The 2000 Anabaptist Church Planting Survey

Survey Results
Part 6 - Challenges and Success Factors

Angela Zizak

Finally, we would like to address some of the struggles and problems that new churches face as well as some of the positive experiences, success, and advice they give for future church planters and denominational leaders. The biggest problems that churches faced at one point or another, as shown in Figure 9, "Main Problems of Church Plants," were attracting (59%) and retaining (35%) new members for their church. Having an adequate facility (39%), financial resources (31%), and training (25%) were also major dilemmas they faced.

Lack of adequate finances has often caused the church plants "temporary loss of vision" and hindered efforts for outreach projects and other potential ministries. A majority responded that they are not currently experiencing any major problem. Overall, the church plants have resolved their internal difficulties and disagreements through prayer, open dialogue with one another and with the help of an outside mediator, discernment, and by developing better leadership and stewardship.

Through all of their struggles, the church plants have had positive experiences and successes. Prayer and the blessings of the Holy Spirit are above all the most important factors for the success of a church. Love for Jesus, one another, and the ministry are what motivate people to plan, carry out, and continue planting churches. Commitment, a strong sense of vision, and compassion are other qualities for success. What one church said is a very good example of how they achieved their vision: "Without a doubt three things: (1) The commitment and focus of our original core group. They sacrificed personally for the church plant. (2) Our prayer partners for the first three years. And (3) a clear vision of where we were going as a church – people either ‘bought in’ or went elsewhere." Figure 10, "Success Factors of a Church Plant," provides the key factors in the success of a church plant.

When asked to give suggestions and advice for the denomination for the future of church planting, almost all respondents had no hesitation in expressing their opinions. Many churches have expressed their concern about using only the standard clergy/lay bifurcation models for leadership. They desire to use diverse models for leadership of church plants, especially using the team-concept. They would like open-minded consultation and active listening on the part of denominational/conference leaders. They don’t want to be told to do things in certain ways and don’t want to feel rejected if they do use a specific model. As one church leader put it, "Help! Don’t stand back with a ‘show-me’ attitude." They seek encouragement for their vision and are in great need of prayer for carrying out their calling. Furthermore, having experienced, well-trained church planters makes all the difference in how well a church "takes off." One church planter states: "Provide educated, informed individuals to oversee the process. Too often it seems that church plants are just turned loose to succeed or fail on their own, often with unqualified people to lead them. That is a formula for failure."

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All of the responding churches believe it is biblically important to plant churches, especially to win more people to Jesus Christ. They feel that all other reasons, including that it is efficient or leads to denominational growth and survival, are not as important. When it comes to fulfilling the Great Commission, these church planters are totally committed and incredibly excited. Reading their comments and talking to them about what they are doing shows evidence of their commitment to fulfilling the vision God provided for their church. They hope that church planting will continue to be improved and encouraged by everyone involved, especially by denominational leaders and existing churches.

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