So this was my first week as a church planter. Here are some thoughts so far…
- It jacks up your sleep. I have spent multiple nights tossing and turning because I was thinking about all of the things that I have to do.
- I’m really excited about this! Even though I’ve worked long hours, lost sleep, and am in over my head, I’m really excited.
- Apparently you need insurance to meet as a church. It’s not cheap.
- I spent a lot of time meeting with people and learning about things I didn’t have a fat clue about. Did you know that you have to fill out paper work to become a legal church? I filed to become Incorporated, and I got an Employee Identification Number. I knew nothing about this before planting.
- Lots of people are willing to help me! That’s been really exciting.
- I was planning on starting in a house. I didn’t think I would get as good of a response to this as I got. I had to quickly find a location to meet in because no house could contain the amount of people that are interested in this.
- I think that some of the people coming on Sunday night just want to see the freak show. In other words, they just want to check things out. I’m cool with that. I know that not everyone who comes will commit to plant this church with me, but I’m excited about the response I got.
- People keep asking me who I want to reach. Apparently I am supposed to narrow it down to a race, an age group, and a specific type of person. I just want to reach people for Jesus. I want all races, age groups, and all types of people. I’ve been told that won’t work. I know that certain types of people will be drawn to my preaching, but I’m not willing to narrow down who we are trying to reach.
- The name of the church is Next Level. Apparently there are a lot of churches with this name. It wasn’t easy finding a website domain name. Oh and I bought a domain name. Website will be coming soon.
- I had to buy a new phone. For the last seven years, I’ve been blessed with a work phone. Not any more. Thankfully I have the same number.
- On my first day of the job I got in a car accident. It wasn’t my fault. I braked, and the car behind me didn’t. My entire office is in my car so my entire office went flying at my face. The hit was really loud. I thought that my trunk would be smashed open and that I’d have a trail of my office leaking all over Jefferson Avenue. When I pulled over, the only damage was that his license plate left a small dent and the numbers from his plate imprinted on my bumper.
- If you are interested in learning about Next Level Church email me and I’ll send you the information about tomorrow’s meeting. You can email me at robshep.com@gmail.com.
God bless you Rob! We are praying for you. Sounds exciting. Give me a call some time. Are you free for Sunday morning? Probably asking a lot.
Frank, I will give you a call soon. I might be free for a Sunday morning in the next few weeks. At this point we are having Sunday night meetings so I might be free. Let me get this first one under my belt and I’ll let you know. Thanks for being awesome!
Rob
Sounds like you have not had a week like this … ever! Exciting and scary and wonderful. Talk to you soon.
Daniel, yes you will.
Very excited for you. Praying for you. Can’t wait to see how God uses you!
Thanks Randal!
Ha ha… people want to see the freak show… that’s a funny line. Rob, you are going to do AMAZING, it is no surprise you have a following already… still trying to work out the logistics to get there but we are VERY excited for you and to be a part of this! P.S. A Saturday Blog !!! YEAH !!!
Brian, it might become a staple. At least while I’m kicking off this church. A bunch of people have said they want to be updates, so I’m trying to do that.
Love the name. I agree focusing on a specific group seems like handcuffing the holy spirit.
Joseph, thanks man. I’m trying not to ignore wise counsel, but I’m also trying not to quench the spirit.
Numbers from a license plate imprinted on a bumper? Yeah, I had that happen once…except I was the one doing the hitting. And there was a little bit of damage. And the woman was VERY unhappy.
I look forward to more updates about this venture!
Sorry to hear that Burrill. And I will try to keep em coming.
Looking forward to being there Sunday night. Sometimes the Spirit leads in ‘freaky’ ways. = )
Barb, I’m excited to have you coming on Sunday.
Rob we will continue to pray for your ministry. I know that with the passion you have for Jesus and for His children that it will be a success.
Thanks Sele!
Rob, I’m so excited for you. It does seem kind of wierd that you’d need a license for a Church, but maybe that’s just the way the government tries to tax you yet again. I digress. I can’t wait to check out the site.
P.S. Stay good.
Sean, will do. Thanks for the comment.
Hi I think it’s awesome finding your way just wanted to let you know I work at a hotel by ft eustis and we have churches that have met there and do until they find the perfect place mulberry inn and holiday inn 8873000 very reasonable and you can tell them I sent you if that helps Jim or Cathy are managers…
Thanks Tonya! For now I think we are covered, but if that changes I will look it up. Thank you for being awesome!
I almost wish that I live in the 757. I would be there to see the Freak Show.
Thanks Larry. I wish you did live in the 757. I’d take you in a heart beat.
Hey Rob, I think it’s pretty amazing what you’re doing! I’m looking forward to hear more about Next Level. I’m sure the weeks to come will get better!
Thanks Chad! I appreciate you.
Was thinking about tou and your awesome ” Next Level ” and tjis came to mind …For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Sunnie, I’m holding on to that.
Exciting! Not the bit about the car accident, but everything else. Love it. In my prayers! Looking forward to further updates.
Thanks TMZ!
Rob thank you for your transparency. My husband came to your service tonight and couldn’t stop sharing with me your words. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your wife.
Amber, thanks! And I think we have lunch planned for this week. Are you Ed’s wife?
Yes, I think we do have lunch plans this week. And you are correct, I am Ed’s wife. Sorry your wife is unable to attend but can image how busy her life is with twins. How awesome. Can’t wait to get to know the both of you.
melatonin is my best friend. I take 3 a night.. keeps me focused on sleeping. Also, I use sleepy time tea with a touch of honey. when the mind constantly keeps moving while attempting sleep, these two things have saved my sanity. church planting is curious, fun, insane… best days of your life!
Thanks Cory!