Lessons From a Dinosaur

Following up on my post from yesterday in regard to what I am reading I finished a couple of weeks ago 44 Questions for Church Planters by Lyle Schaller. Lyle Schaller seems to have been around for as long as the dinosaurs but he is the dean of church leadership and evangelism and has written tons and tons of books. Anyway, I wanted to share five quotes/ take aways from the book.

p. 22 New churches are more likely to reach more people and to grow in size than are long established parishes.

Confirmed by dozens of denominational studies.


p. 30 No one congregation possesses the skills that can muster the resources necessary to reach, attract, serve and be responsive to the needs of every resident.


p. 157 Getting to church on time with a one year old and a three year old is a big challenge that deserves a reserved parking spot.


p. 165 The key variable (for choosing where to plant) is not net growth.

The key indicator is the number of newcomers who do not identify with the subculture of the remaining residents.

Too often policy makers responsible for planting new churches are mesmerized by that glittering identification of high profile areas.

This usually means there are zip codes experiencing a rapid increase in the number of residents.

This might overlook areas not growing as quickly who have a high turnover.

For similar reasons it is not surprising to find disappointed denominational leaders who had expected rapid growth in the new mission that planted in what is really a highly competitive ecclesial environment.


p. 180 An examination of those denominations that are experiencing significant numerical growth suggests the common variables are: 1. Starting new churches. 2. Increasing the number of large churches. 3. Improving the quality of preaching in long-established churches.