You need to know your audience so you know how to plan and strategize to effectively reach your audience.
Build a Great Guest Services Team
January 26, 2021 by
The overriding principle in forming a guest service team is this: structure your team for future success.
Succeeding in Church Planting
January 20, 2021 by
Most church planters are not successful because they lead the opposite of Jesus.
Should I Plant a House Church?
January 19, 2021 by
There is a context for nimble, small, and rapidly reproducing churches right now.
The Church Is Not the Building
January 16, 2021 by
A building or lease space is a tool that can add value to your ministry, but a facility that does not align with your clarity or capacity can cripple your ministry.
Developing Leadership and Outreach in a Church
January 13, 2021 by
Cory Ball discusses creative ways to develop leadership and outreach in a church congregation.
What Should Church Metrics Be in 2021?
January 12, 2021 by
Should we still be measuring the things we used to measure?
Five Ways to Know Your Community
January 9, 2021 by
Every church serves in a unique context, so you must know the community around you.
A New Year’s Resolution Worth Repeating
January 2, 2021 by
If you’re a Christian, there is one resolution you should indeed repeat over and over again.
3 Reasons to Be Thankful God Does Not Make Resolutions
December 30, 2020 by
There are apparently some strong opinions out there about whether it’s right or not to make New Year’s Resolutions.
Gospel-Centered Resolutions
December 29, 2020 by
The cultivation of our love for God isn’t something we can nurture all on our own.
Resolve to Trust God
December 26, 2020 by
This year, resolve to try hard, but to try hard at the right thing.
What Christmas Tells Us About God
December 23, 2020 by
He came in humility, through the most unexpected yet beautiful of means, to draw the lowliest and most undeserving among us to himself.
A “Just In Case” Christmas
December 22, 2020 by
Though we are celebrating the rest that only comes through Christ, it’s one of the busiest times of the year.
The Benefits of Church Planting Residencies
December 16, 2020 by
Caleb Smith discusses church planting residencies.
Dealing with Stress in Ministry
December 15, 2020 by
Here are five helpful tips when dealing with stress in ministry.
How Church Plants Can Create Quality Online Services
December 9, 2020 by
For a church with under 100 people on a shoestring budget this was the perfect choice.
Is It Time to Add a Third Service?
December 8, 2020 by
Without hurting the existing two services, what factors should you consider when a third service is needed?
How Vision Hijackers Affect Your Launch Team
December 5, 2020 by
Vision highjacking usually comes during a time when the church is at a pause or during a little struggle.
Is Your Church a Country Club?, Part 2
November 28, 2020 by
Viewing the church or behaving as if the church is a country club distorts both the identity and the mission of the church.
Is Your Church a Country Club?, Part 1
November 24, 2020 by
I think for many Christians it’s easy to confuse country club membership with church membership.
How Do I Discern a Call to Church Planting?
November 21, 2020 by
Discerning a call to church planting is a process.
Innovation During COVID
November 18, 2020 by
Doug Paul discusses innovation in churches during COVID.
How to Develop a Budget
November 14, 2020 by
Budgeting and fundraising are often two of the most daunting things that church planters face.
6 Ways Pastors Struggle
October 31, 2020 by
Pretending pastors don’t struggle is a recipe for disaster.
3 Groups of People in Your Church When It Comes to Change
October 27, 2020 by
As you introduce change and adapt ministries, three groups of people will likely emerge.
Cast Vision Effectively
October 24, 2020 by
Vision is an incredible gift that God has given us to clearly see the world.
What Are Micro Churches?
October 21, 2020 by
Today, this idea of planting many small churches is called micro church.
How Do You Measure Church Plant Success?
October 20, 2020 by
Timing for how to measure church plant success can be tricky.
What Are Your Motivations for Church Planting?
October 14, 2020 by
When it comes to motivation in church planting, we should be operating out of a sense calling that comes from the inside, but is also affirmed by the outside.
What Is Bivocational Ministry?
October 10, 2020 by
If you are able to multitask, enjoy doing different things, intentional about how you plan your schedule, and communicate well with your spouse, then you will likely love bivocational ministry.
Hiring Practices During a Pandemic
October 6, 2020 by
During this season of COVID, there are unique circumstances that should be considered when it comes to hiring practices.
3 Keys to Raising Women Leaders in the Church
October 3, 2020 by
We need to proactively plan to raise up women leaders, to call out their gifts, and to give them an opportunity.
Annual Budget Preparation
September 30, 2020 by
One of the things that is really important as you begin to work through the budget is to make sure you know what the expectations are.
What is Most Essential in Your Church Right Now?
September 29, 2020 by
We must remember that being agile in our leadership is both an art and a science.
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
September 19, 2020 by
For those of us who know Christ, this is the time to be resolute in our devotion to him above all else.
Trends in Digital Church Planting
September 16, 2020 by
There is more to church than the one hour on Sunday.
Parachute Church Planting
September 9, 2020 by
When church planting in a different culture, it’s important to understand that the place you are going has a completely different culture than where you are coming from.
Ensure Ongoing Ministry Alignment
September 1, 2020 by
As a church leader, you can’t leave “good enough” alone in ministry.
The Pivot in Our Mission
August 22, 2020 by
New opportunities are opening up before us and, church, let’s pursue them together.
Building Vision and Culture
August 19, 2020 by
Our goal as leaders should be to cast vision that people can find their place in.
Help for Emerging From the Quarantine
August 15, 2020 by
We are hungry for these things, and because we are, it might be just the right time for us to read a Book like Ecclesiastes.
A Two-Step Plan to Prepare for the Future
August 8, 2020 by
You must have a plan in place to keep your church running and growing in a healthy posture.
Simplifying Ministry Processes
August 4, 2020 by
Here are three common responses when it comes to giving away ministry responsibilities.
A New Normal
August 1, 2020 by
Returning to normal after such a historic moment would be nothing short of missing one of the greatest opportunities of our lifetime.
How to Respond to Crisis
July 29, 2020 by
We want to lead through this season well because we want to give our people courage, clarity, and a pathway forward.
Auditing Ministry and Volunteer Roles
July 28, 2020 by
To have a good understanding of your church overall, you must audit every ministry area and all volunteer roles.
How Church Planting Has Changed
July 25, 2020 by
Some things in church planting have stayed the same over the last 30 years, but some things have changed.
How Do You Respond to Constraints in Ministry?
July 21, 2020 by
When you face constraints in ministry, are you a victim, neutralizer, or transformer?
Reopening a New Church Plant Post-COVID-19
July 15, 2020 by
The first week the church reopened for worship services, they learned several things they did well and things they would need to improve on.
Creating a Contingency Plan
July 14, 2020 by
The purpose of contingency planning is to ensure continuity of church and ministry operations or financial stability.
Using Connection to Assimilate New Members
July 11, 2020 by
As you begin to look forward to meeting together in person again, but often in limited circumstances, how can you best assimilate these new members into your church?
More Than the Weekend Experience
July 4, 2020 by
Customer-centric Sunday experiences have weakened the church — Coronavirus is pushing us to a better way.
Considerations for Reopening Your Church
July 1, 2020 by
There’s a beautiful constraint that we find our churches and ministries in at this time.
Redeploying Staff or High-Level Leaders During COVID-19
June 30, 2020 by
Right now you have to identify and categorize what needs to be realigned in your church.
How Do We Handle Funerals During a Pandemic?
June 27, 2020 by
The coronavirus is affecting our ability to celebrate the lives of beloved members of our church and community who have passed away as well as mourn with those who are grieving.
New and Adapted Volunteer Roles
June 24, 2020 by
In the wake of COVID-19, we have a tremendous opportunity in our churches to build an army of volunteers and leaders, not just an audience.
How Does Coronavirus Affect Church Plants?
June 23, 2020 by
What should those church plants do in light of the coronavirus? This is the time to seize the opportunity.
Prayer During a Pandemic – Part Three
June 20, 2020 by
I observed how prayer is our response in times of difficulty.
Develop a COVID-19 Strategy
June 16, 2020 by
It is time for us to settle into that and create a short-term strategy for the next three months.
One Step Before Looking Ahead
June 13, 2020 by
We have a tremendous opportunity to build an army, not just an audience, in the wake of COVID-19, but it will not be easy.
Leadership in a Multicultural Church
June 10, 2020 by
You don’t have a choice to who and where God calls you.
Preparing for the Financial Impact of COVID
June 9, 2020 by
What will church look like, and how do we need to adjust our financial structure for the future?
The Unmet Emotional Needs of Pastors
June 8, 2020 by
The pressures of unrealistic expectations, feelings of isolation, and lack of encouragement point to just a few of many pastors’ unmet emotional needs.
Adapting in a Rapidly Changing Time
June 6, 2020 by
You can’t look for a bandage. You need to find a way to use this time to make it better than it was before.
9 Considerations for Reopening Your Church
May 26, 2020 by
Some of the greatest moments in church history have been when the boldness of the gospel meets severe constraints.
Creating a Community Prayer Ministry
May 20, 2020 by
Dave Clayton discusses staring a community wide prayer ministry.
25 Post-COVID-19 Church Volunteer Opportunities
May 19, 2020 by
In wake of COVID-19, we have a tremendous opportunity to build an army of volunteers and leaders in our churches, not just an audience of spectators.
Intersecting Worship Ministry and Church Planting
May 13, 2020 by
Greg Armstrong discusses how a worship ministry can be an outreach of a church plant.
Crisis Leadership for Church Plants
May 12, 2020 by
As much as COVID-19 has seemingly stopped the world, there are a lot of churches that just opened, or are soon to open, that are trying to figure out what next steps to take.
Rethinking Post-Coronavirus Ministry
May 9, 2020 by
Here are four things each church should consider as they think about the people they’ll be serving—both those who’ve been around for a while and newcomers.
The Importance of a Pastor’s Spiritual Health
May 6, 2020 by
If you are going to be faithful in ministry, you must guard your heart and pursue spiritual health.
COVID-19 and the Future of Church Planting and Multisite
May 5, 2020 by
We don’t know what the church is going to look like when this is all said and done, but we do know that it will be different.
The Most Urgent Things Your Church Should Be Doing Right Now
May 2, 2020 by
These things, and others, should be already on your mind and in your plans. If it is not, get them going now.
Leading Change
April 29, 2020 by
The reality is this: if you are a leader, then you are going to be leading change.
Preparing to Gather Again
April 28, 2020 by
While we continue in this new normal, we must look ahead and prepare for how things will be different when we are able to gather.
Staying Positive During Quarantine
April 25, 2020 by
During a season of extended quarantine, it’s hard not to grow irritable, anxious, discouraged, and weary.
Spiritual Conversations in a Time of Crisis
April 22, 2020 by
It is critical for us to be able to converse about the gospel while people are in a posture of humility.
What Do We Do Now That We Can’t Meet?
April 21, 2020 by
May this be a time where the uncertainty and discomfort of this season make us catalysts for creative and effective means to reach others.
Rent Relief and a Plan for the Future
April 18, 2020 by
If you need to seek relief on a lease payment or a mortgage payment, here are a few steps to take.
Tips for Church Planting Amidst the COVID-19 Reality
April 15, 2020 by
What the reality of being a church plant during COVID-19 looks like.
When Coronavirus Interrupts Your Plans
April 14, 2020 by
COVID-19 is affecting everyone in the world. And it is changing the landscape for the church.
How to be a Good Friend During the COVID Crisis
April 11, 2020 by
The focus of this article is how to be a good friend when someone you care about is experiencing a situational or emotional crisis.
Spiritual Disciplines in Uncertain Times
April 7, 2020 by
Spiritual disciplines matter all the time, but we need to be reminded of that in tumultuous times.
Assessing COVID Anxiety
April 4, 2020 by
Knowing how to respond to our COVID-related anxieties requires accurately assessing the type of anxiety we are experiencing.
Pastoral Counseling vs. Professional Counseling
April 1, 2020 by
As we think about the pastor as counselor, we want everything we do as pastors to result in the spiritual development and personal flourishing of the people under our care.
Forced Out: Ministry without Buildings
March 31, 2020 by
We are in the midst of a real experience that is showing all of us that the church is the people and not a building.
Initial Reflections on Online Gatherings
March 28, 2020 by
These will be the key questions we’ll need to start asking to help our church make the most of the opportunities afforded to us.
Current Trends in Student Ministry
March 25, 2020 by
The biggest and most successful student ministries in the country are all trying to figure out one thing.
Saving Funds for a Facility
March 24, 2020 by
Today’s economy requires churches to have specific funds set aside for ministry and facilities.
Tips for Evangelism in a Post-Christian Era
March 21, 2020 by
In every generation, people have defeater beliefs. The question is, how do you deconstruct them?
Raising Financial Support: Tips for Getting to 100%
March 18, 2020 by
Nick Brzozowski, Charley Dever, and Brady Gray discuss raising financial support as church planter.
How Evangelism and Discipleship Go Together
March 17, 2020 by
When we think of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we often assume the focus is on evangelism. But Jesus commissions us to “make disciples.”
How to Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic in Your Church
March 14, 2020 by
If you haven’t thought about it already, now is the time to consider responding to a pandemic at your church.
How to Prepare for Easter
March 11, 2020 by
Easter is one of the most important times of the year in the life of the church.
Measuring Discipleship
March 10, 2020 by
The most biblical way to measure discipleship growth is measuring it against the biblical teaching.
Redeeming Rural
March 7, 2020 by
My prayer is that the church will not neglect its responsibility to take the gospel into the rural areas of the world.
How Do You Create a Culture of Sending
February 15, 2020 by
Often church plants start with a lot of missional energy that gets lost over time.
Funding Future Facilities
February 11, 2020 by
Today’s economy requires churches to have specific funds set aside for ministry and facilities.
To Breakout, We Must Breakdown
February 1, 2020 by
I would propose that the first step to breakout is to have leaders who breakdown.
Three Phases of Churches Planting Churches
January 28, 2020 by
We’ve moved beyond just the idea of planting churches to actually doing it.
How to Attract and Engage New People
January 25, 2020 by
When launching a church plant, one of your first concerns may be how to attract people to come to your church.
The Need for a Residency Program
January 22, 2020 by
We talk with Tyler Powell, the director of church planting at The Village Church in Dallas, Texas.
How Do You Plan to Make Disciples?
January 15, 2020 by
Chris Hruska discusses how his church’s discipleship model led to rapid growth and multiplication.
6 Marks of the Church and Why They Matter
January 11, 2020 by
I think we need to ask ourselves: What are the things that undergird the church itself?
5 Lessons Learned as a Church Planter
January 4, 2020 by
As encouraging as those stories are, it’s equally as important to hear about the mistakes that people made in their church planting so that we can learn from them.
What is Coaching?
December 18, 2019 by
The point of coaching is to come together and ask questions and help make decisions.
Three Steps to a Clear Vision
December 17, 2019 by
As it relates to your church’s vision, there are three distinct and vital steps to go through, before you declare your church’s birthday and throw a big launch party for it.
The Plastic Pastor’s Wife
December 14, 2019 by
I had only been married and in ministry for a total of four weeks when our senior pastor told us we were going to our first ministry conference.
A Church Plant Who Plants Churches
December 11, 2019 by
David Sorn was a youth pastor for 5 years when he felt the call to plant a church.
Advent for Church Planters
December 10, 2019 by
Reflecting on a year as it comes to a close can be filled with both joy and sadness.
Pastoral Care as Your Church Plants Grow
December 7, 2019 by
How can you prepare your congregation for pastoral care that doesn’t always come directly from the pastor?
What Church Planting Looks Like
December 3, 2019 by
Church planting looks a lot like merging onto the highway via an on-ramp.
The Necessity of Strategy With Vision
November 27, 2019 by
Strategy is the framework that makes the vision thrive.
6 Mistakes I Regret the Most
November 26, 2019 by
These are not the only mistakes I made in the ten years I pastored that church, but they are the ones I regret the most.
Creating a Culture of Multiplication
November 23, 2019 by
We are made to grow one another for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Discipleship as a Church Planting Model
November 20, 2019 by
The Bible is the only cross-cultural book ever written, and it can work anywhere.
Best Practices for Hiring New Staff
November 19, 2019 by
Whatever your situation, consider the best ways to add quality staff to your team.
The Great Opportunity in Rural Church Planting
November 13, 2019 by
God broke Jon’s heart for the rural landscape at a larger level.
Getting Involved in Church Planting
November 12, 2019 by
It was through these experiences where I learned important lessons about what it means to plant churches in healthy ways
The Number One Killer Of Church Planters, Part 2
November 9, 2019 by
We continue this discussion with Israel’s leaders and today’s pastors and church planters.
Funding Future Facilities
November 5, 2019 by
From the beginning of your church plant, I encourage planters and their leaders to set aside funds for future facilities.
Planting With the Intention of Multiplying
November 2, 2019 by
If I’m a new church, should I plant another church? Should I wait and let my own church develop?
Planning for Inconvenience
October 30, 2019 by
Ministry cannot happen without relationships. Relationships cannot happen without people. And people are often unpredictable.
The Number One Killer of Church Planters, Part 1
October 29, 2019 by
While there are dozens of leaders in the scriptures who fall, there is nearly universally only one reason they fall: pride.
Reaching First Responders in Your Community
October 26, 2019 by
When wanting to show the love of Christ to police officers and other first responders, is there a more effective way than just showing up with donuts?
The Importance of a Communications Calendar
October 23, 2019 by
A communications calendar helps you organize your priority messages.
Why Churches Avoid Planting
October 22, 2019 by
Churches typically avoid planting because of four main things.
Top Ten Factors to Consider When Looking for a Leased Facility
October 19, 2019 by
Before you shop for space or start calling on signs, we advise the church to get an understanding of your space needs and your budget.
Knowing the Ratio of Leaders to Congregants for Your Church
October 15, 2019 by
As the church grows, the demands grow. Thus, the need to raise up other leaders grows as well.
Christianity is a Mobile Faith
October 12, 2019 by
The gospel has been moving and spreading for centuries.
Starting a New Business and a Church Plant
October 9, 2019 by
This model works for Victory Church and VKS and is a model from which other churches can learn.
My Top Six Mistakes as a Church Planter
October 8, 2019 by
Sometimes our failures help us—and others—to grow, which is why I wrote this post for you.
Challenges in Urban Church Planting
September 18, 2019 by
When it comes to planting a church in an urban setting, there are a few unique challenges.
Not a Competition
September 17, 2019 by
Pretending an “Annie vs. Church Work” competition exists puts unnecessary pressure on him.
Shaping Your Worship Culture
September 11, 2019 by
As the pastor, if you do not have a heart for worship, it will be reflected in your church culture.
Five Shifts Toward a Church Planting Movement
August 31, 2019 by
Here are five shifts for networks and denominations if we are to see church planting movement dynamics happen again in North America.
¿Cristianos enojados plantando una iglesia?
August 27, 2019 by
Porque un equipo plantador es un grupo de personas comprometidas, junto al equipo pastoral, a vivir la misión de hacer discípulos en el contexto donde se anhela plantar la iglesia.
Creating a Network to Reach Your City
August 21, 2019 by
What happens when your vision for church planting expands from that of just your church to your entire city?
10 Things to Know When Buying a Property for Your Church
August 20, 2019 by
After growing in a lease space for a season, many churches look for a permanent home that they will own.
Your Volunteers Are Busy. Now What?
August 13, 2019 by
Often gathering everyone in the same room at the same time to train them may seem impossible.
Why Church Planters Should Practice Favoritism
August 10, 2019 by
This form of favoritism is living out God’s clear pecking order for our lives and ministry.
Steps to Move From a Church Split to a Healthy Church Plant
August 6, 2019 by
Regardless of the reasons behind a church split, it is always painful and it is always messy.
Training for Every Ministry in Your Church
August 3, 2019 by
As a church planter, you may struggle with training and equipping volunteers in every ministry.
Collaborating to Further God’s Mission
July 31, 2019 by
In this New Churches training video, Dennae Pierre, the executive director of the Surge Network, shares her experience with the Surge network and working with churches in Arizona.
5 Characteristics of a Church Revitalizer
July 27, 2019 by
Church revitalizers must have a unique set of skills that are necessary for them to be successful in their roles.
Preparing to Plant a Church While in Seminary
July 23, 2019 by
You know you want to gain more knowledge as you prepare for that, but you aren’t sure where to start.
Eight Types of Church Planting Churches
July 20, 2019 by
We aggregated the characteristics and categorized them into eight different models to provide a rich understanding of how some churches are planting churches.
Make Your Worship Service Better
July 16, 2019 by
For the pastor and the church, I can’t overemphasize the importance of a great Sunday service.
Overcoming Polarization in the Church
July 10, 2019 by
We need to get beyond our polarization and actually sit down to have table fellowship with the lost.
The Benefits of a SWAT (Special, Willing, and Temporary) Team
July 6, 2019 by
Is it okay for your team to serve in a neighborhood in which they don’t actually live?
Collaborating With Organizations in Your Community
July 3, 2019 by
The relationships you build can be incredibly valuable for your church and its impact on your community.
The Best/Worst Things About Being a Pastor
July 2, 2019 by
Here are three things that are both the best and worst thing about being a pastor.
Reaching Hispanics With the Gospel
June 26, 2019 by
A big problem that church planters find in Hispanic cultures is confusion of identity within the church.
Responding to Abuse Is Not Easy but Necessary
June 25, 2019 by
Knowledge does not make hard things easy. But knowledge can make confusing things clearer.
Four Gathering Principles for Church Planting
June 22, 2019 by
I have written about what sociologists call “gathering principles.” The three main ways sociologists say people gather themselves is instructive for church planters.
Four Dangers Church Planters Need Protection From
June 18, 2019 by
Here are four dangers that I navigated in my experience as a church planter.
How Do Church Planters Minister in the Context of Abuse?
June 15, 2019 by
As you plant a church or see church growth through multiplication, are you prepared to care for individuals who have experienced various forms of abuse?
Proposals for Church Planting Systems, Part 2
June 8, 2019 by
Innovation isn’t always necessary, but with North America changing as fast as it is, church planting organizations have a responsibility to try.
Factors in Selecting a New Facility For Your Church
June 5, 2019 by
Whether you are looking to lease a space or buy property, there a few key factors to assess before deciding what is best for your church.
The Journey From Newcomer to Member
June 4, 2019 by
While it is important to help your newcomers feel welcome, it is very important to help your visitors know the next step to take when deciding if they want to keep coming back.
A Start-Up Church Plant
May 29, 2019 by
People in the faith community are often nervous about putting business language on the process of creating a new faith community.
Choosing Between Multisite and a Church Plant
May 22, 2019 by
The decision to go multisite vs. church plant doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition; it can instead be a both/and decision.
Proposals for Church Planting Systems, Part 1
May 21, 2019 by
We would like to offer two proposals to help you intentionally move toward multiplication. In this article, we’ll examine the first proposal.
Attracting a New Generation of Church Planters
May 15, 2019 by
Millennials are changing the way we start churches, and we must consider what else will need to change as Gen Z begins to plant.
Four Financial Support Options for Church Plants
May 14, 2019 by
Launching a church plant comes with many challenges. A primary challenge for any is raising financial support.
Cultivate a Culture of Evangelism [Part 2]
May 11, 2019 by
Church planting has been hailed as a vital evangelistic methodology.
Fundraising With Small Donors
May 8, 2019 by
Most church planters don’t get excited when they hear the term small donor fundraising.
Nail Down Your Core Values
May 7, 2019 by
What do you value? What are your core values? Do you know? More importantly, does everyone else know? Should our core values change over time?
How to Multiply Your Groups and Keep Your Friends Too
May 4, 2019 by
We are creatures of habit and do not enjoy change, especially when it involves people you are about. However, we also understand the need for multiplication and discipleship of our congregation. Is it possible to combine the two without having to split up groups, and ultimately, friendships?
Church: Place or People?
April 30, 2019 by
How do you define the word, church? And why is the definition important?
Best Practices to Develop Church Planting Churches[Part 4]
April 27, 2019 by
We’ll look at how network events and funding is a part of developing church planting churches.
The Mission of Multiplication
April 24, 2019 by
How do we build a ministry around a mission of multiplication?
Church Multiplication Q&A With Ed Stetzer
April 17, 2019 by
Ed Stetzer answers your questions specifically about church multiplication.
3 Practical Steps to Ensure Your Church Launches Well
April 13, 2019 by
Here are a few steps that you can take to ensure your church plant launches well.
Three Temptations in Church Planting After Reaching Sustainability
April 6, 2019 by
Drew Hyun shares three temptations that he’s continually battling since they’ve become sustainable.
Learning to Lead Well as a Church Planting Leader
March 30, 2019 by
Organization, initiative, patience, and passion. These skills are especially required for a church planting leader.
How to Balance Your Time with Leaders and the Lost
March 26, 2019 by
Practical demands increase as the church plant grows, so how does a pastor balance spending time with leaders and the lost?
Cultivate a Culture of Evangelism [Part 1]
March 23, 2019 by
Have faith that the God who raises the dead can infuse an ailing, dead, stagnant, or dysfunctional church with new life and missional potency.
Four Blind Spots in Church Planting
March 16, 2019 by
Church planters are driven, passionate individuals. Here are blind spots that church planters often face.
How to Prepare Your Sermon for Launch Day
March 9, 2019 by
Here are three things to help you deliver a successful first sermon as you launch your church plant.
Best Practices to Develop Church Planting Churches [Part 3]
March 5, 2019 by
Here is part 3 of organizations intentionally building into their church planting systems an emphasis on developing church planting churches.
The Three Foundations of Prayer
February 27, 2019 by
Petition is an important part of prayer, but it shouldn’t be the only way we pray.
The Cost of Doing Ministry
February 23, 2019 by
Pastors are so accustomed to spending and losing money that it’s called an “investment” in people, but it is a slippery slope.
Incorporating Future Leaders into your Church Plant
February 19, 2019 by
Here are four points to consider when you incorporate future leaders into your church plant.
A Lesson for Church Planters from the British Bulldog
February 12, 2019 by
Keep preaching the gospel and use words because they are necessary.
We Are Exiles
February 5, 2019 by
The reality is, Christians are interlopers. We are strangers and foreigners.
Why is Change So Difficult?
January 30, 2019 by
Change is hard is because it involves people. Most of the time we focus our efforts on the people that are not open to change. This is a mistake.
Best Practices to Develop Church Planting Churches [Part 2]
January 29, 2019 by
Here are 8 ways that organizations are intentionally building into their church planting systems an emphasis on developing church planting churches.
The Three Greats of the Jesus Mission
January 12, 2019 by
Jesus gave us three commandments. We must obey them all if we are going to see movement.
Best Practices to Develop Church Planting Churches [Part 1]
January 8, 2019 by
Eight ways that organizations are building into their church planting systems on developing church planting churches.
Creating a Missional Minded Church
December 19, 2018 by
What are the best ways for churches to reach out to their communities and get individual church members missionally involved?
How to Maximize Community Events and Engagement
December 18, 2018 by
How can our church foster a larger community identity within our neighborhood?
Church Planting and the Informal Business Economy
December 8, 2018 by
Those with a heart and calling for leading a movement must realize that one of the necessary runners is a high commitment to decentralization.
Three Characteristics of Church Planting Systems
December 4, 2018 by
3 findings describe where North American organizations are in adjusting their systems to equip churches to become church planting churches.
Leaving a Legacy that Lasts
December 1, 2018 by
Be involved in the multi-generational, globally-scoped, kingdom-expanding work of planting churches and sending missionaries.
Nine Systems Within a Church Planting System
November 20, 2018 by
Here are nine basic systems that make up a typical Church Planting System in a North American church planting network.
What’s a Healthy 20-Mile March Percentage Growth Goal?
November 10, 2018 by
What does a healthy 20-mile march percentage growth goal for Sunday attendance, small groups, and volunteers serving look like?
The Dream and Reality of Planting Multiple Churches
October 31, 2018 by
Greg Surratt shares how the ARC started with a massive dream in the face of a sobering reality.
The New Normal in Church Planting
October 30, 2018 by
Churches are planting churches and often, subsequently, their own networks. This is becoming the new normal in church planting.
Discussing Church Planting on a Secular Podcast
October 24, 2018 by
When AJ Smith received an email asking if he would be interested in appearing on the podcast StartUp to discuss church plants, he said yes.
Church Planting on the Cheap
October 23, 2018 by
Small church budget changes toward financial stability.
How to Build a Thriving Student Ministry
October 17, 2018 by
What do students truly need in a student ministry?
Lessons Learned in Bi-Vocational Rural Pastoring
October 10, 2018 by
Lessons learned while choosing the bi-vocational route in a rural church planting context.
Five Steps to Become a Multiplying Church
October 2, 2018 by
Here are five basic steps that churches could take that would help make multiplication movements a higher priority.
Recruiting Your Church Planting Team
September 25, 2018 by
One key to a successful church plant is to recruit a good launch team. Here are 4 tips for recruiting launch team members for a church plant.
Best Practices in Church Planting Systems
September 18, 2018 by
Download our new eBook to learn how to plant church planting churches.
Multiplying Churches Like 7-Elevens
September 15, 2018 by
Intentionality—the deliberate, purposeful, and strategic thinking about something—is the oxygen of multiplication.
From Volunteer to Church Planter
August 23, 2018 by
Learn how to get started when God gives you what seems like an unattainable vision.
What if Everyone Leaves Your Church…to Plant More Churches?
August 14, 2018 by
When you send people out to plant, others will show up and step into leadership roles.
How to Fire Your Best Friend
August 9, 2018 by
You don’t want to risk losing your friend, but you know that for the health of the church and the staff it is time to let him go.
Tips to Create a Missional Culture, Part 2
July 31, 2018 by
Dave Jensen shares six more points that have helped his team create a greater missional culture within their congregation.
Refuel with God’s Grace and Joy Throughout the Journey of Church Multiplication
July 28, 2018 by
The journey of mission, and thus of movemental Christianity and multiplication, is like that of a life-long roller coaster.
Finding Christ in College
July 20, 2018 by
If students become Christ-followers in college, they tend to follow Jesus to the end of the journey.
How to Avoid Church Stagnation
July 17, 2018 by
Making sure your church is a loving, welcoming environment that genuinely seeks to share the gospel is a great way to address stagnation.
Burying and Resurrecting a Church Plant
July 12, 2018 by
These two church planters had a mutual vision of a multiethnic church that embodied racial reconciliation and racial justice.
Two Church Planting Startup Models
July 7, 2018 by
As long as the Kingdom of God is being built, we can be thankful for diversity in approaches.
Tips to Create a Missional Culture, Part 1
June 30, 2018 by
Dave Jensen shares 5 Steps to a Missional Culture.
Raising Non-Traditional Leaders to be Church Planters and Pastors
June 26, 2018 by
We should remember that it is God (not boards or faculties) who raises up leaders.
Moving from Survival to Stability to Sustainability
June 21, 2018 by
The first stage of church growth is simply moving from surviving every week to having financial stability.
Creating a Culture of Evangelistic Accountability
June 19, 2018 by
For pastors, avoiding the topic of evangelism cannot become the default choice.
Why We Lose Great Creative People
May 31, 2018 by
Sometimes losing people is a natural progression of growth.
Creating a Culture of Evangelistic Accountability
May 29, 2018 by
Let us, as his followers, go out with willing hearts to proclaim the gospel as we make disciples for Christ.
The Relationship Between the Worship Pastor and the Lead Pastor
May 24, 2018 by
You can’t lead your church in worship if you aren’t first leading your family.
From a Bus Garage to a Horse Barn, Real Life is Reaching Thousands
May 5, 2018 by
When God is at work, believe that he can do it anywhere.
Pushing into Places of Conflict for the Good of the Kingdom
April 28, 2018 by
When conflicts arise leaders frequently skirt around the necessity of dealing directly with each other.
Equipping Yourself and Your Team
April 26, 2018 by
Learn some helpful ways to equip your children’s ministry team.
Guardrails for a Disciple Making Culture
April 24, 2018 by
You can plant a church and not make disciples. But if you make disciples, you will plant churches that will plant churches.
Everything is a Residency
April 21, 2018 by
Church planters with ministry experience are more ready than church planters without any.
Trends of Kids Ministry
April 19, 2018 by
Ministry leaders have captured the vision that kids understand the gospel in a profound way with urgency.
Beating Bitterness
April 13, 2018 by
While most of us already know that bitterness is a sin, what many of us don’t know is how to effectively deal with it in a gospel way.
Is Your Church Plant Making a Difference?
April 10, 2018 by
How do we know our ministries, whether preaching, outreach, serving the poor, children’s programs, or life groups, make a difference?
Getting Past Inertia: Three Simple Tips for Sharing Our Faith
April 7, 2018 by
The message of Christ’s love and redemptive work on the cross was meant to be shared and it’s our job to testify to its power.
The Distinctions of Networked, Family, and Multisite Churches
April 3, 2018 by
Drew Hyun explains the differences between a networked church, a family of churches, and a multisite church in terms of structure.
The Most Important Hat a Church Planter Wears
March 24, 2018 by
In all my years of church planting it is my firm conclusion that the most important hat I wear is: giver of hope.
Dear Church Planter
March 20, 2018 by
Beg God to do a work in your heart to love and cherish your wife as unto the Lord.
3 Questions Pastors Must Ask
March 13, 2018 by
Having been around a lot of pastors at our various confabs across the world, I’ve noticed something unhealthy.
A Lifetime of Leadership Lessons
February 22, 2018 by
The body of Christ is not an illustration or a theological construct. It’s a reality.
Strategic Church Planting: Your Master Plan
February 20, 2018 by
A vision is unique to you and will capture your heart and life.
Lies Pastors Believe
February 15, 2018 by
When you deny your need for community, you are denying your humanity.
Too Important to Fail
February 13, 2018 by
What’s the thing you ultimately believe is too important to fail: your plant or your marriage?
Three Differences Between a Campus Pastor and an Associate Pastor
February 6, 2018 by
Sam Yoon shares three things that make being the #1 guy different from being the #2 guy.
The Dark Soul of the Driven Planter
January 30, 2018 by
The driven man who plants a difficult work to make disciples of Jesus will experience the darkness.
Your Facility: Right Size to Maximize
January 27, 2018 by
Does your facility facilitate ministry, or does it limit ministry?
5 Trends in Cities and Urban Ministry
January 25, 2018 by
Tim Keller shares 5 trends in North American Cities and what they mean for church planters.
Go…But First, Wait
January 13, 2018 by
Jesus’ first marching orders, to the small band of apostles and disciples on whom the fate of global Christianity rested, were “Stop. Wait. Don’t go.”
How to Transform a Community
January 9, 2018 by
One of the great and worthy causes of church planting is the desire to influence neighborhoods and cities for the gospel of Jesus.
The Implications of Your Church Plant’s Vision
January 6, 2018 by
When you’re casting vision, here are three implications you want to keep reminding your church of, pre- and post-launch.
The Three Things Every Campus Pastor Needs to Do
January 2, 2018 by
To be effective in ministry, you need to do these three things well.
Resisting Spiritual Colonialism & Ambulance Chasing
December 21, 2017 by
Mark Jobe shares how to resist ambulance chasing, and instead, seek God’s will when restarting a church.
Movement and the Early Church [Part 2]
December 19, 2017 by
We need to re-learn what it means to live as an interdependent community of faith.
Five Ways to Fight Discouragement When You Want to Quit
December 16, 2017 by
Here are five ways that can help you deal with the inevitable discouragement that comes with being a planter.
Replanting & Revitalizing
December 14, 2017 by
With every dying church, there is an opportunity for replant.
Replanting with John Mark Clifton [Behind-The-Scenes]
December 14, 2017 by
For this month’s segment, I discuss church replanting and revitalization with John Mark Clifton.
Three Essentials for an Attractional Church Plant
December 12, 2017 by
How can a church plant be more attractional with such limited resources?
Freelancing, Money, and Finding a Job in Bivocational Ministry
December 9, 2017 by
Bivocational ministry means you’re intentionally leveraging all of life into one calling.
Restarting & Replanting [Ready-To-Use-Resources]
December 7, 2017 by
These resources are geared towards launching a restart or replant.
4 Ways to Find Launch Members
December 5, 2017 by
To plant a church you need a solid launch team. Get the best practices from Daniel Im on growing your launch team.
Movement and the Early Church [Part 1]
December 2, 2017 by
Waiting in prayer is the disciplined refusal to act before God acts.
Time Management for Bivocational Ministry
November 30, 2017 by
With bivocational ministry becoming more common, it is crucial for any pastor or church planter to know how to manage time well.
Just a Few Stories of Unlikely New Friendships
November 25, 2017 by
Are timid about sharing across perceived cultural or religious barriers. Maybe you need to give it a try?
The Art of Juggling: Bivocationalism and Church Ministry
November 23, 2017 by
Bivocationalism is a paradigm shift and requires one to alter their perspective for ministry.
Six Knacks of Bivocational Ministry
November 18, 2017 by
To live a good life in bivocational ministry, you must have an aptitude in six key areas.
Bivocational Research
November 16, 2017 by
Lifeway Research has gathered some helpful insight into what bivocational ministry looks like today.
Bivocational Research with Scott McConnell [Behind-The-Scenes]
November 16, 2017 by
Scott McConnell shares some of the dynamics and pressures that a church planter will face if they are bivocational.
The Necessity of a Theology of Work
November 11, 2017 by
Work can be used to make the world a better place, and it can be a good thing for us too.
Nike for Church Planters
November 4, 2017 by
How much time are you spending hanging out with skeptical, curious and confused not-yet Christ followers?
How to Create a Solid Communication Framework in a Multisite Model
October 31, 2017 by
If you are going to plant a grape vineyard, don’t plant apple seeds.
3 Ways Tesla Affects Your Church Metrics
October 24, 2017 by
What do you think would happen if you reimagined your church’s dashboard?
From Preview to Launch
October 17, 2017 by
Previews are not abbreviated versions of your church service.
5 Steps to Producing a Multiplying Culture in your Church
October 12, 2017 by
The first step to producing a multiplying culture in your church is to make a move.
6 Mistakes I Made as a Church Planter
October 3, 2017 by
Mark Dance shares the mistakes he made as a church planter to equip you not to repeat them.
Small Town Churches with Donnie Griggs [Behind-The-Scenes]
September 28, 2017 by
For this month’s segment, I discuss rural church ministry with Donnie Griggs.
We Need Small Town Churches
September 28, 2017 by
Pastoring a small town church is like doing ministry in a fishbowl.
3 Keys to Increasing Church Planting Capacity in Denominations
September 19, 2017 by
Ed Stetzer shares three things to look at when working toward increasing church planting.
Planting Churches in a Multiethnic Context
September 16, 2017 by
To understand what is a multiethnic church, we need to understand what multiethnic means.
How Do We Get at Effective Outreach?
September 12, 2017 by
Ed Stetzer gives 3 shifts to be more effective at outreach in an increasingly skeptical, secular, and pluralistic culture.
The Value of Church Planter Assessment and Boot Camps
August 29, 2017 by
Church planter development is a crucial element to giving new churches a real chance to succeed.
3 Reasons We Shouldn’t Copy Someone Else’s Vision
August 22, 2017 by
A knockoff is an unauthorized copy or cheap imitation of the original. The quality cannot be easily matched or imitated. So, it is with vision.
3 Overlooked Qualities of a Successful Church Planter
August 19, 2017 by
Learn these qualities that are mentioned less often but are very important to becoming a successful church planter.
What We Can Learn From Immigrant Churches in Urban Church Planting
August 8, 2017 by
What can we learn and change in our approach to planting churches in global cities?
Cities and Multiculturalism: Two Trends in Church Planting Today
August 5, 2017 by
Ed Stetzer shares two trends in church planting today, and addresses their counter trends as well.
An Interview: From Marine Wife to Minister’s Wife
July 29, 2017 by
Kelli O’Day shares what it was like to go from a major’s wife to a minister’s wife.
Applying APEST to Church Planting and Organizations
July 27, 2017 by
Learn how APEST represents the DNA of the church and how that ought to affect your leadership.
Stargazing: Year One Lessons in Church Planting
July 25, 2017 by
God uses church planting as a means of sanctification for the planters as much as a means of salvation for the people the plant serves.
Stay the Course
July 18, 2017 by
Ed Stetzer lists three ways planters can stay the course in keeping evangelistically focused even after the launch.
5 Mistakes I Made as a Church Planter
July 15, 2017 by
Dustin Neeley shares some mistakes he has made as a church planter and the valuable insight he gained because of them.
5 Steps for Leading Yourself as a Church Planter
July 8, 2017 by
Dustin Neeley gives five steps to help lead yourself better as a church planter so you can lead your family or church well.
10 Characteristics of Movemental Christianity
July 4, 2017 by
Ed Stetzer shares ten characteristics of movemental Christianity.
Evangelism and Movements: July CPLF Gathering
June 20, 2017 by
Ed Stetzer talks about the Church Planting Leadership Fellowship.
¿Qué es plantación de iglesias?
June 17, 2017 by
En este post veremos una definición de plantación y definiremos las primeras partes de esa definición.
1,000 Churches in Your Lifetime
June 13, 2017 by
For a movement, we need rapid reproduction, not slow addition.
Plant Churches Like Gerbils
June 10, 2017 by
Jason Crandall shares the mindset we need to proliferate the gospel in church planting.
Why Can’t Planters Be Pastors? [Part 3]
May 23, 2017 by
Derek Hanna shares five practical tips for planters.
Why Can’t Planters Be Pastors? [Part 2]
May 20, 2017 by
Derek Hanna continues talking about church planting and pastoral leadership.
Unleashing Disciple-Makers
May 13, 2017 by
Understanding who Christ is is critical to our understanding of who we are.
Why Can’t Planters Be Pastors? [Part 1]
May 6, 2017 by
Perhaps we need to readjust our understanding of what we mean when we use the word “pastor.”
Planter, Why Art Thou Planting? [Part 2]
May 2, 2017 by
Do you love your town or city like a missionary, or do you simply enjoy your community, consuming its goods, services, and amenities?
1,000 Churches: How Past Movements Did It—And How Your Church Can, Too
April 24, 2017 by
In this new book, 1,000 Churches, Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im outline a path to move from addition to reproduction for your church.
Living Among Wolves
April 4, 2017 by
Many of us look at Christianity as a pursuit for protection. But it is really a fight against isolation.
Stupid Lines I’ve Used On My Wife
April 1, 2017 by
The key to a healthy pastor is a healthy marriage.
Contextualization with Dhati Lewis [Video Training]
March 30, 2017 by
In this training video, Dhati Lewis, Lead Pastor of Blueprint Church and Author of the New Book, Among Wolves talks contextualization.
5 Common Mistakes of Urban Church Planters
March 28, 2017 by
We need as many kinds of churches that we can get in cities.
Are You a Church Planter or Pirate?
March 25, 2017 by
I don’t know of any church planter who intentionally seeks to grow at the expense of another church, but it happens way too often.
The Bigger Picture of Church Planting
March 23, 2017 by
We can learn how we can partner with church plants, planters, networks, and denominations for the advancement of the mission of God.
Temptations for the Urban Church Planter
March 21, 2017 by
Many times we are tempted to presume upon God to bless our reckless choices.
Adopt A Missionary
March 16, 2017 by
How does personalized partnership enhance engagement? It puts a face with a cause.
Missionary Partnerships with Jair Campos [Behind-The-Scenes]
March 16, 2017 by
The reason why many churches aren’t engaged and excited about the mission of God abroad is because they don’t know a missionary serving on the ground.
Don’t Just Start a Church; Establish a Family
March 14, 2017 by
Too often, we seek to first establish infrastructure (our organization, church, etc.) before actually living on mission in our context.
How to Develop Vision from Burden
March 11, 2017 by
God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. And now, we are His ambassadors and the message we proclaim is “be reconciled.”
Ministry in the Urban Revolution
March 2, 2017 by
When it comes to the realm of missiology today, you cannot address the study of mission without addressing it in the context of urbanization.
The Missionary Strategy of the Early Church
February 18, 2017 by
There has never been a more rapidly growing movement than the post-apostolic church.
Points on the Board
February 9, 2017 by
Here’s the truth every sports fan and player knows: you don’t win unless you put points on the board.
Church Planting and Multiplication with Jeff Christopherson [Behind-The-Scenes]
February 9, 2017 by
It’s difficult to flesh out a calling where there is no vision.
Thinking of Planting a Church in a City? (Part 2)
February 7, 2017 by
God has already been at work in the city where you are planting.
Campus Pastor Skill #2: How to Lead Across
January 31, 2017 by
Campus pastors don’t need to learn how to lead laterally, but the best ones know how to.
Thinking of Planting a Church in a City? Start Here…
January 28, 2017 by
Church planters—if you’re called to a city and you’re married, your whole family ought to feel called.
Reacquainting Ourselves with Rural Small Towns
January 19, 2017 by
Although there’s not been much mission strategy in rural small town areas, we must reacquaint ourselves with such areas to be effective.
Mentality
January 14, 2017 by
Something often overlooked is the importance of asking God for the right mentality.
Remembering the Back Seat Passenger
January 12, 2017 by
While urban church planting enjoys riding “shotgun,” we must not forget about rural church planting.
Small Town Mission with Aaron Morrow [Behind-The-Scenes]
January 12, 2017 by
There is still great need for planters in rural areas and small towns.
Rural Church Planting Talks from CPLF
January 5, 2017 by
Download resources and talks from this year’s CPLF gathering on rural church planting
Be Flexible or Die
January 3, 2017 by
If we are going to survive the tumultuous waters of church planting, we will have to learn to be flexible.
3 Ways Direct Mailings Can Help Your Church
December 31, 2016 by
Research has shown that when mailed pieces contain information recipients find valuable, they are likely to keep it for future reference.
Missiology, Church Models, and Cultural Alignment
December 27, 2016 by
Church models are a by-product of two things coming together: the missiological quest and the cultural question.
The Aching of Advent
December 20, 2016 by
The aching of Advent is a time where I believe we are most aware of how close the heavenly realm is and how it stands in stark contrast to the struggles of earth.
What to Do and What Not to Do, that’s the Question
December 15, 2016 by
In every situation there’s a right way to handle things and a wrong way. In other words, there’s a “what to do” and a “what not to do.”
Small Towns Are Unique [Part 2]
December 13, 2016 by
It’s often said that newspapers in small towns don’t report the news, they confirm the news.
Small Towns Are Unique [Part 1]
November 29, 2016 by
Significant differences exist between small towns and larger cities when it comes to being on mission.
Understanding Before Being Understood
November 24, 2016 by
Ed and Daniel chat with Dhati Lewis on contextualization and mission.
Planting as Creative Disruption
November 19, 2016 by
We need to think and talk in terms of creative disruption within in our ministries.
Contextualizing “Personal Jerusalems”
November 17, 2016 by
The ability to contextualize the gospel properly greatly affects the effectiveness of a church advancing the mission of God in a specific locale.
Recommended Church Planting Books: New and Old
November 10, 2016 by
Today, more than ever, we have an abundance of digital resources, webinars, training videos, and templates for church planting.
Annotated Church Planting Bibliography
November 10, 2016 by
Plus members, download a curated annotated bibliography of 90+ church planting books today!
4 Types of People to Mobilize
November 8, 2016 by
God has equipped every believer to serve in and through the church in some way.
More Church Planting—Not Less—Is Needed
November 5, 2016 by
In order for a church planting movement to occur the Spirit of God must be powerfully working in us so that He can powerfully work through us.
Finding Facilities for Multisite Campuses
November 1, 2016 by
If you are preparing to launch, get the vision of your multisite strategy in the hearts of your people.
An Unprecedented Opportunity
October 22, 2016 by
Learn the commitments and challenges for a multi-ethnic church.
Vision for Tomorrow: Discerning and Safeguarding the Vision of the Church
October 20, 2016 by
Ed and Daniel chat with Shawn Lovejoy on discerning and protecting vision.
Press In or Push Away
October 15, 2016 by
If we’re ever going to grow as leaders it’s going to mean pressing into those situations which we’d rather avoid.
Clear and Concise Vision Casting
October 13, 2016 by
Adding specificity to vision magnifies a church’s filter for making decisions.
What To Do When Your Wife is More Competent Than You
October 11, 2016 by
We always feel the need to appear as though we know what we are doing and have it all together. Don’t believe this lie.
Rural Church Planting and Coaching Church Planters: November CPLF Gathering
October 8, 2016 by
If you’re a church planting leader in your denomination, you should join us for this gathering.
Multiplication Today, Movements Tomorrow Book
October 4, 2016 by
In this book, Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im explore the practices, barriers, and ecosystem required for church multiplication and movements.
Noisy Gongs and Clanging Cymbals
October 4, 2016 by
Today, the typical local church is not disruptive: rather, it has been disrupted.
Why Churches Should Plant Churches
October 1, 2016 by
Church planters need to be the best advocates and sponsors of next-generation churches.
5 Future Trends of Church Planting
September 24, 2016 by
Church planting trends for now and the future. Check out five of them from Ed Stetzer.
The Power of Missional Engagement
September 22, 2016 by
Ed and Daniel talk with JR Woodward about missional engagement.
What The Church Can Learn From Jerry Jones
September 20, 2016 by
Does football have anything to do with the church? Especially when it comes to your building?
Working Together to Reach a City
September 15, 2016 by
Chad Clarkson explains the importance of collaboration in church planting.
Am I Called To Be A Church Planter?
September 13, 2016 by
The natural outflow of the Great Commission is the planting of new churches.
State of Church Planting In Canada Report
September 8, 2016 by
Download the results of the largest and most thorough survey done on church planting in Canada.
To Innovate
September 6, 2016 by
Who will invest in figuring out what the church will look like in a millennial era and beyond?
Don’t Miss This Year’s Coaching Summit!
September 1, 2016 by
Register now for the 2016 Coaching Summit in Nashville…for Free!
The Pioneer and the Pastor
August 23, 2016 by
Church planters are pioneers — those who forge for the Kingdom in as-yet-untamed lands. But, what do you do when you’ve done that?
Serial Church Planting
August 20, 2016 by
Peyton Jones makes the case for the need for more gospel special-forces operatives in the Kingdom of God
Bivocationalism and Church Ministry
August 18, 2016 by
Hugh Halter sits down and talks bi-vocational ministry.
Shaped By The Rhythm of Community
August 13, 2016 by
Our community on Facebook provides solid answers to maximizing the impact in the city in which God has placed you.
Church Planting and Funding Facilities
August 9, 2016 by
As people steward financially into your church, they will expect that the money is handled well.
Don’t Be the Bottleneck
August 6, 2016 by
Moving your church to it’s next season may not involve you letting go of some of the things you’re currently doing.
Intro to Developing a Budget
August 4, 2016 by
Budgeting and fundraising are often two of the most daunting things that church planters face. This doesn’t have to be the case.
Church Finance and Budgets [Ready-to-Use-Resources]
August 4, 2016 by
Download a ton of church financial resources in this month’s Ready-To-Use-Resources
Justice and Church Planting: August CPLF Gathering
August 2, 2016 by
Ed talks about an upcoming church planting event you are not going to want to miss.
More Blessed to Receive Than to Give?
July 30, 2016 by
We should be willing and able to receive a gift when it’s offered to us.
Organic and Intentional Discipleship
July 21, 2016 by
Hear one of the greatest discipleship experts sit down and talk with us about raising fully devoted followers of Jesus.
The “Perfect” Bivocational Job?
July 16, 2016 by
Looking to step into bivocational ministry? Consider these factors when choosing the right second job.
Hybrid Discipleship and Spiritual Disciplines with Philip Nation [Behind-The-Scenes]
July 14, 2016 by
Philip Nation weighs in on the need for the blending of spiritual disciplines and discipleship models.
Worldview Shift and Our Church Planting Mission
July 12, 2016 by
Discover the future trends in church planting as it pertains to respect and diversity.
Top Ten things to Know When Finding a Facility for Your Church Plant
July 5, 2016 by
Most of the time, church plants don’t know how much space they’ll need.
Planning for Maximum Effectiveness
June 30, 2016 by
Discover the three planning buckets you need to maximize your effectiveness as a church.
Organizational Planning and Leadership – Jim Baker [Video Training]
June 30, 2016 by
Hear from Pastor Jim Baker on best practices for quality strategic planning for your church and how to raise up strong volunteers
Dear (smokin’ hot) Wife,
June 28, 2016 by
I’m still learning how to be your husband. It’s all unpredictable terrain.
The Mission Has a Spirit
June 25, 2016 by
Before you and I step out onto the mission field, perhaps we should prayerfully await the Spirit.
Cultivating the Organization People Want to Serve In
June 23, 2016 by
The more visible and accessible the mission and vision is, the more rhythmic the organizational becomes.
When it comes to building your core team, what advice you would give on recruiting people from churches other than your sending church?
June 22, 2016 by
See how Mark Dance answered this question during Office Hours for Plus Members.
The Most Unexpected Source of Pain in Our Church Planting Journey
June 18, 2016 by
I’ve been one of the pastors/church planters to throw shade at others as well!
The Importance of Assessments
June 16, 2016 by
70-90% of churches are plateaued or declining. Find out what it takes to rise above the norm!
Church Assessments and Leadership with Greg Wiens [Behind-The-Scenes]
June 16, 2016 by
Discover the importance of assessing your church and your leadership in the health and growth of your church. Learn from church assessment expert Greg Wiens.
Curating Your Multisite Library
June 11, 2016 by
Having the right tools at hand for church multiplication cannot be overstated.
Organizational Development [Ready-To-Use-Resources]
June 9, 2016 by
Download a package of tools designed to help you and your church succeed.
The Church is Not the Building So You Do Not Need One
June 7, 2016 by
It is imperative that you get clarity on who you are and what your ministry is called to do.
Starting Churches that Reach H1B Visa Non Immigrant Visa Holders
June 4, 2016 by
Churches should not overlook this burgeoning mission opportunity.
Coaching to Satisfy Heart Hunger
June 2, 2016 by
Learn how coaching affects discipleship and three heart hungers that coaches need to be aware of.
Creating a Discipleship Coaching Culture in Your Church – Dino Senesi [Video Training]
June 2, 2016 by
Learn the value of creating a coaching discipleship culture from Church Planting Coaching Director, Dino Senesi.
A Case for Bivocationality
May 31, 2016 by
What if there isn’t enough “grain to tread,” in the specific way our proverbial ox-hoof was designed by God?
Asian Culture is not Mono-Culture
May 28, 2016 by
It is important to understand the Asian demographic movement is not a single culture.
The Mother’s Day Gift I didn’t Ask For
May 21, 2016 by
Today was Mother’s Day and I woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a truck.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit and The Church Planter
May 19, 2016 by
Learn about best practices in planting a church with a for-profit extension.
The Insufficiency of the Entrepreneurial Spirit with Marlan Mincks [Behind-The-Scenes]
May 19, 2016 by
Learn best practices on pastoring in the “third place,” having a for-profit arm, and how Converge assessment centers work.
Why I’m Taking a 3-month Sabbatical After 3 Years into Planting a Church
May 17, 2016 by
I want to be joyfully ministering for the long haul.
Back from the future…
May 14, 2016 by
I find that while most church planters are entrepreneurial and therefore visionary, we’re also activists.
The “Miracle” of Recruiting a High-Level Team
May 5, 2016 by
A high-level team is like a freight train—when it gets going, it’s tough to stop.
Recruiting a High Level Team – William Vanderbloemen [Video Training]
May 5, 2016 by
Learn how to recruit a high-level team by expert executive search consultant for churches, William Vanderbloemen.
The Need for Churches Among New Immigrants from China
May 3, 2016 by
China is now the 4th largest source country of all migration.
Dear Church Planter, I Believe in You
April 30, 2016 by
I believe in church planting. More to the point, I believe in church planters.
Top Quotes From Exponential 2016 – Day 3
April 28, 2016 by
Take a look through the top quotes from day three of Exponential 2016.
Top Quotes From Exponential 2016 – Day 2
April 28, 2016 by
Take a look through the top quotes from day two of Exponential 2016.
Top Quotes From Exponential 2016 – Day 1
April 27, 2016 by
Take a look through the top quotes from day one of Exponential 2016.
Planter, Why Art Thou Planting?
April 26, 2016 by
Scripture does invite us to prayerfully weigh our motives.
3 Ways to Master Leadership
April 21, 2016 by
Learn three ways that you can master leadership with Brad Lomenick, the former leader and director of Catalyst for 12 years.
If Your Church Accomplishes Its Vision…
April 19, 2016 by
Every decision influences the vision whether to enhance or destabilize it.
Trend #3 for the Future of Church Planting: Residencies and Theological Education
April 16, 2016 by
Seminaries are realizing that ministerial training happens best in the context of a local church.
Three Essential Questions to Developing Leaders
April 14, 2016 by
Learn how to use residencies and internships to develop leaders in your church.
A Scalable Residency Model with Kadi Cole [Behind-The-Scenes]
April 14, 2016 by
Learn about Christ Fellowship’s leadership development pathway and how they use it to train residents through their school of ministry.
Trend #2 for the Future of Church Planting: Bivocational Ministry
April 9, 2016 by
Instead of looking down on pastors for being bivocational, we should lift them up as our heroes.
Preaching Templates, Tips, and Tools [Ready-To-Use Resources]
April 7, 2016 by
Download a curated list of 25 templates, tips, and tools for preaching and teaching in your church.
5 Important Values For New Churches Today
April 5, 2016 by
The message of Jesus is timeless and true, and the gospel is indeed unchanging news for today.
Learning to Relax
April 2, 2016 by
It’s pretty common for the unusual to happen at our inner city church, but this took things to a whole new level.
Heaven’s Kitchen: Similarities between Preachers and Chefs
March 31, 2016 by
Learn about the five things that preachers and chefs have in common from Matt Chandler.
Trend #1 for the Future of Church Planting: Kingdom Collaboration
March 29, 2016 by
Together we can accomplish more than we can ever do alone.
Planning to Plant? Plan to Persevere.
March 26, 2016 by
Perseverance is not just important in church planting; it’s critical.
Knocking it Out of the Park: How to Prepare and Deliver “Home Run” Sermons
March 24, 2016 by
Learn four helpful tips to improve your preaching for the glory of God.
Helpful Tips on Sermon Preparation and Delivery – Mike Minter [Video Training]
March 24, 2016 by
Watch a 60 minute course on four steps to preparing a sermon with Mike Minter.
#MakeDisciples ThatMakeDisciples Part 2
March 19, 2016 by
In our church we work really hard by God’s grace, to cultivate a Gospel culture.
A Key Discernment Question in Church Planting
March 15, 2016 by
My natural tendency has been to push and work until whatever is dreamed about comes to fruition.
Resourcing African American Churches
March 12, 2016 by
Most of the African American church planters with whom I work have lived in the location where they plant for a long time.
Sample Job Descriptions for All Church Leaders [Ready-To-Use Resources]
March 10, 2016 by
Download the full list of 47 editable job descriptions for the different volunteer and staff roles in your church.
Three Steps of Every Church Plant’s Vision
March 8, 2016 by
We must take time to craft the vision for our church, and the elements of mission and ministry in it.
Be Intentional About Leadership Development
March 3, 2016 by
One of the reasons why churches haven’t mastered leadership development is because they are not intentional in doing so.
Developing Your Leadership Pathway – Mac Lake [Video Training]
March 3, 2016 by
Learn from Mac Lake, the Visionary Architect of The Multiply Group, on the importance of intentionality in developing leaders.
One of the Most Depressing Things I Can Do as a Church Planter
March 1, 2016 by
Comparison is one of the most depressing things I can do as a church planter.
The Two Most Important Elements of Preaching
February 27, 2016 by
If Jesus’ sermons didn’t necessarily contain much new content, what made his teaching so attractive?
Scaling Leadership Development: Taking Leaders from Here to There
February 25, 2016 by
Learn three principles for moving leaders from one level to the next with the hopes they become disciple-making & leader-reproducing leaders.
A New Resource for Pastors and Church Planters
February 24, 2016 by
In Matthew 28, we see Jesus Christ’s clear vision for the church, “To go into all the world and make disciples.”
In This Time: Leadership Lessons from Esther
February 23, 2016 by
Renewal, restoration, transformation, and salvation will come from here or another place.
9 Ways to Engage Your Community
February 20, 2016 by
Teach your people to be their best at work. Great workers make a great place to live.
Is There a Recruitment Secret Sauce For Church Planting?
February 16, 2016 by
“We don’t recruit, coax, cajole or tap prospective planters on the shoulder – we pray.”
The Place Where Planters Need to Be
February 13, 2016 by
I find it fascinating that the story of God starts with a picnic and ends with a feast.
Reaching Every Nation with the Gospel
February 11, 2016 by
Churches, denominations, and networks should have a strategy to reach every nation. Does your church have one?
A Church Planting Process and Strategy with Every Nation [Behind-The-Scenes]
February 11, 2016 by
What is going on behind-the-scenes at Every Nation? Learn about their church planting strategy and process.
#MakeDisciples ThatMakeDisciples, Part 1
February 9, 2016 by
This is a randomized list of tweets and tips for making disciples that make disciples.
Blast Off
February 6, 2016 by
The best analogy for me regarding church planting is this: it’s like launching a rocket.
Church Marketing Templates and Guides [Ready-To-Use Resources]
February 4, 2016 by
Download marketing guides and templates to help you launch your church or campus, and grow it.
How to Build Your Campus Launch Template
February 2, 2016 by
One of the biggest benefits to being multisite is that you can begin to build systems that allow you to launch new churches.
Level 5 Churches Need Level 5 Leaders
January 28, 2016 by
In order to multiply disciples & churches, Level 5 leaders make missional complexities simple & applicable.
What I Wish I Knew About Moving From An Associate Pastor to a Lead Pastor
January 26, 2016 by
One of the challenges for me as a church planter is not knowing what I don’t know.
One Of These May Change The World
January 23, 2016 by
If you have people, you have potential church planters. If you have people, you have people to train.
Church Planting in Theological Education
January 20, 2016 by
Many schools are beginning to recognize that many of their students are not interested in the traditional pastoral route.
Your Greatest Contribution to Planting
January 16, 2016 by
If I asked you what the single greatest contribution your church could make to church planting would be, what would you say?
Creating a Culture of Multiplication, Leadership, and The Assemblies of God [Behind-The-Scenes]
January 14, 2016 by
What is going on behind-the-scenes at The Assemblies of God? Learn how to create a culture of multiplication in your church.
Timeless Principles for Church Multiplication
January 14, 2016 by
Learn how to create a culture of multiplication and develop leaders. Discover insights to help you move towards multiplying your church.
How Old Must a Church Be To Plant Another Church?
January 7, 2016 by
Early on, we need to recognize that church planting has to be a part of the DNA of the church.
Four Questions About Your Church Plant
January 5, 2016 by
Answer these questions, planter. The future of your work — and probably your soul — depend on it.
Multisite in Rural Locations
December 31, 2015 by
Starting a campus in rural areas isn’t like starting one in the suburbs or cities. In many ways, it’s more difficult—especially relationally, financially, and contextually.
This Ain’t Your Mama (Church)’s Church
December 22, 2015 by
Submit your plans and leadership to the one Good Shepherd and Head of the Church.
A Pipeline for a Leadership Residency Program
December 17, 2015 by
For churches, pipelines are used to plant churches, launch campuses, multiply disciples, and to develop leaders.
Who Do You Hang Out With?
December 15, 2015 by
All leaders lead. Good leaders develop. Great leaders deploy.
Should I Start With a Core Group or a Launch Team?
December 13, 2015 by
The reason some people have leaned towards launch teams is because many of the people who help start the church, don’t actually stick around.
Tips on Starting Well for the Church Planting Wife
December 12, 2015 by
Church planting, when you boil it down, is all about relationships.
5 Steps to Developing Multiplying Leaders
December 9, 2015 by
Church multiplication begins with the small seed of leadership development. Learn 5 steps to developing multiplication oriented leaders.
Multiplication Is Impossible Without Intentionality
December 8, 2015 by
Far too often, we are experiencing church planting by addition, and not by multiplication.
How Should the Finances of a New Church be Budgeted and Allocated?
December 3, 2015 by
Determining finances is a tough question. Ultimately you want two dominant questions to guide your thinking.
For the Struggling Church Planting Wife: Reframe the Struggle
December 1, 2015 by
In church planting, it’s helpful to reframe what you’ve experienced. Think about the common struggles you and I face from different angles.
2 Kinds of Multi-Ethnic Churches
November 28, 2015 by
Even if a church does not talk about race/social issues as much, these churches care deeply about what God is doing globally.
3 Marks of a Healthy Church Residency Program
November 25, 2015 by
How many churches would you like to see planted in the next five years? Ten years? 30 years? In your lifetime?
Consistency Matters in Church Planting
November 21, 2015 by
We have the chance to model God’s heart; a heart of love and consistency.
Fail Proofing Church Planting Start-Ups
November 19, 2015 by
Learn the values that will help you fail-proof the start-up of your church plant.
Why Do Most Start-Ups Fail? – Greg Surratt [Video Training]
November 19, 2015 by
Learn from Greg Surratt, the founding pastor of Seacoast and President of ARC on start-ups.
Multiply, NAMB and Mac Lake [Behind-The-Scenes]
November 12, 2015 by
What is going on behind-the-scenes at Multiply and NAMB? Learn leadership development and insights into their church planting process.
Preparing Church Planters to Swim with Sharks
November 12, 2015 by
The good news is that church planters don’t have to swim with real sharks, but they do plant in a world filled with cultural sharks.
Being Mean About The Vision: Preserving and Protecting What Really Matters
November 10, 2015 by
If we’re not intentional about the vision, we will drift off course.
The Power of Story in Start-Up (And Beyond)
November 7, 2015 by
What stories has God already given you that need to be re-told?
3 Ways to Raise Up More Church Planters
October 27, 2015 by
We need to be actively engaged in raising up more leaders for the huge harvest field.
Using Networks for City Transformation
October 22, 2015 by
Don’t try to reach your city on your own. Use a network for city transformation.
Engaging a City with a Church Planting Network – Bob Roberts, Jr. [Video Training]
October 22, 2015 by
Learn from Dr. Bob Roberts as he explains a unique church planting strategy to engage your city with the gospel.
Refugees and the Church Plant
October 20, 2015 by
Will there be an impact upon Europe after bringing in this many refugees?
Thinking of Planting a Church in a City? (Part 2)
October 17, 2015 by
God has already been at work in the city where you are planting.
Thinking of Planting a Church in a City? Start Here…
October 10, 2015 by
Church planters—if you’re called to a city and you’re married, your whole family ought to feel called.
Exponential Presentation – State of Church Planting in the U.S.
October 6, 2015 by
How many churches launched in 2014? How many closed? Download Ed Stetzer’s full presentation from Exponential on The State of Church Planting.
State of Church Planting in the U.S. 2015 Report
October 1, 2015 by
Download the results of the largest and most thorough survey done on church planting in the U.S. since 2007.
What’s the Greatest Hurdle in Multiplication and Growth for Most Pastors You Speak With?
October 1, 2015 by
See how Ed Stetzer answered this question during Office Hours for Plus Members.
3 Pieces of Advice from a Church Planter to Church Planters
September 30, 2015 by
When I planted my first church in Buffalo in 1988, I was considered strange.
From Generalist to Specialist: What to Do When You’re Doing it All
September 30, 2015 by
There is no getting around it: you will be a generalist for a time long enough that will feel uncomfortable and difficult for you.
First Things First: Multiplying the Mission
September 29, 2015 by
If there was only one thing that you could do in your life, what would it be?
Involving Large Church Pastors in Multiplication
September 27, 2015 by
Uniting small and large churches around the mission of the denomination is important.
How Do I Know if God Wants Me to Plant a Church?
September 26, 2015 by
Discerning the call of God to plant a church can be tough.
10 Reasons Systems Matter for Church Planting
September 26, 2015 by
There are no perfect models, and there is no silver bullet. Many models are useful though.
5 Places to Find Your Next Church Planter
September 25, 2015 by
Searching for church planters, but aren’t sure of the best places to look? Here are a few.