Short-term but vital

I sat down next to a pastor at a conference and between bites of salad, our conversation turned to the subject of new churches. My lunch partner shook his head. “Our presbytery has thrown so much money into starting new churches. It’s a waste! One church in particular has been around for five years and still isn’t self-sustaining. They’re going to close soon,” he scoffed.

I stabbed at my lettuce and struggled to contain my frustration. I often speak about new communities at conferences, so I hear people cry, “Waste!” often. Governing bodies become angry at the energy, time, and money that go into new churches, especially when they don’t see a payoff right away.

If I didn’t work closely with people who planted new congregations, I might have nodded my head in agreement. But having listened to the struggles of church planters and having walked alongside them when new communities close, I see things differently.