I have linked up with Kelly's Korner today to meet other Ministry Wives. Those that have been following my blog already know our story and I am sure are tired of hearing about it since its been ALL I have talked about for the last week ha...... but for those who are stopping by please read it here! The basics are that we have taken a giant leap of faith, quite our job at our current job and are beginning a residency program for church planting in Knoxville, TN. We are excited, nervous, happy, sad to leave, crazy and crazy some more :)
Being a pastor's wife is a whole new world for sure so I would love to hear from each of you! And especially if you have any advice/encouragement for church planting! Very thankful for Kelly making the connection for us all!
Hi Lindsey, My name is Tesha I jumped over here from Kelly's. It is so awesome you are going to Plant a church in Knoxville. I am from Lake city about 40 min from Knoxville. I now live in Venice beach CA. My husband has been pastoring a church plant for seven years. When we took over the church there were five people and no building...talk about scary. It has been a wonderful adventure. I encourage you to jump in with both feet. Our marriage and children have been so blessed by serving. Planting is different than other types of ministry it takes great faith to be able to see thing that do not yet exist. It will be the ride of your life. It seems like we have been under constant attack since we took over...yet I am so very happy that we have given our life to this. You can look at my about me page to hear a few of our trials. I only recently started blogging when my sixth child was stillborn on 1-24-12. Our last trail and the worst. I would love to do anything I can to encourage you in your new adventure.I am so exited for Knoxville... Revival is coming.
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsey! Thanks for your comment on my blog:)
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you in this new adventure you and your family are starting. It's adventure for sure! We are two years into it, started with just a team of about ten people and now we are a church of 85. It has been one of the hardest yet by far the most rewarding things we have done. God has revealed himself to us so much through church planting. It's so different than being at a traditional type of church. You desperately need God to show up to survive and being in a place where you really need God is really such a blessing. I love that our girls see us serving the church the way we do. I love our church deeply and it's such a special thing to have seen it from day one! I'm excited for you! We'll have to keep in touch, us "crazy" people have to stick together:) Blessings on you! Trust that God will provide! You will learn to do that in a way you never dreamed possible.
Hi Lindsey! First off, I am not speaking from a church plant point of view, and I can imagine that each facet of ministry holds different characteristics and thorns. My husband is a youth pastor and we've been @ our church for 3 years now. Ministry life is a very unique experience. We were told going into ministry that we would experience "higher highs and lower lows" when compared to secular occupations. We were also warned about the often overwhelming loneliness. So my advice to you is don't take yourself too seriously- just be who you are. People can spot fake from a mile away. Don't let the off-color comments (they will come!) get under your skin. Seek after Christ in the alone times - I had to learn to be joyful in the solitude, which wasn't an easy task! Be your husband's #1 cheerleader- in good times and bad times, he will value your encouragement most. Be fiercely protective of your husband and family. And of course, have fun!
ReplyDeleteHey Lindsey! I clicked over from KK and was so happy to find someone that I actually know in real life. My husband, Bryan, went to SEBTS and I think I met you when you were with Jordan Lewis once. I had no idea you guys were church planting. That is great! We have planted in Denver and have loved it!! It has been quite a journey but I wouldn't change any of it. Leadingandlovingit.com has been super helpful for me along the way.
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