Enjoy this candid take on the grittier side of church planting, by a pastor who’s living it. Have your own secrets to share? Add them in the comments, and look for Part 2 on Thursday. –Paul

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

We are in the midst of a great missionary movement in North America, as many young pastors are heeding the call to plant new churches. I write as one in that movement, having recently planted a church in a North American city.

Planting a church has been the greatest adventure of my life so far. I love the church that God has birthed, and count it a privilege to lead and pastor the people of my congregation and city. I intend to lead our church to plant other churches, and know many church planters who would say the same things. Together, we praise God for a movement that has turned the local church outward, brought many to faith in Christ, and is contributing towards the flourishing of American cities, towns, and families—even ...