Discussion Why is conflict such a significant issue for church plants?

--Agree on core values up front. Discuss and settle potentially divisive issues (worship style, etc.) during the “incubation phase”.

-- Clearly understand the Biblical process of dealing with differences/conflict. Agree as leaders to follow this process. Train members through using “Making Peace” resource.

--Core group must be solid and carefully selected. The track record of each individual within the church and dealing with issues in healthy ways is highly important.

--Don’t wait for problem to “go away”. Head off problems by addressing early on. Solicit outside intervention before it is too late.

--Delay decisions on heated issues for the purpose of prayer

--Always follow an agreed upon process when making decisions– don’t play politics, manipulate a situation or take short-cuts.

--Delay decisions on heated issues for the purpose of prayer --Always follow an agreed upon process when making decisions– don’t play politics, manipulate a situation or take short-cuts. --Apologize (privately and publicly) when mistakes are made. Don’t let your own pride cause the plant to stumble.

Discussion Is loss of momentum inevitable? Why or why not? Is loss of momentum inevitable? Why or why not?

Momentum is a leader’s best friend. Learn to value it and go after it.

Momentum builds and “picks up steam” over time.

Momentum will solve or minimize most problems, Chasing after problems causes momentum to elude us.

A leader successful at developing momentum is able to generate hope and enthusiasm when circumstances are bleak.

Remove blockages to momentum… Utilize affinity exercise “What one area is holding us back at this time.” With leadership team address the top 3-4 issues.

Celebrate small steps in the desired direction.

#1 Secret for maintaining momentum…

For every celebration, there must be a “what’s next…”

Looking at your current ministry and recent victories you have experienced, WHAT’S NEXT for you in order to sustain momentum?

Don’t wait for things to be “perfect” in the church to move forward (particularly when it comes to outreach and evangelism).

Utilize testimonies of changed lives (even if you need to invite from the outside)

Leader and leadership gain perspective and refresh themselves by taking a personal retreat (time out!)

Implement Natural Church Development

“Friends” Sabbath 1x per month

Plan for a special guest speaker for a BIG SABBATH 1x per quarter

Get a coach and/or solicit the input of a church growth consultant

Discussion Why is it that the core group in a church plant often burn out? Why is it that the core group in a church plant often burn out?

--“Pray the Lord of the harvest for laborers” Matthew 9:37-39

--Beware of initiating too many ministries– select fewer things that you will do with excellence. You can’t do everything and that is o.k.

--Make it one of your highest priorities to develop new leaders—always have leaders in training.

--Develop leaders from the harvest. Consider every new member a new minister (they are on fire…put them to work!)

--Avoid too many committee meetings.

--Avoid long meetings (1 ½-2 hours should be the longest)

--Avoid too many committee meetings. --Avoid long meetings (1 ½-2 hours should be the longest) --See if a neighboring church has any “missionaries” that will commit to help you for one year

--Financially: People give to vision and not to needs. Keep your vision for reaching the lost in front of people always. Have your priorities straight in your church budget (at least 25% toward evangelism).