Today, I want to share three ideas that some church planters might have, but I need to make it clear that they might not always be true or helpful. In this blog post, I hope to bring clarity to these three misconceptions.
Ready?
Let’s dive in!
“Build it, and They Will Come”
Imagine this: you decide to start a new church. You find yourself in a smaller building and decide to build a metal building that you can call home, and the bigger, the better. You go into debt believing that if you build it, God will send the people. Maybe… but maybe not. Are you acting in faith or merely working from your flesh?
Building a strong and sustainable church means getting the community involved, developing genuine relationships, and making authentic disciples. It’s not just about the physical building or the initial appeal. Sure, a great Sunday service can be a draw, but it’s the deeper connections and spiritual growth that really matter.
So, don’t underestimate the power of community and real connection when it comes to building a church. It’s not about the building; A church building is merely a tool to make disciples. A proper perspective goes a long way!
“Numbers Equal Success”
It’s not just about the numbers. Sure, having a lot of people show up to church is great, but it’s not the only thing that matters. We’re not here just to count heads, we’re here to make disciples.
Counting attendance might give us a sense of how popular our church is, but it doesn’t give the full picture. It doesn’t tell us how many people are actively involved in small groups, serving, or going on missions. These things are really important to measure our church’s effectiveness.
Sometimes, focusing too much on numbers can actually give us a skewed perspective. It might make us think that we’re doing well just because we have a lot of people attending a worship service. But in reality, it could just mean that our marketing is good.
So, let’s not get caught up in the numbers game. Let’s focus on what really matters – making disciples, serving our community, and changing lives.
“We’re Different from Other Churches”:
Thinking that your approach is entirely unique can hinder cooperation and partnership with other churches in your area. The reality is we need one another. We are the Body of Christ and should partner as much as possible for community outreach. As pastors and leaders, we should meet occasionally to encourage and pray for one another. I’m willing to bet that we have more in common than we think. Don’t focus on the minor things that divide. Look at the major doctrines that join us together.
As a church planter, it’s important to evaluate your assumptions, seek wise counsel, and remain open to adjusting your perspectives as you navigate starting a new church.
Read more blog posts by Jeff Hoglen
