I frequently tell young men church planting is the scariest, riskiest, most challenging, yet rewarding thing you could ever do with your life. There’s never been a greater time in the history of our nation to see a new movement of church planting. The U.S. Census Bureau is projecting a net gain of 30 million new people in the next decade. With 3,500 churches closing their doors each year and only 4,000 churches starting annually, there is still a huge gap to meet the evangelistic need in our country. But while the need is great, the church-planting pathway is not for everyone. So what are the questions to ask before planting a church?
5 Questions to Ask Before Planting a Church
1. Am I experiencing a strong internal draw to plant a new church?
No one should plant a church simply because they have a good opportunity or a good idea. Church planting is always a God-anointed calling. Make sure it’s not just an infatuation with church planting but an authentic call to church planting.
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2. Am I driven to reach the lost of my community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Another way to ask it is: Am I currently active in sharing my faith with the lost of my community? Don’t wait until you are a church planter to become evangelistic. Remember you don’t have to plant a church to live out your calling to reach the lost.
3. Are mature believers and significant leaders around me confirming my calling to plant a church?
In my experience, God brings others into the life of the potential planter to confirm his calling. In an almost mysterious way, others will begin to speak into your calling to plant. But if it’s just your momma telling you you’d be a great church planter, then I would advise you to slow down.
More questions to ask before planting a church on Page Two . . .
