Church Planter Skill #11: Build Group Cohesiveness
Planting a new church or congregation is challenging and difficult. The rewards are worth every bit of sacrifice and difficulty. Certain skills are necessary and these skills are represented in the building blocks utilized in the church planting assessment center of Converge. This month, we will focus on Group Cohesiveness and the ability to build group unified around the gospel.
Church by its very definition is a gathering of people. A church plant is that gathering in its most simple form. This is a key skill for any planter to be able to gather people together, build unity, and develop a cohesiveness built around a shared vision. Without unity and mission alignment, even the most visionary leader will not be able to succeed. Successful church planting is a team sport and not a solo effort.
Group cohesiveness can be measured focusing on 4 aspects of the church plant gathering. The 4 aspects are shared mission, relational connection, mutual respect, and collaborative spirit. The church planter must develop each of these elements intentionally whenever the church gathers to pray, plan, and work together. The planter must create moments for relationships to develop and deepen, for support of one another in the projects being focused upon, and a relentless clarification of the mission God is calling the church to accomplish.
Cohesive group unity is biblical. In so many places in both the OT and the NT, God implores his people to function with unity. Unity does not mean we all dress alike or look alike or have the same wants. Unity means that we are all focused on the same overarching goal and cohesive unity means that everyone in the group wants everyone else to succeed.
Jesus prayed for cohesive unity in John 17 when he asked the Father to make all believes function as one just as he and the Father are one. What a high bar Jesus set for his followers. Individual opinions are not the final say and a church planter must know how to help people become selfless and others minded in ministry.
As church planters consider their calling and preparation, reflecting on the importance of building cohesiveness in the group is crucial. Here are four self-reflection questions for potential church planters:
How can I intentionally foster a sense of belonging and trust among my core group members?
In what ways can I demonstrate humility and empathy to build stronger relationships within the group?
How will I handle conflicts within the group, ensuring that they do not compromise the unity of the church plant?
What strategies can I use to ensure that the church’s mission remains the central focus of the group, especially during times of difficulty or growth?
A strong and cohesively united church group is essential for effective church planting. A church that functions well together is a reflection of the Kingdom of God on earth. When believers are united in mission, values, and relationships, they create an environment where growth can flourish. Church planters must prioritize building group cohesiveness from the outset, creating an atmosphere where trust, respect, and shared purpose guide their work together. When this happens, the church plant becomes a beacon of hope, outreach, and service to the community, a living testimony to the power of unity in Christ.