Random Thought Thursday
Here we go—part one of random thought Thursday!
I have had the privilege to have lunch with two young men this week, one who is planting a church within the next few months and the other who wishes to plant a church after graduating college. I have no agenda when I meet with people like this—they ask questions and I buy the lunch. I also am very transparent and speak of our mistakes that we have made here at NewSpring…I figure God allowed us to make them so that others would not have to.
Here are some of the things that were communicated…
#1 - There is no correct way to start a church!
It amazes me how people can read Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Church (which is an EXCELLENT book by the way), and then they want to go out and start just like Rick did.
Or someone will go to a conference at Willow Creek and want to be just like Hybils.
But if you read books by successful church planters (I say SUCCESSFUL…I do not read books by anyone who claims to know a lot about church planting but has never given it a try. This would be equivalent to a doctor reading a book written about surgery by someone who had never been in the operating room!)
Sorry for the rant—if you read books by successful church planters they will all tell you the same thing, “Don’t try to be like us!” There is not a formula—there are principles…I think excellence, relevance, and creativity are essential…however, every church looks a little different…and I believe God is ok with that. As long as Jesus Christ is being lifted up and the method you use is dependant upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
#2 - Seminary is not necessary!
I went to seminary—for about two years. I completed about 33 hours towards a masters degree…and honestly—it wasn’t doing a thing for me.
CALM DOWN all you seminary happy people! I am not saying that seminary is evil—but I am saying that a degree from seminary is NOT a Biblical mandate…no matter what your professor might say.
Seminary is a calling…and if the Lord calls you to go—then you need to go. I still believe that He calls people to go; however, it’s not for everyone. When Jesus went to surround Himself with people—He didn’t go for the religious scholars—He went for the “unschooled, ordinary men!”
#3 - Emphasize small groups from the beginning
This is a mistake we made at NewSpring. Now in our defense—we were all clueless, we had no idea what we were doing. (I actually still feel that way!) And so we didn’t place a ton of attention on small groups.
If I had it all to do over again—this is the one thing I would change. I would talk about it from the stage over and over again. People desire community—and the church is the FIRST place they should look for it.
#4 - Do not be afraid to speak about money
I would say that financial stress is in the top three things that are on people’s minds when they walk into worship on any given Sunday. People struggle with money…and for some reason it seems to be something that the church wants to avoid. (Which is why I think so many Christians struggle with it!)
Jesus talked about money more than He talked about heaven or hell. The Bible has about 500 verses on prayer—less than 500 on faith…but over 2,000 on money and possessions—so if you are going to teach Scripture—then you HAVE to talk about it.
AND don’t apologize for it. It seems that money sermons are the only thing preachers apologize for. “Now people—today we’re going to talk about money…I hope this isn’t offensive…” WHAT IS THAT? We don’t apologize for speaking about adultery, “Now people—today we’re going to talk about having sex outside of marriage…if you are currently having an affair or are sleeping around then I hope this doesn’t make you mad…”
Besides—the only people who will get angry when you speak about giving is people who…are…not…giving. I can say with integrity that I speak on this—I teach Biblical money management…and it works.
#5 - You WILL get criticized—by religious people
This is a given…it will happen. They stoned Paul (the old fashioned kind), they called Jesus a demon possessed Samaritan, one of the lowest insults of the day. If Jesus and Paul got it—so will you. Stay focused!
#6 - You decide—for those who have planted churches—what are some pieces of advice you would offer.