Planting Sexy Churches

[Before you read, please know that I'm not attacking a church model.  We need all types of churches to reach all types of people.  But I am challenging a certain mindset among some church planters and leaders. Should you disagree, leave a comment and let's reason this out biblically. Thank you.]

Luke 15 is hands down one of my favorite sections in all of Scripture.  If you recall, Jesus is “caught” by the Pharisees getting his grub on with sinners and tax collectors.  Oh, the scandal! As they criticize him for the company he keeps, Jesus hits back with three stories that reveal his heart as he talked about a lost son, a lost coin, and a lost sheep.

In the parable of the lost sheep, you’ll see the shepherd leave the ninety-nine sheep to go find the one that is lost. When he finds it he throws it over his shoulders, carries it back, and throws a party.  Something valuable was missing and now is found.  Then Jesus tells us that in the same way, Heaven celebrates over one sinner (like you and me) turns a one-eighty than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need to.

There are many layers to this passage but when I read it I can’t help but think about church planting and how there is a easy way and the right way to build churches.

The easy way is to start a sexy church for the ninety-nine.  All you have to do is be more attractive than other churches in your area.  Soon enough, you’ll have lots of Christians from other churches joining.  You’ll grow quickly and be heralded as the next big thing in church planting world.  Blogs subscribers, Twitter followers, and speaking invitations will come.  Success for your church is breaking attendance records and your mission is to keep that attendance chart rising.  Congratulations Mr. Church Planter, you are an excellent event planner and your sexy church can put on a great show.  At least until something sexier comes along.

Hear my heart- I’m all for inviting environments and I do believe numbers matter. I want as many as possible to follow Jesus.  I’m just wondering which numbers matter most. The ninety-nine or the one?

All churches agree that Jesus should be at the center of any healthy church.  He is the object of worship.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  We love Jesus and want to do what he says and be more like him.

I find it interesting that God could have entered human history as a sexy beast, but he didn’t according to Isaiah 52:2.  I suppose if Jesus was incredibly good-looking, people could have said his disciples followed him because of his movie-star looks.  But that wasn’t the case. Instead, people were drawn to Jesus because he was Jesus.  People were added daily to the early church because Jesus is Jesus.  Today, people are still compelled to Jesus because he is still Jesus.

If Jesus is right (and he is), then the right way to start a church is to share his heart for the one who’s lost.  And if Luke 15 is any indication, we don’t wait for them to find us.  We go find them!

If our churches are like Jesus, we don’t prepare a fancy table for the ninety-nine.  We go and sit at the table of the one(s). The point isn’t for the ninety-nine to come to our sexy church show, it’s for the one to come to Jesus.

As many as possible.

And we can party like mad when they do!

Tags: attractional church, Church, Church Planting, missional church

Project Church Reflections (video)

Some reflections following Saturday night’s gathering at Project Church.

(RSS readers: Click here to view the video)

Tags: Church, Church Planting, missional church, project church, video

The Story So Far

It’s been almost two months since we kicked-off gatherings for Project Church and the question I’m asked most is, “How are things with Project Church?”

Overall, I’m pumped about Project Church.  It’s humbling to be a part of something special.   We set out to be a church for people who don’t dig church (at least church as usual).  And week by week we’ve had explorers join us and some even come back.  All the while we’ve been true to the Gospel.  That’s what we wanted to do.  Be big on Jesus, big on people, and for us all to live the lives we are meant to live.  I’ve definitely been blessed and have had some profound high’s.

I’ve also felt the low’s.  And since one of our values at Project Church is authenticity, I’m going to share some of them with you.

My heart breaks more now than it used to
I want so badly for people (and myself) to live full lives by following Jesus and it breaks me to see us choose otherwise.  I truly love my church and have quickly seen the need for prayer and have had the fuel for loving yet strong teaching.  This weight isn’t a bad thing but it’s a reality that I live with because I want to see people live the lives they were meant to live.

I take things more personal
Not saying it’s right or wrong, but I’ve definitely been bummed when people don’t return to our gatherings.  Not so much the churchy people, but the ones who really need a church like ours. I don’t want to lose missed opportunities and I think we have. And when our strongest supporters can’t be there, I find it’s not quite the same.  There’s something about their support that really encourages me.

Momma said there would be days like this
Pretty much all of the things I’ve been told I would experience as a church planter have come true.  The week we had a $2 total offering followed by a $0 offering was tough. Especially with a $750 rent payment to the coffee shop.  Thankfully, God provided.  I’m also getting used to criticism. Not a week goes by that I don’t hear of some false rumor about me and my church by other Christians.  That really ticks me off and is often followed by discouragement.  Thankfully, my wife is there to cool me off and stand by my side.  I’m learning to deal with it, but again, it’s not easy.

But don’t feel sorry for me.

The truth is I love starting and leading this church.  I’m so blessed to not just have a calling but am able to live it.   Seeing the person who crossed the line from explorer of Jesus to follower of Jesus makes it all worthwhile.  Seeing people step into a church gathering who never would otherwise makes it all worthwhile. Watching people grow into the people God meant them to be makes it all worthwhile. The growth I’m experiencing personally makes it all worthwhile.  And knowing that I’m part of something much bigger than me makes it all worthwhile.

If you’re leading another church (or preparing to) please know that you’re not alone in this.

If you’re a part of another church, please pray for your pastors and do whatever you can to help and encourage them.

If you’re a part of Project Church, I love you and am so thankful that you’re a part of this with me.  God’s called us to reach a community and become a community.  We need you to help make Project Church the church Jesus had in mind.

The story of Project Church is just beginning…

Tags: Church, Church Planting, project church

Project Church Musings

• I heart Project Church!
• We began our “True or False” series by looking at the question, “Does God exist?” Incredibly humbling to teach on that but I got some very good feedback from some explorers saying it helped them.
• Next week we tackle the question, “Is the Bible true?”
• One of our Projectors fell 50 ft. in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado a couple of weeks ago and broke her back and wrist.  Yet she made it to our gathering on Saturday night.  That’s pretty amazing.
• We will begin our missional communities soon.  I’m very excited about that and the fact that we have a few leaders for them.  More to come on that.
• Went to a pub on Friday night and determined that it would make for a sweet 2nd venue for Project Church.
• I think I’m the oldest person at Project Church and I’m 30.  I take that back, my parents are.
• We have so many needs its not even funny.
• I have a lot to do so I suppose I should stop blogging for now…

Tags: Church, Church Planting, project church

6 Questions for Church Leaders and Planters

Why do some of us measure success by the ability to draw a crowd rather than making disciples?

What would happen to our churches if we couldn’t put on a great production?

If you use [or plan to use] video teaching, would you consider video worship? Why or why not?

Who’s kingdom are we advancing?

We teach grace but do we show it to one another when we stumble or fall?

Why are you planting a church when a great one that looks just like yours is down the street?

Just asking…

Tags: Church, Church Planting, Leadership

All Hands On Deck

It’s been one month since we went public with Project Church.  And if I were to describe the general response so far with one word- it would be “curious.”   Kind of like putting your toes in the water to test the temperature before you dive in.   I can totally understand.  When you begin a church for people who aren’t into being churchy, it’s different.  A month ago I didn’t exactly know what to expect myself.

One thing we did different was start Project Church with plenty of needs yet to be filled. That was intentional.

Our church is a church for anybody but not everybody.   The people who are most interested in us are those who are still exploring their faith, people who haven’t really been into church, or mature followers of Christ who see themselves as missionaries and aren’t all about themselves. Those who are most uncomfortable are consumer Christians who are looking for a church to meet all their wants/needs and play church.  We hope to help them see a better way to follow Jesus.

That said, for us to be the church we need to be, it’s going to take all hands on deck.  We need you. So if you are a leader, there’s opportunity. If you have a heart for kids, there’s opportunity.  If you have sweet band, there’s opportunity. If you are creative, there’s opportunity.  If you like babies, there’s opportunity. If you’re into numbers and stuff, there’s opportunity. If you just like to help out wherever, there’s opportunity.

It’s going to take all of us to become who we are meant to become and to reach those we’re are called to reach.

If you’re interested in being a part of Project Church, we’re going to have a special after-party immediately following the gathering on October 18.  This will be your opportunity to discover more about Project Church and plug in and be a part of the team.

See you then.

Tags: Church, Church Planting, project church

Lessons I knew but am just now learning

Everything changed a couple of weeks ago when we went public with Project Church.  More so than I anticipated.  When you’re in preparation mode, you read books, listen to leaders, chat with other church planters, etc.  I’ve just tried to soak up as much information and glean as much wisdom as possible.  But I’m quickly learning that nothing teaches you more than the hard knocks of reality.

Here are some lessons I already knew but am just now learning:

• Suddenly, people have a vision for our church who aren’t even a part of our church.
• I knew I needed to lead strong, I just had no idea how true that was.
• Smashing church stereotypes is going to take time and action.
• Everything I do is scrutinized and I’m discovering what it’s like to live under a microscope.
• I’m battling discouragement more than I thought I would.
• Be thankful for media coverage, but understand that no story will tell the whole story.
• People criticize what they don’t understand.
• I’m clinging to Jesus like a man clings to a life preserver out at sea.
• Church planting friends who have yet to start churches sure do have a lot of answers.
• Church planting friends who’ve been through all this sure do ask a lot of questions.
• Likewise, all the answers I had are turning into questions.  Funny how that happens.
• My schedule is filling up super fast.
• I’m more committed than ever to keep my time with my family sacred.
• My wife is truly my best friend.
• Every person who connects with Project Church is an answer to prayer.
• I’m surprised by the people around the country who are interested in what we’re doing in here in South Dakota.
• I’m praying for wisdom a ton these days.
• With all the varying theological viewpoints people have, we MUST teach the Bible.
• I’m continually considering our next steps.
• I’ve never understood faith and humility as much as I do right now.
• My capacity as a leader and communicator need to grow.
• I’m really grateful for good friends.
• This is hard but worth it.
• I love it.

That’s the story so far….

Tags: Church Planting, project church

Project Church Kicks-Off

“I am fully confident that Project Church is going to change something around here.”

Those words are from a gal following our first gathering last night- and they were like music to my ears.

I’ll be honest, I had no idea what to expect.  Would anyone show up?  Would people get what we’re about?  I’m happy to say that people did show up and from some of the feedback I’ve received, some people did get what we’re about.

Here are some other tidbits from our first gathering for Project Church:

• The team really pulled together to make last night happen.  From the nursery, to the greeters, to the setting up and tearing down, they got it done.
• My brother Josh played a really cool acoustical version of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”
• We also sang one of my favorites- “Your Love Is Strong” by Jon Foreman.  Great, great song that fit so perfectly.
• I’m very excited about the people who said they’re interested in being a part of Project Church.  It’s cool to see how God is bringing people together.   I’m pumped to make new friends.
• I had so much anticipation built up and I thought for sure I’d screw up the message BUT I actually felt quite relaxed and was able to speak from my heart.  I still have lots of room to grow as a communicator- but as long as my heart leads my words then I’m on the right track.
• The best news: We had a salvation last night!  That’s what I’m talking about!!!!!!
• Being in the middle of the downtown Saturday night scene is awesome!
• We had a pretty fluid gathering last night.  Good showing for those who came for the gathering plus a steady stream of people coming in for coffee and standing near the coffee bar checking things out.
• We took a big first step last night and now I’m curious to see what next week will be like.
• I thought it was really cool that my grandma brought a friend.  Yes, my grandma.
• I hear my message was recorded and we will set up a podcast via iTunes.
• Really glad we did connection cards.  I was on the fence about it but now I can see that it is the right thing to do.  Lots of prayer requests and comments.
• My son had some asthma problems and we were thinking he wouldn’t be there for opening night.  But he pulled through.
• Jesus was made much of.

And now we get to do it all over again next week.

Tags: Church Planting, project church, Rapid City

The Fear of Failure is a Nag

We’re just a few days away from our first gathering for Project Church. To be honest with you, I feel like a tangled hairball of excitement, nerves, and restlessness.

All my life I’ve dealt with a nagging fear of failure. It’s been perceived as a strength but frankly, it’s an awful motivator.  One of the lessons starting a church from scratch has taught me is to be compelled to love and not driven by fear.

From the start, the odds are stacked against you.  The failure rate of new churches is right around 80%. During this process I’ve had to stare at that statistic and ask myself some tough questions.  Is it worth it? What if we fail? Even more, what if we don’t?  Do we have what it takes? Why me? Do I go against the odds to pursue God’s call on my life?

The answer: Absolutely I do.

We will move along knowing full well we may end up in the graveyard of that statistic.  But you know what? I believe God is up to something and I want Project Church to hitch a ride on what He is doing.

As for this weekend, I’m pretty sure our first gathering will be somewhere between spit and polished.  Probably more on the spit side. :)  But I also know that despite that, God will show up.  He does that you know.  Especially when when two or more gather in His name.

As for me, I’m not going to be pushed around by fear of failure.  Instead, I’m going to chase after loving God and loving people and letting the chips fall where they may.

The fear of failure is a nag and I’m not going to listen to her anymore.

How about you?

Tags: Church, Church Planting, failure, fear, love