Attitudes Needed to be an Effective Member of a Church Planting Team

-by Dave Jacobs, a Church Planting Coordinator in the Western Region, and pastor of the City Vineyard in San Jose, California. Email - dave@sjcityvineyard.com - Website - http://www.sjcityvineyard.com/plant.html
  1. If I don't do it, it won't get done.

A leader sees what needs to be fixed and works to fix it. Can I do it or who do I need to tell about this so that it can be fixed? Reject the "can't somebody else do it" attitude.

  1. I can visit with my friends another time.

    2. A leader observes if there are any new people or hurting people that need to be talked to and does it. We are all greeters. We all are looking to reach out to newcomers. Don't talk "business" with other team members on Sunday morning. If you let a visitor stand alone on Sunday morning, you "go to jail."

    We mail a letter that includes an "Impressions Card" to our visitors. It asks three questions. What did you first notice about our church? What did you like most? Common answers are the pastor, the music, or people were warm and friendly. What did you like least? Common answers from people coming from other churches are the music was too loud or the service was too long.

  2. I can't encourage my pastor enough.

    3. Its often hard, lonely, and discouraging for the churchplanting pastor. Pray for him. Support him emotionally.

  3. My example as a team member will set the DNA for the church.

    4. I can demonstrate enthusiastic, heartfelt worship.

    I can model praying for others - as well as receiving prayer.

    Does my relationship with Jesus challenge others to a deeper relationship?

  4. Less is more.

    5. Do a few things well. Do not add on ministries until you are equipped to do them well and have the resources for them. Be patient, don't let yourself get impatient with the progress.

  5. For now I just need to be a servant.

    6. In time I will be able to minister in my gifting and passion, but for now its about serving wherever needed.

  6. It is possible your relationship with the pastor will change over time.

    7. As the church grows, the amount of time and proximity to the pastor may decrease.

  7. I will model being "face to face."

    8. I will not gossip or slander. I will talk out problems face to face with each other, especially with the pastor. Separating from you is not an option. It's only true submission to authority when I disagree. I will talk my problems with another person face to face with them before going to the pastor.

  8. When going as a part of a team.