1. The easiest and most cost efficient method of reaching unchurched people is planting new churches. I would not have said this ten years ago.

 

  2. Between 1980-1999, an estimated 60,000 churches will be planted. Less than 1/8 of these new church starts will be by mainline denominations.

 

  3. In 1900, the U.S. Census Bureau counted 212,320 churches. In 1995, 345,406 churches existed in the U.S. During that same time period, the U.S. population tripled. Today there are fewer churches per person than there were in 1906.

 

  4. In 1995, there were only 86,070 mainline churches in the U.S.

 

  5. If your goal is for the new church to grow beyond 200 in worship, don't hold the first public worship until you can have at least 300 in attendance.

 

  6. The first 100 people who join determine the next 300. That's why it is best to recruit the core people through one-on-one relational evangelism rather than a phone campaign.

 

  7. Screening and selecting the founding pastor is the most critical step in planting a new church. This person needs leadership and apostolic gifts.

 

  8. According to Pete van der Harst, churches starting in elementary schools usually level off at 200 in worship, in middle schools 400, and in high schools 800. The size is often determined by the amount of parking.

 

  9. The ideal pastor for a new church start will stay for 25 years, is in his/her 20's if starting a Buster church and 30-40's if starting a Boomer church.

 

 10. By the fifth year, the average new church levels off under 250 in worship, receives a new pastor, and begins to show signs of decline.