Reformed Baptist Church Planting (Part 5)

A Layman’s Guide to Church Planting – Preparing For Common Problems

Church planting involves people, and people are sinners. It is no surprise then that problems arise when sinners are brought together in new relationships and contexts. Some of these problems may show up in the very early stages, before there is a settled structure or an experienced pastor to help address them. Knowing about some of the more common problems will help you be mentally prepared for them. In some cases the Lord may choose to use your advance planning to avoid a problem altogether.

1. A common problem in church plants is malcontented people. By that I mean people who tend to be dissatisfied no matter what the circumstances are. These people believe that their discontent stems from their church circumstances, so they leave for greener pastures that a church plant seems to promise. Then they discover that the church plant causes just as much discontent as their previous church. Listen closely to people’s reasons for leaving their previous church, and watch out for those who seem unduly critical. Make much of the gospel with them, but be prepared to suggest (or insist!) that a church plant won’t meet their expectations.

2. One of the more frustrating scenarios is meeting people who share your theological convictions but who have no interest in planting a church. Some believe these things intellectually but place more importance on programs or stability or existing relationships. Others simply have no stomach for church planting in all its unpredictability and hard work. Much of this is understandable. We need to recognize that not everyone is called to or equipped for planting a church.

3. Often, you may get initial interest from people who really don’t share your vision or theology. Sometimes, people will agree that something radically different is needed in church, but they don’t necessarily agree on what that different thing should be. You have to be prepared for these kinds of disappointments. Resist the urge to say what people want to hear, and be up front about the kind of vision you have for a healthy church and its doctrinal foundation.

4. You will also be challenged to compromise on nearly every point that you believe is important. You need to be very clear in your own understanding about what is non-negotiable and what is secondary in a church plant. An extremely long, detailed list of non-negotiables may result in a church of one! Be sure that the items you consider essential are based on biblical and historical precedent and are not merely personal preferences.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from area pastors and churches. But don’t be surprised when you run into turf-protecting attitudes. Two area pastors who initially gave verbal encouragement to our efforts disappointed us when our requests for some minimal concrete help were rebuffed. On the other hand, one pastor rejected an initial request for help when he learned we were Calvinists. But later, he came back and voluntarily led his church to provide some significant financial help after relationships were established and he got to know our hearts and intentions. The Lord uses these kinds of experiences to show us that he is the one who builds his church, not us!

6. You also need to prepare yourself to relinquish some control as the group grows, especially once a pastor is called. One of the best ways to do this is to establish a leadership team early on in which the members agree to guide the church plant according to the doctrinal statement and vision. You will eventually have to learn to defer to a pastor who has experience, training, and recognized spiritual authority that you don’t have. Even if you are recognized at the outset as an elder, you will eventually be operating in the context of a plurality of elders in shared leadership. Guard your heart against a controlling mentality. Welcome the gifts and leadership of others even when it doesn’t fit your personal preferences or viewpoints on minor matters.

7. Most of all, be prepared to repent. Just as the closeness of marriage reveals the depths of sin, the closeness of relationships in a church plant will do the same. You will discover sinful weaknesses that you never knew. It will be all too easy to allow your organizational agenda to take priority over people and their needs. You will make errors in your judgment that bring pain and difficulty to others. All of these experiences will give you an opportunity to live out the gospel. The more you believe the gospel, the more you will be prepared to humble yourself and seek forgiveness from the Lord and from others. Learn to do so quickly and sincerely.

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by Stan Reeves. This article originally posted on Reformed Baptist Fellowship blog.