How to Transition Through the 4 Seasons of Starting a Church
Where Do I Even Start?
In the journey of starting a new church, it’s easy for faithful innovators to feel overwhelmed by the number of important questions that arise. There are, of course, practical checklist items on your mind like finding a worship space, connecting with your local community, securing a domain name, establishing social media presence, and so on. But without a sense of where you are in the journey, these shiny objects can become major deterrents to the real work of starting a church. On top of this confusion are the financial and time-bound pressures starters often feel from their funders or their tradition (When can we expect you to be financially self-sustaining?). In addition, starters face a swirling cacophony of unknowns which give rise to internal fears and insecurities (Am I the right person to lead this? Did I really hear God’s call?).
If you can relate to these struggles, I have good news for you. You don’t have to worry about the entire process all at once. You don’t need a perfect, comprehensive 5-year plan (as if such a thing exists!) or to have all the answers. You can start today by asking yourself these simple questions:
- Where am I right now?
- What do I need to focus on next?
From Nothing to Something
Starting a new church can be empowering and intimidating at the same time. We want to help you cultivate and nurture the seed of the dream God has given you to start a new church. You’ve probably already downloaded our free eBook, Going from Nothing to Something, but just in case, here’s a link where you can download your copy.
We’ve heard from many faithful innovators like yourself that Going from Nothing to Something has helped them get a handle on where they’re at in their church-starting journey. In our conversations with hundreds of church starters, the following seasons have emerged:
- Season 1: Discernment
- Season 2: Initial Organization
- Season 3: Initial Public Expression of the Church
- Season 4: Adapting Initial Public Expression of the Church
Journey through the Four Seasons
Each of these seasons represents a phase that many church starters have gone through. Although you may be tempted to jump right into the “doing” of ministry, the first season of discernment is critical. What most often undermines church starters today is not a lack of competency, but an underdeveloped spiritual life. Internal rhythms of rest, prayer, confession, and solitude help build attentiveness to the Spirit’s call; external relationships with trusted people also help leaders discern their call.
During the second season of initial organization, starters begin to form a leadership team, to build community, and to engage missional rhythms and practices together. Culture also begins to coalesce during this season; for example, establishing a culture of generosity from the outset is vital during initial organization.
As the third season of initial public expression of the church begins, there is a shift from the core group to a wider embrace of those who don’t identify as part of the church. Your church becomes a gift to be shared. Starters must pay attention to three rhythms during this season: communion (which guides the church in abiding in God’s love together), community (which guides the church in sharing life together), and co-mission (which guides the church in joining God’s mission in their context).
When leaders engage the fourth season of adapting the initial public expression of the church, it’s important not to fall into “technical” leadership, in which you focus mostly on outward metrics or building more knowledge or expertise. This fourth season requires adaptive leadership, which continues the processes of listening, discernment, experimentation, reflection, action, and returns to listening. When leaders learn to either pivot when necessary or persevere on their current course, adaptive leadership develops resiliency in the church—which increases capacity for change and thoughtful action in the future.
Where Are You, and How Will You Move Forward?
Reading through the descriptions of each of these four seasons, I wonder
- Which season you are in?
- What’s the hardest part for you about moving to the next season?
- Where have you found hope or joy in different seasons?
When I read John 14-15, I am reminded of faithful innovators such as you. People who love God and others, and who are committed to faithfully following the way of Jesus. And to faithful disciples, Jesus promises that the Spirit will continue to guide and he blesses us with peace. As you navigate these four seasons, may Jesus’ words in John 14:27 offer you hope and strength,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
I’d love to hear from you and see how I can support you in your current season. If you are struggling to discern where you are in your journey, reach out today to schedule some time with me.
