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Top 10 Objections to Planting Churches

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The following are statements spoken by some who are opposed to or disinterested in planting new churches. Thank God many do not feel this way. But consider these actual objections, their possible meanings, and the offered insight.

1. "It is the district’s responsibility to start new churches, not our church’s."

Possible interpretation: We don’t believe it is our responsibility. Or, we don’t want to accept the responsibility.

Consider this: God created every living organism to reproduce after its own kind. This means that plants reproduce plants, animals reproduce animals, humans reproduce humans, Christians should reproduce Christians, and churches should reproduce churches.

2. "We don’t want to be just another church of 100 (or any specific size)."

Possible interpretation: We want to grow big; and if we start another church, it will hinder our own growth because it will take away from our church and be in "competition."

Consider this: This view looks at planting another church as "losing people." God wants us to view it as investing. Investing is done in faith believing that there will be a bountiful return.

3. "We don’t need more small churches."

Possible interpretation: I don’t believe that new churches will grow any larger than the other small ones I see.

Consider this: Most churches that are large started small at some time. Very few large churches started with many. We must believe that God will take our efforts and create a large church with every new church plant.

4. "But we first need to grow until we’re large before we should consider parenting another church."

Possible interpretation: We want to ensure our own security by being large before we have someone else preaching the same gospel in our town.

Consider this: This often is a self-centered attitude, an inward look. Church planting develops outward-looking attitudes that helps one’s church become more evangelistic. Therefore, the parent church also grows.

5. "But we don’t have any people with whom to start a church."

Possible interpretation: I am not aware of any person(s) that God has prepared to receive Christ and/or be a part of the new church.

Consider this: It was when the priests stepped into the water that the Jordan began to recede. Sometimes it takes a step of faith before we become aware of the preparations God has already made.

6. "I don’t believe in adding another small church to the many small churches already in our city. I believe a large church can have a bigger impact on a community."

Possible interpretation: I believe a large church can reach everyone or at least more who are reachable. We don’t think another church can be justified because the measure of their impact will not be as great as a large church.

Consider this: A larger church may have a larger overall impact on a community at large. But it is a fallacy to think that a single church, though large, can impact everyone. Other churches will make contact with people and impact people whose lives may never be touched by the large church.

7. "I don’t want another church in my town."

Possible interpretation: I am against someone else preaching the gospel of Christ in my town. I want the only spotlight to shine on my church and me.

Consider this: There’s no need to comment on this.

8. "Why do we need another church in my town? Can’t everyone just come to my church?"

Possible interpretation: I think we should be able to please everyone. Or I think they should accept our church and our ministry even if they feel uncomfortable or it is not to their liking.

Consider this: Every church has its own personality, Christian culture, and style. Seldom can one church minister adequately to everyone. It takes many churches to reach all types of people.

9. "We don’t have the money. I don’t see how we can do it."

Possible interpretation: I’m not sure God will provide if we begin moving in the direction of starting another church.

Consider this: "God owns the cattle on a thousand hills." He can sell some anytime He needs the cash. Begin to do something great for God, and He will supply the money.

10. "We are too small a church to parent another church."

Consider this: Small churches have often been involved in starting other churches. Do what you can. Perhaps two or more churches can cooperate to plant a new church.

Arden K. Adamson is secretary and Home Missions director for the Wis./N. Mich. District. Reprinted from American Horizon, volume 8, number 4. Used with permission.

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