- Meet every single one of your neighbors.
- Hang out in the Chick-Fil-a playground and strike up conversations with other moms.
- Join a book club or the PTO.
- Go to the park and strike up conversations with other moms.
- Talk to your waiters at every meal.
- Shop at the same places on the same days at the same times.
- Go where the people of your city congregate.
- Start a neighborhood playgroup.
How to best support your husband during the first year of planting:
- Think of other things to talk about then the church (or lack thereof).
- Tell him every little thing that he's doing well or how you see God using him.
- Moan and cry to the Lord before you take things to your husband.
- Maintain consistent time in the Word.
- Celebrate small victories.
- Don't tell him what to do or how to do it.
How to figure out your role in all this craziness:
- Always remember that, no matter what you do for the church, your most important roles are disciple, wife, and mom.
- Give it time (like years) to definitively narrow down your ministry role.
- Accept that in church planting you will be a generalist for a long time before becoming a specialist.
- Know that your role will change with each year and stage of church planting. Don't get too comfortable in any one stage!
- Ask your husband for feedback on how God often chooses to use you.
How to maintain your sanity in church planting:
- Maintain consistent time in the Word.
- Do whatever it takes to establish and keep a consistent date night with your husband.
- Don't be afraid to take time off to catch your breath or get some perspective.
- Establish relationships outside of your church.
- Make time to do something that interests you.
- Don't be afraid to pursue counseling.
- Find a mentor.
- Don't say yes to every ministry opportunity presented to you.
- Structure your life well.
- Have open and beneficially honest dialogue with your husband about how you're doing and how his job affects you.
Anything you would add to my lists? What other how-to lists would you like to see regarding church planting?
