Emotionally Difficult Things in the Early Days of Your Church Plant

Episode 49- Church planting is filled with disappointment. It is a massive part of the church planting experience. In this episode, Loren and Carrie discuss some of the disappointments they faced and what God taught them through the experience. They found that they are thankful for the disappointments because disappointments grow you. They can show a window into what is going on in your heart and allow God to change you. Follow us on
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Episode 48- There are plenty of resources for Church Planters and Pastors. There are not so many for the wife of the planter. In this episode, Carrie and Loren talk to Coletta Smith of Alongside Ministries. Coletta started Alongside intending to minister to pastors' wives to help them partner with their husbands and view it as a family calling, not just "his gig." 

Alongside ministers to pastors' wives in several ways. The most significant growth that she sees happens in the free cohorts. These cohorts are led by trained coaches, who guide participants through a series of conversations. These conversations help participants see their ministry in a new light and build relationships with others who understand.

Carrie is one of the Alongside coaches because she believes strongly in this ministry. If you would like to join a cohort or to see what other resources they have to offer, visit the  Alongside website at www.alongsideministrywives.com

Don't forget to sign up for the mailing list to receive great resources and be the first to know when their podcast launches this fall.

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Episode 47- In church planting, you will find that not everyone likes your ideas or how you do things. And, to be honest, you may not always know. Therefore, it may be essential to have a thick skin because you will face much criticism in church planting. In this episode, Loren lays out three questions that he asks himself each time he hears criticism. 

1. Is this just a matter of taste? 
2. Is it a difference in strategy or vision
3. Is it clear in scripture?

The first two don’t need to beat you up, but the third should cause you to question and potentially make a change. The gospel is vital in our lives to admit where we are failing, repent, and move forward. 

Carrie lays out her perspective on dealing with criticism and how she and Loren have learned to handle it better in their relationship. She also talks about how criticism can help us grow. It is part of the sanctification process. 

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Episode 46-  Having someone with you on your church planting journey can be the biggest blessing. In this episode, Loren and Carrie talk about their partner in crime, Brent Petersen, and how it changed things for both the church and their family when his family moved to Utah. In addition, they discuss qualities you should look for in that person based on your strengths and personality.

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Episode 45- In this episode, Loren and Carrie talk about things you should think about to set your church plant up for success years down the road. If you were to get hit by a bus (The Bus Quotient), the church would still move forward with God's mission. Loren shares five things to think about to set your church plant up for future success.
 
1. Don't be a one-man show. Put teams in place with goals and boundaries
2. Raise up leaders to teach
3. Be wise about salary
4. Have a process for removing or hiring a pastor
5. Have 'fishermen' in your DNA

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Episode 44- David and Victoria Henderson return and share the complex parts of church planting, what God taught them about themselves, and what God revealed to them about Himself. You can find out more about their church at heyneighborhood.com

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Episode 43- David and Victoria Henderson moved to Daybreak Utah to plant a church at the beginning of the pandemic. In this episode, David and Victoria share their experience of how God called them to Utah and what they are doing in the building phase of their church plant. They share failures and wins in this early phase of Neighborhood church.  From failed worship nights to popular Bunco nights and block parties, the Hendersons are doing their best to serve their community.

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Episode 42- We all have different strengths and weaknesses. During Church Planter Assessment, Loren and Carrie took many personality tests. The one they found the most helpful was the Strengthfinders assessment. In this episode, they talk about what they learned about themselves, playing to their strengths,  and the negative side of your strength if you are an achiever. Then, Loren talks about reigning that in for the good of his family, church, and other staff members to sustain the pace in ministry. Early on, it is crucial to put guardrails in place. 

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Episode 41- Sometimes you pick up your life and move to a new area to plant a church. Doing research before you go is important, but it is also imperative that you do some things when you get there. In this episode, Loren and Carrie talk about ways that you can get to know the culture as well as offer your service to the community. Building relationships with other pastors and public servants in the city can teach you more than you realize. You also might all want to move to our town after listening to this episode!

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Episode 40- Sometimes, people will ask, “Why are you starting a new church when there are already so many?” In this episode, Loren and Carrie talk through some objections to church planting. Then, they show why a church plant is one of the best ways to fulfill the great commission and why existing churches should support them. Finally, they tell a story of how an older church chose to support them to leave a legacy and how that had a significant impact on Loren and Carrie and the people of Centerville, Utah.

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contact us at churchplantingtogether@gmail.com