Today, the lawnmower at the church broke.

Again.

Thus far this summer, I have replaced a battery, a fuel line, a fuel shutoff valve, and safety contacts under the seat. Now, the drive belt for the mowing deck has snapped. This happened in the middle of cutting the 6 acres surrounding the church. I could not stand to leave it undone, so...I used a pushmower on the rest.

I may have lost 10 lbs. in the process.

I find it funny that my life as a church planter has led me to wear so many different hats. I can honestly say that I never thought I would become a yard machinery mechanic, but...someone has to do it. Our church consists of many great people that have helped me with many different things, but when the rubber meets the road, most of them are working their jobs during the hours I am repairing mowers.

Here are some other hats I have worn in the past two years:

Chef - I am not a great cook. In fact, my wife might tell me that I am awful. But, if there is a hot dog to be grilled, I will grill it. Burgers, too. I can cook just about anything on the grill now. What's that? You want meatloaf? Grill.

Accountant - My previous bosses will tell you what a horrible person I am with numbers. We have a church treasurer, but...as I said before...the day job interferes with him handling the everyday finances of the church. So, I put on my accountant hat. It becomes easier when I realize that it is God's money I am dealing with. Somehow, it makes me far more diligent.

Kids Worker - Our people do a great job with children's ministry. But, if I want them to step up to the plate, I have to be willing to do my share, also. Each Wednesday night, while the adults do their Bible Study, I play with the kids, teaching them Bible stories, while playing kickball. At the end of the night, there is always a snack...and I am always worn out. It keeps me young.

Painter - I have painted more than you can imagine. I didn't know how to paint until one of my members taught me. Now I have a roller and I am dangerous with it. We painted our old church building. We painted our new church building. We painted Veggie Tales characters on the walls of the nursery. We painted chalkboards and dry erase boards. Now...if I could just paint my own house.

Electrician - I realize that I should have a license for this one. But, sometimes, you just have to get stuff done. We have wired lights and sound gear. I have traced bad lines back to their source. I even discovered the hard way that our fire alarm system doesn't work properly.

Landscaper - That is my fancy term for saying that I cut the grass. A lot of grass. Sometimes, I get the mulch out and do the flower beds. It is fun. I have a tan.

Tentmaker - Okay, I don't literally make tents. This term is often used to describe a pastor that works a job in addition to his pastoral duties. When we started our church, I worked for the cable company. After a while, I was able to become a full-time pastor. Now, we are to the place where we have a chance to grow and minister...if I am willing to wear this hat again. I am, so on Monday, I will begin another "tentmaking" job. It is a hat that I must wear from time to time.

Storyteller - I could say preacher or teacher. But, to tell the truth, I do not wear those hats. But, I love to tell stories about Jesus and His Word. I love to see the look on the eyes of the people when I am telling it well. The Word of God is life, so it should be told with life. I have become a masterful storyteller and I think that is one of my favorite hats.

Cowboy - When I need to dress up for an event, I do it. This past Sunday, I was a cowboy. It was hilarious. Our church had fun. I even wore a cowboy hat. Not bad.

It's been fun wearing my writer's hat for a bit. But now, there is a lawnmower to fix. I gotta find that hat to put it on. Ah, the life of a church planter.