When Your Church Plant Closes

Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

Sometimes I don’t believe that. 

When my first church planted closed its doors, I wept.  I had nightmares for weeks.  I asked myself,

“Did I do enough?”

“Was my sin to blame?”

“Why didn’t more people join and serve?”

My first church plant folded its doors within 18 months of my leaving to plant another church, so my guilt was double because I left.

However, the pastor who told me about the church folding gave me great counsel.  He said, “Gordon, everything this side of heaven has a lifespan.” 

Strangely enough, these words gave me comfort.  The finiteness of this world is intended to draw our hearts to heaven and a thankfulness for the work of Jesus Christ. 

So, why is the end better than the beginning?  My guess is that the end draws us one step closer to seeing our Savior face to face.  I pray this is comfort for you along the way.

Hang in there, pastor and church planter.  Your Savior loves you.  And whether your church endures until Christ’s return or closes its doors today, God honors your hard work. 

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Gordon Duncan 

(540) 696-5410 

www.churchtrainingpartners.com 

Also, if you think it would help, you can learn more about our Dollar a Day coaching at https://gumroad.com/l/dollaraday. 

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