Here are some of the major take aways I got from my time at the church planters round table in Oklahoma City.1. Simplify. Do a few things well. The more clear the mission the less sideways energy you will experience. Phase out ministries that don't line up with the overall vision of the church.
2. Get the right people on the bus. Staff and key volunteers will make or break you as a church planter.
3. Create functional systems. You have to be relentless about making sure each system (weekend worship service, evangelism, discipleship, etc.) is effective and efficient.
4. God's favor is not fair.
5. Big people are attracted to big vision. Little people are attracted to little vision. Little people cause problems.
6. There is a difference between Pentecostal Theology and Pentecostal Culture. Just because my Pentecostal ministry might not look and sound like my predecessors, it doesn't make it any less Pentecostal.
7. Structure your church for growth. Church governance and polity must be aligned with the vision. The structure and strategy is not sacred. It's simply a vehicle to accomplish the vision of the church.
