What characteristics are present in a successful church plant, regardless of style or cultural setting?
STETZER: There has to be a sense of call to reach the lost. Pastors should not plant churches to create a platform or to support themselves financially. Instead, they need a burning passion for lostness that compels them to plant a church to reach those without Christ. I think that passion is universally present in biblical new churches. Also, a right understanding of what a church is and why it matters is essential and universal. tpe: You mentioned church planting is the best form of evangelism. Why is that the case? STETZER: New churches tend to have a much higher conversion rate. Let me address it more personally. It is most effective, I think, because it is most biblical. God blesses churches when they give themselves away. We reap from what we sow. Giving people, time and resources to church plants is a great opportunity for God to bless our churches. tpe: What organizational support systems can increase effectiveness in planting churches? STETZER: I did a study a few years ago an
