Planting Partners

I was reading a pastor from “down under” (Mark Edwards) today and thought some barriers his blog underscored were note worthy.

It seemed to me that the number one limiting factor on this list is either the pastor or things that the pastor can control. I find that incredibly important because in my experience I am the number one growth barrier at our church.

If we are going to grow to any particular number there are a five things I need to be thinking about (and I think about these all the time):

1. Is my spiritual life in order (are the spiritual disciplines in my life producing fruit)?
2. Is my family life in order (am I spending quality time with each member individually and creating time for corporate family time)?
3. Do I have relationships with pre-Christians (am I personally building friendships with people who are far from God)?
4. Have I taught the “church” to value hospitability and be welcoming?
5. Have I created a place for people to connect and get cared for (I hope God only adds as many people as we are able to care for)?

The barriers that are on the list below are just that, barriers. Barriers can be overcome. It is important to say again that if anything is going to change at the church I pastor, the change will usually be me. If you are going to change anything at your church the change will likely be with you.

“God wants people to come to Christ. Most pastors want people to come to Christ, and therefore, the church to grow.What barriers can there be to growth?
Barriers- the stuff we get stuck behind

1. The Barrier of “Comfortitis”
We are comfortable with where we are, and we’re really tired
2. The Barrier of “Come and See” mentality
We assume people will seek us out
3. The Barrier of the “Power Group”
A small group controls most of the decision making
(i.e. original “core group”)
4. The Barrier of “Ministry Misplacement”
People in the wrong places of ministry, or too few doing too much
5. The Barrier of the “Pastoral Care Pastor”
The expectation of the pastor giving all personal care
6. The Barrier of “Small Church” desire
Many people come to a church plant because it is small
7. The Barrier of “Staff Shortage”
Inadequate staffing for growth
8. The Barrier of “Finite Facilities”
There is no room for significant growth
9. The Barrier of “Strategic Shortage”
Either the pastor or the people aren’t aware of the “next necessary steps”
10. The Barrier of “Fundingitis”
The church rarely pays for itself as quickly as you want it to”

• If you want the expanded version, click on the picture, and then print it out.