the    sides

Got an e-friend (or is b-friend meaning blog? But “b” could be translated as boy or brokeback…alright, let’s stick with e-friend) who is chewing on the idea of planting a church. I semi-jokingly said “when you do, let me know. I got a list of things NOT to do.” I got this email from him this weekend.

How easy would it be for you to email me your list of what NOT to do with a church plant?

I guess he’s doing more than chewing. So I thought I’d post them so that we could all join in the conversation. Mainly because, I’ve never planted a church. On one hand, this is like a 20 year-old single person telling a 39 year-old married with kids person how to parent. (Which, by the way, I’m really sorry about that. Please forgive me. I have kids now.)

On the other hand, I’ve been in relatively young churches who were reaping the “benefits” of some significant early church plant mistakes. Any resemblance to past or current circumstances at Grace is purely coincendental. (cough, cough.)

1. Do NOT plant with disgruntled people. If they are unhappy with their current church, guess what? It’s only a matter of time before they are unhappy with their current church.

2. Do NOT plant with a list of what you are NOT going to be/do. Which is highly ironic seeing how this is exactly what this list is…please give me some grace on this one! Seriously, it’s easy to rant against “the MAN” or “the Establishment.” It’s harder to cast a compelling vision as to what a local church COULD be and do. It’s not only harder but it’s better and will lead to long-term fruit.

Enough of the negative…let’s get positive.

3. Get the blessing and counsel of some “elders”. I’m NOT talking about your new church leadership team. I’m talking about some third-party elders who love you enough to tell you the truth.

I’ve been pretty lucky to have some major face time with some monster leaders. NAME DROPPING WARNING!!!! SKIP NEXT 2 PARAGRAPHS TO ESCAPE!!! Guys like Robert Lewis, Bill Wellons, Chip Jackson, Robert Cupp, Gene Wilkes, and … Mark Schatzman.

(Okay, Schatzy’s name on the list because I like to tease the heck out of him for selling out and going to play with the big boys. The real ironic thing is this - he doesn’t even have an office right now. He’s got a cubicle. And I’m going to be an empty nester before he is now. Love ya’ bro!!!!!)

Where was I? Oh yeah - here’s why the shameless name dropping thing - they are not just “Evangelical Celebrities/Bigwigs.” They love the church. They love young pastors. More importantly than that - they love Jesus and want to be a part of a Kingdom movement, not just building their church. That’s why if you ask - they’ll make themselves available to you. Find one near you, buy his lunch every month or so, and enjoy the ride.

4. Ping It. Another way to say this - once you’ve figured out your spiritual DNA (your unique fingerprint/calling), just do it. Don’t apologize for it or figure out the 436 different ways you could say it and put it on a bumper sticker. Don’t worry about wordsmithing, just do it. The words will come later.

5. Chemistry over compentence. Character over all. If you’ve been around folks who hire, you’ve heard the “three C’s.” Character, Compentecy, and Chemistry. (I’d like to add a 4th C - contenence. ) They are all important, but not equal.

6. Finally, Celebrate your God-stories early and often. Mistakes are going to happen. So are victories. Celebrate those. Tell the God-stories that are going on, don’t keep records of all the screw-ups. (Unless it involves ponds, boxers, and youth pastors.) Or if you do, let them be stories of laughter, not condemnation.

Anyone got anything else?