Planting a Healthy ChurchSample

Keep It Simple

Do you feel overwhelmed by the job of building or planting a church? There is so much to do and so much to consider—funding, people, ministries, buildings, locations, and on and on. It can be overwhelming! Often, insecurities, competing voices, fear, and pride can direct our activities.

In Haggai, God gave the Israelites three simple steps to complete the task of rebuilding God’s temple: go up to the mountain, get the timber, and build the temple. These steps were not easy work, but they were simple to understand. They helped the Israelites focus on what they could do in order to accomplish the mission, not on what they could not control. God will only ask us to do something that He has already provided the help, resources, and leadership to accomplish.

Controlling the outcome and success of the church is not our job. Obedience is. It is not always easy, but it is simple. Keep it simple. Focus on the steps God has given you.

For example, when launching, just focus on three things—kids ministry, worship experience, and environment. Create a kids ministry that kids beg to come back to, a worship experience that invites God in every week, and an environment that lets people of all kinds know that they are welcome. You don’t need to start with a youth program or small groups on day one.

Don’t worry just yet about your second year’s budget. Focus on getting the funds needed for launch. As you take the first few steps, God will be faithful to show you steps 4, 5, and 6. Don’t worry about the things out of your control. Those are God’s responsibility.

As you read today, identify what you can do and what God will do. This will help you keep it simple and focus on what you can do while trusting God with what only He can do!