Most of you know last year, my wife and I, transitioned off staff of Rivertown Church to plant Jacksonville City Church. We started meeting as a core group in July of 2010. We had six families and a good thing going. Except, a few things.
As the leader of this group I was beginning to sense a little bit of hesitancy going further with the plant. I was wrestling daily with two things: Is this the right time and is the right city?
I couldn’t shake it. I’d have numerous conversations with my wife about it each day. I finally had to make a painful, yet freeing decision. That was to pull the plug on Jacksonville City Church. I always wanted to be a leader that leads with integrity and I knew I couldn’t do that with the doubts I was having. I will assure you of this, there was no scandal! I didn’t steal any money or cheat on my wife. It was a timing and calling issue.
We ended up pulling the plug around the beginning of November. We had a great crew of people and things were looking great for the church plant. It is hard at times to not be planting, but we are eagerly waiting for what the Lord has next.
Another great thing is, a good friend of mine, Michael Smith, is planting a new church on the other side of town. And, we were able to help them get a head start by providing them with a church name and equipment! We are excited for them as they take over the Jacksonville City Church name. You can check them out here!
I’ve learned a handful of lessons through this process that have been very humbling, painful, and yet joyful. I hope to share and impart on the blog over the next week or two. I hope that it will be beneficial to aspiring church planters.
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