In this engaging discussion, Vance Pitman, Tony Merida, and Matt Carter share their insights on church planting and transitioning in ministry. They explore the emotional restlessness that often accompanies change and how it can serve as a spiritual invitation. The guests emphasize the importance of collaboration and sending churches in fulfilling God's mission. They also reflect on the relevance of Paul's letters in modern contexts, highlighting teamwork in leadership and the necessity of thriving community and diversity within churches.
Transitions in ministry present both challenges and opportunities for deeper intimacy with God, guiding leaders through critical decisions.
Establishing a culture of sending within churches encourages multiplication and supports emerging leaders, extending the mission beyond individual congregations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Transition and Restlessness
Recognizing the time for transition in ministry can be challenging, as church leaders often face restlessness about their current context. Transitions signify not just change, but also an opportunity for deeper intimacy with God, which can ultimately guide leaders through these periods. When leaders experience restlessness, it could either lead to a release from their current ministry or a renewed commitment to their existing roles. Emphasizing this, seasoned leaders shared how personal prayer and discussions with trusted mentors helped them discern God’s direction during critical crossroads.
The Value of Relationships in Ministry
Friendships and relationships play a crucial role in ministry, particularly in the context of church planting. Having trusted individuals who can speak into a leader’s life provides both accountability and guidance, fostering a healthier ministry environment. For church planters, maintaining close, genuine connections ensures that they are supported and understood as they navigate the complexities of church leadership. The discussions highlighted how effective collaboration among church leaders and mutual encouragement can strengthen the church planting movement.
Developing a Sending Church Culture
Establishing a culture of sending is essential for churches aiming to multiply and support new ministries. Churches should prioritize not only planting their own congregations but also adopting a mindset of multiplication that involves actively sending their best leaders and resources into new church plants. This involves creating systems and pathways for identifying and supporting emerging leaders, ensuring that the mission extends beyond a single congregation. Fostering this culture reinforces the concept that each church has a role in contributing to the broader mission of God’s kingdom.
Prayer and the Power of the Word
Highlighting the significance of prayer and scripture, leaders emphasized that these elements should be foundational in all church activities. As the church faces cultural changes, a return to persistent prayer and reliance on the word of God is necessary to foster a genuine move of the Holy Spirit. Regular engagement with scripture shapes decision-making processes and cultivates a sense of unity among believers working towards a common mission. The call to seek intimacy with God through prayer and scripture underlines the necessity for spiritual growth in an increasingly complex world.
In this final episode of the season, host Jeff Medders is joined by fellow laborers Vance Pitman, Tony Merida, and Matt Carter to dive into Paul’s closing words for his protege in Titus 3:12-15. Take a listen as these planters recount their experiences in life after church planting, their next seasons in ministry, and what it looks like to become a sending church with an intentional multiplication mindset.
Jeff Medders serves as the Director of Theology and Content for Send Network. He is also an author, a preacher, and a PhD student of biblical spirituality at Southern Seminary, studying Charles Spurgeon and the Song of Songs.
Vance Pitman is the President of Send Network and was the founding pastor of Hope Church Las Vegas. Vance is an author and speaker who seeks to inspire people to join in God’s mission of making disciples and multiplying churches.
Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and he serves as the Vice President of Planter Development for Send Network. He is an author and also serves as a board member for The Gospel Coalition.
Matt Carter is Send Network’s Vice President of Mobilization and was the founding pastor of The Austin Stone Church in Texas. Matt earned a master’s of divinity from Southwestern Seminary, as well as a doctorate in expositional preaching from Southeastern Seminary.
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