Only 7 percent of 2,285 church plants in five denominations could be classified as “fast-growing”, according to a book by Stephen Gray, Planting Fast-Growing Churches. Church planting is a challenging and often frustrating task. Gray conducted a study in an attempt to determine what it was that caused some churches to be successful, whereas the majority were struggling. His findings included the following:
- Leaders of successful churches were assessed on average as having higher leadership ability according to the Ridley Assessment (an assessment designed for evaluating church planters).
- Successful churches received some start-up funds from mother churches, but not too much.
- Successful churches were given more freedom in determining their own course.
- Pastors of successful churches received more emotional support.
- Successful churches were planted by teams rather than individuals.
- Successful churches waiting until they had a larger core group before launching.
- Successful churches gave generously to missions.
Two criteria were used in categorising a church as “fast-growing”: the church plant had to reach financial self-sufficiency and an average attendance of at least 200 within three years of its public launch. The author acknowledges that these criteria are far from perfect, but argues that a church with fewer than 200 people is typically limited in the types of ministry which it can offer, and a church which does not break the 200 barrier within 3 years is never likely to do so. It’s an interesting book, as statistics books go, and I recommend it for anyone interested in church growth.