TEN MARKS OF THRIVING NEW CHURCH PLANTS (5/18/10)

 In my coaching of church plants across North America, I observe several factors that are typically present in the ones that catch fire.  Other folks have made their lists of characteristics of thriving planters (Charles Ridley, Jim Griffith and the group that produced the book Extraordinary Leaders for Extraordinary Times.)  This is Paul Nixon’s list:

1.    A clear and compelling vision from the pastor (in the view of prospective members in the mission field.  If there is one red flag that should haunt us about a prospective planter, it would be puzzlement about vision.  Where the pastor struggles here, the new church will almost inevitably struggle to grow.
2.    A sound plan for the missional context that is financially feasible, moving the new church to financial sustainability and a minimum critical mass of people within three years or less.  (Often the pastors need help from a coach and possibly a conference staff person in developing such a competent plan.  A sound plan avoids launching worship prematurely in suburban settings where more than 100 adults in attendance are needed for the project to thrive.)
3.    A good match (or affinity) between the pastor and a significant population of persons within the mission field.
4.    A competent and functional team surrounding the pastor (see previous blog entry).
5.    Ability and willingness of the pastor to sell the vision and, occasionally, to raise money for the vision, eyeball to eyeball.  (This is why I often invite a competent capital fundraiser to partner with me in my coaching relationships.)
6.    Nimbleness to adapt quickly and find a Plan B when Plan A doesn’t work as well as we would like.  Every mission field is unique, and finally, after applying all the wisdom we can from other church plants, we have to treat each community in customized ways.
7.    A leader development process in place within the first year, with the pastor mentoring both laity and staff.
8.    A missional orientation, so that everything is done with the folks in mind that this church is being planted to reach.  A high percentage of events are designed for newcomers and for the public.
9.    Spiritual and relational health in the planter pastor. 
   
   10. Stable and positive relationships between the planting team and the denominational/connectional sponsors (if there are such).  This is often made easier if mediated by the coach in the context of pre-negotiated benchmarks for the project’s development.