A few weeks ago I had lunch with Bruce Finn, director of the Metro Philly Church Planting Partnership. Bruce has become a good friend over the past few years. Few know the ins and outs of planting churches in the Philadelphia area more than him. He has planted a church and has coached dozens of churches in and around the Greater Philadelphia Area. Bruce has his ear to the ground of what is happening in our region and is a wealth of information, encouragement and wisdom. I gladly accept any opportunity to pick Bruce’s brain about church planting and church planting movements.
As we met, Bruce shared something with me that has stuck with me.
The success rate of church plants is about 50%. Honestly, this is much higher than the statistics I have heard before and I am not sure what the metrics of a “successful” church plant are. But 50% nonetheless.
Bruce said that the rate of ‘success’ grows statistically from 50% to around 80-90% when four factors are present:
Assessment. Training. Community. Coaching.
I can tell you that all four factors, by the grace of God, were present in our church plant when we started and were incredibly significant and helpful in our development as a church. The largest help came through the Ecclesia Network, of which Renew is a member. In addition, at the beginning of the year, we launched Kairos Partnerships in order to help pastors, leaders and church planters and we are actively involved in providing all four elements.
If you are a church planter and in need of assessment, training, a network of other planters or coaching, contact me. I and others would be glad to help you as you live out your calling.