Expectations are everything. Though not a Bible verse (I’m pretty sure), this maxim is very wise and widely used. Expectations are everything. It seems with the right expectations everything goes smoother, becomes more enjoyable or more endurable, and we stick to our goals better. We all have our own expectations, but there is one expectation I want us all to share as we look forward to planting our next church: 

Planting our next church will be very challenging and that is a very good thing. 

Why is it important for us to hold to this expectation? The church’s shepherding and service are tied to how we think things ought to go and where we think they ought to go. Clear, biblical, and realistic expectations help us to faithfully hold fast to God, the gospel, and His Word throughout the ups and downs of planting. Clear, biblical, and realistic expectations infuse love into our relationships and prayers, especially throughout tense or divisive moments. While unrealistic, selfish, or falsified expectations could lead to distraction, division, or dissolution with Christ and His church.

There are plenty of expectations to talk through and many reasons why you should faithfully participate on the core team, but let me encourage you by grafting the challenge of planting a church to the blessings of planting a church. In God’s wisdom, our greatest blessings are often tied to our greatest challenges. When we navigate great challenges with faith we often find God provides us with the greatest spiritual blessings (James 1:2-5). When challenges arise and, by God’s grace and strength, we remain steadfast, not wavering with foolishness, worldliness, or selfishness, God rewards us with a greater knowledge of Himself, dependency on Him, and intimacy with Him (Phil 1:21-30). God is our greatest blessing and we see that and trust that when we respond faithfully to challenges.

So here are three specific ways we will be challenged in the church plant and three specific ways we will be blessed by God, His glory, and His promises through those challenges:

First, being a part of the church plant will require personal sacrifice. We will give up comfort, routine, familiar faces, family time, ministry excellence, and more. Yet, as we give up these things we will be rewarded with front row seat to see God work through His Word and His people. Matthew 13:44-45 says the more we know God the more we willingly give up for Him.

Second, being a part of the church plant will test our unity. Each of us will be called to a great level of labor and to do so alongside new, different, and (potentially) difficult people. Yet, as we continue laboring side-by-side in faith we will be rewarded with a greater view of Christ’s sovereign beauty in our hearts and in His people (Eph 4:3,13). Moreover, this prompts us to act more like Christ in peace (Col 3:12-17).

Third, being a part of the church will exercise your evangelism. We will have to share the gospel more boldly, persistently, and persuasively then ever before. Lake Hopatcong needs it. Yet, as we share the gospel we will be rewarded with seeing the effect of the gospel through our humble words and actions (Matt 5:11-14). Lord willing, our evangelism will directly benefit Lake Hopatcong with salvation and gospel truth.

As we plant, we can expect to face these challenges together and be blessed by God together, for His glory and our good and the good of the Lake Hopatcong area.