The reality is American evangelicals close more churches each year than we open new ones. Like it or not, we are a post-christian nation. This is why it is so important to plant churches. I have read stories and met guys that had all the good intentions in the world for their church plant but for some reason or another they failed. Here are three reason that contribute to the closure of new churches:
1. Lack of Vision - Habakkuk 2:2-3 tells us to write the vision clear so it is easily understood and able to spread. There are churches that I have walked into and no one knows the vision of the church. No one can even articulate a version of the church’s vision. Problem? YES! Vision is key to any church growth but vital for a church plant. I heard once that if your staff is tired of hearing about the vision then your people will get it and if your people are sick of hearing the vision then your community will get it. We want our communities to GET IT so preach it until you are blue in the face.
2. Moral Failure - want to ruin your church plant? Then have a moral failure. NOT only you but your staff’s moral failures can ruin your plant. It is important to have accountability in place to keep you clear of immorality. Also since your staff can bring it down be slow to hire and give titles. Your church plant will thrive without fancy titles.
3. Lack of Execution – Church planting is fought and won in the trenches. This is probably one of the hardest components to church planting. Most church planters are 60 foot view guys. Let me explain, most guys are entrenched with vision and forget to seek and identify the steps to take to complete the vision which gives them a 60 foot view. If you are a big picture thinker then you need to surround yourself with execution people, clipboard nazi and self proclaimed bean counters.
Church planting is our only hope so make sure you are ready for the pressures of church planting and educated yourself on the things that can bring it down.
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