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
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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 Planters
Summit - May 12-13 in ___________.
I have made some very big financial mistakes and have been charged with
misappropriation of funds with our ________________________. I am
submitting 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 may
clear your calendars of this date.
Sincerely,
How do we help leaders finish well?
2 Timothy 4:1-8
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Call them to it!
Coach them through it!
Model it well!
Remind them of the rewards!
Key Coaching Areas
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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
Clear Perspective
No Perspective
in the Valley
Ten Leaving Questions
1. Are you facing opposition?
2. Are you experiencing personal pain, depression or selfdoubt?
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
The Stages of Ministry
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
Ruin
Resolve
The Stages of Ministry
Romance
Reality
Rebuild
Resentment
Rebellion
Ruin
Resolve
The Stages of Ministry
Romance
Reality
Rebuild
Resentment
Rebellion
Ruin
Resolve
The Stages of Ministry
Romance
Reality
Rebuild
Resentment
Rebellion
Ruin
Resolve
The Stages of Ministry
Romance
Reality
Rebuild
Resentment
Rebellion
Resolve
Ruin
Rewards
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
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Gary Rohrmayer
Web – www.convergemidamerica.org
Personal Web – www.yourjourney.org
Email – gary@convergema.org
Blog – www.garyrohrmayer.com
Twitter – www.twitter.com/GaryRohrmayer