Look Back to Walk Forward
Dan pastors a church founded in 1801. As a former church planter, he is eager to see this faith community, in his words, “have its first church baby.” Recently, they gathered leaders in a historic building that once housed the church. Dan unpacked the founding pastor’s story, pointing out a stained-glass portrait decorating the old church hall. As they look to the future, the church draws on the faith and courage of previous generations. It turns out every church was a church plant.
Scripture is saturated with reminders to remember. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11. While empty tradition and nauseating nostalgia can be a quagmire, celebrating your heritage and recalling the radical faith of the women and men who came before is a profound catalyst forward.
Church planting and developing Kingdom workers is not a recent innovation. It is a pattern woven throughout Church history. Whether your church has been around for ten months, ten years, or ten decades (or more), how can you forge your future by mining the riches of your church’s history?
Sow Seeds as You Plan Orchards
Chris became a lead pastor after a successful succession process. His predecessor led the church out of crippling debt, refreshed the by-laws, and renewed the board structures. Looking to the future, the leadership team established a “Kingdom Initiative” fund to be a resource for struggling churches.
It is challenging to determine how to invest the Master’s resources wisely. Meanwhile, the everyday realities of shepherding persist. Marriages and families struggle. New members need enfolding. An aging facility demands upkeep. Sunday is always coming.
Chris and the Elders are developing a strategic plan while proactively piloting and experimenting with multiplying initiatives. They launched a one-year young leader discipleship cohort. Over two dozen leaders are equipped to lead where they are, while some will develop into future Elders and pastors. They began sending preachers to a nearby church that needed help.
And as God often works, their multiplication DNA is beginning to emerge. A potential adoption of a local congregation is on the horizon. Rather than another church closing, a rebirth is possible.
An airtight strategy works in a boardroom, but multiplication is messy. It is more like planting an orchard than building a spreadsheet. Beware of “the 5-year plan that always starts today.” Analysis paralysis is real, and the harvest is plentiful.
Years ago, someone gifted me unforgettable wisdom as an expectant new parent: “You’ll never feel ready; you can only prepare to accept the changes this will produce in you.” Multiplying churches understand this truth deeply. They also experience the joy every grandparent will tell you: the most significant fruit of your life will often grow on other people’s trees.
We must sow seeds today as we plan the orchards of tomorrow.
Movement Makers are Never Lone Rangers
When we moved to a new community, our neighbors quickly said hello. We shared friendly conversations on morning walks and around evening fire pits. One day, my next-door neighbor asked to borrow a tool. We had reached a new level: partnership.
New Englanders are fiercely independent, yet the Church is not afforded the luxury of going alone. Having traveled to and served hundreds of local churches in our region, I have seen firsthand that no church has everything figured out, and every church has something to offer. Kingdom collaboration is essential for renewal in our region.
Our generation of pastors and church leaders must answer: what is my church’s multiplication DNA? How will we invest based on the talents that the Master has entrusted us? As you answer this question, you need a community, coaches, and tested tools to help you along the journey.
Good neighbors are ready to share their experiences and tools. Will you ask for help? Movement makers are never lone rangers.