Church planting is more than starting a Sunday service—it’s about building a movement that reaches people, transforms lives, and expands God’s kingdom. But not everyone is wired for it. While some skills can be learned, there are six non-negotiable qualities that every successful church planter must already have.
Dr. Charles Ridley, who studied effective church planters, calls these the “knock-out factors.” If a leader is weak in one, it’s a red flag. If they’re weak in two or more, they probably shouldn’t plant a church—at least not as the lead planter. Let’s take a look at these essential traits.
1. Personal Motivation: The Fire to Keep Going
Church planting isn’t for quitters. If you need someone constantly pushing you forward, this may not be your lane. Planters must have a deep, God-given drive to keep going—especially when things get tough. Whether it’s raising funds, gathering people, or preaching to a half-empty room, successful planters refuse to give up.
Ask yourself:
- Do I take initiative, or do I need external motivation?
- When I hit obstacles, do I push through or look for a way out?
2. Visionary Leadership: Seeing It Before It Exists
Great church planters don’t just talk about the future—they create it. They see what God wants to build and take bold steps to make it happen. This isn’t about wishful thinking; it’s about casting vision, inspiring others, and executing a plan to make it real.
Ask yourself:
- Can I clearly communicate and rally people around a compelling vision?
- Am I someone who turns ideas into action?
3. Empowering Others: Multiplying Leaders and Disciples
A planter who tries to do everything alone won’t last long. The mission isn’t about doing ministry—it’s about equipping others to own it. The best planters create a culture where disciples make disciples and leaders develop leaders.
Ask yourself:
- Do I naturally raise up leaders and empower them?
- Am I willing to let go of control and trust others to lead?
4. Spousal Support and Family Health
If you’re married, church planting isn’t just your calling—it’s a family calling. A divided marriage can’t build a united church. If you and your spouse aren’t aligned in both vision and personal health, the strain of planting will take a toll. Healthy churches are built by healthy families.
Ask yourself:
- Is my spouse fully on board with this calling?
- Are we committed to prioritizing our marriage and family in the process?
5. Reaching the Unchurched: Loving the Lost
If a church planter only attracts Christians from other churches, they’re not planting—they’re just relocating believers. Real planters have a deep burden for people far from God. They don’t just preach about evangelism; they live it.
Ask yourself:
- Do I intentionally build relationships with people who don’t know Jesus?
- Am I passionate about leading people from lost to found?
6. Building Meaningful Relationships
People don’t follow a church; they follow relationships. If a planter can’t connect with people on a personal level, their leadership will always have a ceiling. Great church planters don’t just shake hands; they build authentic, lasting relationships.
Ask yourself:
- Do I naturally engage and connect with people?
- Am I willing to be vulnerable and invest deeply in others?
So, Should You Plant a Church?
The reality is—church planting isn’t for everyone. If you’re not at least competent in all six of these areas, you’ll struggle. If you’re seriously lacking in even one, that’s a big red flag. And if you’re weak in two or more, you probably shouldn’t plant a church—at least not as the lead planter.
That’s not a knock on you. God gives different gifts to different people. Maybe you’re better suited to a support role or another form of ministry. But if you read this list and see yourself in it, then it’s time to step up, seek wise counsel, and boldly pursue the calling God has placed on your life.
So, what do you think? Which of these qualities do you feel strongest in, and which ones need growth? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you!
