What does it take to be an effective church planter? Dr. Charles Ridley conducted a study of church planters in the United States and Canada. Based upon his research and subsequent field testing, he developed a list of 13 church planter characteristics. For over a decade, these characteristics have been used to select church planters. Here is his list of characteristics and their definitions.

Visioning Capacity...

• Being a person who projects into the future beyond the present.
• Developing a theme which highlights the vision and philosophy of ministry.
• Coping effectively with non-visioning elements.
• Not erecting artificial walls or limits either overtly or subconsciously.
• Establishing a clear church identity related to the theme and vision.
• Believing in God's capacity to do great things.

Intrinsically Motivated...

• Having a desire to do well and a commitment to excellence.
• Stick-to-itiveness and persistence.
• Having initiative and aggressiveness without the negative connotations.
• Having a willingness to work long and hard.
• Being a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing.
• Having a high energy and vitality level; physical stamina.

Creates Ownership of Ministry...

• Helping people to feel responsible for the growth and success of the church.
• Gaining a commitment of the people to the vision.
• Establishing a congregational identity.
• Avoiding stereotyping of the congregation by imposing unrealistic goals.

Relates to the Unchurched...

• Communicating in style that is understood by the unchurched.
• Understanding the psychology or mentality of the unchurched.
• Moving and functioning in the personal space of the unchurched without fear.
• Quickly getting to know the unchurched on a personal level.
• Breaking through the barriers erected by the unchurched.
• Handling crises faced by the unchurched.

Spousal Cooperation...

• Having an explicit agreement regarding each partner's involvement in ministry.
• Having explicit rules regarding the use of home as an office.
• Evaluating the consequences of ministry demands upon the children.
• Functioning as a team through individual and collective action.
• Having a strategy for dealing with strangers.
• Modeling wholesome family life before church and community.
• Agreeing upon and sharing the ministry vision.
• Deliberately planning and protecting private family life.

Effectively Builds Relationships...

• Responding with urgency to expressed needs and concerns of people.
• Displaying Godly love and compassion to people.
• Getting to know people on a personal basis.
• Making others feel secure and comfortable in one's presence.
• Not responding judgmentally or prejudicially to new people.
• Appreciating and accepting a variety of persons.
• Spends time with present parishioners without ignoring them for new people.

Next... Characteristics of a Church Planter Part 2