Planting Churches from Scratch
Can We Do It? Yes, We Should!
Church planting is a challenge, and it’s an adventure. There are various ways to approach it, with different models, strategies, and philosophies. In 2017, Paul Carter, in his article to TGC Canada, “If I Were Planting A Church From Scratch,” gave a thoughtful reflection on the topic. He entertains the idea of planting from scratch as an intellectual exercise yet by his admission explains that for him it was much more effective to plant from an existing congregation. While I appreciate his perspective and the wisdom embedded in his approach, I believe it’s essential to push back gently on the notion that many have, that planting a church from scratch is an unwise or impractical venture. I won’t respond to Carter’s article in detail, partly because much of what he says is great, and resonates with our experience. However, what I want to push against is the sense that it should only be an intellectual exercise. I would strongly argue that that it should be something we consider as a viable and pursuable option.
Planting a church from scratch isn’t always ideal, but it is a possibility that should be encouraged and not dismissed too quickly. In fact, it could be argued that planting from scratch is not only a viable option but perhaps even an essential one, particularly in contexts where gospel pioneering is most needed. This response will examine why we shouldn’t just assume church planting from scratch is not viable and why we must encourage those with a call to this work to embrace it with both confidence and humility.
The Challenge of Planting Churches from Scratch
The argument about planting churches from scratch is rooted in a concern for sustainability. Many suggests that without an existing congregation, the challenges of planting a church, whether it be financial, relational, or logistical, become too great. Indeed, there are real challenges that come with planting from scratch, especially in today’s cultural landscape where church attendance is declining, and secularism is on the rise. Starting with no congregation and little to no financial backing can feel overwhelming.
However, this does not automatically invalidate the effort. In fact, it might be more necessary than ever. I had a conversation once with a potential church planter who was interested in planting in an ‘unreached’ town and yet decided to plant in another area that already had some churches. When I asked him why he chose not to plant in the ‘unreached’ area, his response was “there were no Christians there.” I mean, surely that’s the point! While starting from scratch presents a multitude of difficulties, the New Testament itself offers a model for planting churches without pre-existing believers. The Apostle Paul often began with no existing congregation and built from the ground up. His missionary journeys were marked by planting new works in places where the gospel had never been heard before. In fact, much of the apostolic ministry throughout church history began from nothing. So, why should we assume that starting from scratch is no longer feasible?
A Biblical Foundation for Starting from Scratch
The biblical foundation for church planting from scratch is robust. The apostolic example sets the stage. The early church was built from nothing. When Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20), there was no pre-existing congregation to join. They started from nothing.
The apostle Paul’s ministry, in particular, shows how a church plant can grow from the ground up. In Acts, we see Paul preaching in cities where the gospel was entirely new, such as in Athens and Thessalonica. These cities were far from ideal, yet Paul planted new churches without an existing base of Christian believers. He did so by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, a clear vision, and a deep trust that the gospel could grow in new soil. Of course he had those who, from a Jewish background were aware of the Messiah and the promises of God, yet, this also made it difficult for Paul. It’s worth asking whether we have allowed our modern assumptions about what church planting “should” look like to limit our thinking about what is biblically possible.
There’s also the example of the early church movement. The first Christians met in homes, starting from small, intimate gatherings of believers, where community, discipleship, and worship took place. These gatherings often formed in hostile environments where Christians were in the minority or persecuted. In such contexts, the gospel still spread, despite, or perhaps because of, the challenges. We can confidently look at the New Testament and see a biblical pattern for church planting from scratch. And while we don’t want to romanticise the difficulties of such an endeavour, we cannot ignore the examples of perseverance and fruitfulness that we see in Scripture.
The Necessity of Innovation and Flexibility
One of the main inferences in this argument is that planting from scratch requires significant innovation, and suggestion that it’s ‘safer’ and more effective to work with an established congregation, or transplant. Innovation is undoubtedly needed in church planting. But to assume that innovation is best served only through established churches is to misunderstand the very nature of what it means to plant new churches.
The world around us is constantly changing, and the church must adapt to the needs and opportunities that arise. Innovation in church planting isn’t limited to how we build and maintain a congregation—it also extends to how we reach out to the lost, how we engage with the community, and how we express the gospel in ways that speak to the heart of the culture we find ourselves in.
Planting from scratch demands a creative and flexible approach, but this is not a new idea. The early church was remarkably innovative. It didn’t simply replicate a single model, but adapted itself to different cities, cultures, and contexts. Church planting today requires the same level of creativity and adaptability. Starting from scratch is an opportunity to innovate and rethink church structures, outreach methods, and leadership styles. It’s an invitation to think beyond the constraints of tradition and create something that fits the context in which you find yourself.
Consider the growing number of church plants in non-traditional contexts today. From coffee shop gatherings to community centres, there are countless examples of churches beginning from scratch, engaging with communities in creative ways, and seeing people come to Christ. Innovation in church planting is about finding ways to engage a world that is not the same as it was a generation ago. What we might mean is planting a church organisation, or a service, and indeed to that we need a congregation, but in unreached areas this just isn’t an option.
The Potential for Gospel Renewal
The reality is that some communities need a fresh, gospel-centered expression. In urban environments, especially, traditional churches may no longer speak to the culture, leaving gaps in the witness of the gospel. New church plants can serve as a catalyst for gospel renewal in areas where people are seeking something different, something real.
Starting from scratch doesn’t just bring new life into a community; it creates a new ecosystem where the gospel can thrive in ways it couldn’t if it were simply being transplanted into a pre-existing structure. Church plants can be dynamic, diverse, and have a nimbleness that allows them to respond quickly to the needs of the people they are trying to reach.
Consider cities like London, New York, or Sydney, where there are dozens of new church plants. These aren’t churches coming out of existing congregations but are fresh works in places of spiritual need. People are hungry for authenticity, and these plants often provide just that: a chance to be part of something new, something vibrant. When we start from scratch, we don’t inherit old problems or limitations. Instead, we get the chance to create something that reflects both the old (the unchanging truth of the gospel) and the new (new expressions of church that speak to contemporary needs). This dual dynamic is essential for a church plant to grow, and it makes the call to plant from scratch even more critical. However, we must not solely focus on cities to develop this, but our confidence in Christ, and the challenge of the Great Commission should lead us to go into all the areas around us, even those we might feel uncomfortable in!
Building from Scratch: Community, Mission, and Discipleship
One of other critiques of starting from scratch is that it can be difficult to form a community and develop sustainable discipleship without a congregation or core group in place. And this is a valid concern. Church plants from scratch often struggle with these aspects. However, this should not be seen as a reason to avoid planting from scratch; rather, it should be an invitation to think carefully about how to build strong, missional communities from day one.
The task of forming a community isn’t just about gathering people in a room—it’s about creating a sense of belonging, trust, and shared purpose. Mission and discipleship are not afterthoughts; they must be part of the DNA of the church from the outset. In fact, this may be the most exciting and rewarding aspect of planting from scratch. There is no legacy to manage, no established ways of doing things to hold onto. You have the freedom to create a community that is passionate about the gospel, mission, and serving the world around them.
Discipleship in a new church is an organic process. It happens as people come together, learn, fail, and grow in their understanding of Jesus. The early church was marked by this kind of discipleship. New believers were immediately brought into community, where they could grow together and learn from one another. In many ways, church planting from scratch is a return to the basic, biblical principles of discipleship and community. It’s not always easy, but it’s profoundly rewarding.
Addressing the Challenges
None of this is to say that planting from scratch is easy. It requires courage, resources, and a clear vision. It also requires a commitment to perseverance in the face of challenges. Church planters need to understand the complexities of planting in a modern context, including financial management, leadership development, and outreach strategies.
However, these challenges should not be seen as insurmountable. Rather, they are part of the journey of building something that is lasting and impactful by God’s grace. The challenges that come with planting from scratch are often the very things that shape the church and give it character. These struggles refine and purify the church, making it more reliant on God and more committed to its mission. Furthermore, church plants from scratch often attract people who are deeply passionate about the gospel and are eager to see something new emerge. This energy, enthusiasm, and shared purpose can fuel the church through its early years and beyond.
Encouragement for the Next Generation of Church Planters
Ultimately, the decision to plant from scratch is a calling and one that may not be for everyone, but one that should not be disregarded too quickly. For those who feel called to plant a church from scratch, they must be encouraged to do so with confidence. They must know that their efforts are in line with the apostolic tradition and that God is capable of bringing new life into the most unlikely situations.
Let’s not discourage those with a vision for starting from scratch but rather come alongside them with support, training, and encouragement. The church needs new expressions of faith that speak to the realities of our world. By planting from scratch, we have an opportunity to shape the future of the church in ways that align with God’s mission and kingdom purposes.