know it all, and don't need to educate themselves. Every pastor is human, and every human makes mistakes. Pastors not only have the power to help, but they also have the power to harm. While all ministry is important, new church ministry is unique, in so much that it presents opportunities for offering pastoral care in ways that ministries with many years of life may not offer. This should not be taken lightly.
I close this reflection with a quote that I have come across many times. I find it appropriate in this discussion:
"People won't always remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel."
