Church planting is messy. There, I said it. After 25 years of ministry and helping numerous church planters navigate the journey of launching new churches, I’ve learned one thing for certain: you can’t do it alone. And honestly, you shouldn’t try. You need a church planting team. They are the “secret sauce” to successful church planting.
But here’s the thing: you don’t just need a team. You need a great team!
So what separates the teams that thrive from the ones that barely survive? Let me share what I’ve learned from being in the trenches and coaching others through the process.
The Foundation: Shared Vision and Values
Here’s the deal: if your team isn’t rowing in the same direction, you’re going nowhere fast. I can’t tell you how many church plants I’ve seen struggle because the team wasn’t aligned on the fundamentals.
Your team needs to be crystal clear on:
- Why you’re planting this church (and it better be more than “we didn’t like our old church”)
- What kind of church you’re building (contemporary, traditional, missional, etc.)
- Who you’re trying to reach (young families, college students, the unchurched)
- How you’ll measure success (and no, it’s not just butts in seats)
This isn’t something you figure out as you go. You hash this out before you launch, and you keep coming back to it when things get tough—because they will get tough.
The Non-Negotiable Core Roles
Every church planting team needs certain roles filled, whether by full-time staff, part-time help, or passionate volunteers. Miss one of these, and you’ll feel it.
The Lead Planter
This is the vision-caster, the primary preacher, and the face of the church. But here’s what a lot of planters get wrong: the lead planter doesn’t have to be good at everything. In fact, they shouldn’t try to be. Their job is to preach well, cast vision clearly, and shepherd people effectively. Everything else? That’s what the team is for.
The Worship Leader
Music sets the tone for everything. Find someone who can not only lead worship but also develop other musicians. You don’t need a Nashville-level talent, but you need someone who understands that worship is about connecting people with God, not showing off their skills.
The Children’s Ministry Coordinator
If you want families to stick around, you need someone focused on kids and students. This person doesn’t have to be a children’s ministry expert on day one, but they need to care deeply about creating a safe, fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus.
The Community Connector
Every team needs someone who naturally connects with people outside the church. This is your bridge to the community—the person who builds relationships with school principals, business owners, and neighborhood leaders. They help the church become part of the fabric of the community, not just another building on the corner.
What Great Team Members Look Like
I’ve worked with hundreds of church planting teams, and the best team members share some common characteristics that go way beyond their skill sets.
They’re All In
Church planting is not for dabblers. Great team members understand they’re signing up for something that will demand their time, energy, and emotional investment. They’re not looking for a side hustle—they see this as their calling.
They Play Well with Others
Ministry is messy, and church planting amplifies that mess. You need people who can handle conflict with grace, admit when they’re wrong, and work through disagreements without taking things personally. If someone can’t handle feedback or always has to be right, they’re not ready for your team.
They’re Learners
Things change fast in a church plant. What worked last month might not work this month. Great team members are curious, adaptable, and willing to try new things. They read books, attend conferences, and ask lots of questions.
They Care More About the Mission Than Their Title
I’ve seen teams implode because someone was more concerned about their role than the church’s success. The best team members are willing to do whatever it takes, even if it’s not in their “job description.” They’ll stack chairs, greet visitors, or run sound if that’s what’s needed.
They Have Skin in the Game
This doesn’t mean everyone needs to quit their day job, but great team members are invested beyond just showing up on Sundays. They invite their friends, give financially, and talk about the church with genuine excitement. Their investment level shows.
Building Chemistry That Lasts
Skills matter, but chemistry is what makes teams unstoppable. Here’s how to build it:
Spend Time Together Outside of “Work”
Go to dinner. Play games. Take weekend retreats. Get to know each other as people, not just ministry partners. Some of my strongest ministry relationships started over burgers and terrible jokes.
Create Rhythms of Connection
Don’t just meet when there’s a crisis. Regular team meetings, prayer times, and planning sessions keep everyone connected and aligned. Make these times about relationship, not just task management.
Celebrate Wins Together
When someone gets baptized, when a family decides to make your church their home, when you hit a fundraising goal—celebrate it as a team. These moments of joy bond you together and remind you why you’re doing this crazy thing called church planting.
Navigate Conflict Honestly
When (not if) conflict arises, deal with it quickly and directly. Don’t let things fester. Address issues with love, assume positive intent, and focus on solutions, not blame. Teams that learn to fight well together become stronger.
The Glue That Holds It All Together
At the end of the day, what makes a great church planting team isn’t perfect people with flawless skills. It’s a group of imperfect people who are committed to each other, aligned on mission, and dependent on God’s grace.
The best teams I’ve worked with understand that they’re not just building a church—they’re building the Kingdom. They know that success isn’t measured by how big they get but by how many lives are changed. And they’re willing to sacrifice, serve, and persevere together because they believe God has called them to this work.
Start Where You Are
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t have a perfect team,” that’s okay. None of us do. Start with the people God has given you, focus on the fundamentals, and trust that He’ll bring the right people at the right time.
Church planting is hard, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. And when you have the right team by your side, it becomes less of a burden and more of an adventure.
So, whether you’re just starting to dream about planting a church or you’re in the thick of it, remember this: great teams aren’t born, they’re built. Invest in your people, clarify your mission, and watch God do what only He can do.
Want more practical church planting resources? Check out our other articles on churchplanting.com or connect with me directly.
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