Many think, "If I preach it, they will come". Yes, some will come, but some will leave as well. There is in inherent offensive to the Gospel, in particular its implications for life, mission, ministry, values and sacrifice. Many will be attracted by the freshness and purity of the message of Jesus, and many will be detracted by the implications of what it means to truly follow Him.
Inherent in all church plants, and church planters, are certain liabilities that will actively work against their vision and ultimate success. Perhaps it’s personality issues, a lack of gifting in certain areas, organizational ineptness or more seriously, chronic sin issues.
Defining clear vision is essential in church planting. In most cases planters are starting something from nothing. You may not have people, money, a name for your church or a clue what you are doing, but you do have vision. The most basic, fundamental resource you have at your disposal is vision. Upon it everything is formed.
The older I get the more I learn to knock on wood when I say the word NEVER. Like, "I will never have TV screens in my car for my kids" or "I will never pay someone to mow my yard". Both, at this stage of life, have become essentials...
