The Temptation in the Temporary

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

as great as the promised land God was leading them to claim.

Another temptation of God's people, when delayed in reaching God's promise, is the temptation to diminish the original vision. 
This is a difficult battle for a Church on the move. Depending on the length of the delay, and the clarity of the vision, long periods of waiting may see the people start to diminish the size and scope of God's call. The temptation to question the call and doubt the original vision rears its head when the promised land is not in view. With that doubt comes substitution plans and man-made solutions. These will always fall short of God's original promise. Just ask Sarah and Abraham. The Israelites were so troubled by their waiting and temporary locations they even started pining to return to a place that had enslaved them and murdered their children. The waiting place is a dangerous place if you don't keep the vision and promise clearly in view.

The prophet Habakkuk felt the weight of waiting, and wondered when he would see God fulfill His Word. God answered: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3)

For Church Planters
and anyone else walking through the temporary on the way to God's promise, I encourage you, "Though it tarry, wait for it; because the vision will surely come."