» 10 fatal errors in church planting

I’ve been planting churches or coaching church planters for almost 20 years now. That makes me an expert in what goes wrong. Here’s my top 10 reasons why new churches don’t survive.

1. Not having a call
Just don’t do it for any other reason than God’s call. However God speaks to you, make sure he has. Not guarantees of “success”. In fact, the clearer God speaks, the tougher it will be.

2. Not testing the call
So you’ve heard from God. That doesn’t make you infallible. Allow others to test you call with godly wisdom and an effective process such as the one developed by Dr Charles Ridley.

3. Not sharing a call
If you’re single, skip to the next point. If you’re married your spouse may join you full time on the frontline. They may be a valued team member in addition to being at home with the kids or pursuing a career. Just make sure you share the call and understand and support each other in your respective roles. Or you’re in trouble.

4. Not building a team
Not even Paul planted churches along. Recruit and build a team of workers who share the vision. Spend time together, dreaming, sharing your lives, praying, having fun, doing ministry. Church planting is a team sport.

5. Not reaching people
Church planting is not about “engaging culture” or “seeker sensitive” services or clever strategies. It’s about people discovering the love, truth and power of Christ in their lives. Get off the computer and get out amongst people who need Jesus.

6. Not multiplying groups
Whatever model of church you go with, you’re still going to need to gather people into disciple making groups. Make growth the by-product of multiplying healthy groups.

7. Not resolving conflict
Ouch. This one’s a killer. Recruit team members who share the vision and values and are loyal to each other. The best time to fire someone is before you hire them. You’ll still face conflict. Often in year two. So learn how to grow through it. Remember Bobby Clinton’s maxim: its not what you do in conflict, it’s how you are that matters.

8. Not growing leaders
If you want to grow the ministry, you’ve got to grow leaders. No better way to do this than to meet regularly one on one and in a group. Support each other, pray, cast vision, identify the next hill to climb and make sure everyone knows what their contribution looks like.

9. Not becoming like Christ
Sooner or later God will want to teach you that effective ministry flows out of who you are, not what you do. So expect trouble and grace. Expect God to use this ministry assignment to refine your character and deepen your faith. Don’t resist his discipline.

10. Not having a good coach
A good coach helps you reflect on what’s been happening and refocus for the next stage. They raise awareness and help you take responsibility. You need someone who understands the coaching process. Successful church planters can make good coaches as long as they resist the temptation to tell you what to do.

The list is incomplete. We could add not having a realistic plan; not having a funding strategy, neglecting spiritual disciplines or going public prematurely. But 10 is a nice round number.

What would you add to the list?