Planter Wives

Fourteen years ago Mac and I found ourselves in a new season of ministry. The Lord was calling us and our three small children to plant a church in a brand new community in South Carolina. It was the most exciting yet scariest time of our lives. Surrendering to the undeniable prompting of the Holy Spirit we stepped out in faith into the world of church planting. I'll never forget the day we pulled out of our driveway leaving the security of our home, a certain paycheck and friends we loved for a world of uncertainty. Right then and there Mac and I made a pact that our family would be BETTER because of our church planting experience.

To this day I can say that's exactly what happened. Our family saw God show up in magnificent ways over and over again as we desperately sought Him for provision and guidance. It was truly the most rewarding and faith building journey of our lives.

But I can also say that a few years into this journey there were times I found myself disappointed, hurt and let down by the very people we had sacrificed so much to serve. There was a season I wanted to hide and escape the unrealistic expectations of others. My soul had grown weary and I knew this wasn't healthy. Even though I was surrounded by people it was a very lonely time. After an intense season of soul care I began the difficult journey to become refreshed and renewed again.

Looking back I asked myself the question: How would things have been different for me if I had the support of other church planter wives around me? What if there were other ladies who understood this unique journey, who could have known, listened to and encouraged me along the way? I recently read that 80% of church planter wives wished their husband would have chosen a different profession. This statistic along with my own experience has fueled a passion for me to help provide a safe place where church planter wives can be encouraged, valued, and connected with one another. At LAUNCH, we recognize that the church planter's wife has a unique calling to partner with her husband to impact the Kingdom. We understand that she needs a safe place to be herself, ask questions and wrestle with the challenges of planting from a wife's perspective. That's why we provide monthly sessions just for the planter's wife that will inspire and equip her for her unique role in the church planting journey.

I hope you will join us as we grow and learn together,

Cindy Lake