Monday Morning Rewind: A Model for Church Planting

Yesterday’s message focused specifically on the apostle Paul’s ministry in church planting. The focal point in the Scripture came from Acts 9 – 19, as we surveyed his growing understanding and impact in service for the Lord.  Paul grew to realize that the influence of his life and ministry can and should grow to touch and influence more lives all the time, even extending beyond his lifetime.

How can we do that in our lives as the apostle did many years ago?

It starts by being missional (9:19b-22). Paul’s encounter with Jesus and subsequent call are shared in this chapter that begins in earnest the focus on Paul that will continue for the remainder of the book. We learn quickly that Saul (his Hebrew name, as he is still called at this point in the book) is passionate about being “on mission with Jesus” (a very simple definition of “missional”). This lifestyle characteristic is all about IDENTITY. Because its focus is on being AND doing, not simply one or the other, the apostle discovers his purpose here, as he grows vertically in relationship with his God. By living out that purpose, many people in Damascus and Jerusalem are impacted by his focus on Jesus as the Son of God. In fact, his ministry results in churches being strengthened and encouraged, growing in size, because they lived in fear of the Lord (9:31).

Second, we have to be incarnational (11:19-26). Saul (Paul) and Barnabas, along with the entire Antioch church learned to “be flesh among them,” to live as the hands AND feet of Christ. Here in this city, believers were first called “Christians,” and while the term was likely meant to be derisive, it demonstrates that people were seeing evidence of Christ’s own presence and life through them. This “touch” factor is all about MINISTRY, as followers grow horizontally to love and serve their neighbor as themselves. That can only happen when we get out among them and live the Christ-life before their eyes. For the Antioch church, this resulted in more evangelism impact (12:24) and even ushered in the first missionary endeavor of the early church (13:3).

Third, Paul teaches us the value of congregationalizing people (14:21-23). Paul (his Roman name) and Barnabas, now on their first missionary journey through Asia Minor, learn the importance of having the new believers they are reaching with the Gospel begin to “share life together” as a new family of faith. This grouping of people is all about COMMUNITY and enables the churches (plural) to grow stronger, more interdependent and stable, in order to do the work of the Lord. This is important: they did not grow inward (spiritual “navel-gazing”) but internally (strengthening the core, the foundation), for the future work of outreach. In fact, these congregations are both the church gathered AND scattered, as they live for Christ 24/7. As a result, the churches grew qualitatively and quantitatively (16:5).

Finally, we must be exponential (19:8-10). By exponential, I mean “reproducing at an ever-increasing rate.” Paul on his third missionary journey seems to come to the realization that the previous work he did on journeys 1 and 2 enabled reproduction to happen only by addition. On this journey he shifts his strategy, staying in one place–Ephesus–and focused on multiplying disciples AND congregations. This “x” factor realizes the need to be Kingdom-minded and grow beyond where we are in order to reach others who are different geographically, ethnically, socio-economically and even generationally. This characteristic is all about LEGACY and what will outlast and out-reach the extent of our own life or church’s ministry. By becoming a training center for future church planters, Paul and the church at Ephesus was able to start so many churches (see Revelation 2 and 3 for many of these) that the writer of Acts was able to say “ALL the Jews AND Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (19:10b). Now that’s impact that outlasts any one life or ministry!

This RIPPLE EFFECT–from being on mission with God to living lives among the people who need Jesus to congregationalizing new believers to multiplying efforts exponentially to impact those we may never actually meet–is at the heart of the lessons Paul learned though his ministry. History records the results and the countless lives that were changed by Christ as a result.

How about us? Have we learned and applied these truths, too?

Monday Morning Rewind: Willing Service

Yesterday we looked at the eighth characteristic of effective churches found in the early chapters of the book of Acts with an analysis of “willing service” from Acts 6.1-7. Unlike the previous characteristics, this one surfaced as a result of internal conflict, the first such conflict in the history of the church. The response to the conflict–over the (lack of) distribution of food to the Hellenistic Jewish believing widows–showed the character of the early church and resulted in even greater growth.

Effective churches seek out ways to serve the Lord by serving others. Even in the midst of growth and conflict (something that can go hand-in-hand), the early church looked for ways to maximize the lives they could touch for Jesus’ sake. How did they do it?

In Acts 6.1-7, the Scripture records that they first discovered a need (v. 1). Growth had caused a problem to surface; it often will, because our “systems” are not created with future possibilities in mind. With growth came new believers, not Hebraic Jewish believers (like the apostles) from Jerusalem and the surrounding area. Rather, new believers were Hellenistic Jewish believers, having been born and raised in a culture and with a language different from the former group. Quite unintentionally it seems, these latter believers were overlooked and a cross-cultural need was realized. The early church had learned something new: not everyone they could touch would “be like them,” and as a result, they needed to “look” for needs beyond their “box” or framework of thinking. The important point here is that they were willing to do so, for open eyes follow open hearts.

Second, they determined how best they could meet this need (v. 3). They did not ignore the need; they saw it as an opportunity. They then did what was necessary to adjust their structure to meet these new needs and demands. They, to use Blackaby’s verbage, “found where God was at work and sought to join Him in it.” How did they do it? By working with the church to find seven servant-hearted men (some call these the first “deacons” in the church, though the word is not used here), all of whom appear to be Hellenistic Jewish believers (exception: Nicolas, a Jewish proselyte) since their names are Greek. The selection of these particular men seems to send a clear message that the church did not want this oversight to continue, but rather, these needs to be met in the best possible way. The Jethro principle of Exodus 18 had been put into effect within the early church, signaling a desire for maximum impact through maximum involvement.

Finally, everyone did their part (v. 2). The Twelve apostles made the point that it would not be “right” for them to do this work. Thus on moral and spiritual grounds they recognized their calling was to the Word of God and prayer. However, they also acknowledged that this work of service was a calling for others too, specifically characterized by faith, wisdom and the Holy Spirit upon their lives. They differentiated the specificity of roles within the Body of Christ, but recognized the necessity of everybody doing what they were called and gifted to do. They knew that no one–apostle or pastor included–can or should do everything (it’s not biblical or “right”); however everyone can and should do something (this is biblical and right).

The results? Because more people were involved and the church was serving as it should, the Word of God continued to spread and many, many more people were reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  They had become the “hands and feet” of Christ, and it had shown His love in ways that ushered more people into the Kingdom.

Today, perhaps more than any time in recent history, the world needs to see the church as servant-hearted, caring, loving, sharing and willingly giving of self for the benefit of others. They need to experience the Gospel through service, which adds authenticity, relevance and integrity to all we say and adds credibility to our witness. After all, “even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10.45). So, find a need and fill it; be the hands and feet of Christ in the world today, so that others may come to know Him, too.

(The previous seven characteristics of effective churches have been placed on this blog on the Monday Morning Rewind posts of the past two months, for any who might be interested in the messages on dynamic community, Holy Spirit leadership, focused purpose, bold faith, daring prayer, faithful stewardship and dangerous obedience.)

Fridays are for Friends & Family 09.04.09

It’s the Friday of Labor Day weekend, a memorable time to me since I married my wife on this holiday weekend twenty-four years ago. (I reported about our wedding earlier this week.)

As a result, I start this week with my friend and fellow church planter, Joe Miller in Tacoma, Washington, who earlier this year posted a video experience that he and his now-wife Suzanne had on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno back in 1995. As it turns out, this experience was Joe and Suzanne’s actual “first date” and the first time his parents ever saw his wife-to-be! It’s a great story; click here to watch it and to read the rest of the “back story” that accompanies it.

George Bullard, a well-known church consultant, is currently developing a series of articles that list 25 characteristics of “churches most likely to exist ten years from now” on his website. This article, his 14th to date, suggests that your church’s survivability depends on where it is on “the church lifecycle” (yes, churches do have a lifecycle, too, just like all living things). You can get to the article here and it will lead you to the other characteristics he’s listed. You can also get to the lifecycle chart by clicking here.

Tony Morgan has posted a series of items recently dealing with the multisite phenomenon in North America over the past few years. His latest article is on “Mistakes Multisites Make” and can be read by clicking here. Tony, who’s strong speciality is in the area of leadership, will be coming to High Tide Church, one of our churches in southern Delaware, with his “Tony Morgan Live” day of teaching and learning experiences on Friday, October 2. You can register for the event here.

It’s college football time again and that means anticipation of another big year for my team of choice, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Annually, my friend, fellow church planter and ‘Bama enthusiast, Adam Feldman, posts his thoughts on the coming season at his website. Last year he did an excellent job of anticipating the tremendous year they’d have (actually he expected 10-2 instead of 12-0, but who’s counting?). So, I’ve linked here to his prognostication for the 2009 season as well for those of you who may want to check it out.

Finally, this week has been significant in the lives of Beatles fans everywhere. The Beatles: Rock Band video game, along with the digitally-remastered upgrade of 14 titles, hit the shelves this week. So, in honor of “Beatlemania 2.0,” here’s a Chick-Fil-A tribute (bet you didn’t see that coming, did you?) by comedian Tim Hawkins to the tune “Yesterday.” Have a great week everybody!

Breaking Attendance Barriers

All church plants, as in existing churches, will eventually run into “attendance barriers.” Groups of people as they gather encounter this sociological phenomenon, no matter why they exist. Church plants are wise to prepare for these potential barriers that can slow down the impact and effort the new church can make within the community, as least through their gathered worship experiences.

Since the weekend worship experience is the “front door” for most American church plants, critical attention needs to be given to make sure that it is not creating roadblocks or detours to others hearing the message of Christ and becoming fully devoted followers of our Lord. If it does, they may never hear the Gospel (at least multiple times), become a part of a small group for community and disciplemaking or eventually be able to help the church reach others that need to know about Jesus too.

With these things in mind, a few months ago, I undertook a project to put on video three different presentations about breaking attendance growth barriers in the life of a new church. The specific barriers selected were not arbitrary: research into the 160 church plants we’ve started in the past decade told us that these numbers became consistent places where our plants were plateauing and needed help to make further progress.

While much of the information contained in these presentations is applicable to existing churches that have been around a long time, they were created specifically with church plants in mind. My personal feeling is that there are additional (not different) dynamics that must be overcome with older churches, thus making it an even harder process overall. I would certainly encourage such a church to watch these presentations that are applicable to your situation, but search elsewhere for additional information that could help your church regarding age of church, predecessors, tradition, etc.

Barrier #1: 35-50 in size. This barrier is highly typical for ethnic, language works, rural settings and also for bivocational church planters whose “other job” is fulltime. The best way to get past this barrier to the break it on the first day the church meets and then, never look back. But when that doesn’t happen it needs specific attention. Click here to watch this presentation (58 minutes). In addition, when the click-through takes you to the site, if you go to the top right corner to register (no cost!) and log in, then you can download the presentation as an mp3 (audio only) and/or download the PowerPoint presentation.

Barrier #2: 100-125 in size. This barrier is often the most common barrier church planters experience in the early years, because it is the threshold (in most instances) of your personal, individual ability. The best way to get beyond this barrier is to “share the load.” Click here to go to the presentation; it is about 55 minutes long and can be downloaded if you register for free and log in.

Barrier #3: 200 in size. This is the most important barrier, according to experts and researchers, regarding church growth and development. A conservative evaluation suggests that IF you do not break this barrier in the first two years of the new church’s life, chances are it will never happen. Because of this reality, church plants have to determine early on whether such growth or alternative strategies–like extension through church planting or multisite–are the way to go. Click here to view this presentation; again it is about 57 minutes in length and can be downloaded if you register for free and log in.

At the end of each presentation, there is a list of additional resources that may help you in attacking these barriers in your own church plants. In addition, you will find my contact information, if you think I can be of any help to you, as well.

Five More Reasons Why People Will Stay at Your Church Plant

There are a lot of reasons people will stay at your church, some of them obscure and insignificant to no more than a single person. However, as we saw last week there are a handful of reasons that are much more important and will affect the decision-making process of a far larger group of people on a week to week basis. Knowing these reasons will make a tremendous difference in the life of any church, but especially a fledgling church plant, bent on building momentum and touching the lives of more people for the King.

We mentioned last week that the most important reason why people stay at your church plant is relationships. Hopefully we hammered home the importance of you preparing and implementing strategies to build the relationships necessary to “earn the right” to keep serving these newcomers for our Lord.

In addition, though, there are other reasons why people will stay at your church, though all of these trail the importance of relationships by a wide margin (whether or not they should trail relationships is another story for another day!).

Impact. What difference is your new church making in the life of others? Is there tangible evidence seen in the lives of people who are a part? What about their families? And how about the community as a whole? Can any beneficial impact be attributed to the work of God through your new church? Transformation is the goal, and you can be sure that if it’s happening in individuals, families and your community, people are going to take notice and want to be a part. In the final analysis, most people–especially young people, the ones most influenced through new churches, truly want to believe that their lives can make a difference. Churches that do that will keep many of the people they reach, because the evidence of God at work in their midst is obvious.

Vision. Some people will stay at your church because of the vision of the church (not simple the vision statement; there’s a big difference!). While this reason is closely akin to what was previously mentioned, the distinction here is that vision is what gives birth to impact. Some people will get caught up in the idea, the picture, the dream of a preferable future, and because they want to see that vision become reality they will stay and invest their lives in it. These people live for the future (while those in the previous category are focused on the present) and have been so captivated and enamored by the vision God has given that they will feel unsatisfied and incomplete if they are unable to see it to fruition.

Spiritual Growth. A third reason that some people will stay at your church plant is that their experience there is resulting in personal, obvious spiritual growth and development. They are seeing evidence in their own life that the people, the preaching, the worship, the ministry opportunities are helping them in their own issues of life and in overcoming the struggles they have faced. These personal victories are meaningful to them, as they as markers of progress. While the focus here is on self rather than beyond self as in the first two reasons above, it is significant to these people that they can see tangible evidence of God through the church shaping them to be and act more like Christ Himself.

Programs. Some people stay at your church plant because of the programming it affords them. They like the children’s ministry because it helps their children or they enjoy the women’s ministry because it is an opportunity for them to get together with others dealing with similar experiences in life. Some new churches add many programs, wanting to be a “full service church,” and thinking that it will enable them to keep more people; however, the opposite is often true. Too many programs will create lack of focus and distract from mission. As a result, people may stay but those who do will have a consumeristic mentality that will not be of benefit to the church in the long run. In fact, I would suggest efforts toward this objective will hinder it!

Location. Let’s face it, some people will stay at your church because of where’s it located, what it looks like (the building I mean), and all those other things that go into what they consider “right.” You don’t think this is true? Then try relocating to another site and see who does or does not “come with you.” Location affects people, because it creates an environment and contributes to a culture with which they are comfortable, something that they like. Some will come there because it’s close enough or because your location has better facilities for their children or there is enough off-street parking. There are many variations on this, but the bottom line is where you meet will affect their decision to remain a part of your new church.

There are no doubt other reasons, too. Perhaps some of you will write back and suggest your additional ideas about this too. But here’s the important thing for you to catch this week: the longer the church exists the more people will stay for the reasons lower on the list, not higher. And these very things that keep people at long-existing churches rather than new churches are exactly the same reasons why more established churches in North America are plateaued or declining rather than growing. If you want to keep growing, my advice is stay focused on relationships–and on the top of this list.

The Number One Reason People Will Stay at Your Church Plant

Over the past three weeks we’ve talked about “Seven Reasons Why People will Attend Your Church Plant” and the importance of “The First Seven Minutes” once they get there. But why will they stay? Well, there are many reasons why people do what they do, especially at church, and in a subsequent post I’ll list a number of other reasons why people will “stick” at your church plant. All of the coming reasons, though, pale in significance next to the number one reason why they’ll stay with you. Yes, by now you’ve probably guessed it: the number one reason people will stay at your church plant is EXACTLY THE SAME NUMBER ONE REASON THEY’LL VISIT YOUR CHURCH PLANT: Relationships.

The relational component is so needed and so wanted that it’s far and away the most important reason why people will stay at your church. But there is a difference between the relationship(s) that bring them to church and the relationships that will keep them in your church plant. At the beginning, the seminal relationship they have with the new church is YOU; you are their connection, you are their link to the rest of the church body. But if they chose to stay, the circle of relationships must enlarge: it must include many more than just you.

Church growth researchers say that if a person visits your church three times in a row there is a far greater than average chance that they will stay–but don’t miss this–for up to six months. During those six months they must make at least seven significant relationships for them to stay at your church plant indefinitely. This is why it is critical to get them into a small group or a new member’s class, or the like. Because in the final analysis, your friendship or that of the pastor if that is not you, will never be enough to keep them there long-term.

So, as a church planter, I’d be planning and preparing to make the most of the advantage you have from day one: the relational element of church life. Build relationships with everyone you can; do it over fellowship meals, in times of recreation, through group study settings, during service projects. Because if you don’t, then one day not so far in the future, you’ll look up and they’ll be gone. If that happens, you’ll regret what could have been if you had built the proper relational systems needed. And I guarantee you, it will be multiplied times harder to get them back than it would have been to incorporate them into the life of your church plant the first time around.

More to come in the days ahead…

The First Seven Minutes

I’ve been taught over the years that researchers who’ve studied the assimilation patterns of churches believe that most visitors and guests who attend your worship experience will “decide” in the first seven minutes whether they’ll come back or not.

Wow.

That’s amazing, don’t you think?

What does that suggest to you? To me, it says a lot!

For one thing, it tells me that your preaching, pastor or church planter, will not be the reason they return–or stay away. Rather, it will have more to do with how they experience the many things that happen long before you ever get up to speak.

It also tells me that whether or not you “take” an offering during the service (unless you do it at the beginning!) will not make or break their decision to return. Contrary to popular opinion, most people who visit church worship experiences today are not “put off” by offerings unless they feel their arm is being twisted to participate in ways in which they are uncomfortable.

However, it does say something about your facilities, whatever they are. The cleanliness will be apparent to new sets of eyes who are quick to assess and critique a new environment. This is really true of the restrooms (especially, the ladies’ room!).

It does say something about the importance of your children’s strategy, that is, if the visitors have children. Since they will likely look for this location upon their arrival, they (again, especially the mother) will be quick to spot any concerns regarding safety or strategy or cleanliness that might affect their own children.

It does say something about your people, especially greeters and ushers. If they are friendly but not overbearing, nice but not nosy, welcoming but not aggressive, your people will be an asset in this process. However, if newcomers feel they are pushy or intrusive, they may not even stay for the rest of the service!

It may say something about your written materials and visuals, if you use any. Quality and excellence are values to most people, so they’ll be noticing what you write or present–pictures as well as words–and it will make an impression on them that will either be favorable or not (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cringed when a misspelled word or misplaced apostrophe shows up on the screen or in the worship folder!).

It may say something about your worship team. If you lead off your service with worship as most churches do these days, then the songs, style and leadership of your worship time will directly impact the “return” factor with guests. While no type of worship will please everybody, newcomers will infer from these early moments of worship that they know what to expect in coming weeks and that, in and of itself, may cause them to come back or stay away.

It may say something about your parking lot and signage. Since the research is ambiguous at the point of “when” the clock starts ticking on the first seven minutes for newcomers (when they drive onto the campus OR when the worship experience actually starts), it is highly possible that whatever directional and informational signs you use and what your parking lot is like will impact your guests in their decision-making process. My guess is that this alone will not dissuade those whom you actually meet, but only those who were so unimpressed or confused that they never even came inside at all.

Nelson Searcy Coming to Town!

I’m excited to post here that my friend and national church planting leader, Nelson Searcy, is coming back to Maryland in March. Nelson is the founding planter and pastor of The Journey Church of the City in New York, New York. He will be here for two days of training.

On TUESDAY MARCH 17, Nelson will lead his nationally-known church planting seminar, entitled LAUNCH after the book of the same name. The seminar will cover all the basics of church planting, from beginning to follow-up on public worship experiences for the community. Searcy will talk about things like: strategy development, raising funds, building a staff, reaching people and keeping them. The all day seminar will start at 9:00am and end at 4:00pm; it will be held at White Marsh Baptist Church on the northeast side of Baltimore. There is a cost, but all are welcome to attend. Click here to register for this event.

On WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, Nelson will spend the day leading two “stand alone” seminars, in the morning on evangelism and in the afternoon on stewardship, both key areas in the life of EVERY church, and critical to the success of any church plant. He will go into detail about the systems necessary to grow and sustain both efforts and the practical ways for them to make a difference in the life of a congregation. For our church planters here in the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, this is mandatory training; it’s that good and that important. This day of training is also being held at the same place–White Marsh Baptist Church. The Evangelism Seminar will be from 9:00am – Noon; click here to register for this seminar ONLY. The Stewardship Seminar will be from 1:30-4:30pm. Click here to register ONLY for the this afternoon seminar. Again, there is a cost, but all are welcome to attend.

For those of you interested in attending both the Evangelism and Stewardship Seminars on Wednesday, March 18, click here for a special combination reduced rate. And for those of you planning to attend all three training events (the above two, plus LAUNCH the day before), click this link for the biggest discount of all on a combined purchase price. And there are additional, special prices if you are bringing a group of 4 or more to these events! Contact Christina at Nelson’s organization, Church Leader Insights, for details.

For further information from me, use the comments below and I’ll get back to you.

Look in the Mirror

Yesterday our staff here got together to talk about our own spiritual formation.  We talked about the busyness of our schedules and the pace of life in our world today, realizing of course that these compete for our attention all the time.  We acknowledged the fact that time with God throughout the day and a “sabbath” every week is tough for us, too (me included!) and that if we’re not careful, we can substitute “time for God” instead of “time with God.”  In fact, one of our staffers indicated that his wife mentioned to him that she recently noted the difference she’d seen in someone who gave the appearance of having “been with God” as opposed to “talking about God.”  She indicated how refreshing and unfortunately unique it had been for her to experience that.  A sobering thought, to be sure.

It got me thinking about how all of this affects church life.  A thesis we’d recognized here for a long time goes like this:  By somewhere around the second year mark in your new church (longer for existing churches), your congregation–its values, its personality, its lifestyle–will mirror that of its pastoral leadership.  As a result, we’ve invested a great deal more energy and effort into preparing and equipping the leadership of a church, knowing that a “trickle down effect” will take place over time.  Healthy leaders help make healthy congregations. 

With that in mind I have wondered about the large number of plateaued or declining churches we see in America today.  We seen all kinds of “growth” strategies implemented, and no doubt culturally and contextually, they have made an impact.  But it’s interesting that no one strategy seems to work for all scenarios.  There is no formula; there is no silver bullet.

Could it be that our churches are plateaued and declining because the leadership’s own spiritual formation and walk with God is plateaued and declining?  Maybe, we’ve been looking for solutions in the wrong place.  Perhaps it’s time to look in the mirror.

Multi-Site Musings

This past weekend I participated in the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s training conference, known affectionately here as “Horizons.”  One of my assignments was to deliver a presentation on “The Multi-Site Revolution:  Evaluating the Options.”  That presentation will be posted at our online training webiste, which you can reach by clicking here or in the right margin below; check back very soon.  You can also download the powerpoint by registering for free at the site.

As a result of a considerable amount of study on the subject, I have formed some opinions on the subject.  They are listed here, in no specific order.

• Multi-Site churches are here to stay for the foreseeable future.  This is not a fad.
• Multi-Site churches will explode in number on this continent over the next ten years, growing by possibly as much as 25,000 new churches attempting it.
• There are advantages over church planting, in that it will grow quicker and likely with less money.
• There are disadvantages to church planting, in that it will over-extend leadership and does not multiply from each congregation.
• The variations of how multi-site is “done,” are almost endless, with personal values, outcomes and context making up a lot of the differences.
• North Coast in Vista, CA, Seacoast in Charleston, SC and Community Christian in Naperville, IL are the national leaders in this at the present, but many others are “gaining” on them.
• The campus pastor is THE NUMBER ONE KEY to the success of a multi-site location.  He needs to be a people person, a care-giver yet an equipper, outgoing and engaging.
• Cost will typically run you between $50,000 and $100,000 to start a multi-site (there are exceptions of course), adjusted to the cost of living in your area.  Most can be self-sufficient in 6 months post-launch.
• You must also develop a surplus of musicians and technicians to be “fluent” in multi-site.
• Multi-site is still a church growth strategy, maybe even a church extension strategy, but it is not a church planting strategy, since it “fails” all three of the “self” strategies normally attributed to a church (self-governing, self-supporting, self-propagating).

What do you think?