The best and worst of times

Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss the highs and lows they’ve experienced as church planters.

1:01 Danny says the fear of the unknown is one of the hardest parts of church planting — but it’s also part of the thrill.

1:41 Danny and Lee talk about what their biggest fear was.

2:55 Danny says the lack of resources is a double-edged sword — it is challenging, but it forces you to depend on God.

4:02 Lee says it was tough seeing people leave the church.

5:30 Danny says one of the best parts of church planting for him was being able to start something from scratch.

6:51 Lee found it hard to deal with the "weird" people his church plant attracted.

7:19 Lee talks about the boredom factor he wrestled with during the pre-launch and post-launch phases.

8:39 Lee says one of the best things was seeing God provide in crazy ways (financially, people, opportunities).

9:15 Danny says a highlight for him was the friendships he developed.

10:21 Lee says you have to remember to slow down and celebrate how God is showing up.

11:18 Danny says preaching was always a blessing and a challenge for him.

11:57 Lee encourages planters not to give up. "Stay true to the course of what God has called you to do. He is faithful."