Monday Morning Rewind: Take a Look in the Mirror

The Christian church has a major image problem. Numerous books have come out recently that suggest this is in fact the case, from “Lord, Save Us from Your Followers,” to “They Like Jesus but Not the Church,” to “Quitting Church.” (This is only a selective list; there are plenty more.) Perhaps much of this image problem is deserved. Some of the church has bought into the “religion” paradigm and in so doing has become judgmental and critical of non-religious types. But when Jesus deals with this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:1-6), he approaches it from a “relationship” paradigm (as everything else in this “sermon”), first with God and then with others.

Chapter seven deals with the “examinations” or “tests” that show we are exhibiting the “true righteousness” he intimated we need way back in 5:20. Remember, chapter five was mostly about character (being comes first) and chapter six was mostly about conduct (doing follows). This chapter deals with evaluating whether our righteousness “exceeds that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.”

Jesus starts our “tests” with self-examination. The judgment we parcel out to others, He says, will return to us (it appears He is referring to the Final Judgment, as least to some commentators). In my experience, though, a critical spirit and judgmentalism will often return to me many times over, even in the present! In the long run it doesn’t work to my advantage.

There’s an undeniable truth in this passage for us all to see: we are ALL broken, sinful people…all of us. Those of us who have experienced God’s mercy should live for those who have yet to discover it for themselves (5:7).

Certainly Jesus is not suggesting that a certain “critique” is out of order. Later in this passage He assumes that if we properly critique ourselves, then we will be able to help evaluate another. He also later in this chapter tells His followers to evaluate “false” teachers and to look for “fruit” in the lives of others. If that is the case, then when is “judging” right? When it:

• is done to discern, not to destroy
• is seen in compassion, not in competition
• promotes peace, not personal power
• magnifies, not marginalizes
• moves to action, not to accusation

If we are going to serve others relationally in dealing with the brokenness of life we must embrace certain values and behavioral attitudes with our heart, our words and our actions. First, we must value humility over judgment. The starting place for any “critique” of others is ourselves. Jesus reminds His followers that we are “hypocrites” (actors playing a part) if  we don’t admit our own need and brokenness. In fact, He suggests that our own brokenness is magnified in the eyes of others when we refuse to admit and deal with it. The key here for us is perspective. We need to see from the other person’s point of view. If we do, then in evaluating others we will be more likely to “let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.” It will keep us humble, as if we were “one beggar simply sharing with another where he can find bread.”

Second, we must build up others, rather than seek to tear them down. To demean others is simply an effort of ego to elevate self at their expense. It is harmful and does damage that for many appears to be irreparable. Followers of Christ should seek to encourage, not discourage, to strengthen not weaken, to help not hurt. To do that it takes proper vision. No wonder Jesus returned to the imagery of the eye here (introduced in 6:22ff.). We have to pay attention to the things we “see” if our vision is going to be accurate. Anybody can see people as they are; it takes a humble, encouraging leader to see them as they can be.

Finally, We should live to “sharpen” others, not “dull” them. The imagery is from Proverbs 27:17 (as iron sharpens iron), where an ax is put to the wheel to make it more effective in its work, not to cut and chop in ways that will dull its impact and ability. Jesus is saying only after a proper self-examination can His followers help others with the needs and brokenness of their lives. But He insists we should! The key for us is our motivation.We should assist them through tenderhearted, compassion love and service. Coach them up to their best, their God-given potential, if you can, by looking beyond their faults, just as someone helped you (or better, CONTINUES to help you in dealing with your own need).

So, again, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the times I’ve personally been judgmental of others and had a critical spirit. It’s wrong and I ask your forgiveness if it’s affected you. I also apologize for the Christian church; way too often we’ve been portrayed as arrogant know-it-alls who are hypocrites and judgmental too. Sometimes that portrayal is accurate; others times, perhaps not. But regardless, we have failed our brothers and sisters in Christ way too many times in this regard. And we have failed the rest of the world by not showing them in humility, encouragement and service, the mercy shown us. Please forgive us…for when we have failed you we have failed our Lord.

But the Good News is this: God has never, and will never, fail you! His mercies endure forever! And He wants you to experience that mercy in your own life.  “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly,” Jesus said (John 10:10). And that promise includes you, too.

Fridays are for Friends & Family 03.27.09

Well, we’ve made it to Friday again, friends, and you know what that means: a trip around the web to see what’s been happening elsewhere.  This week’s trip will be more serious than most.

In recent weeks there has been a focus by other bloggers on what’s been happening within my own denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. There’s far too much being said to cover in one post, so I’ll just list a number of links that have been garnering attention in my world.  By far the “hottest” name in the blogosphere on this topic this week has been Michael Spencer, aka Internet Monk, who has written a two-part commentary on SBC decisions and consequences in Avoiding Death by Nostalgia (part 1) and the follow up article, entitled A Great Commission Resurgence (part 2) .

Dr. Alvin Reid of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary recently posted a timely and discerning post that I have said elsewhere needs to be read by everyone within my denomination. It is entitled “I Have a Problem” and can be found by clicking here.

Baptist21, another noteworthy blog, recently posted a two part series that speaks to the concerns of younger generation Southern Baptists. Entitled “3rd Generation Conservatives in the Southern Baptist Convention” (part one) and again in a subsequent article (part 2).

My own friend and colleague David Phillips on his blog wrote a response to the Internet Monk regarding a previous article suggesting the coming collapse of evangelicalism. In that article Phillips suggests implications for the SBC if iMonk’s predictions turn out to be true. You can read about his comments in “If iMonk is right, What does the SBC Look Like?” here.

And finally some hopefully good news: Ed Stetzer of Lifeway Research is referenced in an article found in USA Today yesterday, suggesting that the SBC has the opportunity to be more evangelistic in the coming years because the people of our society are not as opposed to us sharing our faith as we’ve previously thought. That article can be found here. This is encouarging, since the SBC’s purpose and heartbeat for decades–maybe from its very inception–has been evangelism and missions.

It’s time to recapture our founders’ vision and focus on the mission. It’s the only way our denomination will once again thrive in coming years.

What do you think?

Dan Kimball Coming to Town

Just a heads up for all of you out there who are interested: Dan Kimball, church planter, pastor, author, blogger and one of the leading voices among younger evangelicals in America, will be with us here in Columbia, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 12.  “A Day with Dan Kimball” will focus on what’s happening among emerging generations and why they are disappearing from our church.

During the day Dan will talk about “the emerging church” and discuss its developments, including the differences taking place within the movement (including why he personally no longer uses the term “emerging church). In addition, Dan will discuss how churches are viewing themselves as missional and what that means to the average pastor and church in terms of a variety of things, including leadership, evangelism, preaching, worship and even facilities.

Dan will speak a portion of the day addressing some of the concerns that the emerging culture in America has in regards to Christians in particular and the church in general. These criticisms includes perceptions that the church is judgmental, homophobic, anti-intellectual and oppressive of females. He will conclude with thoughts about what we as the church can do about it without compromising the Scripture or truth.

Dan serves as founding planter/pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, California. He has written a number of cutting edge books, including The Emerging Church, Emerging Worship and most recently, They Like Jesus but Not the Church. He is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry degree from George Fox Seminary. For more information about Dan, you can go to his own blog here.

The event is open to the public. The cost is $50 per person. To register or for more details about location, click here.

Thanks, Curt

Curt Schilling retired yesterday. His playing days are over after 23 big-league seasons and a part of me will never be the same. I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Schilling. As a long-tenured Boston Red Sox fan, Curt Schilling was the “Great Emancipator.” There are many of us in Red Sox Nation that feel he is almost personally responsible for the eradication of what had been known for years as “the curse.” Schilling’s Thanksgiving signing in 2003 with the Red Sox was a momentous achievement, if only for the unorthodox way that fledgling general manager Theo Epstein turned vision into reality. But more than his mere presence on the team of 2004, it will always and forever be the “Bloody Sock” game in the American League Championship series against the Yankees that October that etched his name forever in the granite of New England lore. It was the stuff of legends.

From that day forward, Schilling was mythical throughout the region…larger than life. Like Bill Russell. Bobby Hull. Larry Bird. He transcended sport and had invaded the whole of life.

To be sure, Schilling has always had his detractors. He says a lot…a whole lot. In fact, he is outspoken and brash, sometimes raw and forever opinionated about anything and everything. His words often have a polarizing effect on those who hear him. But his baseball! wow, that’s something else. For when he takes the mound and let’s his pitching do the talking, it screams loud and clear: in a money game, I’m one of the best who’s ever played the game.

I had the privilege of seeing him pitch his first official game for the Red Sox in 2004 against the Orioles in Baltimore. He was on his game that day and in fact, throughout that pivotal season. I’ve seen him perform many times since. But for my money his greatest Red Sox game was the second game in the World Series against the Colorado Rockies in 2007. Concluding what must have been one of his most agonizing and difficult seasons (he was injured much of the year and struggled to a 9-8 won lost record),  he won without his overwhelming power, the trademark of his career. Rather, this game–his last as a Red Sox, as it turned out–was won by the smarts of his brain and the sheer determination of his will.

Some say he was the greatest postseason pitcher ever. Perhaps. Some say he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Only time will tell. But for my money, I’d say give him the ball if the game is on the line. No one gave more; no one tried harder. No one could win a game simply by willing it so more than Curt Schilling, and for that I stand up and applaud.

Mr. Schilling, between the lines you were always a sight to behold. Those of us who saw you play will never forget. Well done, #38; Red Sox Nation–in fact, all of baseball–salutes you.

Monday Morning Rewind: Winning over Worry

The concluding section of Matthew 6 is actually an elaboration on the concerns and priority that money (the immediately preceding section) can have on our life. Jesus reminds His followers that if you follow after material possessions you will be burdened with worries about these things all the time. This worrying, which He tells followers to reject, is defined as “the sin of distrusting the promises and power of God” (Craig Groeschel). Instead, Jesus teaches that we are to allow God to take care of our worries and concerns in life as we keep our life focused on Him and His priorities. In effect, it’s a swap: we trade our concerns with the concerns of God. When we take up His concerns, He says He will take care of our needs.

So how do we do that?

First, we accept divine providence (v. 32). While the unbelieving world “runs after” food, drink, clothing…the material concerns of this world, Jesus tells us that we are not to be like this. (In effect, worrying about these things is acting like an unbeliever!) Isn’t it interesting that our Lord uses the action words “run after” to describe their behavior?! It’s as though they are “hungering  and thirsting” after these insatiable concerns rather than the righteousness of God (see chapter 5, verse 6.). Jesus reminds His followers that our heavenly Father already knows that we have these needs. As such, we need to trust Him and His provision for these needs. Unfortunately, for many of us we are not simply satisfied with what Jesus will provide–we want more. And therein lies the problem that leads to great worries on our part!

Second, we have to adopt divine priorities (v. 33a). Here Jesus teaches His followers that they are to focus on the priorities of God’s kingdom and His righteousness (contrasted with the righteousness of the religious leaders of the day). These concerns are to occupy our time and attention; they are to be the significant matters of our life, not temporal things like food and clothing. Our focus need to be centered on Him, not on self. After all, it’s all about Him! Thus, this process of “seeking” is a relational journey, an adventure if you will, in which God invites us to join Him in His work as we follow Him in the way.

Third, we are to anticipate divine promises (v. 33b). Jesus says that when we adopt His priorities we receive the guarantee of God…”All these things (food, drink, clothing, etc.) will be given to you as well.” So when we adopt His priorities we get God’s concerns PLUS our needs…a win-win scenario! But note, they are “given” not demanded, thus as recipients God gets to decide what to give and when. This is often the hard part for us, because way too often we want to control the outcome (which leads once again to worrying!). We must rely on the faithfulness of God, who has not and will not let us down. We can cast our cares on Him, BECAUSE He cares for us (1 Peter 5.7).

Finally, we have to apply divine principles (v. 34). Simply said, we must learn to live one day at a time. The past is gone forever (don’t dwell there since you and I cannot change it) and tomorrow’s not promised to anyone (so don’t waste time worrying about what may or may not happen). Live in the moment of each day. The key to doing this is to “learn” contentment. It doesn’t come naturally for most of us, so like the apostle Paul we have to learn it (cf. Philippians 4). He reminds us there not to worry about anything, BUT rather to pray about everything. He also points out that the secret to contentment is to know and rely of the One who strengthens you and me.

So what’s keeping you from relying on Him? From peace of heart and mind? Enslaved to worries? Is it fear? suspicion? pride? restlessness? the “grand illusion” of control? Jesus Himself tells us the key to overcoming worry in our life when He points out that our propensity to worry is because we are “of little faith” (v. 30).  Grow your faith! Trust Him more! George Mueller once said, “The end of anxiety is faith; and the end of faith is anxiety.” Give up your worries, by taking up His priorities. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…and you know what? all these other things will be given to you, as well.

Fridays are for Friends & Family 03.20.09

Welcome, everyone, to a “March Madness” edition of my blog. Today is the first Friday of the NCAA tournaments and there’s a lot of attention on the basketball games over the next few days. So far, there’s only been one “upset” (Western Kentucky over Illinois…sorry Big Ten). If you haven’t made your predictions yet, even though you’re a little late you can find the Men’s chart here and the Women’s chart here, along with a “Bracketology” explanation for beginners. My Final Four: Louisville, Memphis, Pitt and North Carolina. I’m picking Memphis to win it all; what about you?

On a related note, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you who voted for me in the SBC Blog Madness contest at SBCVoices.com. I am honored to have been included in the fellowship of those others whose blogs are referenced in the contest. If you haven’t voted for this blog, you can still do it by clicking here, anytime before 9:00pm on Sunday evening.

Are you a LOST television fan? I’ve been hooked on it since its very first season. If you are (there are no spoilers here), then you might be interested in reading what Christianity Today has written about it and the parallels recently found to the work of a very popular Christian artist. Click here to read what they suggest has influenced the show’s storyline.

Are Southern Baptists “the new Methodists?” And what is meant by that? Chuck Kelley, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (a Southern Baptist school) recently suggested that in a chapel address he gave at the seminary. You can read his thoughts here.

My deepest thanks go out to Nelson Searcy and Kerrick Thomas, who did an outstanding job in sharing wisdom and insights on church planting and church systems with us earlier this week here in Maryland. Most of you are aware of Nelson’s website, ChurchLeaderInsights.com. You can access it here to find a great deal of material that could be of assistance to you in your ministry. However, what many church planters do not know is that Nelson has another site specifically for you: it’s churchfromscratch.com. I encourage you to go there by clicking here and you will find countless documents and other items that can be of use to you in your ministry.

This week’s video comes from my own family life: my daughter, Rebekah, is in the Preparatory Strings of the Annapolis Youth Orchestra. She plays violin and sits directly in front of the conductor (the actual center of this video). The musical number is the finale of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which the Strings performed a week ago here in the area.

Podcast of the week

Joel Rainey, a colleague here in Maryland, gave me the privilege of doing his very first interview on the popular book he has written entitled “Planting Churches in the Real World.” You can listen to the podcast or download it here; you can also buy his book if you have not done so by clicking here or going to Amazon.com.

Church Planting Website of the week

SonRise Church in Berlin is one of my favorite church planting stories of this decade. The church, planted by founding pastor Daryl McCready (seen at the right with his family), is a leader in baptisms every year, has grown to several hundred in attendance and has planted multiple churches already. Check out their website here and read about what God is doing there.

Nelson Searcy on Stewardship–LIVE BLOGGING

Our final session with Nelson Searcy, lead pastor of The Journey Church of the City in New York, and Kerrick Thomas, executive and teaching pastor at the same church, will focus on stewardship. “This seminar came about out of desperation…we were about to lose our partners. But we had to learn fast and apply it right away.”

Searcy says, “Here’s the deal: it’s impossible to be a fully-developed disciple without being a fully-developed steward. Your heart follows your treasure!”

“The goal is to move people into becoming a more fully developed steward, from non-givers to regular-givers to tithers to extravagant givers,” according to Searcy and Thomas. “If people would give just at poverty-level tithing you’d probably double your income for ministry!”

Education. Teach people to give; this is the first step in moving non-givers into first-time givers. Thomas says, “Teach about this at least four times a year; tie them to felt-needs in life around the calendar and seasons of life.” Searcy agrees and adds, “We report to those who support, so use an envelope and we will let you know about our expenses, plus it gives them accountability. Remember: people give to vision, not to need.”

Thomas added, “Remind people that the church’s ministry is supported by its members.” Searcy adds, “Unchurched people have no idea how your church is funded. And let them know that our ministry opportunities are a result of their giving.”

Searcy suggests churches should give the people different options for giving. If you only allow people to give at your services you may be losing as much as 40% of your receipts! For example, create a self-mailing envelope and put it in the bulletin with a business reply permit that doesn’t even need stamps. You don’t have to pay for those that aren’t mailed. If you just put the envelope in the bulletin not the pew rack, you will get more, I promise…and besides, they’re too small! No one can put big money in a small envelope. Another way would be people that give by ‘bill pay’ with your own bank or as an ACH as an automated debit option (this is a great option since you will KNOW what will be coming in every week unless they make a change). Another way to give online at our website through paypal, etc. Sixty percent of our giving comes in ways OTHER than weekend services! The point is: if you want to get more first time givers, you must provide more options.”

Follow up with givers. Send thank you notes to first time givers. Send quarterly giving statements. Acknowledge unusual gifts with a special response including a gift and a hand-written note.

To gain regular givers. More education is necessary. Searcy adds, “People will rise to the level of commitment you ask. For every 100 people who participate in a giving small group the church will receive $100,000 a year, according to Bob Roberts. Write it into your membership class covenant and answer their questions. Ask them “which way” they plan to give, not “if” they will give. If people have not given at all in a year, we look at the list together as a staff and ask people to follow up with them; it’s an accountability issue for you as a leader.”

To secure Tithers. “Tithing shows that God has first place in your life; it’s the first ten percent of your gross income,” according to Thomas. Searcy adds, “This is the first place principle in all areas of life: if you want God to bless you in anything, give Him first place in that area of your life.” Thomas says, “It’s not a tithe if it comes last or if it’s leftovers…He comes first.”  “Consider a 4-month ‘Tithe Challenge’ to accept God’s test regarding the tithe (Mal. 3:10)…by the way, unbelievers have no problem with this, but people that come to you from other churches do!”

To develop extravagant Givers. Searcy says, “God calls on us to give sacrificially from time to time; this can be the beginning of an extravagant giving lifestyle. People need to be educated that the tithe is the minimum of what God expects. Offerings are above this amount.”

Nelson Searcy on Evangelism–LIVE BLOGGING

Searcy and Thomas

This morning we return to White Marsh Baptist Church, just north of Baltimore for an intensive training in the area of evangelism with nationally-known church planting leader Nelson Searcy. Searcy believes this is one of the eight systems upon which the church lives and breathes. Searcy himself is passionate about evangelism, as he formerly served as an evangelism leader in the state of North Carolina and as the church planting coordinator at Saddleback Community Church before he launched the Journey Church of the City in New York in 2002.

Thomas says, “The number one reason you’re in ministry I hope is because there are people in your community that need to know Jesus. We are so motivated because we only have so much time to reach them and we need to do it now.”

“I’ve taken hits for my strategy subtitle,” Searcy says, referring to ‘attracting a crowd to worship.’ The pendulum in America swings from incarnational to attractional and back over time.  We love to think the answer is one or the other, but it’s not; it’s both/and. We need to both ‘go and tell’ as well as ‘come and see.’”

“Your systems are perfectly designed to get you the results you’re getting… so are you happy with your systems the way they are?” Searcy asks. “If not, we want to help you move people from the ‘outside’ to the ‘inside’ of the concentric circles Warren has popularized. It is a ‘front door’ for your church. God wants you to reach the ‘full redemptive potential’ of the church…what would that look like? This is the only purpose of the church that we can do on earth that we won’t be doing when we get to heaven.”

“What is evangelism? To evangelize is so to present Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Savior and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of His Church (Archibishop’s Committee of evangelism 1918).  Evangelism starts with the Holy Spirit and ends in the local church. The most effective evidence of evangelism in your church is baptism.”

“There are four areas of an effective evangelism system: the pastor, personal evangelism (missional, incarnational, ‘go and tell’, etc.), promotion (seed-sowing, getting the word out) and preservation (celebrating, etc.). They are not sequential).”

The Pastor’s Role. “Primarily he needs to keep the temperature of the church at a boiling point…hot within the Body of Christ,” Searcy and Thomas say. “The pastor creates a culture and strategy for the evangelistic work of the church. You must measure first time guests, conversions and baptisms through follow up, among other things. Use your platform presence to create a climate. Hold your staff and lay leaders accountable to be evangelistic, too. And structure your church for evangelism with calendaring and budgeting as a priority.”

Personal Evangelism. “About a third of our evangelism decisions annually are a result of servant evangelism efforts,” Searcy says. “Any of your people can do this, from prayer walking to cleaning parks, etc. Think about the needs of people; what would they value, not simply want? Cost can be kept very low if you are creative. But to do this, you must change your people’s mindset from seeing this as an expense to seeing it as an investment. Tools plus training plus timeliness will bring about evangelism.” According to Thomas, “People do what they see and what’s urgent.”

Promotion. “Jesus tells us that some of the seed we sow will be taken away, some won’t take root, have other excuses but some will take root and reproduce. The result of the good soil will outproduce even the 3/4th that doesn’t reproduce. You reap what you sow, after you sow and more than you sow.” So locate receptive people and focus on them. Searcy says, “People are most open to the Gospel when they are under tension, during transition or in trouble; it is at these times that they tune in to God. We will probably lose money from our givers at the church today, but we will keep growing because we’ll keep reaching more people during a time of economic difficulty like the present.”

Preservation. According to Searcy, “What you do in this area will greatly affect what you do in personal evangelism and in promotion. Your faith precedes the harvest. It is a principle of  spiritual readiness. God is more likely to send people ready for Him to a church that is best prepared to assist them and grow them in their faith.”

More Nelson Searcy Today

This is just a heads up that the LIVE BLOGGING with Nelson Searcy will continue today, Wednesday March 18. Nelson will be teaching his evangelism seminar from 9:00am-Noon and his stewardship seminar from 1:30-4:30pm. I will continue blogging from both of these training events in the same way I blogged yesterday from his LAUNCH church planter training. First post should go up no later than 9:30am; check back then for information. And you can follow this on Twitter as well; my name there is “bcmddavid.”

LAUNCH with Nelson Searcy–LIVE Blogging

Good morning, world, and welcome to the only “live” national LAUNCH conference with Nelson Searcy in 2009.  The Conference is being held at White Marsh Baptist Church, just north of Baltimore, Maryland. About 100 attendees are here, from locations as diverse as California, Michigan and Tennessee.

Nelson and Kerrick Thomas, executive and teaching pastor at The Journey Church of the City in New York City, are here to teach the material in their book. The church where they serve is probably the most successful church plant in my tribe (SBC) in the Northeast–meeting in 5 locations with over 1200 currently in attendance.

Why launch? “We believe that most great churches are launched, not planted,” says Searcy.  “Planters are heroes; we really believe this is a heroic activity.  In fact we believe in learn and return…what God teaches us, we have a obligation to share with others…The principles we teach here work all over America…East Coast, West Coach, big city or the sticks. A lot of what we teach is not new from us, but we learned from others, too.”

“America is the third largest unreached country in the world…70% is unreached…The only legitimate reason to start a new church is to reach the lost.”

Searcy and Thomas started in two locations on Manhattan when they “launched” Journey in the spring of 2002. Both of them worked an additional job when they began the work together. 110 were present at launch on Easter 2002, after cultivation in the months preceding it. By August they were down to 35 on one Sunday.  “If we hadn’t launched large at Easter, we’d have been out of business by this time.”

To date, they’ve helped start four other churches and have multisite locations in three or four other places of the city. They have baptized 700 people in last seven or so years.

Launching large is a key…”Keller told us we were the largest launch in the previous decade, but it’s relative to an area…there is a corrolation between launching large and reaching as many people as possible….for God’s dream for your church is bigger than your dream.”

Launching quickly is a key, too. Churches should start quickly, in 2-4 months beginning monthly services, then a few more months going to weekly services.  “Lost people are the same everywhere; they’re not going to come to your church until you start services.”

A third key is launching from the outside in. “Opposite from the Purpose-Driven concentric circles, you have no core when you start a new church. In fact, new churches shouldn’t have a core for about a year. Focus only on the community and the crowd…try to get people to come to your church/ service. If you build a core, they become resistant to reaching more lost people and will become inwardly focused.  You and your worship leader with everybody else lost is lots better than a bunch of disgruntled Christians from the church down the street.”

There are a number of significant ideas we believe and suggest you understand and implement, including the following:

• Your calling is the most important factor to your plant’s success.
• Resist the temptation to do everything first….do the weekend service/childcare and evangelism, no more.

Calling. “There are no higher highs and no lower lows than in church planting…Most churches fail because I believe they’re led by a non-called leader. In fact, the calling of God is the only thing that will keep you there at times. Please note, too that God ALWAYS calls both you and your spouse to church planting…but not necessarily at the same time. And you will most likely be called to reach people like yourself…93% of planters do, since only 7% have a cross-cultural gift.”

Searcy references The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing as one of the 5 most important books church planters should read. This book, by Al Reiss and Jack Trout, will help you live out your calling and reach all ages, but because you are more focused on the one group you are called to reach. Music is the number one key. “The call” is a call to prepare to lead, to teach, to depend on God!

“Our goal is to focus on the “nuts and bolts” side of church planting; we believe this is our unique contribution to the ministry of church planting for others who come after us. So, one of the focus elements needed is raising funds for church planting. The only people who don’t like you talking about money are people that come to you from other churches. One of my regrets is that I didn’t talk about money enough in the first few months. Hudson Taylor said, ‘God’s work done God’s way will never lack God’s provision.’ God wants you to succeed!”

Funding. “Start by knowing how much you’ll need to start your work. Plan on salaries that are comparable to the people you’re trying to reach. Get the only kind of equipment you need…not top of the line stuff…this is, in fact, one of the biggest mistakes planters make today. No monies are left to do evangelism or add staff! Lease equipment if you can, instead of buying it. Don’t just assume you know what’s happening in the city; find out by talking to business people in the community where you’ll serve. Plan for being self-sufficient as a new church in 2-4 years and be able to show potential donors how you’re going to do that.”

“The largest base of donors we received came from local churches across the country,” Searcy says, “…only one of them came out of a personal relationship from years before. Most gave $2,000-$3,000 a month for one to three years. Most came after we launched, though, since churches like to fund success. And know that fund raising must continue through the years. Finally, don’t ever forget, you planter are the chief fundraiser for the new church; no one else can replace you with donors. So, over four years we were able to raise about half a million dollars for our church plant. These skills I used in raising this money has been used over and over again in the growth and development of our church.”

“Why do some churches succeed and others don’t? Leadership, planning and the spiritual blessing of God.  There are probably lots of others.  IN FACT, we believe the most important factor is A HEALTHY LAUNCH…80% of the time this is the key to success, just as a healthy birth is key to a child’s growth and development.”

Planning Your First Service. “Picking the right date for launch is the most important decision you’ll make after you nail down your call from God,” Searcy states. “Easter…when school starts back…these are good times, but not the best. We believe the best time is February. This gives you a chance for a second launch at Easter time, before the drop off in summer. Then you have a major push in the fall and you’re off to a great start. And don’t launch at any other time of the week than Sunday morning. Then back up 3-6 months to start your monthly services that will lead up to your launch. And by the way, your launch team commits to help you launch the church weekly, but it ‘goes away’ after you’ve started weekly services.”

Meeting Location. “The location where you meet should match the people you’re trying to reach,” according to Searcy. “Ideally, it will be a place like a hotel ballroom where you can move from one place to another. Movie theaters are also good, as are comedy clubs. Public school auditoriums are another option or community theaters, but they are pricey. But regardless, don’t sign a long-term lease.”

Launch Day. Searcy says, “Start a teaching series this day based on a felt-need important to your target group. Have your launch team inviting their friends to join you for this first weekly service. And don’t ever use a guest musician or band on this day! People need to see what’s going to be a part of the regular church life from this time forward. Finally, be sure to collect information from everyone who attends and followup on them right away.”

Three Great Temptations You Must Overcome. “First, you will be tempted to change the launch date.  NEVER change it…NEVER. Second, don’t delegate too much control and authority to the launch team. You must lead, so take responsibility and make it happen. Third, you may be tempted to merge with another (dying) congregation that offers you resources but brings with it lots and lots of baggage. DON’T DO IT!”

Staffing. Searcy says, “The most important staff hire you’ll ever make is your worship leader…if done right, this hire will create incredible synergy. Hire from within when possible but make sure they’re called. Also, hire parttime before fulltime.  And if you hire your wife as a staffer with you, find a counselor RIGHT NOW. Don’t wait till it damages your marriage to deal with it.”