church planting tips
When I was in DC I had the chance to meet with Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church. We had a great conversation, and I was able to ask him a few questions about church planting. Here is a short synopsis of his answers.
1. Initially, what is the hardest obstacle to overcome?
Be Yourself--even more important than being a pastor is being yourself. Be authentic. Be real. Share your weaknesses and struggles. Remind your congregation that you are a work in progress just like they are. Be true to the unique passions and giftings God has given you. Develop core values and core convictions.
2. How do you balance living in the future and making the most of today?
There is a healthy tension that is good. Enjoy the Journey--if you're a visionary you'll tend to live for the future, but enjoy the moment. Be the best pastor you can be during every stage.
3. Out of college until now, what road do you think most effectively/ adequately prepares a church planter?
A lot of it depends on the person. But I'm a big fan of baptism by immersion. It's not for everyone, but a lot of times it benefits the minister the most.
4. What ministries do you think are absolutely vital to a church plant?
The question to ask is who are you trying to reach. Keep it Simple--less is more. We have two goals: plug into a small group and plug into a ministry. Don't try to do too much. Be really good at what you do. Know who you are. Know who you aren't. Develop a kingdom mindset. Learn to appreciate the unique role that others churches play in your community. Then play to your strengths.
And some last minute tips he gave me:
1. Family first--I limit my church-related meetings to one evening per week. Establish those boundaries early on. If there is ever a conflict between family and ministry it's a no-brainer. Family first.
2. Keep Learning--readers are leaders and leaders are readers. Once you think you have it figured out it's the beginning of the end. There are ways of doing church that no one has discovered yet. Keep experimenting. Study to show yourself approved. And make sure you're doing both biblical exegesis and cultural exegesis.
1. Initially, what is the hardest obstacle to overcome?
Be Yourself--even more important than being a pastor is being yourself. Be authentic. Be real. Share your weaknesses and struggles. Remind your congregation that you are a work in progress just like they are. Be true to the unique passions and giftings God has given you. Develop core values and core convictions.
2. How do you balance living in the future and making the most of today?
There is a healthy tension that is good. Enjoy the Journey--if you're a visionary you'll tend to live for the future, but enjoy the moment. Be the best pastor you can be during every stage.
3. Out of college until now, what road do you think most effectively/ adequately prepares a church planter?
A lot of it depends on the person. But I'm a big fan of baptism by immersion. It's not for everyone, but a lot of times it benefits the minister the most.
4. What ministries do you think are absolutely vital to a church plant?
The question to ask is who are you trying to reach. Keep it Simple--less is more. We have two goals: plug into a small group and plug into a ministry. Don't try to do too much. Be really good at what you do. Know who you are. Know who you aren't. Develop a kingdom mindset. Learn to appreciate the unique role that others churches play in your community. Then play to your strengths.
And some last minute tips he gave me:
1. Family first--I limit my church-related meetings to one evening per week. Establish those boundaries early on. If there is ever a conflict between family and ministry it's a no-brainer. Family first.
2. Keep Learning--readers are leaders and leaders are readers. Once you think you have it figured out it's the beginning of the end. There are ways of doing church that no one has discovered yet. Keep experimenting. Study to show yourself approved. And make sure you're doing both biblical exegesis and cultural exegesis.
Labels: christianity
posted by Seth Henderson at 11:29 AM
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