Minimally viable product …
The question can be funny for a church planter. Many often ask, “Why another church?” It’s valid. We have enough churches in Springfield to house the population any given Sunday. I always joke the two things we feel like we don’t need in Springfield are Chinese restaurants and churches. Yet, they both seem to keep popping up. My answer: discipleship. Speaking like a business, the demand is disciple-making, and the product is God’s church and his word. While our city seems to have plenty of churches, it is simply declining in discipleship.
Problem solving …
We began our church believing authentic Christ-centered community ought to be the most attractive piece. We never pulled a bait-and-switch on anyone, lured people in with giveaways or promised to be the most exciting experience they would ever have. We simply wanted people to be attracted to Redeemer because of Jesus.
Seed money …
Raising funds for church planting is very much like starting a business. Prior to launching, I created a three-year budget plan anticipating startup costs to be around $100,000. I had to create a financial plan and knock on the doors of churches and ministry partners. Most of my contacts could not give a large sum of money up front, but most of them were willing to give monthly. I also found ways for partners to donate unused equipment – cell phones, chairs, sound equipment, etc. – and that equaled around $50,000.
Hurdles overcome …
We have been committed to the Grant Beach Neighborhood. We’re a church that’s consistently growing, so space is an issue and our options are limited. We are now in our fourth location in four years. We have recently settled in The Fairbanks, an old renovated elementary school in the neighborhood.
Biggest mistake …
Hiring friends without clear expectations. I have a dear friend who helped start our church. I handed him responsibility with no clear expectations and with assumptions he would just learn how to do it on his own. I was forced to have to ask him to step down. That was the hardest thing I’ve had to do in ministry.
Best advice received …
It came from the lead pastor of the church we came out of in Ozark, LifePoint Church. Lane Harrison told me prior to starting our church: “Not only is God using the man for the mission, but also he’s using the mission for the man.” We often believe when we start a church that we’re the answer people are looking for, but we’re not. God uses us as a means to accomplish something, but the goal is him, not us.
