Church Planting Spouses Track
In church planting, a spouse plays a major role in the health and growth of every new church. Lead planter and support staff spouses will be inspired and fed this year at Exponential by spouses whose stories of faith will take you to new places. The balancing act between the many roles a spouse must play in church planting can sometimes be overwhelming, but don't worry you are not alone. Get connected to other spouses who know what you're going through. It doesn't always go according to the book.
You will be inspired, taught, and connected to others experiencing the same challenges and joys. Don't miss the 2009 Spouse Track at Exponential. It will make a difference in your life!
Session Speakers:
• Lisa & Jeff Bennett
• Kelly Kastens
• Debbie Jones
• Janet & Troy McMahon
• Anne Milam
• Monica & Mark Nelson
Session Descriptions:
Session 1 - Who's Taking Care of Me? (Kelly Kastens)
Church planting and ministry often involve great personal cost. While caring for the spiritual lives of others, planters and spouses alike can lose track of their own souls without even recognizing it. Kelly Kastens knows what it's like to get to that place - to get to the point of doing the work of God at such a pace that it nearly eliminated the work of God in her own life. In this workshop Kelly will share some of her own journey and help to guide you along the path of learning to care for your own soul.
Session 2 - This Wasn't in the Book! Wait a Minute, What Book? (Anne Milam)
Wow! You've walked away from security, family, friends, routine and safety. All to follow your spouse (and God, of course!) who is hearing a new call from God. You have prepared painstakingly for this journey, just like when you packed your newborn's first diaper bag. However, there were always one or two things you just couldn't even imagine happening, so how could you prepare? Welcome to the wonderful world of church planting.... Where the unexpected reigns and your "winging it" abilities are put to the ultimate test. Anne will give a practical guide to enjoying God's unpredictable, beautiful, wild ride.
Session 3 - If You Do Nothing Else, Do This! (Lisa & Jeff Bennett / Monica & Mark Nelson)
As the Lead Planter's Spouse, you play an indispensable role in your church plant...but what is that role? Is this a workshop about another unrealistic expectation? Absolutely not! We believe that this indispensable role is a "make or break" issue. But the beauty of it is that if God has called you as a couple to plant a church, then He has also hardwired you to fulfill this role in living color! What are the intangibles that you bring to the adventure that absolutely no one else can provide? Join us as two husband/wife teams share how we view this partnership, and how we believe this the most critical aspect of launching and building a healthy church!
Session 4 - Playing Well Together in the Sand Box (Janet and Troy McMahon)
One of the most important things that happens in church planting is the development of our FIRST team (staff and spouses). Learning to play together on the team is one of the basic ingredients of a movement and makes church planting much more FUN! Troy and Janet will share their journey of creating a first team and enjoying the camaraderie of staff and spouses. This session will be encouraging to lead planter spouses and support staff spouses alike.
Session 5 - Church Planting Kryptonite.......Discouragement (Debbie Jones)
Church planters' spouses have ups and downs during the life of the new church. Difficulties, criticisms, low seasons in marriage, challenging times in parenting, financial struggles and other obstacles in our lives and new churches can be paralyzing, debilitating and discouraging. These times can zap your power. Encouragement is the one cure that brings healing to any discouraging situation. No matter how strong you are, we all need encouragement. Don't miss this wrap-up session of the Spouse Track! Guaranteed you'll leave encouraged!
