The Ten Most Important Things I've Learned about Church Planting - Part 2

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AEC2001

Plenary Session 3:

The Ten Most Important Things
I’ve Learned
about Church Planting
Part 2

Stuart Murray

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2. Appoint the right leader

My experience tallies with that of many others involved in providing consultancy in the area of church planting: leadership is crucial. Although there are many other factors that impact the success or failure of an attempted church plant, the quality and performance of the leader of the church planting team are critical. My next point is about the importance of an effective church planting team, and I am committed to team ministry in all aspects of mission and church life, but the leader remains key.

What kind of leader do you need? Various attempts have been made to establish a church planter profile, most of which are either culturally bound or are so demanding that the apostle Paul would not even have been short-listed! Identifying the person you need is made more difficult by the variety of church planting models that can be used: different kinds of leaders are needed for different strategies.

What guidance can I offer you in a few brief comments?

	Look for someone who is not afraid to ask questions, who is willing to pioneer and be creative. We desperately need creative church planters.
	But look also for those who are teachable, reflective, and willing to be accountable and receive counsel. I will say more on both these issues later.
	Look for those who will be effective team leaders rather than solo performers, those who will enable others to use their gifts effectively and who will not be threatened by working in a team. Many pastors are not good at this.
	Look for someone who is more interested in participating in the mission of God than in planting a new church. Too many church plants lose their mission focus and become inward-looking.
	Look for someone with a stable character, open mind, able to build community, and full of determination—the ability to persevere.
	It has been said that "women build community, men develop institutions," so in many situations women may be preferable to men. Historically church planting movements have often depended on and offered opportunities to women.

Continue to Next Section: #3 - Assemble a balanced team

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Plenary Session 3:

The Ten Most Important Things I’ve Learned about Church Planting Part 2

2. Appoint the right leader

Continue to Next Section: #3 - Assemble a balanced team

Go to: Beginning of Article 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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The Ten Most Important Things
I’ve Learned
about Church Planting
Part 2