The first acknowledgement presented in the book “Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch” is that the decision to begin a new church can be quite frightening. The book goes ahead to narrate the story of Thomas and Searcy who used unpredictable approaches to plant a new church successfully. According to the authors of the book, the first approach that should be considered before starting a new church is praying seriously. It is also appropriate for the project leader to ensure members of the family and friends are willing to be part of the church planting journey.1
The authors believe strongly that every strategy should be practical instead of focusing on the golden rules. The book demystifies the fact that church planters do not have to follow the paths or steps embraced by others. The first step outlined in the book is known as the foundation phase. The reader, according to the text, should analyze his or her thoughts in order to begin the church planting journey. After identifying the best approaches to begin the process, the church planter should begin the required groundwork.
The formation is important and should be characterized by a new team or staff. The members of the team should be aware of the targeted goals or objectives. During this phase, it is appropriate for the project leader to focus on strategic planning. Creativity should be taken seriously during the phase.2 Volunteers can be attracted and informed about the targeted vision.
The next phase outlined in the text is called implementation. This stage is usually associated with long-term objectives and plans. The implementation will ensure small groups are formed. The church planter should also monitor the needs of the targeted community. It is necessary to gauge if the selected community will embrace the ideologies of the church. During this phase, it is inappropriate to implement numerous plans or focus on many goals from the very start. It is therefore necessary to ensure every resource is aimed at making the implemented church a reality. The planters should also ensure more people in the targeted community are aware of the ideas and benefits of the church.
The text goes further to indicate that the hardest part throughout the church planting journey is to have a smooth transition from a new to a successful church.3 When adequate long-term goals are outlined, the involved players will find it easier to liaise with more members of the community. The youths and small groups in the region can also be involved throughout the ministry. By so doing, more people will be willing to focus on the best actions that can ensure the new church becomes part of the wider community.
When these strategies are applied in a professional manner, the church planters will record positive results without having enough money or staff.4 Those who do not have adequate money can embrace the power of prayers, attract volunteers, and engage in continuous collaboration. The strategies are practical and can ensure the planters receive funds from different stakeholders. When the goals of the implementation process are clearly defined, the involved individuals will ensure every church planter addresses the barriers and doubts that might emerge throughout the church implementation process. With the right focus and determination, religious leaders will find it easier to apply these practical strategies in an attempt to start churches and attract new followers.
Critique
The text by Kerrick Thomas and Nelson Searcy can be described as a powerful guideline that can be used by church planters who appear to lack an adequate plan or strategy. From the very beginning, the authors inform the readers about the major issues that are critical whenever planting a new church. Using a balanced approach, the authors begin by acknowledging the fact that church plants should always focus on their goals even if they lack the required financial support, staff members, or mentors.5 The reader observes clearly that these challenges should not deter church planters from focusing on the ultimate price.
The authors present a positive attitude and confidence that can make a difference for many church planters. Individuals who are unsure of the best approaches to deliver positive results can use the evidence-based strategies in order to deliver positive results. After identifying the targeted goals, the planter can liaise with different church leaders in order to formulate a powerful strategy. The concept of strategic planning is appropriate from a professional perspective.
The book also presents useful guidelines that can guide more church planters to acquire funds and attract new volunteers.6 This approach will ensure the established team is capable of implementing the strategy successfully.
The book has also gone further to explain why church planters should have long-term goals. They should be aware of the possible outcomes and individuals who might be informed about the new church. The concept of proactive thinking is presented in the book in order to guide individuals who want to realize their goals. The idea of leadership is also evident in the text. This is the case because the leaders should embrace the power of church planting philosophy.7 By so doing, more people will be willing to support the agenda and eventually ensure the targeted objectives are realized.
This analysis shows conclusively that the authors have addressed the targeted issues in a professional manner. The balanced approach makes it easier for the reader to embrace the use of evidence-based and practical approaches throughout the church planting process. The use of servant leadership and virtues to attract more followers are powerful approaches that can support the implementation process.8 The ideas can also ensure the staffing process is adequate. These practical approaches can make a difference for many people planning to plant new churches.
However, there are some issues that have not been addressed by the authors. For instance, most of the scriptures presented in the book are not relevant. This is the case because the verses might not be applicable to different church planting processes. The other issue that has been ignored by the authors is the need to combine church planting with ecclesiology.9 The three aspects of a real church outlined in the book are questionable. These aspects needed in a church, according to the authors, include a worship leader, a lead pastor, and a start date.10
The book goes further to acknowledge that the outlined formula is a sure way that can be used to plant new churches successfully. Unfortunately, the authors fail to encourage the reader to embrace or combine different concepts in order to ensure every church planting journey is completed successfully.11 If these issues could be addressed, the book by Thomas and Searcy would become a useful guideline that can make it easier for more ministries and church leaders to realize the targeted goals.
Evaluation
This book has added to my understanding of the process of church planting. To begin with, the book has informed me about the three unique sins or mistakes that can make the whole process of church planting unsuccessful. These three mistakes include lack of a powerful strategy, inadequate of funds, and lack of God’s calling.12 With this knowledge, I will be able to focus on my goals as a church leader. I will always use my concepts to develop a powerful strategy that can ensure the targeted church planting mission is completed successfully. Before initiating the plan, I will always begin by analyzing the existing situations and attract the right individuals who can ensure the targeted goals are realized in a timely manner. The information has also equipped me with new concepts that can be used to acquire new funds and volunteers.
Several concepts presented in the book are applicable to my church ministry. For instance, the church planting strategy is guided by several steps. These steps include foundation, formation, and implantation. It is appropriate to attract the right individuals who can ensure these phases are completed successfully. The practice will eventually deliver each and every goal targeted by my ministry. The other unique information that can support my ministry is being aware of the targeted communities or people. The first question focuses on the nature of the population living in the targeted area. The next issue is identifying the specific population that has not been reached before by different ministries.13 With this understanding, it will be able to identify the right population group that can be supported by the ministerial work.
It is agreeable that this text presents numerous ideas that can be adopted by the ministry field. This is the case because the book deviates from the traditional models of church planting. Many theorists of church planting believe strongly that a powerful model informed by practice is necessary whenever implementing a new strategy. However, the book has gone further to explain how every individual who plans to plant a new church can achieve the targeted goals.
This strategy can be embraced by people who do not have the required funds or supporters. The practical guideline will therefore make it easier for more people to plant new churches and empower more people to become followers of Christ.14 Additionally, church planters who combine the guidelines presented in the book with the existing models will find it easier to realize their goals. By so doing, more people will be informed about the word of God and eventually become Christian believers. Follow-up can also be done in order to support the needs of the attracted followers or believers.
This information therefore contributes to the existing literature of planting or supporting churches. The insights are practical and relevant for individuals who want to start new churches in a successful manner. Finally, this book should be recommended to church ministers, religious leaders, and students of theology. These stakeholders will find the information meaningful whenever implementing different church planting missions. When these people focus on the presented guidelines and strategies, it will be easier for them to plant more churches in different corners of the world.15 People who want to learn more about church planting in underserved communities will definitely find the text relevant and informative.
Bibliography
Searcy, Nelson and Thomas, Kerrick. Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch. Cranleigh: Baker Books, 2007.
Footnotes
- Nelson Searcy and Kerrick Thomas. Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch (Cranleigh: Baker Books, 2007), 12.
- Searcy and Thomas, Launch, 31.
- Ibid., 47.
- Ibid., 127
- Ibid., 39.
- Ibid., 21.
- Ibid., 65.
- Ibid., 89.
- Ibid., 101.
- Ibid., 102.
- Ibid., 134.
- Ibid., 12.
- Ibid., 73.
- Ibid., 97.
- Ibid., 109.