Every Church Planter I know has a vision and desire to see the new work eventually move from temporary locations and become an established church in their cities. If you go back to the earliest posts here on Ground Up, you'll see mentions of times when the church I pastor was meeting in coffee shops, hotel conference rooms, and small storefront buildings. Those were necessary steps in our journey and those early days hold great memories for us. In fact, we've worked to keep some of the settings as a part of our ministries even as we've grown beyond those original locations. As we've grown and expanded ministries, we've continued to look ahead to the time when we would become more established in our city. This year is the time.It has been a busy year as we move toward a permanent location for the first time since the church was planted. We have been working on the purchase of land, and building a new building for Joyful Life Ministries. People have given sacrificially. Every person at JLM, in every age group and demographic, has gotten involved in giving, fundraising, and support. Donors from outside our church body have given toward our goal. It has been inspiring to see the excitement level!
What did we deal with on the way to this new place that God has provided? Common temptations that every Church Planter will struggle with as they move from the temporary to the permanent:
One of the temptations of God's people on the way to God's promise is the temptation to settle too soon.
Recently I read this reminder:"Don't think permanent thoughts in a temporary place." - Rev. J.B. Sims
While we have enjoyed our temporary locations, and each one has been better than the last, we've had to stay mindful of God's promise. Each place was a stop along the journey. Some lasted longer than others, but none of them have been the permanent place God wanted for His Church in this city. Israel, after being delivered from Egypt, struggled with this temptation. In one leg of their journey, they found an oasis that was so much better than anything they had experienced in Egypt, they were ready to set up camp and stake a claim. The problem? The place was better than Egypt, but not nearly
