10 Lessons in Bootstrapping a Church Plant - Part 5

by Nelson Searcy and Tommy Duke

Today we’re sharing the final post in a series on “Bootstrapping” a new church, or starting with very little (or no) outside funding. While this isn’t the ideal way to plant a church, there are a number of lessons to be learned through the process. You can read the rest of this series of posts here: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Here are the final two lessons:

2. APPRECIATE: YOU’LL BETTER APPRECIATE RESOURCES WHEN GOD DOES SEND THEM
The above lessons (if you apply them well) will place you in the rare position of truly being a good and faithful servant. Each one will guide you as you grow in your stewardship of the resources God does send. As you prove yourself faithful with a little – both in the way of financial support and newfound wisdom – God will entrust you with more (Matt 25).

1. DEPEND: YOU’LL CONSTANTLY BE REMINDED OF WHOSE CHURCH IT IS
Your church is not yours. Bootstrapping will re-teach you this truth day in and day out. Each time things are uncertain, each time the bills are coming due and you don’t see any way to pay them, you’ll be driven back to a complete awareness of the one who owns your church in the first place. Let your financial dependence on Christ remind you of his words from Matthew 16:18: “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

As we wrap up, let me reiterate: A fully resourced church plant has a greater chance of reaching health and stability than one that’s underfunded.

However, to all of you out there who are struggling to make ends meet, don’t lose hope! Strewn along the difficult road you are traveling there are valuable lessons waiting to be uncovered – lessons that will help you grow your new church plant right now and that will serve you well for the rest of your ministry.

Don’t miss what God wants to teach you along the way!

P.S. The Church Planting Conference in Orlando is NEXT FRIDAY! If you get in touch with me today, I might be able to open up a few more spots.

This conference is perfect if you are just beginning to plan a Church Launch as well as for those who have already started their services. Let me help you with growing your church plant, but you need to register today to be at the upcoming One Day Launch Conference in Orlando on July 13th. Register today, I am not sure how many more I can fit in the conference room!

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.