I am currently reading Brian and Amy Bloye’s book, entitled, IT’S PERSONAL: Surviving & Thriving On The Journey Of Church Planting. It is an honest and encouraging look at exactly what’s involved on a personal level in the decision to plant a church. In one of the early chapters, Bloye outlines four questions to ask before deciding to plant.
#1 – Are You Certain Of Your Calling?
‘There is only one reason to plant a church (or to do anything, for that matter). That is the sturdy conviction that it is the one and only thing that God wants you to do.’ Church planting is not something you do because it is trendy or popular. The price is too high.
#2 – Have You Considered Your Marriage And Family?
‘The greater the challenge, the more critical the need for unity in a marriage and family.’ All major decisions need to be made in unity between husband and wife, but especially ones that involve spiritual resistance. The first place the enemy will target is the potential division between family members.
#3 – Do You Have A Support Network?
‘Some people leave to plant a church because things haven’t gone well somewhere else…Yet the leading indicator of your future church success is your present success.’ Building a healthy supportive relationships is not something you do because you are planting a church, it is something that you do to live your best kind of life.
#4 – What Specific Thing About Church Planting Captures Your Imagination?
”The draw of church planting must come from a desire to reach people for Christ with the conviction that this is the best way to do it, as well as the way that God wants it done.’ It’s not enough to just want to do church a new way, or to break free from the constraints of tradition or poor leadership. It’s not enough to just want to follow the church planting model that makes you excited. You have to want to reach people and to reach a community or city that specifically needs to be reached.
#5 – What Is The Specific Location You Are Called To Reach?
‘You must bond with your vocation, but also with your location. You must feel a deep burden for it’s people.’