If you want to NOT plant a church, you should begin by making it all about the money. See it as a small-to-medium sized business venture. Forget entirely any concept of the church as an organic, living Body, and instead focus on the political and material structures.
Make sure to keep the overhead high. The more debt the better. Make sure that people regularly hear about how much money is needed, and use phrases like, “If we aren’t able to bring in enough money, we may need to close our doors.”
Don’t make the schedule or programs about relationships. Instead, put emphasis on things like logistics, personnel, and copying “successful programs” in other places. It will help people remember that you can exist with or without them.
Keep the preaching shallow. Don’t try any in-depth Bible studies. Skip all of the challenges to a higher walk or a holy life. Keep it tame and predictable. All the studies say that people like that.
Look for special opportunities to cancel. Some examples? If its 4th of July or Christmas happens to fall on a Sunday, use the opportunity to show what we really believe is important by cancelling all worship services! This will be a golden opportunity to educate our children on just how vital our spiritual life together should be.
Make sure the pastor is treated like a religious professional and communicate regularly that “you should never try this at home.” After all, really studying the Bible is only for people who have a college degree and at least two years of New Testament Greek.
If you ignore the spiritual disciplines, treat life together like a lukewarm bowl of oatmeal, and value personal pleasure over corporate calling, you will be well a on your way to NOT planting a church!
The Gathering at Victory Acres 