Finishing Well. If there is any one subject in church planting evangelism that does not receive adequate attention either in the literature or in the.

Finishing Well

“If there is any one subject in church planting evangelism that does not receive adequate attention either in the literature or in the actual planning for a new work, it is that of the withdrawal of the pioneer worker(s).”

David Hesselgrave

Planting Churches Cross-Culturally

Reality

• Many start well, few finish well.

• J. Robert Clinton: – 1/3 finish well– 1/3 finish so-so – 1/3 finish poorly

• The “danger years”…35-55

Finishing well has more to do with

"being" than to do with "doing”

35 to 55

Common Race-Enders

• The abuse of finances• The abuse of power• Pride• Illicit sexual relationships• Neglect of our bodies• Critical family issues• Plateauing

- J Robert Clinton

Dear _______ _______ and Tom Nebel,

Due to circumstances in my life, we are NOT going to do the Church PlantersSummit - May 12-13 in ___________.

I have made some very big financial mistakes and have been charged withmisappropriation of funds with our ________________________. I amsubmitting to the discipline and restoration process of the ____________ ______________________

I have a long road ahead of me, please PRAY for healing and boldness for me to face my sin, guilt and shame!

I just wanted to connect with you guys and communicate right away so that you mayclear your calendars of this date.

Sincerely,

How do we help leaders finish well?

2 Timothy 4:1-8

• Call them to it!

• Coach them through it!

• Model it well!

• Remind them of the rewards!

Key Coaching Areas

• Intercessory Prayer Team• Disciplines: Training vs. Trying• Times of Renewal• Mentoring and Accountability• Health and Balance• Life-long Learning Posture

Three Coaching Tools

Peak to Peak Principle

No Perspective in the Valley

Clear Perspective

Ten Leaving Questions

1. Are you facing opposition?2. Are you experiencing personal pain, depression or self-

doubt?3. Is the church facing money problems?4. Is the church experiencing a short-term decline?5. Are people leaving?6. Are the majority of people no longer following your

leadership?7. Is the church experiencing a long-term period of decline?8. Are you experiencing a cultural mismatch?9. Are your gifts needed in a new context?10. Have you failed morally or ethically?

Yes to 1-5 - Stay Yes to 6-10 - Leave

Romance

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

Resentment

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

Resentment

Rebellion

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

Resentment

Rebellion Resolve

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

Resentment

Rebellion Resolve

Ruin

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

Resentment

Rebellion Resolve

Ruin

Rebuild

The Stages of Ministry

Romance

Reality

Resentment

Rebellion Resolve

Ruin

Rebuild

The Stages of Ministry

Reality

Rebellion

Ruin

Rebuild

Resentment

Resolve

Romance

The Stages of Ministry

Reality

Rebellion

RewardsRuin

Rebuild

Resentment

Resolve

Romance

The Stages of Ministry

What are the Rewards?

• The Father’s Approval

“His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!‘” Mathew 25:23

What are the Rewards?

• Overwhelming Joy

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” I John 1:4

Finishing Well

“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight…”

- I Timothy 1:18

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

- II Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - II Timothy 2:4

Contact Information

• Gary Rohrmayer

• Web – www.convergemidamerica.org

• Personal Web – www.yourjourney.org

• Email – [email protected]

• Blog – www.garyrohrmayer.com

• Twitter – www.twitter.com/GaryRohrmayer