Pioneering
By definition, those of us who have responded to the call and vision of imagine/Northampton are pioneers. Look at the descriptions that define a pioneer:
- inventor or innovator: a person or group that is the first to do something or that leads in developing something new
- first person to explore territory: a person who is one of the first from another country or region to explore or settle a new area
- soldier who builds things: a foot soldier whose duties include going ahead of the main company to construct things to pave the way for them
By no means are we the first Christians to move to Northampton with the hopes of planting a church- we’ve heard the stories of the pioneers who have gone before and been wrestled to the ground. But we are the first to move to Northampton to plant this church. We are the pioneers of this vision.
So what does that imply? Being a pioneer is no small challenge.
Look again at the definitions above. Being a pioneer means that when we trek out into new territory, there is no Holiday Inn to get warm in. Being a pioneer means you are the first to attempt your mission.
If this is true, what does a group of pioneers need to do?
- Band together: the group of pioneers has to spend time together. They are going to be working shoulder to shoulder for a while, and whether by choice or necessity, they will get to know each other on the mission.
- Embrace diversityy: no matter how homogeneous a group is, there will always be differences. The unique traits need to be embraced and guided to serve the purpose of the mission and to glorify God.
- Pray: the group needs to pray about their mission and for each other. In reference to our current condition- we need to pray for one another and pray for the city of Northampton. We need to foster a regular personal commitment to a prayer life with God that includes, but is not limited to, the previously mentioned ideas.
- Sacrifice: being the first out into new territory is difficult and can be taxing. Sometimes we will have to give more than we want. Sometimes we will have to leave things behind.
- Serve: part of our mission is to serve the community and one another. Pride and ego have to be checked at the door and left outside to rot otherwise our purpose will turn inward and we will become selfish.
- Persevere: church plants don’t take a month. We all know this and we need to look to Jesus to see how he persevered for us, and how we can model that in our own lives and consequently, the church.
Those are only a few key elements that pioneers need to possess if they hope to accomplish their mission. So, let’s commit to these and maintain a level of humility that will allow us to plant our feet firmly in the ground each step of the way.
- Nate
——–> Some points added by Kit McDermott
Here are some other aspects of pioneering a church plant:
The ability to see what doesn’t exist yet: Vision paints a picture of what could be before it is.
The ability to create. Nothing is there at first, it needs to be brought into being. We need to see the Spirit’s beckoning to creation and go.
The ability to develop. As the footings are laid and life begins to happen, a knack for clarifying, refining, adjusting, and refocusing is necessary.
The ability to laugh and cry freely is required: so much that is funny will occur because we are finding our way together and manifestly imperfectly. There will be goofiness, absurdity in the mix. At the same time, tears need to flow because of the human condition and immensity of the need around us. Having God’s heart for the suffering and near-sighted is paramount.
Wisdom must grow in us or we will be blind guides and full of notions leading to little. Our pioneering will be impotent.
Our love of God must deepen in passion, courage and loyalty. We must love him so much that we will give everything for his Kingdom being manifested in Northampton and wherever else he sends us.
We must be fierce learners able to grow from our mistakes, explore ideas from people smarter and further ahead than we are, and tireless in finding our way forward.
In our pioneering, we must be willing to share with other pioneers just beginning their journey with God. We must teach, pass on and give away what we have been shown.
- Kit
Great post, Nate! Here are some other aspects of pioneering a church plant:
The ability to see what doesn’t exist yet: Vision paints a picture of what could be before it is.
The ability to create. Nothing is there at first, it needs to be brought into being. We need to see the Spirit’s beckoning to creation and go.
The ability to develop. As the footings are laid and life begins to happen, a knack for clarifying, refining, adjusting, and refocusing is necessary.
The ability to laugh and cry freely is required: so much that is funny will occur because we are finding our way together and manifestly imperfectly. There will be goofiness, absurdity in the mix. At the same time, tears need to flow because of the human condition and immensity of the need around us. Having God’s heart for the suffering and near-sighted is paramount.
Wisdom must grow in us or we will be blind guides and full of notions leading to little. Our pioneering will be impotent.
Our love of God must deepen in passion, courage and loyalty. We must love him so much that we will give everything for his Kingdom being manifested in Northampton and wherever else he sends us.
We must be fierce learners able to grow from our mistakes, explore ideas from people smarter and further ahead than we are, and tireless in finding our way forward.
In our pioneering, we must be willing to share with other pioneers just beginning their journey with God. We must teach, pass on and give away what we have been shown.