AEC2001
The 2000 Anabaptist Church
Planting Survey
Survey Results
Part 6 - Challenges and Success Factors
Angela Zizak
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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."
* * *
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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