Week of assessment

Last week Kerrey and I took a trip to Baltimore MD for a church planting assessment. It was one of the most stressful times in my life. Within in one week two guys look at you and let you know if you are fit for church planting. Granted they are not God, but they have been doing this a long time and have it down to a science. Day one started with a one half hour session with the psychologist asking for your life story. I will admit I was worried: from child abuse, to the two failed marriages, to the drug abuse I assumed that would knock me right out the running. The doc seemed interested, but never in a disqualifying way.

Day two we meet as a large group and begin the by breaking into groups, working on projects through-out the day. It was amazing to me how a group of strangers, that want to stick out, could work together in harmony to accomplish a goal; even if it was just a ten minute skit.

The rest of the week was more of the same. Through-out the day we worked on projects as teams, never joining back to the same people. At night we were given the larger projects, such as, creating a fictional church and putting together a worship service. Again with people you have only known for 24hrs.

From sleep deprivation to pushing the buttons, it drives on to ask if they are truly cut out to plant a church. By the end of the week you learn things about yourself and your spouse. I am pleased to say, my wife is my greatest support and partner in this journey of church planting.

Looking back over the week, I am excited to see the process has changed from welcoming everyone to setting standards, challenging those who believe they are supposed to be in ministry. It is a great responsibility and people deserve the best. If one week of stress can weed out the players from the called, then let it be.