5 Things I Wish Every Church Planter Knew (Part 3)
Continued from an earlier blog post...
3 - YOU CAN'T GROW A HEALTHY CHURCH WITHOUT LOSING THE "RIGHT" PEOPLE QUICKLY!
If you have people attending your church who clearly prefer a different way of doing church than the way you do it... don't be disingenuous by pretending you like their ideas or will give their ideas "prayerful" consideration. Invite them to be a part of the church THE WAY IT IS or suggest they find one where they can fully embrace the vision.
I always cringe when I hear church planters say, "I'm meeting w/ the launch team and we're hashing out a vision for the church!!" WHAT?!?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?! I'm not trying to be mean, but if you don't already have a vision for the church you're starting... you shouldn't be starting it! This isn't a group project. If too many minds speak into the vision, it'll just be a hodgepodge of ideas w/o any clear focus. DON'T ASK PEOPLE TO HELP SHAPE THE VISION. Tell them what it is and ask them to get on board!
Prior to starting a church, this doesn't sound all that difficult, but it is. Nobody likes to lose people. But here is the reality: Regardless of what your vision is, you're going to lose people... so you might as well lose them over something you're passionate about, rather than what "Mr. - I've got lots of ideas, but never want to get involved" is passionate about.
The clearer you are about the vision, the more quickly people can determine if it's the church for them. If they decide to leave, DON'T CHASE THEM! You'll be left with a church filled with people who are passionate and excited to be there. As a result, you'll spend time and energy moving forward w/ the vision, rather than convincing people why they shouldn't leave!
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