When you hear God Calling and decide to start a new church, you’ll need to have a church planting strategy.  It is nearly impossible to simply choose a location and begin the process of building a fellowship with the expectation that you will have members flocking in.  You must determine where to build based on an observed attitude from the area residents while still considering all of the construction and zoning laws that must be followed in the area where you’d like to build.

Even if you were to get a warm reception from the community for building a church in the area, the population within that particular neighborhood may not welcome the type of church you want to build.  The denomination may not be suitable to the environment, or the intended size and prestige may not match the mentality of the area.  One way to determine the reaction is to profile the neighborhood.  You can enlist the help of others who plan to help you get the ball rolling to begin surveying people in the area neighborhoods regarding their religious practices, their need for a closer location to express their worship, and the general attitude towards another church in the area.  This can be done with the assistance of local shops that may allow you to set up at the door and speak to customers, or it can be done in a door-to-door survey.

The door-to-door survey can also include a ministry service.  This would be an excellent addition to your church planting strategy, as it gives the residents an opportunity to hear the message that will be preached in your church.  You and your missionaries can let the public know what denomination will be practicing within your house of worship, who will be leading the flock, what sort of activities and expectations the church will have for its members, and other important information that could potentially sway a person to become a member.  Keep in mind, however, that many people assume door-to-door ministers are looking for donations for their congregation, so you’ll want to be gentle in your approach and make the householders aware that donations are never required, although if they would like to make a donation, it is always appreciated.

Another part of your church planting strategy could be to introduce yourself and your assistants, as well as your project, through a neighborhood activity.  Whether a barbecue or block party, offering a place to socialize and eat is an excellent way to draw attention from the community.  Attendants can be screened so that you can gauge their level of acceptance and interest in the church you’d like to build.  You are likely to have a more honest response here than in the home because the pressure is off.  People don’t feel like you require a donation, and they don’t feel trapped in their house, so they are more relaxed in their disposition and will tell you exactly how they feel about the prospect.  An event like this, or a carwash or lemonade stand, will also allow you to discuss your ideas and sway potential members to join the church. 

Be sure to visit our church planting overview for additional suggestions and information about building and developing your own church.