I have written in previous blog posts and in a book about high-impact church planting. To review, here is my definition of a high-impact church:
A high-impact church breaks through spiritual, social, and leadership barriers to establish new churches, new ministries, and reach new people for Christ. High-impact churches confront the law of inertia and the reality of human lethargy with a passionate, purposeful pursuit of God’s plan for evangelism in their area.
What About Me?
God calls many people to minister in large, populated cities and metro areas. There are tremendous ministry needs there, to be sure, but we also feel that God’s calling many people to plant high-impact churches in the small, rural towns and outlying areas across our country. Perhaps you’re being called to give birth to a new ministry in a whole new area, or maybe you’re being challenged to transform your existing church into a high-impact church. Either way, the angels will rejoice when lives are changed by the good news of the gospel of Christ. Perhaps you’re a high-impact church leader in-waiting—what are you waiting for?
Can you lead that kind of church in your area? I believe if you are called, you MUST lead that kind of church! Here are my suggestions for how to do that…
You Can Lead a High-Impact Church in Your Community.
- Create a game plan. Where do you want your church to be in the next two to five years? Gather a team of people around you that will commit to pray, evaluate, and dream about how you can impact the community.
- Discover the cultural noise. Who’s making the most noise in your community and what are the results? Will it work for you? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Look for multiple venues to connect with the community.
- Where are people already finding a place of relationship? Find ways to connect with those areas of belonging or create places where people can belong.
- If people are moving into your community, where are they moing and who’s making first contact? Capitalize on what’s already working in the community. Continue to provide fresh ideas that will draw people to your church. Don’t get stuck in a rut.
- Who can you partner with in ministry and reach? Be on the lookout for people who understand teamwork. Find people who are successful in multiple work and personal areas.
- Is your vision clear? Make sure your vision is clear and easily understood. What’s the one thing you and your church are known for? Keep it simple and clear.
