Media Outreach

There is one last thing that I want to say about doing an internship before you plant your church (part I is found  here).  When I started to leak to people what we would be doing we got a couple of reactions.

Reaction 1
The first kind of reaction was: “Yeah, I did an internship … seemed like a waste of time to me … I didn’t even get to preach that much.”  Some comments I would like to make to this response, again the typical 3-point outline (haha).

1. Be Teachable. The attitude that would usually go along with that was one of, “What can they really teach me that I didn’t know anyway?”  It is my opinion that it is impossible to be a good church planter, with longevity and proven success, without being teachable.  I believe the moment that we stop learning from those around us and from what is currently happening in other places is the beginning of our decline (morally, mentally and spiritually).  The greatest minds I know (yes, even the pioneers leading the way), are also some of the most teachable.
2. Be in the NOW. The phrase: “It seemed like a waste of time to me” is an interesting one.  If something seems like it will be a waste of time, then it probably will be.  There were people that had to be at bible school because their parents required it as a prerequisite to “real college.”  It seemed like a waste of time to them and therefore it was.  They got absolutely nothing out of it.  I truly believe that we should not despise small beginnings.  That if there is a path to take, then we should squeeze every bit of life, wonderment and lesson out of it, eat the meat, suck all of the marrow out and then eat the bones too (I knew people who would eat chicken that way … weird).  Embrace where you are, and you will get the most from it.
3. Be Resourceful. You can go to a church and hear a phenomenal preacher and think to yourself: “Why is there no growth here.  They should be busting at the seams with preaching like that.”  You can also go to a place where there is decent preaching but nothing to call home about and think: “Why is there so much growth and people coming to Christ every weekend.  The preaching isn’t that good.”  Preaching is a small percentage of what makes a successful church so don’t get discouraged if there isn’t a ton of stage time, because you should be learning more about solidifying the overall DNA of who you are and how you handle the day to day elements (meetings, visioneering, personal character, people building, gathering, good communication, etc) than preaching.  You should be in a place where you like “the preacher” so take notes about the general outline, mannerisms, inflections, how long, how many points, transitions and segues, setting up and knocking down, etc.  Also, during this time, do the same thing with other great communicators, through all of the free podcasts that are out there.  There is a huge resource available to you, use it.

Reaction 2
The second reaction was: “Wow!  What an awesome opportunity.  I would do anything in the world to go back and do it that way” or “It was the best thing that I did.”  These folks were very refreshing to talk to, not only because they were encouraging me to go the direction I was headed (which is always nice), but more so, because of their overall attitude toward ministry.  I generally get along with and partner up with people who are resourceful, teachable and “in the now” type people.  Their attitude toward ministry was infectious and invigorating rather than draining and negative and the fruit was there as well.
In short, whatever the case, listen to the voice of God and follow that path with everything you have and don’t look back.  Be encouraged, that it is God’s plan for your life and He can make every situation turn out for the good for those who love & serve him.

Blessings,
Sean Alexander
www.venuechuchonline.com
www.venuechurch.blogspot.com