6. People Will Leave (And It Will Hurt) This is perhaps the most painful lesson. People you counted on, people who were in your initial launch team and promised to be with you “forever,” will leave. Sometimes God moves them; sometimes they just get tired of the portable church grind. You must learn to bless them as they go, rather than letting bitterness take root.
7. Money Talks (and It’s Awkward) Seminary rarely prepares you for the sheer awkwardness of asking for money. Yet, you quickly learn that vision requires resources. If you shy away from teaching on generosity or asking for support, the mission suffers. You realize that fundraising isn’t begging; it’s inviting people to invest in the Kingdom.
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The Leadership Crucible
The final set of realities revolves around your personal leadership and character.
8. Character Trumps Competence Your charisma might get people in the door, but your character is what keeps them there. The pressure of the first year will squeeze you, and what comes out reveals your true spiritual state. You learn that your private walk with Jesus is the only thing that sustains your public ministry.
9. You Are Not the Hero of the Story It is easy to make the church plant about your vision, your sacrifice, and your legacy. But God will often allow you to fail or stumble to remind you that it is His church. The moment you release the need to be the hero is the moment you start leading with true freedom.
10. Comparison is the Thief of Joy Social media is a minefield for a church planter. You will scroll past photos of other launches that look bigger, cooler, and better funded than yours. You learn that comparing your “behind the scenes” with someone else’s “highlight reel” is a recipe for depression. You must keep your eyes on the plow God gave you.
Staying the Course
If these realities sound discouraging, they shouldn’t be. They are the fire that refines the gold. Every seasoned pastor has walked through this valley. The beauty of the first year is that when you reach the end of your own strength, you finally discover the depth of God’s power.
He didn’t call you to be successful; He called you to be faithful. So, take a deep breath, close the spreadsheets, and remind yourself why you started. The harvest is worth the hardship. This week, schedule a lunch with a seasoned pastor who is at least 5-10 years ahead of you. Ask them specifically about their hardest lessons from year one and just listen.
