The Health and Life of a Church Planter
Article by Rev Dr. Alex Harris
The Health and Life of a Church Planter: Thriving in the Pressures of Pioneering Ministry
Church planting is an exhilarating calling. I know the unique challenges that come with starting a new church from scratch. Even more I have learnt from remarkably committed church planters and pioneers in our Baptist Family and beyond. I have quoted some of them below. I wanted to share a few of lessons we’ve collectively learnt and offer a healthy way to manage the pressures of this particular calling as a pioneer or church planter. Hopefully it will encourage pioneers and planters; inspire and attract potential new ones, and speak to the pastors and leaders of our established churches too. Health and life for all of us is vital.
The Pressures of Church Planting
All church leadership is hard. Starting a new church has some of its own particular challenges.
Moving to a New Area Without An Existing Church Family To Build Relationship With:
Church planting often means uprooting our families and stepping into a completely new community. The loneliness can be real. We have to learn the culture, build relationships, and establish credibility—often with no safety net.
"When we first arrived, we didn’t know a single person. I remember standing in a coffee shop thinking, ‘How do I even begin?’ But I kept reminding myself that God had gone ahead of us."
The Pressure to Succeed
Failure isn’t an option or at least, that’s how it can feel. There’s an unspoken expectation that the church must grow, and quickly. The weight of this can be crushing.
I had to learn to surrender my need for results. I planted, others watered, but God gives the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6).
JD Greear is wise to remind us, “Success is measured in obedience, not in numbers.” But that is hard to do when expectations are high.
Being on the Edge of Ministerial Fellowships
Church planters can feel like outsiders among other pastors. We’re seen as innovators—or sometimes, as disruptors. Traditional ministers don’t always understand the pioneer’s journey.
"At times, I felt like I was leading in isolation. Other pastors were polite but didn’t quite know what to do with me. I had to intentionally seek out relationships with other planters who understood the struggle."
Financial Strain
Many planters and pioneers are bi-vocational out of necessity, working another job while leading a fledgling congregation. The financial burden can be overwhelming, especially when there’s little external support. Often pioneers and planters are at an age and stage of little financial agility and increasing family costs.
"There were months we weren’t sure we’d make rent and sometimes we didn’t.”
Insufficient Training
Many planters are squeezed through a pastoral model for training while church planting requires an entrepreneurial spirit. They’re trained but not always trained in all the right things.
"I thought I was ready because I had pastored before—but planting a church was a completely different game. I had to learn to build from nothing, and that meant constantly growing as a leader."
Tim Keller is right that “The call to plant a church is a call to be a missionary, not just a pastor.” There are different skills needed to start a church versus to lead an established church, but we haven’t always invited planters to that sort of training.
The Need for Rapid Leadership Growth
Success brings new challenges. As our churches grow, we quickly outgrow our original leadership model. Many of us start as solo pioneers or with small, relational teams, but soon need to become team-builders, vision-casters, and strategic leaders.
"The skills that got us through the first year were not the same skills we needed for year three. I had to evolve quickly, or we would have stalled."
“What got you here won’t get you there.” is wisdom from Marshall Goldsmith.
A Team of Mavericks
Early church planting teams are often filled with passionate pioneers and/or people disillusioned with their previous church experiences. It’s a strange mix! Managing a team of strong-willed visionaries can be both a gift and a challenge.
"I had to learn that passion without direction can lead to chaos. The same people who helped start the church weren’t always the ones to lead it long-term."
A Biblical Model for Healthy Church Leadership: Prophet, Priest & King
One framework that has helped sustain health is the biblical model of Prophet, Priest, and King. In the Old Testament, Israel needed all three to thrive:
Prophets declared God’s truth. (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
Priests provided spiritual and emotional care. (Exodus 28:29-30)
Kings led, governed, and built structures for the people. (2 Samuel 5:2)
Jesus is the perfect fulfilment of all three: He spoke God’s truth (John 12:49), intercedes for us (Hebrews 4:14-16), and reigns as King (Revelation 19:16). As church planters, we need these three roles reflected in our support networks.
Prophet – The Truth-Telling Network
These are the voices that see what no one else sees and says what no one else dares to say. They challenge us, hold us accountable, and prevent mission drift.
"I needed mentors who would ask me the hard questions. ‘Are you making time for your family? Are you leading with integrity? Are you choosing what’s easy or what’s right?”
Priest – The Nurturing Network
We all need people who care for our souls. These are the relationships that remind us we are loved not for what we do, but for who we are.
"One pastor in my life would call me just to ask, ‘How’s your heart?’ That simple question kept me grounded when everything felt overwhelming."
“Pastors who plant churches must not only be shepherds of others but also be shepherded themselves.” encourages Ed Stetzer.
King – The Strategic & Institutional Network
Structure and strategy matter. We need wise leadership to help us navigate growth, provide financial sustainability, and ensure long-term stability and credibility.
"I had to humble myself and let others lead in areas I wasn’t gifted. Kingdom work is never a solo effort.”
Strengthening Your Support System
Perhaps this is a moment to assess your networks? Ask yourself:
Which of the three (Prophet, Priest, King) do I have in my life? Which is missing and who could I invite in to meet that need?
How do my leadership team members fit into these roles? Is it a rounded team?
What practical steps can I take to strengthen each of these networks – locally in my team? And relationally around me?
Are there prophets, priests or kings I need to mute or boundaries I need to set?
Church planting is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. The pressures are real, but so is God’s provision. Lean into your support systems, embrace the process, and remember that success is not measured in numbers, but in faithfulness.
"There were days I wanted to quit, but every time, God reminded me: ‘I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’" (Matthew 16:18)