Church Plant Rock Stars

I had an interesting conversation recently with someone who made the comment that some new church plants have “celebrities” that endorse their new church plants thus helping them raise funds. These solicited high profile people help them connect with other people of influence in order to accomplish their mission. Not a bad strategy, but I must confess that the term “celebrity” as it relates to church planting did give me pause. That is, until I realized that I too have my own rock stars of church planting.

I call them my coaches. These are the people that have agreed to take time out from their busy schedules to meet with me and allow me to pick their brains on a variety of topics. What sets a real coach apart is that they are willing to share knowledge, and knowledge is incredibly valuable to a church planter. Without these coaches, I am limited to my own experiences, knowledge, and view of things. Not a pretty site!

My coaches include church finance experts, Christian business people, and pastors of newer growing churches both locally and in other parts of the country (can you tell me who is missing from this list?).

But check this: There is a BIG difference between true church plant coaches, and people who simply dispense church plant information. Along the way I have received lots of information, but what is most valuable to me as a new planter is the coach who really cares about me as a player. How do you tell the difference?  A true coach does not ignore the player. They take every opportunity to coach. Why? Because they are truly care!

Advise dispensers are everywhere. They’ll give you just enough information to make them feel like they helped, and to get you off their back. They are famous for not replying, and for five words or less email responses. A coach on the other hand looks for opportunities to coach, to pour into a planter’s life in order to make them better. They are BIG picture minded and no matter how busy they are, they take the time to engage the player.

This side of heaven my church plant coaches will have no idea how much they have helped me and the people our church will reach. They are my church plant rock stars!

Question: Do you have any rock star coaches in your life?