Starting a church is much easier in theory than it is in reality. Duh. You see the greatest problem with starting a church, or doing any sort of ministry, is people. People just get in the way a whole lot! I'm not kidding. You get these great plans, these good ideas, a great vision, mission statement, nice new sound systems, chairs, etc. and everything is going to be just perfect...and then comes the people. They want to do things differently, they say they don't show up to your perfect planned events, they aren't as passionate about your mission as you are, they are messed up, sinful, and broken. Why can't we just do ministry with healthy, loving people, who once they hear the good news message that Jesus offers and that we preach they immediately turn their lives around, leave their sinful ways, go to seminary, and plant a church of their own?!? That would be perfect wouldn't it?
While I'm saying most of that tongue in cheek, there really and sadly is truth to that. I really do sometimes get frustrated or overwhelmed with some of the messiness in my life and in the people God sends to Renovatus. I often truly do think it would be better if God would just send more healthy, deeply spiritual, and mature Christ followers my way (and obviously is quite a bit of truth to that). But I read something interesting today. Here's what Jesus said:

A man loaned money to two people- 500 denarii (a days wage) to one and 50 to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?
...
I tell you, her sins (the woman whos actions instigated Jesus' words), and they are many, have been forgiven, so she has showm me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love.

It makes me want to pray a prayer that truly terrify me- Father, send Renovatus some really damaged people