I received an e-mail from a friend today who asked me what my thoughts were on people who take part in a church plant versus an established church. Both have their positives and negatives, but here were my thoughts. These may not be accurate all the time, but they seem to fit my experience.
In this article, I am not implying that a church plant is better than an established church or vice versa. However it is good to know the pros and cons of both and see if we can implement the best of each in whatever type of church we are actively serving in as members.
Established church members have a maintaining attitude.
Church plant members are more willing to take risks.
Established church members are afraid of risks, preferring what is comfortable or 'established'.
Church plant members are willing to think in a way that is new and different.
Established church members prefer traditions and being able to anticipate the future.
Church plant members constantly look ahead to what is going to happen.
Established church members often look back at what has happened.
Established church members are already content with the church structure.
Church plants often lack resources including qualified workers.
Established churches are often well funded and have more qualified workers.
Church plant members sometimes think they can showcase their talent because the church is usually small.
Established churches can discriminate more on who can fill roles because they are usually bigger.
Established churches tend to be more attractional focused in outreach (bring unbelievers to where they are).
Church plants tend to have a stronger emphasis on evangelism.
Established churches tend to have a stronger structure for discipleship.
Church plant members expect something more grassroots.
Established church members expect something more professional.
In this article, I am not implying that a church plant is better than an established church or vice versa. However it is good to know the pros and cons of both and see if we can implement the best of each in whatever type of church we are actively serving in as members.
Pros for Church Plants; Cons for Established Churches
Church plant members have a pioneering attitude.Established church members have a maintaining attitude.
Church plant members are more willing to take risks.
Established church members are afraid of risks, preferring what is comfortable or 'established'.
Church plant members are willing to think in a way that is new and different.
Established church members prefer traditions and being able to anticipate the future.
Church plant members constantly look ahead to what is going to happen.
Established church members often look back at what has happened.
Pros for Established Churches; Cons for Church Plants
Church plant members are sometimes those who think they can make the church the way they want it.Established church members are already content with the church structure.
Church plants often lack resources including qualified workers.
Established churches are often well funded and have more qualified workers.
Church plant members sometimes think they can showcase their talent because the church is usually small.
Established churches can discriminate more on who can fill roles because they are usually bigger.
Mix of Pros and Cons
Church plants tend to be more missional focused in outreach (going to where unbelievers are).Established churches tend to be more attractional focused in outreach (bring unbelievers to where they are).
Church plants tend to have a stronger emphasis on evangelism.
Established churches tend to have a stronger structure for discipleship.
Church plant members expect something more grassroots.
Established church members expect something more professional.
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