So, you’ve heard God’s calling and taken the plunge to become a church planter. Congratulations! No doubt you will be feeling excited but also overwhelmed by all that lies ahead of you.
Starting a new church from scratch isn’t easy – there are so many things to consider, such as raising support, choosing a location, and recruiting a launch team.
To help you get the ball rolling, here are three key things a church planter should ask themselves at the front end of the church planting adventure:
1. Do I have a heart for the city?
You need to have an intimate understanding of the people in your congregation’s community. To do this, take some time each day to pray for the city. Ask God to show you how you can love and serve those around you.
2. Do I truly love people?
As a church planter, it’s important that you take initiative in connecting with as many people as possible in your local area. This could mean shopping locally and starting natural conversations or making yourself available to chat with people in a local coffee shop.
Get real with yourself and see if you are truly called to be the lead pastor/elder or a part of the support team. Some people have started church planting only to realize that they are better behind the scenes. All team members are important and vital. Knowing your role is key.
3. Am I able to make connections and gather people together?
Once you start talking to those around you, it’s important that you make connections with them. Find out more about their lives and try to build relationships with them. This will help to create a sense of community and form the foundation for your church culture, startup, and future growth.
By getting real and asking yourself tough questions, you’ll be well on your way to planting the church God intended,