9 Unique Challenges of Planting a Church

When it comes to leading anything...you will always face challenges and opposition. The challenges of church planting are in some ways unique. Below are some of my thoughts on 9 challenges of Year 1...

1. The Turnover Factor (Why do people leave?) Below are four reasons why people leave.

1. Unmet expectations
2. Physical fatigue
3. Some people just are not called to be there long term
   1. God might be developing them for another church
4. Crazy motives that cause them to leave if things aren’t their way!
   1. Be careful of ever needing people to stay

2. Leadership development

1. Easy thing to put on the back shelf...because there are lots of things that need to get done.
2. It is critical to create a  system to constantly pick up and develop DNA carriers
3. Some of your best leaders in the future...probably aren’t even involved yet.
4. Staff development can fall into this area as well

3.  Spiritual Warfare

1. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities of darkness
2. In planting a church you are stepping on the front lines of the battle...therefore, don't underestimate it!
3. Do not fear for he has overcome the world.  And He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!

4. Money Crunch

1. You will feel it personally &...
2. Corporately...you never have enough of it!

5. Personal development

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Spiritual
4. Time with your family
5. Find people who fill your cup, who will pray for you, who are safe

6. Time Budgeting

1. Like money...you never have enough time
2. Sometimes you may feel like you have too much time
3. People will ask for your time as though it has no value
4. You will give of your time as though it has no value
5. Focus your time!!!

Ephesians 5:15...Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

7. Launch team transition

1. Moving from us to all of us...becoming the church and maintaining unity!
2. Celebrate
3. Share the Vision
4. Quickly begin to integrate new people into the ministry in areas of service
5. Be slow to lay hands on new leadership.  Remember leaders are recognized and not appointed.

8. Culture Creation

1. Be intentional when it comes to creating the culture of your church
2. How? Communicate clearly and systematically
3. Healthy systems and processes help foster church growth...what small thing can we tweak
4. Note: Systems won’t cause the church to grow...simply give God opportunity

9. Mission Drift

1. Vision Leaks
2. Easy to get caught in the routine of being a church
3. Have to remind yourself and your team...why did we do this?