Church Planting 101: Best Tips for Planting a Church

Planting a church is unlike anything else you'll do as a church leader. It's not like starting a ministry, a small group, or even expanding your own church to include more services. It requires distinct skills and preparation to be successful. 

Here are some of the best tips to help you navigate this unique journey.

Tip #1: Get your finances in order.

Before you even think about planting a church, it's imperative to have a robust financial foundation. Here's a deeper dive into what that entails:

Budgeting for Initial Costs: 

Starting a church comes with several upfront costs. This could include renting or purchasing a space, buying equipment (like sound systems, chairs, and projectors), initial marketing materials, and possibly salaries for full-time staff. It's essential to itemize these costs and ensure you have the funds or a plan to raise them.

Ongoing Expenses: 

Beyond the initial setup, there will be monthly and yearly costs to consider. These can range from utility bills, salaries, outreach programs, children's ministry expenses, and more. It's crucial to forecast these expenses and ensure that the church's tithes, offerings, and other income sources can cover them.

Potential Emergencies: 

Just like any other organization, churches can face unexpected financial challenges. A sudden repair, a dip in monthly giving, or an unforeseen event can strain your finances. It's wise to set aside an emergency fund to cover at least three to six months of expenses.

Seek Expert Advice: 

Finances in the church world can be complex. It's beneficial to consult with financial experts, especially those familiar with church finances. They can provide guidance on best practices, potential pitfalls, and strategies for financial health. Additionally, connecting with other church planters who have successfully navigated this journey can offer invaluable insights from their experiences.

Filing a 501(c)(3): 

Gaining tax-exempt status is crucial for churches in the U.S. Filing for 501(c)(3) status will allow your church to be recognized as a non-profit, exempting it from federal income tax and enabling donors to make tax-deductible contributions. This process can be complex, so it's recommended to consult with a legal expert or use specialized resources to ensure you file correctly and meet all requirements.

Tip #2: Do your research on the place you are planting a church.

Understanding the community where you're planting a church is key. It's not just about knowing the number of people but truly grasping the heart, soul, and needs of the area. Here's a deeper exploration of what to research:

Demographics: 

Begin with the basics. What's the population size? Age distribution? Ethnic and racial makeup? These basic statistics can give you a general idea of who lives in the community.

Distinct Cultural Communities: 

In many cities and towns, there are pockets of distinct cultural or ethnic communities. For instance, an area might have a significant Hispanic, Asian, or African diaspora community. Understanding these communities can help in tailoring services, events, or even language considerations for your church.

Family Trends: 

Dive into the family structures prevalent in the area. Are there more single-parent households or two-parent households? Are extended families living together? This information can guide your ministry programs, such as support groups for single parents or events that cater to larger family units.

Education System: 

What are the local schools like? Are they public, private, or a mix? What's the quality of education, and what subjects or values are emphasized? Knowing this can help your youth ministry align or supplement what kids are learning in school. It can also guide community outreach, like tutoring programs or back-to-school drives.

Home Education Trends: 

Beyond formal schooling, it's essential to understand what kids and young adults are learning at home. Are there prevalent cultural or religious teachings? Are certain values or traditions being passed down? This insight can help in creating programs that respect and integrate these teachings or address gaps.

Economic Landscape: 

What are the primary industries or employers in the area? Is it a blue-collar community, white-collar, or a mix? Are there challenges like unemployment or underemployment? This can guide job training programs or community workshops.

Religious Landscape: 

Are there other churches in the area? If so, what denominations or faiths are they? Understanding the religious makeup can help in finding areas of collaboration or niches that haven't been addressed.

Local Challenges and Needs: 

Every community has its unique challenges, whether it's drug addiction, homelessness, or lack of access to healthcare. Identifying these can help your church create targeted outreach and support programs.

Tip #3: Build relationships BEFORE you plant the church.

The foundation of any church isn't bricks and mortar; it's the people and the relationships they share. Before you even lay the first stone or set up the first chair, it's crucial to establish connections within the community. Here's a deeper exploration of the importance of pre-planting relationships:

The Essence of Church: 

At its core, church is about a Christ-centered community. It's about shared beliefs, mutual support, and collective growth. This begins with one-on-one relationships. Before thinking about numbers or congregational size, focus on individual connections. Each relationship is a seed that has the potential to grow into a thriving community.

Engaging with Local Leaders: 

Local leaders, whether in government, schools, or other community organizations, have a pulse on the community's needs and dynamics. Building relationships with local leaders who are also followers of Christ can provide insights, support, and potential collaboration opportunities. They can also act as bridges to other community members.

Connecting with Businesses: 

Local businesses are more than just potential venues or service providers. They're integral parts of the community. Engaging with business owners can lead to partnerships, sponsorships, or simply a mutual understanding of how the church can coexist and support the local economy.

Residents – The Heart of the Community: 

Spend time getting to know the residents. Attend local events, visit community centers, or simply take walks in the neighborhood. Listen to their stories, understand their needs, and share your vision. These personal connections can lead to invaluable insights and support.

Patience is Key: 

Building genuine relationships takes time. It's not about quick wins but about deep, meaningful connections. Be willing to take it slow. While it might be tempting to rush the process in the excitement of planting a church, remember that sustainable growth is often slow growth.

The "Person of Peace": 

In the Bible, Jesus often spoke of the "person of peace" – someone receptive, of goodwill, and influential in their community. As you build relationships, be on the lookout for these individuals. They can be instrumental in opening doors, building bridges, and bringing people who are spiritually hungry to your church plant. 

Tip #4: Consider your short- and long-term goals.

Setting goals is a fundamental step in any endeavor, and church planting is no exception. Clear, well-defined goals provide direction, motivation, and a framework for decision-making. Here's a deeper dive into the importance of setting both short- and long-term goals for your church plant:

Short-Term Goals – The Building Blocks:

First Impressions: In the initial months, consider goals related to creating a welcoming environment. How do you want newcomers to feel during their first visit? What systems or teams need to be in place to ensure a smooth experience?

Community Engagement: Set targets for community outreach events or programs in the first year. This could be hosting a community fair, initiating a service project, or collaborating with local organizations.

Membership Growth: While numbers aren't everything, having a target for membership growth can help in planning resources and spaces.

Feedback Loop: Establish a system to gather feedback from early attendees. What's working? What needs improvement? This feedback can be invaluable in refining your approach.

Long-Term Goals – The Vision:

Cultural Impact: Think about the kind of cultural or societal impact you want your church to have in the next five years.

Infrastructure Development: Consider physical expansions or enhancements. Do you plan to have your own building, start multiple campuses, or perhaps establish a community center?

Leadership Growth: Plan for leadership training and development. How will you identify and nurture the next generation of church leaders?

Extended Outreach: Think about missions or outreach programs you want to establish or support, both locally and internationally.

Tip #5: Set up an administrative framework.

Behind every thriving church is a robust administrative framework. While the spiritual and community aspects are at the forefront, the behind-the-scenes administrative work ensures that everything runs seamlessly. Here's a deeper look into setting up a solid administrative foundation for your church plant:

Communication Systems:

Email Marketing: Tools like Tithely Messaging can help you manage your email lists, design professional newsletters, and track engagement metrics. Regular communication keeps your congregation informed and engaged.

Website and Church App: A user-friendly website is essential for newcomers to learn about your church, access resources, and get involved. Tithely offers a customized website builder just for churches. Additionally, consider investing in a church app, which can enhance engagement, provide easy access to sermons, and facilitate event sign-ups.

Social Media: Establish a presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms can help you reach a broader audience, share updates, and engage with the community.

Financial Management:

Online Donations: Platforms like Tithely can facilitate online tithes and offerings, making it convenient for members to give. These platforms often provide analytics to track donations and generate financial reports.

Budgeting and Accounting: Software like QuickBooks can help manage the church's finances, from tracking expenses to generating financial statements. Regular financial reviews ensure transparency and accountability.

Member Tracking and Engagement:

Contact Database: Tools like Tithely People allow you to maintain a database of members, visitors, and volunteers. This can help in segmenting communication, tracking attendance, and managing small groups.

Automated Communication: For new members and visitors, set up automated welcome emails or messages. This provides a warm introduction, offers resources, and guides them on next steps.

Event Management: Use tools that allow members to sign up for events, track attendance, and even facilitate ticketing if needed.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

Feedback Systems: Regularly solicit feedback from your congregation. Tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey can help gather insights on various aspects, from sermons to community events.

Data Analytics: Use the data from your tools to analyze trends, track growth, and identify areas of improvement. This data-driven approach can guide decision-making and strategy.

Training and Onboarding: As you bring on more staff or volunteers, have a system in place for training and onboarding. This ensures consistency, clarity in roles, and equips individuals to perform their tasks effectively.

Tip #6: Start recruiting volunteers asap.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any church plant. They bring energy, passion, and a diverse set of skills that can greatly enhance the church's operations and outreach. As you embark on the journey of church planting, here's why and how you should prioritize volunteer recruitment:

The Value of Volunteers:

Diverse Skill Sets: Volunteers come from various backgrounds and professions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Whether it's someone skilled in graphic design, event planning, or community outreach, each volunteer adds a unique value.

Community Building: Volunteers often form the initial core community of the church. Their enthusiasm and commitment can be infectious, drawing more people in and fostering a sense of belonging.

Shared Ownership: When members of the community volunteer, they take ownership of the church's vision and mission. This shared responsibility can lead to greater commitment and investment in the church's success.

Recruitment Strategies:

Clear Vision Presentation: Before recruiting, ensure you can clearly articulate the church's vision, mission, and values. This clarity will attract individuals who resonate with your vision.

Role Definition: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities for each volunteer position. This helps potential volunteers understand where they fit and what's expected of them.

Engagement Events: Host informational sessions, workshops, or meet-and-greets to introduce the community to the church and the volunteering opportunities available.

Leverage Personal Networks: Encourage your initial team and early members to tap into their personal networks. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful recruitment tool.

Building a Sustainable Volunteer Culture:

Rotation and Rest: Avoid volunteer burnout by setting up rotation schedules, ensuring that volunteers get adequate rest and aren't overburdened.

Foster Community: Encourage relationship-building among volunteers. This can be through team-building activities, retreats, or simple get-togethers.

Growth Opportunities: Identify and nurture potential leaders within your volunteer base. Offer them opportunities to take on more responsibilities or lead teams.

Tip #7: Don't try and do everything yourself.

The passion and vision for church planting often stem from a deep personal calling to build the Church. However, carrying the weight of this vision alone can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Here's why delegation is not just beneficial, but vital:

Diverse Strengths: Every individual brings a unique set of skills and perspectives. By delegating, you tap into a broader range of talents and experiences, enriching the church's operations and outreach.

Shared Responsibility: When tasks are distributed, more people feel a sense of responsibility towards the church's mission. This collective ownership fosters commitment and a sense of community.

Personal Well-being: Taking on too much can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual burnout. Delegating ensures that you maintain a healthy balance, allowing you to lead more effectively and sustainably.

Leadership Development: Delegating tasks provides opportunities for emerging leaders to step up, take on responsibilities, and grow in their roles. This not only strengthens the current leadership structure but also ensures a pipeline of leaders for the future.

Over to You

Planting a church is no simple task, but it can be one of the most richly rewarding things you’ll ever do – launching a community of Christ-followers in a new place is exciting, purposeful, and vital to the Kingdom of God. 

As a special offer to all church plants, Tithely is offering a free year of software to help you manage and grow your new church. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to equip your church with the tools it needs to succeed!