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by Robin Wood
The number one question I am asked at CMA is “What does it take to plant a church?” I’m sure I’ve answered this in various ways, but I want to be very simple and to the point. I value so much “the church planter’s assessment” that we administer to every person who feels called to church planting. I wouldn’t want you to plant a church without going through a “boot camp,” however, I want to cut through all of the above for just a moment and say three things loud and clear.
- If you are not an exceptional communicator then you should reconsider your call to plant. From all of my experiences in planting personally and coaching over 35 church planters, this one thing stands out among all other gifts and abilities for those who are succeeding at planting a church. The people who have growing and thriving plants are exceptional communicators. There is no way around it. Those who are struggling in planting a church are below average in their communication skills. If you are a planter, preaching and communicating is your craft. You have to make it your passion every day. Preaching and communicating is everything in a church plant.
- The second most important task of a church planter is fundraising. Let’s face it, none of us enjoy asking for money. But if you are unable to raise money and ask people to believe in you, then church planting is probably not for you. The positive side of fundraising is that you have to cast vision in order to raise funds. This task prepares you to cast vision to people who are presently not in church. In a real sense, being able to raise money is the ability that is needed to plant a church. If you plant a church you will ultimately have to find land and build a building. Without sounding to fatalistic, you will be raising funds and teaching stewardship the rest of your life.
- Finally, you have to wake up every morning wanting to network and meet 10 new people that day. Every day becomes an opportunity to meet with new people and develop relational networks in the community where you are planting a church. People who are presently not going to church will only come if they have some relational connection with you or someone in this new church plant. At first you are the only person who is committed to attending the church plant every Sunday. Sounds almost crazy to say this out loud but it’s true.
The “boot camps” and “assessments” are excellent, but without you being able to excel in communication, fundraising, and networking with people, you will fail at church planting. Before you plant, make sure you are committed to the above. A team of people can share the load - but you must be the one to embrace these three tasks alone.
If you are asking the question, “What does it take to plant?” I hope you will not ignore these top three in my book.
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