Several years ago, I was in the States eating Mexican food with an old friend who was trying to start a new church. After months of prayer and hard work, the church was getting off to a slow start. People were staying away by the thousands. As I listened to their struggles, my friend put his taco down, looked me square in the eye and said desperately: “If you were in my shoes, what would you do?”
This was not the first church my friend has pastored. His previous church was one of my favorite American churches to preach in. The worship was vibrant. The people were dedicated. The presence of God was real. The church gave generously to world missions. Every time I visited that church, I left refreshed and inspired.
But this new church plant was a different story. The former church was boldly evangelistic with visionary leadership and contemporary worship. For various reasons, my friend decided this new church would adopt traditional worship and a more laid back, non-aggressive leadership style.
It was not working. The church was not growing, my friend was desperate, and he was asking my advice. My first inclination was to recommend the latest church growth book. But I could not think of any that had actually helped me lately. Besides, this weary pioneer needed more than a book.
The advice that finally sputtered out of my mouth can be summed up in three words: discipleship, worship, and leadership. I am convinced these are essential keys to successful church planting.
1. Discipleship
Discipleship and church planting both must start with evangelism. Since the purpose of planting a new church is to reach the lost, there is no reason to advertise in Christian magazines, on Christian radio stations, or on Christian TV. The easiest and worst way to start a new church is by gathering Christian nomads. The hardest and healthiest way to start a new church is by reaching the lost.
Discipleship is evangelism that does not end at the altar. Discipleship starts with evangelism, but it doesn’t end there. It is much easier to gather crowds than to make disciples. I told my friend that I would focus on discipling a small group of men. I would teach them how to be faithful husbands and godly fathers. I would show them how to pray, how to study the Bible, and how to be effective witnesses to their lost friends and family. Discipleship is hard and slow, but it is the only way I know to grow a healthy church.
2. Worship
My second piece of church planting advice concerned worship. I believe the church should be a place where the presence and power of God is undeniable and irresistible. Worship happens when people freely express their love to God. This is what church is all about. It is not about music style, but about focusing our attention and affection on Jesus. I encouraged my friend to figure out who he was trying to reach and find a music style that those people could relate to. But, whatever the music style, the worship must be Christ-centered and excellent.
3. Leadership
My final word to my fellow church planter was that churches, especially new churches, need strong leadership. Nations need presidents. Armies need generals. Sports teams need coaches. Families need fathers. Sheep need shepherds. Whatever you think you are—apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher—you must be a leader to be a successful church planter.
So, what would I do to get a struggling church plant off the ground? I would stick to the time-tested basics of discipleship, worship, and leadership. Nothing new and novel, just the “same old boring strokes.”
