The idea of planting a new church from scratch frightens most people; however, to those who march to the beat of a different drummer, this same idea offers an exciting and almost irresistible alternative to the tedium of careful and patient shepherding in an existing church. I often receive correspondence from pastors who are contemplating a move from a settled pastorate, with all its attendant blessings and challenges, into the relatively unknown field of church planting. For whatever reasons, these men cannot see themselves being used by God to bring reformation to a particular congregation.

Recently, a young man wrote for my advice concerning a similar situation. I would like to share his letter and my response, in hopes that others may benefit from our conversation. The only changes I have made are those necessary to guard the privacy of this dear brother in Christ.

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Dear Mr. Lollar,
I am currently pastoring an SBC church in __________ (state). I have been in this pastorate for about 2.5 years. Things are going pretty well here, the church is growing, we have had approximately 10 professions of faith this year (I pray that they will prove genuine), and the people are loving. All of that said, there are too many issues that exist that, unless God does something miraculous (which he can), I do not think I will be able to change. Most deal with the traditions of man. We also desire to return to a metropolitan area of a larger city.
My wife and I have begun to feel like the Lord may be calling us to minister elsewhere. When I went into the ministry, I toyed with the idea of church planting. I think I was scared of the idea. The idea has never left my mind and my heart. Now I am praying for God’s direction. I am reformed in my theology and often feel as if I am hindered from fully preaching the depths of God’s grace (as if we ever could) at my church. I desire to be used by God to reach the lost and in a way that does not devalue grace.
I guess I am writing to you to seek your advice. Your name and website were given to me by a friend….If you have any words of wisdom or would like more information from me (such as a resume, etc.), please do not hesitate to contact me….
By His Grace and for His Glory,
P.S. (via e-mail)

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Dear P.S.,

I am honored that you would seek my advice regarding your present ministry situation. Please know that I would never encourage you to resign your church in the midst of such obvious blessings as you have briefly outlined them to me. Let me quickly say that church planting is no "walk in the park" either, and it has perhaps more challenges than you are currently facing in your existing church. There are several questions that you need to answer before making such a decision, but the most important question is, given that both situations have their own unique set of problems, "Which set of problems are you willing to live with?"

Here are several other questions that I often ask those seeking to make a change to church planting, but please know that I am not making any personal assumptions about you or your motives. That would be impossible, since we don't know each other. If some of these questions are uncomfortable for you, then that's good. I would rather you get upset with my questions, than for you to make a premature, unwise decision for you and your family. So, if you're ready, here we go:

1. In expressing an interest in church planting, are you just looking for an escape route for the troubles and challenges that presently lie ahead of you? Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, doesn't He? Are you looking for the easy road or the faithful road? What could your church look like in twenty years if you stay and faithfully preach God's Word? Every church needs a faithful pastor who is willing to go the distance with them.

2. If you are looking for a quick way off the ship before it goes down with you on board, what will you do when even greater problems arise in the midst of a church planting ministry? There are financial hardships far beyond those of a settled pastorate. There can be great stress upon a marriage and family. You may be viewed with suspicion or seen as a rebel by your fellow pastors. You will NOT have a group of 100-300 people willing to sit under your preaching, at least not without untold hours of personal witnessing efforts that results in a harvest of souls on your new mission field. You WILL attract all kinds of Reformed kooks and wierdos when you advertise yourself as a "Reformed" evangelical church, most of whom will want you to preach the TULIP every week or they will leave.

3. If you're not looking for a way out, why would you throw away a great investment that may soon pay rich dividends as your congregation begins to entrust their future more and more into your leadership? Most pastoral ministry "profs" at the seminary will tell you that it takes 3-5 years to gain enough "leadership capital" to begin making significant changes in the church. Once you establish a climate for change, you never know what God may do in the life of this church. And if you bail out, you may be setting yourself up for the typical SBC pattern of three years here, two years there, eighteen months somewhere else…the present scourge of our denomination's pastors.

4. How much time have you invested in developing a strategy to change your existing congregation? There's no such thing as "too many issues" if God has called you to serve that particular body. From the outside, it sounds odd that the Lord would call you to serve your
present church for only 2 1/2 years. Did you miss something or did God make a mistake? I would strongly recommend reading Aubrey Malphurs' book, "Pouring New Wine into Old Wineskins: How to Change a Church Without Destroying It" (ISBN #0801063019). He teaches at Dallas Theological Seminary and directs their field ministry program.
WARNING: This next question is really taboo in most pastoral circles.

5. How do you know for sure that the Lord is calling you to minister somewhere else? Could it be immaturity speaking, or fear, or impatience, or prejudice, or pride? Sensing the "call of God" is a very subjective experience, isn't it? As such, it can be a very subtle escape mechanism for answering the tough questions. If you made a mistake by accepting this church's call, then admit it. If what Jeremiah says is true (that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked), then why lean on such thin, subjective feelings when so much is at stake. YOU make the decision and be willing to take the heat for it. There's nothing wrong with a pastor being honest with people.

6. If you are young (under 30), is it possible that YOU may need change as much as the church where you serve? Personally, I don't see how it's possible for you to be hindered in preaching God's grace in all its magnificent glory and depth. Perhaps you seek the liberty to use theological terms that might be misunderstood in your present context, but surely you can preach God's amazing grace indescriminately and freely without fear or discomfort. I remember my days as a young Calvinist, wanting to pull out my Jerusalem blade and chop the head off every Arminian who disagreed with the TULIP. Ernie Reisinger used to call that "the cage stage," meaning that such a recent convert to the doctrines of grace should be locked up until he learns how to keep from saying the wrong things at the wrong time to the wrong people.

Brother, I hope these questions will be helpful and challenging to you. If you think through these major issues and still feel that your heart literally burns for planting new churches, I would be happy to talk with you by phone and help you in any way possible. I trust you are not offended by my boldness, but you are contemplating a serious move. You should approach these next few weeks and months with fear, trembling, fasting and prayer until you rest satisfied that you know what direction you should take. Use your head and the keen insights of your wife, whom God may use to temper your masculine zeal for quick, decisive action. And may the Lord give wisdom and grace as you wrestle with this difficult decision.

Blessings!

Bill Lollar

Grace Church Planting Ministries
http://gracechurchplanting.com