I had someone say to me recently, “Rob, you’re a trailblazer.” To be honest, I didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. What they meant was that I’ve been willing to try things that are somewhat untested.
It happened when we launched Bikers’ Church. Those who were part of the core team figured that we’d find dozens of biker churches across the U.S. we were surprised to learn that there were very few, if any. In fact, we were unable to find any churches that looked like the church we wanted to plant. Today, there are dozens of biker churches across North America. Many took our model and used it in their area.
Now, we have the two churches, one building model happening. This time, there are certainly many examples of churches doing what we are doing. However, there are only a handful within the denomination I’m with. As one denominational leader put it to me recently, “we are watching with interest how this develops, because it may be a model that we use in many different cities across Canada.” Great. I’m a guinea pig.
I guess it’s how I’m wired. Perhaps it’s because I wasn’t raised in the church. I don’t get caught up in doing things the same old way. Having said that, I’m not one to do something just because it’s not the common way to do it. To be perfectly honest, it’s not always much fun being the guinea pig.
How do I decide when to take that leap of faith? Well, there are many factors, but allow me to offer a few. Perhaps these will be helpful for those who might be considering taking a leap into something new.
1. I pray.
I know this seems like a given, but it’s not. I really do take these things to God in prayer. I have a fairly common prayer that I pray that has done me well over the years. “God, if this isn’t where you want me going, close the doors on me.” He’s done just that. A few years ago, I was tempted to take on City Church. But, it would have been a disaster at that time. Bikers’ Church wasn’t ready for me to take on a second church, and City Church was ready for the changes that I would bring. God’s timing is perfect, and two and a half years ago, it wasn’t the right time. God closed that door very clearly for me.
2. I talk to Heather.
My wife is my partner in ministry. I value her opinion above all others. I believe she hears from God much more clearly than I do. When Heather encourages me to put on the brakes, I listen. When she is ready to move forward, I’m there. I trust her completely. It doesn’t matter what the decision, the ministry opportunity, or the potential, I don’t leap until I know Heather is willing to leap with me.
3. I talk with Peers.
But not a lot of peers. I can count on one hand the people who play this role in my life. There are a couple of key people (two) and a couple of others that I will bounce ideas off. I know they will always be objective with me. These are ministry friends who I have seen blaze trails of their own. People who are not going to hold me back just because the idea floating around my head is a crazy one. They’ll ask the right questions, they’ll challenge me in the right areas, and then they’ll support me in the decision I make. I don’t just go to them before I decide to do something, I continue to communicate with them after the decision has been made. I value the role of these people in my life.
4. I talk to close friends.
Again, this is a small group of people. The peers I talk with are pastors. The people in this category are not. These people give me a perspective that isn’t tightly connected with what I do. It’s always refreshing to hear what they think. They know me on a different level, and so their advice focuses on those areas that are not specifically about pastoring. I need to hear from them.
5. I talk with my leadership team.
At least when it comes to decisions related to the church. I want to hear their heart. If they’re not on board, I don’t go further. I would rather wait than move ahead without the support of this team. The wisdom and commitment of these people is a huge benefit to me.
6. I leap.
Again, this one should go without saying, but it’s amazing to me just how often people talk about things but never act on them. It’s great to dream about a certain direction, but there is nothing like finally jumping off into making it happen.
There are certainly other things that I do before taking a step into the unknown. What about you? How do you make decisions that may require a leap of faith?
