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Breaking the 35 Barrier In Your New Church . Today in the United States and Canada there are over 100,000 Protestant congregations that average less than thirty-five in the main weekly worship services. The small church represents twenty-five percent of all churches.. There are at least fifteen cha
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1. Breaking the 35 Barrier In Your New Church Plant By Dr. Tom Cheyney
Tom@Revitalization101.com The small church represents twenty-five percent of all churches in North America. Today in the United States and Canada there are over 100,000 Protestant congregations that average less than thirty-five in the main weekly worship services.
The small church is the beginning of our early American Religious Heritage. We started our religious foundation with the creation of small churches. Even during the early days of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, the small church was in existence. Many things can be said about the small church. The small church is unique from all other sized churches. Paul Madsen says it so well, "The small church has no different mission than any other church of the land, regardless of size. It may use different methods to achieve that mission, but the mission of proclamation, fellowship, ministry, and service is the same for all."
The small church represents twenty-five percent of all churches in North America. Today in the United States and Canada there are over 100,000 Protestant congregations that average less than thirty-five in the main weekly worship services.
The small church is the beginning of our early American Religious Heritage. We started our religious foundation with the creation of small churches. Even during the early days of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, the small church was in existence. Many things can be said about the small church. The small church is unique from all other sized churches. Paul Madsen says it so well, "The small church has no different mission than any other church of the land, regardless of size. It may use different methods to achieve that mission, but the mission of proclamation, fellowship, ministry, and service is the same for all."
2. Breaking the 35 Barrier In Your New Church Today in the United States and Canada there are over 100,000 Protestant congregations that average less than thirty-five in the main weekly worship services.
The small church represents twenty-five percent of all churches.
3. There are at least fifteen characteristics of the small church today. Regardless of denomination, these fifteen elements appear predominantly throughout the small church. THE SMALL CHURCH ACTS AS ONE BIG FAMILY AND IS ONE CELL
THE SMALL CHURCH IS A CLOSE NICHE FAMILY
You ask ten leaders of small churches today you will get at least ten different lists of characteristics of a small church. There are at least fifteen characteristics of the small church today. Regardless of denomination, these fifteen elements appear predominantly throughout the small church. My friend Harry Fowler from Rocky Mount, North Carolina shared with me these ideas as he lead a church planting conference in New England which I attended. Harry is a great gift to Southern Baptist mand though I have reworked this list to fit my own discoveries, I am indebt to him for helping a young church planter years ago.
THE SMALL CHURCH ACTS AS ONE BIG FAMILY AND IS ONE CELL
The small church is a single caring cell that embraces the entire congregation. The church acts as one big family. Close relationships are developed with almost everyone in the church. One adult Sunday School class allows opportunity for twelve to fifteen adults to develop fact-to-face relationships. These single celled churches have a high relational level and everyone feels as if they are part of the action and plan of God.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS A CLOSE NICHE FAMILY
Members like the small church because it gives them the feeling that they are part of the family. The greatest fear is that this sense of family would diminish if the church were to grow.
You ask ten leaders of small churches today you will get at least ten different lists of characteristics of a small church. There are at least fifteen characteristics of the small church today. Regardless of denomination, these fifteen elements appear predominantly throughout the small church. My friend Harry Fowler from Rocky Mount, North Carolina shared with me these ideas as he lead a church planting conference in New England which I attended. Harry is a great gift to Southern Baptist mand though I have reworked this list to fit my own discoveries, I am indebt to him for helping a young church planter years ago.
THE SMALL CHURCH ACTS AS ONE BIG FAMILY AND IS ONE CELL
The small church is a single caring cell that embraces the entire congregation. The church acts as one big family. Close relationships are developed with almost everyone in the church. One adult Sunday School class allows opportunity for twelve to fifteen adults to develop fact-to-face relationships. These single celled churches have a high relational level and everyone feels as if they are part of the action and plan of God.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS A CLOSE NICHE FAMILY
Members like the small church because it gives them the feeling that they are part of the family. The greatest fear is that this sense of family would diminish if the church were to grow.
4. There are at least fifteen characteristics of the small church today. Regardless of denomination, these fifteen elements appear predominantly throughout the small church. THE SMALL CHURCH IS CASUAL IN ITS CHARACTER! THE SMALL CHURCH ACTS AS ONE BIG FAMILY AND IS ONE CELL
The small church is a single caring cell that embraces the entire congregation. The church acts as one big family. Close relationships are developed with almost everyone in the church. One adult Sunday School class allows opportunity for twelve to fifteen adults to develop fact-to-face relationships. These single celled churches have a high relational level and everyone feels as if they are part of the action and plan of God.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS A CLOSE NICHE FAMILY
Members like the small church because it gives them the feeling that they are part of the family. The greatest fear is that this sense of family would diminish if the church were to grow.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS CASUAL IN ITS CHARACTER
When you enter the place for the worship service to be held, you immediately sense that it is a casual time for visiting, catching up on events, and friendly sharing with one another. In this size church, people feel free to mention prayer concerns and special needs during the actual worship service. In this type of church the business matters relating to its operation are decided by consensus.
THE SMALL CHURCH ACTS AS ONE BIG FAMILY AND IS ONE CELL
The small church is a single caring cell that embraces the entire congregation. The church acts as one big family. Close relationships are developed with almost everyone in the church. One adult Sunday School class allows opportunity for twelve to fifteen adults to develop fact-to-face relationships. These single celled churches have a high relational level and everyone feels as if they are part of the action and plan of God.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS A CLOSE NICHE FAMILY
Members like the small church because it gives them the feeling that they are part of the family. The greatest fear is that this sense of family would diminish if the church were to grow.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS CASUAL IN ITS CHARACTER
When you enter the place for the worship service to be held, you immediately sense that it is a casual time for visiting, catching up on events, and friendly sharing with one another. In this size church, people feel free to mention prayer concerns and special needs during the actual worship service. In this type of church the business matters relating to its operation are decided by consensus.
5. THE SMALL CHURCH DISPLAYS MARVELOUS DEVOTION AND COMPASSION
THE SMALL CHURCH ALLOWS FOR FASTER PARTICIPATION AND CONNECTION
THE SMALL CHURCH SIGNIFICANTLY RELIES ON VOLUNTEERS TO LEAD THE CHURCH. THE SMALL CHURCH DISPLAYS MARVELOUS DEVOTION AND COMPASSION
According to a study done by Win Arn, the small church is significantly more devoted in its love and compassion. The study also shows that the larger the church, the less love felt by the members. Remember this ingredient whil;e you are forming your new church utilize the special time in your churches history to be such a small intimate group. It will change as you grow but if you work hard during times of growth you can at least keep times of this intimacy you had at the initial outset.
THE SMALL CHURCH ALLOWS FOR FASTER PARTICIPATION AND CONNECTION
Members of the small church can begin to participate and get connected much more quickly than members of the large church. The feeling of being needed motivates members to drawn in and connected. Additionally, there is less competition for leadership positions. It takes longer for members in larger churches to become fully connected and actively participation in leadership opportunities.
THE SMALL CHURCH SIGNIFICANTLY RELIES ON VOLUNTEERS TO LEAD THE CHURCH
In the 35 participant church often the pastor will probably be bi-vocational or serve as a part-time leader. A church plant might be different and have a full time planter leading the church but even that is changing today as many plants are launched by a pastor who has another full time job. . A new mission church may have a full-time pastor, but he will be heavily subsidized by the denomination and sponsoring church. Volunteers will have to do everything including leading various aspects of the ministry weekly.
THE SMALL CHURCH DISPLAYS MARVELOUS DEVOTION AND COMPASSION
According to a study done by Win Arn, the small church is significantly more devoted in its love and compassion. The study also shows that the larger the church, the less love felt by the members. Remember this ingredient whil;e you are forming your new church utilize the special time in your churches history to be such a small intimate group. It will change as you grow but if you work hard during times of growth you can at least keep times of this intimacy you had at the initial outset.
THE SMALL CHURCH ALLOWS FOR FASTER PARTICIPATION AND CONNECTION
Members of the small church can begin to participate and get connected much more quickly than members of the large church. The feeling of being needed motivates members to drawn in and connected. Additionally, there is less competition for leadership positions. It takes longer for members in larger churches to become fully connected and actively participation in leadership opportunities.
THE SMALL CHURCH SIGNIFICANTLY RELIES ON VOLUNTEERS TO LEAD THE CHURCH
In the 35 participant church often the pastor will probably be bi-vocational or serve as a part-time leader. A church plant might be different and have a full time planter leading the church but even that is changing today as many plants are launched by a pastor who has another full time job. . A new mission church may have a full-time pastor, but he will be heavily subsidized by the denomination and sponsoring church. Volunteers will have to do everything including leading various aspects of the ministry weekly.
6. THE SMALL CHURCH KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE INSTANTLY.
THE SMALL CHURCH PRACTICES CAREFUL FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT
THE SMALL CHURCH IS INVOLVEMENT FOCUSED NOT QUALITY FOCUSED THE SMALL CHURCH KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE INSTANTLY.
Just like the pastor who knows when you are gone in a new plant so will the entire body know. This is related primarily to the new churches size. Because of the size, an absentee becomes everyone's concern. An interesting quality of these size churches is thaty most participants will inform the body and the planter that they will be out of town so they will know! Individual accountability and answerability to the whole is part and parcel of this size church.
THE SMALL CHURCH PRACTICES CAREFUL FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT
For the small church regular management of the churches finances centers around more of a project related mentality. The ministry is careful not to get the church into too much risk in the area of money that it might not be able to get out from under! The result is that most expenditures are focused around one project get it completed and then move on to another or what has been previously agreed upon as the next project. Church members often respond to a financial need if they deem it as important and necessary. One of the positive areas of operating this way initially is you keep your new church afloat! One of the challenges doing things this way is that only a few projects can be considered at a time. But very little money is wasted doing things this way.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS INVOLVEMENT FOCUSED NOT QUALITY FOCUSED
Involvement is more important than quality or excellence in a smaller church. Excellence is not the goal usually in small churches. Utilizing as many people in the church takes priority over having only the very best doing the various tasks. Participating in the worship service by singing a solo is more important than singing on pitch. There is a very high degree of camaraderie and support in the smaller church. People encourage each other to do rather than watch and that goes along way in the smaller church. I have a friend that still to this day leads the worship at a church and yet he does not read a lick of music but everyone loves him and God has been blessed by this mans willingness to be involved that way. He is supported and encouraged by the rank and file and everyone is better off as the result of his participation. It is better to have everyone sharing and doing various things then it is to have them be or demonstrate excellence.
Today in many churches we see a great loss of individuals who are willing to sing because someone said to them in some way that only the best need apply at our church or your church. The result is that now no one applies and the church is hurt. Small churches are great places for all of us to learn and develop our skills.
THE SMALL CHURCH KNOWS WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE INSTANTLY.
Just like the pastor who knows when you are gone in a new plant so will the entire body know. This is related primarily to the new churches size. Because of the size, an absentee becomes everyone's concern. An interesting quality of these size churches is thaty most participants will inform the body and the planter that they will be out of town so they will know! Individual accountability and answerability to the whole is part and parcel of this size church.
THE SMALL CHURCH PRACTICES CAREFUL FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT
For the small church regular management of the churches finances centers around more of a project related mentality. The ministry is careful not to get the church into too much risk in the area of money that it might not be able to get out from under! The result is that most expenditures are focused around one project get it completed and then move on to another or what has been previously agreed upon as the next project. Church members often respond to a financial need if they deem it as important and necessary. One of the positive areas of operating this way initially is you keep your new church afloat! One of the challenges doing things this way is that only a few projects can be considered at a time. But very little money is wasted doing things this way.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS INVOLVEMENT FOCUSED NOT QUALITY FOCUSED
Involvement is more important than quality or excellence in a smaller church. Excellence is not the goal usually in small churches. Utilizing as many people in the church takes priority over having only the very best doing the various tasks. Participating in the worship service by singing a solo is more important than singing on pitch. There is a very high degree of camaraderie and support in the smaller church. People encourage each other to do rather than watch and that goes along way in the smaller church. I have a friend that still to this day leads the worship at a church and yet he does not read a lick of music but everyone loves him and God has been blessed by this mans willingness to be involved that way. He is supported and encouraged by the rank and file and everyone is better off as the result of his participation. It is better to have everyone sharing and doing various things then it is to have them be or demonstrate excellence.
Today in many churches we see a great loss of individuals who are willing to sing because someone said to them in some way that only the best need apply at our church or your church. The result is that now no one applies and the church is hurt. Small churches are great places for all of us to learn and develop our skills.
7. HE SMALL CHURCH HAS FEW ENTRY POINTS INITIALLY
THE SMALL CHURCH PLACES ITS CENTER OF ATTENTION ON A SINGLE EVENT AT A TIME
THE SMALL CHURCHES PLANTER/PASTOR MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE IMPACT (It Depends) THE SMALL CHURCH HAS FEW ENTRY POINTS INITIALLY
When a new church launches out usually the draw or what has been labeled as an entry point is limited. Only a few entry points exist initially. Almost always the first two entry points that will be visible are the planter/pastor which is the main draw. The second entry point in a small plant initially will be and is those members or participants who believe in what the church is doing and have jumped aboard and aligned themselves with the cause! Here is the interesting thing about this and as a planter you must be wise in this area. Even though the draw of a plant is usually the planter/pastor and his vision of a preferred future, it is the membership and participants who have a great deal to do with who sticks and who stays. The core group of participants often approve and or accept those the planter has worked hard to draw to the church through outreach and evangelism! Dont miss this significant point. Many a planter has been shocked to come to the realization that those you work hard to draw might be repelled by those you are seeking to serve. Keep your radar up and work to be inclusive and teach your people not to be exclusive. Remember that two entry points limits the appeal to the unchurched.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLACES THE CENTER OF ATTENTION ON A SINGLE EVENT AT A TIME
Because it is small and there are not large numbers of helpers available it is critical for the small church to rally all of the churches efforts and participation towards accomplishing a successful event. As a small church everyone's participation is needed to have a winning event.
Due to its size, the small church functions more efficiently when having one event at a time.
THE SMALL CHURCHES PLANTER/PASTOR MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE IMPACT.
You see this is the difference between the small existing church that has been around for ever and the brand new church that is small and just beginning to grow! New Churches require strong planter/pastoral leadership to guide the ship towards a safe and productive harbor. In an established small church depends more on lay leadership than pastoral leadership. The departure of pastors often means nothing more than business as usual.
For additional assistance go to: www.PlanterDude.com and download the resource Getting the Scope on Building a Core Group!
THE SMALL CHURCH HAS FEW ENTRY POINTS INITIALLY
When a new church launches out usually the draw or what has been labeled as an entry point is limited. Only a few entry points exist initially. Almost always the first two entry points that will be visible are the planter/pastor which is the main draw. The second entry point in a small plant initially will be and is those members or participants who believe in what the church is doing and have jumped aboard and aligned themselves with the cause! Here is the interesting thing about this and as a planter you must be wise in this area. Even though the draw of a plant is usually the planter/pastor and his vision of a preferred future, it is the membership and participants who have a great deal to do with who sticks and who stays. The core group of participants often approve and or accept those the planter has worked hard to draw to the church through outreach and evangelism! Dont miss this significant point. Many a planter has been shocked to come to the realization that those you work hard to draw might be repelled by those you are seeking to serve. Keep your radar up and work to be inclusive and teach your people not to be exclusive. Remember that two entry points limits the appeal to the unchurched.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLACES THE CENTER OF ATTENTION ON A SINGLE EVENT AT A TIME
Because it is small and there are not large numbers of helpers available it is critical for the small church to rally all of the churches efforts and participation towards accomplishing a successful event. As a small church everyone's participation is needed to have a winning event.
Due to its size, the small church functions more efficiently when having one event at a time.
THE SMALL CHURCHES PLANTER/PASTOR MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE IMPACT.
You see this is the difference between the small existing church that has been around for ever and the brand new church that is small and just beginning to grow! New Churches require strong planter/pastoral leadership to guide the ship towards a safe and productive harbor. In an established small church depends more on lay leadership than pastoral leadership. The departure of pastors often means nothing more than business as usual.
For additional assistance go to: www.PlanterDude.com and download the resource Getting the Scope on Building a Core Group!
8. THE SMALL CHURCH IS LED BY A FEW COMMITTED LAY LEADERS
THE SMALL CHURCH GROWTH BLUEPRINT IS SMALL GROUP AND CLUSTERS DESIGNED
THE SMALL CHURCH DRAWS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS (Next slide)
THE SMALL CHURCH IS GUIDED BY A FEW COMMITTED LAY LEADERS
In smaller churches the influencers are often one or two committed lay people who guide the church! They often meet prior to any official meetings to decide before hand what needs to be done and then come to the meeting prepared to lead the church in the direction they believe it ought to go. Because church business is often decided outside the business meeting in informal settings it is very important that as the planter/leader you understand this dynamic and seek to at least consult and work with these key influencers so that what you believe is Gods will and direction could at least be heard and discussed before the official meeting. Often you will discover if you seek to include these committed lay leaders you will not have to face a me verses them scenario because you have had the meeting before the meeting and have been able to work things out for the best of the church! Failure to understand this dynamic has often hurt both church and planter.
THE SMALL CHURCH GROWTH BLUEPRINT IS SMALL GROUP AND CLUSTERS DESIGNED
Harry Fowler taught me this when I was just getting started as a planter. He said to both my wife and m: Smallness attracts people that enjoy small group involvement. Self-esteem, the need to be cared for and loved, the need to be needed are met in the small church. Thank you Harry for keeping me from doing things that would hurt my church.
THE SMALL CHURCH DRAWS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS
Interviews with members of new churches reveals a variety of reasons for joining and becoming involved:
.new work is exciting and rewarding
.new work attracts new people
.provides opportunity for involvement
.allows small group involvement.
THE SMALL CHURCH IS GUIDED BY A FEW COMMITTED LAY LEADERS
In smaller churches the influencers are often one or two committed lay people who guide the church! They often meet prior to any official meetings to decide before hand what needs to be done and then come to the meeting prepared to lead the church in the direction they believe it ought to go. Because church business is often decided outside the business meeting in informal settings it is very important that as the planter/leader you understand this dynamic and seek to at least consult and work with these key influencers so that what you believe is Gods will and direction could at least be heard and discussed before the official meeting. Often you will discover if you seek to include these committed lay leaders you will not have to face a me verses them scenario because you have had the meeting before the meeting and have been able to work things out for the best of the church! Failure to understand this dynamic has often hurt both church and planter.
THE SMALL CHURCH GROWTH BLUEPRINT IS SMALL GROUP AND CLUSTERS DESIGNED
Harry Fowler taught me this when I was just getting started as a planter. He said to both my wife and m: Smallness attracts people that enjoy small group involvement. Self-esteem, the need to be cared for and loved, the need to be needed are met in the small church. Thank you Harry for keeping me from doing things that would hurt my church.
THE SMALL CHURCH DRAWS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS
Interviews with members of new churches reveals a variety of reasons for joining and becoming involved:
.new work is exciting and rewarding
.new work attracts new people
.provides opportunity for involvement
.allows small group involvement.
9. THE SMALL CHURCH DRAWS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS Interviews with members of new churches reveals a variety of reasons for joining and becoming involved:
new work is exciting and gratifying
new work draws and attracts new people
Provides a faster chance for contribution and connection
allows small group involvement.
THE SMALL CHURCH DRAWS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS
Interviews with members of new churches reveals a variety of reasons for joining and becoming involved:
.new work is exciting and gratifying
.new work draws and attracts new people
.provides a faster chance for contribution and connection
.allows small group involvement.THE SMALL CHURCH DRAWS PARTICIPANTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS
Interviews with members of new churches reveals a variety of reasons for joining and becoming involved:
.new work is exciting and gratifying
.new work draws and attracts new people
.provides a faster chance for contribution and connection
.allows small group involvement.
10. GROWTH IMPEDIMENTS FOR THE SMALLER CHURCH
GROWTH IMPEDIMENTS FOR THE SMALL CHURCH
For the small house of worship there are various impediments to expansion that need to be defeated if it wishes to break the 35 hurdle in new church growth. One caveat, many of these views originate from a discussion another church growth leader and a group of us had at Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont.
What is of significance, is that some of the small churches strengths can also be their weaknesses. I see at least eight growth obstacles for those small churches desiring to break through the 35 barrier. Here are the eight enlargement obstacles we delineated that day.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT HAS PARTIAL OR INCOMPLETE PROGRAMMING
If you have been in church planting very long and have planted at least one church you will quickly understand this issue. A partial or incomplete set of programs narrows the draw and appeal to the unchurched. The new church does not have the ability to meet a large variety of needs. Perhaps the quickest way to get a plant growing is by expanding your entry points of connection to the area you serve. A partial set of programming provides a limited set of entry points. That is why many planters follow what Lyle Schaller describes as perceived enlargement!. Schaller would often say that as a leader you practice leading at the next level so the draw will be towards what you are becoming and not towards what you are as you launch. Remember though the small plant offers an opportunity to develop strong relationships in a small group. This partial or incomplete offering does catch the attention of a number of people while repelling others.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT HAS VERY LITTLE OUTREACH OR EVANGELISM
In the new church plant for the first year it is not uncommon to hear from planters that they are the only one doing any degree of outreach and evangelization into the target area! Most evangelistic activities are done by the pastor. It is sad to hear today from church planters that they no longer practice the work of the evangelist as a planter on a regular basis. Statements are made that is does not work or they have no time because the growing membership demands too much of their time to do outreach and evangelism. I learned something a long time ago in regard to planting and growing new works. I am not sure it is a well crafted sentence but it is a strong reminder to me at least of what it takes to reach out into a community. Here is some great advice: If you do not reach out to those who God gives you to reach out to, you will not be blessed by those God gives your church whom you have not reached out to!
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT CAN REAR SMALLNESS IF IT DOES NOT KEEP A GROWTH MENTALITY CLEARLY BEFORE THE PEOPLE
It is easy for a church plant to get custom to having only a small number of participants and grow to enjoy that intimate family feeling! Members and participants persuade themselves that there is nothing wrong with being tiny. However, this type of thinking limits community vision, community impact and ministry outside of the walls of the church. Smallness if you are not careful is almost worshipped over evangelistic growth. Some might believe that to grow would destroy the their new churches intimacy. Care should be given to keep a clear and well articulated growth mentality before the people. I would often say in passing in a message or discussion, that there is nothing wrong with being a small church, but that is not what God has for our vision here!
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT CAN EXHIBIT AFTER THE INITIAL FUNDS RUN OUT TO LAUNCH THE CHURCH, SWIFT AND STEADY PASTORAL TRANSITION.
The small church plant can exhibit after the initial funds run out to launch the church, swift and steady pastoral transition. Just like their cousin the existing church, small plants that remain small over a longer period of time tend to have a more rapid pastoral transition than larger growing church plants. Minute salaries, a little sense of satisfaction or contentment, and personality conflicts with the laity affect endurance for the church planter.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT CAN BEGIN TO GROW A TOUGH CRUSTED LEADERSHIP TEAM
I have always challenged the church planters I have worked with to run fast and run far during the initial launch months of planting a new work! The reason is simple and that is the longer the small church plant remains the same size, the more tough crusted the lay leadership becomes. The result will be that those trying to join the new church will find it difficult to penetrate this tough crust.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT DICTATES MERE EXSISTENCE FINANCAL PROCEDURES
Finances are available for only things that will keep the work in exsistence such as building payment, planters salary, literature, utilities, rent, etc.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT EXHABITS TO THEIR TARGET AREA INSUFFICIENT AMENITIES AND SERVICES
Inadequate facilities are a big hindrance since space limits growth. New churches that build too soon exhaust their space before retiring the building debt. To reach young couples, an above average nursery is required to care for their children. Parking can also become a major problem.
IN THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT FAMILIARITY OF SMALL GROUP BECOMES TOO FAMILURE
Knowing one another's business and problems becomes a barrier to church growth. Personal accountability can run out of control
GROWTH IMPEDIMENTS FOR THE SMALL CHURCH
For the small house of worship there are various impediments to expansion that need to be defeated if it wishes to break the 35 hurdle in new church growth. One caveat, many of these views originate from a discussion another church growth leader and a group of us had at Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont.
What is of significance, is that some of the small churches strengths can also be their weaknesses. I see at least eight growth obstacles for those small churches desiring to break through the 35 barrier. Here are the eight enlargement obstacles we delineated that day.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT HAS PARTIAL OR INCOMPLETE PROGRAMMING
If you have been in church planting very long and have planted at least one church you will quickly understand this issue. A partial or incomplete set of programs narrows the draw and appeal to the unchurched. The new church does not have the ability to meet a large variety of needs. Perhaps the quickest way to get a plant growing is by expanding your entry points of connection to the area you serve. A partial set of programming provides a limited set of entry points. That is why many planters follow what Lyle Schaller describes as perceived enlargement!. Schaller would often say that as a leader you practice leading at the next level so the draw will be towards what you are becoming and not towards what you are as you launch. Remember though the small plant offers an opportunity to develop strong relationships in a small group. This partial or incomplete offering does catch the attention of a number of people while repelling others.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT HAS VERY LITTLE OUTREACH OR EVANGELISM
In the new church plant for the first year it is not uncommon to hear from planters that they are the only one doing any degree of outreach and evangelization into the target area! Most evangelistic activities are done by the pastor. It is sad to hear today from church planters that they no longer practice the work of the evangelist as a planter on a regular basis. Statements are made that is does not work or they have no time because the growing membership demands too much of their time to do outreach and evangelism. I learned something a long time ago in regard to planting and growing new works. I am not sure it is a well crafted sentence but it is a strong reminder to me at least of what it takes to reach out into a community. Here is some great advice: If you do not reach out to those who God gives you to reach out to, you will not be blessed by those God gives your church whom you have not reached out to!
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT CAN REAR SMALLNESS IF IT DOES NOT KEEP A GROWTH MENTALITY CLEARLY BEFORE THE PEOPLE
It is easy for a church plant to get custom to having only a small number of participants and grow to enjoy that intimate family feeling! Members and participants persuade themselves that there is nothing wrong with being tiny. However, this type of thinking limits community vision, community impact and ministry outside of the walls of the church. Smallness if you are not careful is almost worshipped over evangelistic growth. Some might believe that to grow would destroy the their new churches intimacy. Care should be given to keep a clear and well articulated growth mentality before the people. I would often say in passing in a message or discussion, that there is nothing wrong with being a small church, but that is not what God has for our vision here!
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT CAN EXHIBIT AFTER THE INITIAL FUNDS RUN OUT TO LAUNCH THE CHURCH, SWIFT AND STEADY PASTORAL TRANSITION.
The small church plant can exhibit after the initial funds run out to launch the church, swift and steady pastoral transition. Just like their cousin the existing church, small plants that remain small over a longer period of time tend to have a more rapid pastoral transition than larger growing church plants. Minute salaries, a little sense of satisfaction or contentment, and personality conflicts with the laity affect endurance for the church planter.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT CAN BEGIN TO GROW A TOUGH CRUSTED LEADERSHIP TEAM
I have always challenged the church planters I have worked with to run fast and run far during the initial launch months of planting a new work! The reason is simple and that is the longer the small church plant remains the same size, the more tough crusted the lay leadership becomes. The result will be that those trying to join the new church will find it difficult to penetrate this tough crust.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT DICTATES MERE EXSISTENCE FINANCAL PROCEDURES
Finances are available for only things that will keep the work in exsistence such as building payment, planters salary, literature, utilities, rent, etc.
THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT EXHABITS TO THEIR TARGET AREA INSUFFICIENT AMENITIES AND SERVICES
Inadequate facilities are a big hindrance since space limits growth. New churches that build too soon exhaust their space before retiring the building debt. To reach young couples, an above average nursery is required to care for their children. Parking can also become a major problem.
IN THE SMALL CHURCH PLANT FAMILIARITY OF SMALL GROUP BECOMES TOO FAMILURE
Knowing one another's business and problems becomes a barrier to church growth. Personal accountability can run out of control
11. SO WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF 35 PARTICIPANT CHURCHES? SO WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF A SMALL CHURCH PLANT?
Since one quarter of the Protestant churches in the United States and Canada average fewer than thirty-five at worship, what can we find are the strengths of these congregations? I believe there are at least nine strengths.
THE STRENGTH OF A HIGH DEGREE OF LAY OWNERSHIP
Church growth research indicates that when lay persons buy into the project, it is more likely to succeed.
THE STRENGTH OF POSSESSING A VISION FOR REACHING THE COMMUNITY
Churches with an inward focus are only interested in themselves and "taking care of their own." _Church name omitted has a balanced focus that includes a burden for the unchurched in the community.
THE STRENGTH OF HAVING A HARD WORKING AND DEDICATED PASTOR
The pastor is well loved and respected as the spiritual leader of the plant.
THE STRENGTH OF A SUPPORTIVE PASTOR'S WIFE
Church growth in a small church plant is hard enough, but if the pastor's wife is not an asset, she could be the liability that kills the mission church.
THE STRENGTH OF DEDICATED LAY LEADERSHIP INVESTMENT
Lay leaders have invested their time, money, and resources in the plant.
THE STRENGTH OF AMPLE FACILITY FOR THE PRESENT AND NEAR FUTURE
For the small church plant to grow, it must be understood that space is needed for growth. There are two levels to this growth need. The first, is there ample room for the immediate? The second level is, does the small church have sufficient space for the very near future? The second is harder to answer, but does the church have enough room to facilitate a 5-7 percent growth rate for the two years. If the answer is no, the small church is meeting in a liability. If the answer to the question is yes, adequate room is a strength to bank.
THE STRENGTH OF CORRECT METHODOLOGY
The strength of correct methodology can't be overlooked. If one lives in a community where 67 percent of its population is senior citizens, a high profile singles ministry will not help. The same can be said in reverse. During the last census of a community in which I planted, it was found that less than 3 percent of the residents in our community are the age of senior citizens. Not surprising to us, though, was the demographic that almost 60 percent were between the age of 18 to 35. Methods should be used to fit the community profile.
THE STRENGTH OF FELLOWSHIP
Good fellowship among the members of the small church plant is crucial. This is were they find and discover the strong sense of family.
THE STRENGTH OF BAPTISM
The young small church plant also gains strength through the act of baptismal regeneration. Nothing excites a small church plant more than seeing an individual get saved through their church.
SO WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF A SMALL CHURCH PLANT?
Since one quarter of the Protestant churches in the United States and Canada average fewer than thirty-five at worship, what can we find are the strengths of these congregations? I believe there are at least nine strengths.
THE STRENGTH OF A HIGH DEGREE OF LAY OWNERSHIP
Church growth research indicates that when lay persons buy into the project, it is more likely to succeed.
THE STRENGTH OF POSSESSING A VISION FOR REACHING THE COMMUNITY
Churches with an inward focus are only interested in themselves and "taking care of their own." _Church name omitted has a balanced focus that includes a burden for the unchurched in the community.
THE STRENGTH OF HAVING A HARD WORKING AND DEDICATED PASTOR
The pastor is well loved and respected as the spiritual leader of the plant.
THE STRENGTH OF A SUPPORTIVE PASTOR'S WIFE
Church growth in a small church plant is hard enough, but if the pastor's wife is not an asset, she could be the liability that kills the mission church.
THE STRENGTH OF DEDICATED LAY LEADERSHIP INVESTMENT
Lay leaders have invested their time, money, and resources in the plant.
THE STRENGTH OF AMPLE FACILITY FOR THE PRESENT AND NEAR FUTURE
For the small church plant to grow, it must be understood that space is needed for growth. There are two levels to this growth need. The first, is there ample room for the immediate? The second level is, does the small church have sufficient space for the very near future? The second is harder to answer, but does the church have enough room to facilitate a 5-7 percent growth rate for the two years. If the answer is no, the small church is meeting in a liability. If the answer to the question is yes, adequate room is a strength to bank.
THE STRENGTH OF CORRECT METHODOLOGY
The strength of correct methodology can't be overlooked. If one lives in a community where 67 percent of its population is senior citizens, a high profile singles ministry will not help. The same can be said in reverse. During the last census of a community in which I planted, it was found that less than 3 percent of the residents in our community are the age of senior citizens. Not surprising to us, though, was the demographic that almost 60 percent were between the age of 18 to 35. Methods should be used to fit the community profile.
THE STRENGTH OF FELLOWSHIP
Good fellowship among the members of the small church plant is crucial. This is were they find and discover the strong sense of family.
THE STRENGTH OF BAPTISM
The young small church plant also gains strength through the act of baptismal regeneration. Nothing excites a small church plant more than seeing an individual get saved through their church.
12. Slide for additional notes below HOW DOES THE SMALL CHURCH KEEP GOING
Lyle E. Schaller, Church Growth Consultant with the Yokefellow Institute in Richmond, Indiana has studied churches in rural townships all across this land of ours and has concluded that small "rural churches display a remarkable ability to survive in situations that appear to be very unfavorable for survival!" His conclusions are further supported by Edward W. Hassinger and John S. Holik's work on Changes in Rural Church Life in America. Both sources conclude that the Small Church in America is an extremely tough institution!
There are at least eight major factors that influence the capability of the small church to survive. Some of these can be identified most clearly in studies of rural churches in sparsely populated counties, while others are more visible in small, inner-city congregations in large metropolitan communities. Schaller develops these factors fully, I list them for understanding here. The small church:
1. Is not a branch office
2. It reinforces community
3. It's subsidies increase vulnerability
4. It is a socialization factor
5. It displays the Importance of shared experiences
6. It shows distinctively the centrality of worship
7. It is a lay-dominated institution
8. The members institutional commitment is directed as a whole rather than toward any one component.
HOW DOES THE SMALL CHURCH KEEP GOING
Lyle E. Schaller, Church Growth Consultant with the Yokefellow Institute in Richmond, Indiana has studied churches in rural townships all across this land of ours and has concluded that small "rural churches display a remarkable ability to survive in situations that appear to be very unfavorable for survival!" His conclusions are further supported by Edward W. Hassinger and John S. Holik's work on Changes in Rural Church Life in America. Both sources conclude that the Small Church in America is an extremely tough institution!
There are at least eight major factors that influence the capability of the small church to survive. Some of these can be identified most clearly in studies of rural churches in sparsely populated counties, while others are more visible in small, inner-city congregations in large metropolitan communities. Schaller develops these factors fully, I list them for understanding here. The small church:
1. Is not a branch office
2. It reinforces community
3. It's subsidies increase vulnerability
4. It is a socialization factor
5. It displays the Importance of shared experiences
6. It shows distinctively the centrality of worship
7. It is a lay-dominated institution
8. The members institutional commitment is directed as a whole rather than toward any one component.
13. SEVEN INTENTIONAL ACTIONS TO CRACKING THE "35" BARRIER IN CHURCH PLANTING CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN PASTORAL LEADERSHIP PATTERNS
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN ORGANIZATIONAL FORMATION SEVEN INTENTIONAL ACTIONS TO CRACKING THE "35" BARRIER IN YOUR NEW CHURCH PLANT
For the small church plant aspiring to crack the "35" barrier in church enlargement at least eight intentional actions should be considered. Often these are so very hard because as church planters so many are high compassion, suffering along side of the leaders and these actions usually go against the grain. It is easier for many to retire from this size of church and ask the congregations forgiveness for keeping the church plant small, rather than displaying a willingness to crack this barrier.
There are some specific actions to take to crack this barrier.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN PASTORAL LEADERSHIP PATTERNS
The church planter must set in motion a shift from "doing it all yourself," to distribution of the responsibilities with lay leaders. Connecting lay leaders is a must for the church plant to grow. One must begin shifting from the shepherd (doing it all oneself) to the rancher leadership patterns.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN ORGANIZATIONAL FORMATION
Start the second adult Sunday School class: this may be very difficult because members will see this action as destroying their "closeness." The second adult class is a must for growing beyond twelve to fifteen adults.
SEVEN INTENTIONAL ACTIONS TO CRACKING THE "35" BARRIER IN YOUR NEW CHURCH PLANT
For the small church plant aspiring to crack the "35" barrier in church enlargement at least eight intentional actions should be considered. Often these are so very hard because as church planters so many are high compassion, suffering along side of the leaders and these actions usually go against the grain. It is easier for many to retire from this size of church and ask the congregations forgiveness for keeping the church plant small, rather than displaying a willingness to crack this barrier.
There are some specific actions to take to crack this barrier.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN PASTORAL LEADERSHIP PATTERNS
The church planter must set in motion a shift from "doing it all yourself," to distribution of the responsibilities with lay leaders. Connecting lay leaders is a must for the church plant to grow. One must begin shifting from the shepherd (doing it all oneself) to the rancher leadership patterns.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN ORGANIZATIONAL FORMATION
Start the second adult Sunday School class: this may be very difficult because members will see this action as destroying their "closeness." The second adult class is a must for growing beyond twelve to fifteen adults.
14. CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN HOW NEW MEMBERS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE WORK
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE NEW CHURCHES OUTREACH STRATEGIES
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE BUDGET AND FINANCIAL POLICIES OF THE NEW CHURCH
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN HOW NEW MEMBERS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE WORK
New members often join the church plant because of the planters ministry and his vision for a preferred future. Very early, the planter needs to help new members develop lasting relationships with church members so both groups will feel a part of each other. This can best be achieved by regular church wide fellowships and group involvement. Six months is a critical time period for new members to develop a "my church" attitude.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE NEW CHURCHES OUTREACH STRATEGIES
Develop a 4:1 in-reach to outreach ratio. For every four hours spent on Bible teaching, committee meetings, administrative duties, and choir practices, spend one hour on prospect discover, and visitor follow-up. Far too many planters today tell themselves that they do not need to practice personal evangelism in their daily activities. In reality the opposite is true.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE BUDGET AND FINANCIAL POLICIES OF THE NEW CHURCH
Move toward developing a unified budget rather than a project oriented budget. Begin supporting Missions very early. Testimonies prove that God blesses a new church that loves and supports missions.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN HOW NEW MEMBERS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE WORK
New members often join the church plant because of the planters ministry and his vision for a preferred future. Very early, the planter needs to help new members develop lasting relationships with church members so both groups will feel a part of each other. This can best be achieved by regular church wide fellowships and group involvement. Six months is a critical time period for new members to develop a "my church" attitude.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE NEW CHURCHES OUTREACH STRATEGIES
Develop a 4:1 in-reach to outreach ratio. For every four hours spent on Bible teaching, committee meetings, administrative duties, and choir practices, spend one hour on prospect discover, and visitor follow-up. Far too many planters today tell themselves that they do not need to practice personal evangelism in their daily activities. In reality the opposite is true.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE BUDGET AND FINANCIAL POLICIES OF THE NEW CHURCH
Move toward developing a unified budget rather than a project oriented budget. Begin supporting Missions very early. Testimonies prove that God blesses a new church that loves and supports missions.
15. CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE WAY THE NEW CHURCH FUNCTIONS IN REGARD TO BUSINESS PROCEDURES
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE NEW CHURCHES LAY LEADERSHIP PATTERNS
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE WAY THE NEW CHURCH FUNCTIONS IN REGARD TO BUSINESS PROCEDURES
Establish basic committees such as the building and grounds, Lord's Supper, Baptism, along with the budget and finance. This should put the new church business into more hands diffusing the power of one or two persons.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE NEW CHURCHES LAY LEADERSHIP PATTERNS
More adults must become involved in decision making. The leadership base must be expanded to three or four persons rather than one or two. Training in discipleship and leadership development is helpful. Rotate leadership responsibilities every few years to keep persons from becoming entrenched in one particular job.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE WAY THE NEW CHURCH FUNCTIONS IN REGARD TO BUSINESS PROCEDURES
Establish basic committees such as the building and grounds, Lord's Supper, Baptism, along with the budget and finance. This should put the new church business into more hands diffusing the power of one or two persons.
CRACKING THE GROWTH BARRIER OF "35" REQUIRES CHANGES IN THE NEW CHURCHES LAY LEADERSHIP PATTERNS
More adults must become involved in decision making. The leadership base must be expanded to three or four persons rather than one or two. Training in discipleship and leadership development is helpful. Rotate leadership responsibilities every few years to keep persons from becoming entrenched in one particular job.
16. Breaking the 35 Barrier In Your New Church One important ingredient to learn while you are just starting to grow your new church:
Seek to Continually Building Momentum in Your New Church Plant (OK, lets talk about that!) You are waiting at the starting line for the starters horn to sound and the sailing race to begin! Its going to be a while, that much you know, because most of the boats are still at a dead stop. With ten minutes to go before the start you hear and see a new wave of activity begin as the boats display life and begin to move towards the starting line. Some start fast and others start out ever so slowly. It seems to take the larger boats so long to get going! When younger I raced sailboats of all sizes. It was so easy to get a 14 foot Hobbie Cat moving as compared to the 69 foot Morgan deep hull. But once that larger sailboat began to move the wind within its sails had no problem maintaining hull sped and plowing through the water with great efficiency! Its the principle of inertia at work: things at rest tend to want to stay at rest and things in motion tend to want to stay in motion. That is also true in beginning a new church:
Sometimes the greatest risk is in doing nothing.
The inertia that a moving object builds up is called momentum. It takes lots of energy to build up momentum but it takes far less energy to maintain it. Momentum is more than a principle of physics. Its a principle we can apply to our personal lives and to the life of a new church plant as well.
The Muscle of Momentum
Two teams have a game together. The team the experts consider to be the underdog has previously played teams not as good as they are, so theyve won all of their games; theyre undefeated. The better team has played teams ranked as better than themselves, so theyve lost all their games. Whos going to win? No one can know for certain, but a betting person would be smart to put money on the underdog team thats undefeated. Momentum can be a big advantage!
John Maxwell, a nationally-known church leadership expert, has written a book called The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.(Thomas Nelson Publisher, Nashville, Tenn. 1998, Maxwell Motivation, Inc.) One of the 21 laws is the law of momentum. Maxwell argues that a leader must create and sustain momentum among those he leads if he is to succeed. Someone has well said:
A minister doesnt become truly effective as a leader until
after seven years at a church.
Even new churches can experience a lack of momentum when there is little measurable growth, either spiritually or numerically during the conception stage. We often refer to this in an older more established church as being on a plateau. This inertia of going nowhere doesnt last long, however. Negative momentum (going backward faster and faster) begins.
Jesus Told a Story about Momentum
Momentum played a role in one of the stories Jesus told. The story is about a wealthy man who had to be away on business for an extended period of time. He called together his three associates and gave them his wealth to invest while he was gone. One was given five talents, another was given two, and the third was given one talent to oversee.
A talent was about what an ordinary worker could earn in 20 years. For comparison, lets use $30,000 for a workers annual salary today. That means one worker was given $3 million, another $1.2 million, and the third $600,000.
After a long period of time the wealthy man returned and found that the first associate had invested the $3 million and doubled it to $6 million. The second associate had invested his as well, and also doubled itto $2.4 million. The third, however, had simply hid his $600,000 in a mattress, a tin can in the backyard, or some place like that, and had the same $600,000 to give back to his boss.
The boss was very pleased with the first two men for doubling his money, but he was angry with the third man. He took the $600,000 he had given to that man and gave it to the one with $6 million. Jesus wants His followers to see the importance of using whatever God gives us in life. Were to invest wisely what Hes given us in opportunities, finances, abilities, and time. Jesus indicates that when we attempt to do something with what weve been given, were going to end up with more, and this increase will increase even more. In Jesus story, the man who had acquired the ten talents was given an eleventh (the one taken from the man who did nothing) presumably to continue to multiply his bosss wealth.
Jesus summarized the story by saying, For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him (Matthew 25:29). Thats the principle of momentum at work. The one who works and takes risks to multiply what he has been given by God has even more, and the one who doesnt do anything to gain more will lose what he has. Sometimes the greatest risk is in doing nothing.
Some things that Cause Us to Lose Momentum
There are many things that cause us to lose our momentum.
Discouragement
failure
a lack of focus
ungratefulness and
inattention
are some of the factors that can cause resistance to our forward momentum!
Positive experiences and memories of the past can either
hamper or build momentum.
I heard about one couple who ran out of gas while traveling. It happened at an exit ramp, at the top of which was a gas station. The husband figured he could push the car up the ramp to the station, so he told his wife to get behind the steering wheel. He leaned into the back bumper with his shoulder, and pushed and pushed. It was really hard work, but eventually he pushed the car up to the pump at the gas station.
Wow! That hill was steeper than I thought, he breathlessly told his wife.
I know, she replied. It was so steep I thought we might roll backward and Id run you over, so I kept the brakes on. You can add fear to the list of things that keep us from building momentum!
Intentional Steps toward Building Momentum
There are several steps we can take to build momentum:
Understand it takes time and persistence to grow a new church!
Jesus said Gods kingdom grows in influence like yeast does in bread dough. Who wants to sit and watch bread rise? Get a life! Bread rises really slowly, but it does happen! Reversing negative momentum, or getting positive momentum going from a dead stop, takes time and persistence.
Ive observed as a pastor how losing a mate is a life-wrenching event. The first year is often one in which the widow or widower makes little progress at rebuilding a life. Some remain immobilized for the remainder of their lives. There are those, however, who begin to join life again by little steps: starting back to church, visiting a friend in the hospital, or joining in the celebrations of the holidays and special family events once again.
New churches gain momentum slowly too. Our small group ministry, missions, lay leadership development, and other key areas of church life also seemed to take a long time before there was significant growth. Research has shown that a minister doesnt become truly effective as a leader until after seven years at a church. New churches are not served well when there is a change of pastoral leadership every three or four years. Momentum in a new church takes time to build.
Just do somethingalmost anything.
Doing nothing wont change anything; in fact, it usually makes things worse. In Jesus story of the three men given the talents, the criticism of the man with one talent was that he did nothing. We can begin by just doing a little something, being obedient to God in little ways. After all, most of lifes greatest achievements are made up of small things.
Building positive momentum in a new church involves identifying small and manageable goals that, with prayer and some effort, can be achieved. It requires moving beyond the momentum-killing idea that Weve never done it that way before. For that matter in a new plant, Youve never done it before!
Build on Your Successes
Focus on your latest forward progress. Many of the Psalms were written by people in trouble who reviewed in their psalms the ways God had helped them in the past. This gave them the confidence to move forward and seize the future, and their psalms usually end on that confident note. One word of warning! Even those positive experiences and memories can either hamper or build momentum. A nostalgic wishing list can hurt even a brand new church! Dont get buried in such but remember, God is the giver of good gifts.
Remember the Muscle of Momentum.
It takes a great deal of energy to get a yacht moving across the water, but once it gets going its nearly unstoppable! Thats the muscle of momentum. The little play craft was able to get moving more quickly but the larger yacht is able to stand up to the rough seas while the smaller craft is thrown about by turbulence. Momentum helps you with assimilating new people into the life of a new work. Momentum allows you to grow past levels that might otherwise stall your new work. Momentum helps you create more momentum. Momentum is that little extra that allows a new church to keep its focus on what is worthy and right for this hour without sinking at the most crucial time just at the beginning of the race. Learn to harness the muscles of momentum and they will greatly assist your new work in moving across the starting line of growing a great church with God. Keep the wind in your Sails!
You are waiting at the starting line for the starters horn to sound and the sailing race to begin! Its going to be a while, that much you know, because most of the boats are still at a dead stop. With ten minutes to go before the start you hear and see a new wave of activity begin as the boats display life and begin to move towards the starting line. Some start fast and others start out ever so slowly. It seems to take the larger boats so long to get going! When younger I raced sailboats of all sizes. It was so easy to get a 14 foot Hobbie Cat moving as compared to the 69 foot Morgan deep hull. But once that larger sailboat began to move the wind within its sails had no problem maintaining hull sped and plowing through the water with great efficiency! Its the principle of inertia at work: things at rest tend to want to stay at rest and things in motion tend to want to stay in motion. That is also true in beginning a new church:
Sometimes the greatest risk is in doing nothing.
The inertia that a moving object builds up is called momentum. It takes lots of energy to build up momentum but it takes far less energy to maintain it. Momentum is more than a principle of physics. Its a principle we can apply to our personal lives and to the life of a new church plant as well.
The Muscle of Momentum
Two teams have a game together. The team the experts consider to be the underdog has previously played teams not as good as they are, so theyve won all of their games; theyre undefeated. The better team has played teams ranked as better than themselves, so theyve lost all their games. Whos going to win? No one can know for certain, but a betting person would be smart to put money on the underdog team thats undefeated. Momentum can be a big advantage!
John Maxwell, a nationally-known church leadership expert, has written a book called The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.(Thomas Nelson Publisher, Nashville, Tenn. 1998, Maxwell Motivation, Inc.) One of the 21 laws is the law of momentum. Maxwell argues that a leader must create and sustain momentum among those he leads if he is to succeed. Someone has well said:
A minister doesnt become truly effective as a leader until
after seven years at a church.
Even new churches can experience a lack of momentum when there is little measurable growth, either spiritually or numerically during the conception stage. We often refer to this in an older more established church as being on a plateau. This inertia of going nowhere doesnt last long, however. Negative momentum (going backward faster and faster) begins.
Jesus Told a Story about Momentum
Momentum played a role in one of the stories Jesus told. The story is about a wealthy man who had to be away on business for an extended period of time. He called together his three associates and gave them his wealth to invest while he was gone. One was given five talents, another was given two, and the third was given one talent to oversee.
A talent was about what an ordinary worker could earn in 20 years. For comparison, lets use $30,000 for a workers annual salary today. That means one worker was given $3 million, another $1.2 million, and the third $600,000.
After a long period of time the wealthy man returned and found that the first associate had invested the $3 million and doubled it to $6 million. The second associate had invested his as well, and also doubled itto $2.4 million. The third, however, had simply hid his $600,000 in a mattress, a tin can in the backyard, or some place like that, and had the same $600,000 to give back to his boss.
The boss was very pleased with the first two men for doubling his money, but he was angry with the third man. He took the $600,000 he had given to that man and gave it to the one with $6 million. Jesus wants His followers to see the importance of using whatever God gives us in life. Were to invest wisely what Hes given us in opportunities, finances, abilities, and time. Jesus indicates that when we attempt to do something with what weve been given, were going to end up with more, and this increase will increase even more. In Jesus story, the man who had acquired the ten talents was given an eleventh (the one taken from the man who did nothing) presumably to continue to multiply his bosss wealth.
Jesus summarized the story by saying, For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him (Matthew 25:29). Thats the principle of momentum at work. The one who works and takes risks to multiply what he has been given by God has even more, and the one who doesnt do anything to gain more will lose what he has. Sometimes the greatest risk is in doing nothing.
Some things that Cause Us to Lose Momentum
There are many things that cause us to lose our momentum.
Discouragement
failure
a lack of focus
ungratefulness and
inattention
are some of the factors that can cause resistance to our forward momentum!
Positive experiences and memories of the past can either
hamper or build momentum.
I heard about one couple who ran out of gas while traveling. It happened at an exit ramp, at the top of which was a gas station. The husband figured he could push the car up the ramp to the station, so he told his wife to get behind the steering wheel. He leaned into the back bumper with his shoulder, and pushed and pushed. It was really hard work, but eventually he pushed the car up to the pump at the gas station.
Wow! That hill was steeper than I thought, he breathlessly told his wife.
I know, she replied. It was so steep I thought we might roll backward and Id run you over, so I kept the brakes on. You can add fear to the list of things that keep us from building momentum!
Intentional Steps toward Building Momentum
There are several steps we can take to build momentum:
Understand it takes time and persistence to grow a new church!
Jesus said Gods kingdom grows in influence like yeast does in bread dough. Who wants to sit and watch bread rise? Get a life! Bread rises really slowly, but it does happen! Reversing negative momentum, or getting positive momentum going from a dead stop, takes time and persistence.
Ive observed as a pastor how losing a mate is a life-wrenching event. The first year is often one in which the widow or widower makes little progress at rebuilding a life. Some remain immobilized for the remainder of their lives. There are those, however, who begin to join life again by little steps: starting back to church, visiting a friend in the hospital, or joining in the celebrations of the holidays and special family events once again.
New churches gain momentum slowly too. Our small group ministry, missions, lay leadership development, and other key areas of church life also seemed to take a long time before there was significant growth. Research has shown that a minister doesnt become truly effective as a leader until after seven years at a church. New churches are not served well when there is a change of pastoral leadership every three or four years. Momentum in a new church takes time to build.
Just do somethingalmost anything.
Doing nothing wont change anything; in fact, it usually makes things worse. In Jesus story of the three men given the talents, the criticism of the man with one talent was that he did nothing. We can begin by just doing a little something, being obedient to God in little ways. After all, most of lifes greatest achievements are made up of small things.
Building positive momentum in a new church involves identifying small and manageable goals that, with prayer and some effort, can be achieved. It requires moving beyond the momentum-killing idea that Weve never done it that way before. For that matter in a new plant, Youve never done it before!
Build on Your Successes
Focus on your latest forward progress. Many of the Psalms were written by people in trouble who reviewed in their psalms the ways God had helped them in the past. This gave them the confidence to move forward and seize the future, and their psalms usually end on that confident note. One word of warning! Even those positive experiences and memories can either hamper or build momentum. A nostalgic wishing list can hurt even a brand new church! Dont get buried in such but remember, God is the giver of good gifts.
Remember the Muscle of Momentum.
It takes a great deal of energy to get a yacht moving across the water, but once it gets going its nearly unstoppable! Thats the muscle of momentum. The little play craft was able to get moving more quickly but the larger yacht is able to stand up to the rough seas while the smaller craft is thrown about by turbulence. Momentum helps you with assimilating new people into the life of a new work. Momentum allows you to grow past levels that might otherwise stall your new work. Momentum helps you create more momentum. Momentum is that little extra that allows a new church to keep its focus on what is worthy and right for this hour without sinking at the most crucial time just at the beginning of the race. Learn to harness the muscles of momentum and they will greatly assist your new work in moving across the starting line of growing a great church with God. Keep the wind in your Sails!
17. Prayer: the Often Overlooked Growth Tool! It ought to go without saying but here is the first thing you need to do and it ought to be the last thing you hear from me today!
Pray and teach your people to pray.
Stop talking about it and start actually praying at prayer meetings.
Keep preaching about prayer and model prayer during your preaching.
Have a prayer list and pray through it.
Develop a ministry that prays for all other ministries.
Be a leader that models prayer.
It ought to go without saying but here is the first thing you need to do and it ought to be the last thing you hear from me today!
Pray and teach your people to pray.
Stop talking about it and start actually praying at prayer meetings.
Keep preaching about prayer and model prayer during your preaching.
Have a prayer list and pray through it.
Develop a ministry that prays for all other ministries.
Be a leader that models prayer.
God Bless you in your journey,
Tom Cheyney
Church Planting SpecialistIt ought to go without saying but here is the first thing you need to do and it ought to be the last thing you hear from me today!
Pray and teach your people to pray.
Stop talking about it and start actually praying at prayer meetings.
Keep preaching about prayer and model prayer during your preaching.
Have a prayer list and pray through it.
Develop a ministry that prays for all other ministries.
Be a leader that models prayer.
God Bless you in your journey,
Tom Cheyney
Church Planting Specialist
18. Breaking the 35 Barrier In Your New Church Plant By Dr. Tom Cheyney The Church Growth Barrier of "35" is a very difficult barrier to break. It is usually the first serious crossroad the church desiring to grow must face. The longer the small church attendance remains under thirty-five, the harder growth expansion becomes. Pastors should strive to lead its fellowship past this crucial growth barrier as quickly as possible.
The Church Growth Barrier of "35" is a very difficult barrier to break. It is usually the first serious crossroad the church desiring to grow must face. The longer the small church attendance remains under thirty-five, the harder growth expansion becomes. Pastors should strive to lead its fellowship past this crucial growth barrier as quickly as possible.
