A Piece of Kake

I always look forward to the annual DMT retreat, and this year did not disappoint. Keith’s teaching was convicting, as usual. The home church presentations offered exciting updates and thought-provoking discussion. Fellowshiping with other leaders is always a blast. But what hit me the most was the bittersweet nature of ministry.

 

Since the last retreat, I’ve lost two  disciples to the world. In that same time, I’ve gained two more. I’m so grateful that God continues to use me to build His Kingdom, despite all my shortcomings and inadequacy. I’m glad that He’s given me such caring friends and willing disciples, and I’m excited to see what else He has in store for our church.

But that’s the bittersweet part–I know, at least in a general sense–what our home church is moving toward. Our goal is always to grow, raise up leaders, and split into two churches. We successfully split in May 2006, and while it’s a great victory that both churches are planning their next split, it’s also sad to see good friends and fellow leaders in a different home church.

When I first came to Campus Bible Study my freshman year, Diana and Lauren were the girls who reached out to me, trying to build a friendship even though I was so shy I would barely answer their questions.  We became close friends, and Lauren and I were roommates for a year and a half. Diana and I became partners in ministry, leading a cell group and then a home church together.

In our first split, Lauren went to the other church with her husband, along with many other good friends. One of the reasons I love the DMT and FST retreats so much is that we’re all together again and have time to hang out, catch up, and laugh together about old memories.

Now, as we move toward our goal of splitting our church again, I know Diana and I will be in different churches. I know we’ll still be close, but it’ll never be quite the same. I’ll be happy when we split because it’s the most strategic way to grow God’s Kingdom. When a home church gets too big, it stunts outreach and the sense of community. It’s exciting, challenging, and rewarding to be involved in growing a church. But with the excitement and sense of victory that splitting brings, there is also the sadness of changed relationships.

I know the seasoned leaders have seen dozens of church splits occur, and I’m conviced that this is God’s will for our church. Maybe splitting is part of His provision, not only for growing the church, but also for making sure we depend on Him as well as our friends. As I move into the joys and sorrows of what I hope will be a lifetime of growing and splitting churches, I want to trust God for the power to minister with bold, emotional love, despite the risks involved.

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