Nine months into starting a Liberti Church from scratch, there is no way that I could have scripted the highs, lows twists and turns.
In my experience, I really resonate with an author named Elmer Towns: “To ask for a pattern for church planting is like asking for a pattern in wrestling an alligator. The critter is so slippery and dangerous that the best advice is ‘Don’t get killed.’” Although Towns is totally right about the unpredictable nature of church planting, I am so grateful to be part of a network of churches that are, by God’s grace, rich in spiritual resources and encouragement for new church planters.
“To ask for a pattern for church planting is like asking for a pattern in wrestling an alligator…the best advice is, ‘Don’t get killed.’”
Ever since Liberti Bucks County was commissioned at the Liberti Network Combined Service on January 25, I have been contemplating why I love being part of the Liberti Network. Although I am sure others would add more, I will mention four things I am particularly grateful for:
1. Shared Name and Vision
The obvious benefit of being part of a network is a common name and vision.
One of the challenges of planting in my suburban context is that life is very fragmented. My neighbors and I do not work, shop, educate or socialize in the area that we live. This makes it difficult to build bridges and make connections within our community. On the other hand, within our community there are a number of business and networking groups where I’ve been able to meet many people who do not yet know Jesus.
The shared name and vision provide me with language to clearly and succinctly communicate the good news of Jesus. Even the odd spelling of “liberti” provides great opportunities. When I introduce myself or hand out a business card, I often get to share that “liberti” is the Latin word for freedom, and that Liberti Church seeks to live, speak and serve as the very presence of Jesus so that together we might enjoy freedom in His gospel. This has led to numerous personal conversations where I learn where people are in their spiritual journey.
2. Shared Resources
Similarly, being part of the Liberti Network provides a cross-pollination of resources.
The logistics and details of planting a church are overwhelming and time consuming. The fact that I’m not reinventing the wheel for things like logo design, website design, worship materials and home meeting resources is a lifesaver. The Liberti Network has been blessed with a wealth of staff and lay volunteers that are incredibly skilled in finance, marketing, design, writing, small groups, preaching, teaching, children’s ministry and music that set me up to win and spend the most time possible working with people in my context.
3. Shared Witness
In addition to a shared name, vision and resources, being part of the Liberti Network provides a powerful witness in the community where I serve.
As visit various networking groups in Bucks County and share the vision of Easter Outreach, where the Liberti Network joins with 15 other churches and organizations to raise over $75,000, provide 3,000 meals, and drill three new clean water wells in the South Sudan, people are naturally drawn to want to know more. It’s like in their minds they are saying, “this is exactly what the church should be doing.”
4. Shared Community
Perhaps the most valuable asset for me in being part of the Liberti Network is the shared community.
I get to the privilege to meet regularly with lead pastors in the network to share the joys and burdens planting in central Bucks County. These men faithfully pray for me, counsel me and preach the good news of Jesus to me.
Similarly, Steve Huber, our network director, recently began a church-planting cohort where I and other Liberti planters and apprentices gather to discuss ministry in our local context and pray for one another. Because of his experience and training Steve serves as a coach to me and others in the network.
It might just be a quick snapshot, but this is why I love being part of the Liberti Network. When I feel overwhelmed and inadequate for the task of planting a church, I am grateful to belong to a group of churches that share a common vision, resources, witness and community. It’s an invaluable gift in the midst of the difficult, but incredibly worthwhile pursuit of planting new churches.