Christopher Ruppe: http://www.chrisruppe.com
Lead Pastor: North Rock Hill Church in Rock Hill, SC
Personal Notes: I met Chris while at Intensive Church Planter's Training earlier this year. Chris is a fun, super energetic guy that is very intentional about reaching those far from God. In just 10 short years as a church planter, Chris & his church have planted 3 churches locally, 3 in Costa Rica, and 9 in Cuba. Thanks Chris for your enthusiasm. 

What advice would you give to a guy that has been called into church planting, but sometimes feels that he has no idea what he is doing?

Chris' Answer:

I am not sure I am the best to give advice on church planting from personal experience. I know more about what not to do. I think my legacy will be how God takes crap and uses it. Why? So that I can not take credit for it.

So let’s look at what not to do.

Don’t build “A” Kingdom

I think what I have noticed is how Church planters are no different than churches of the past, other than they are cooler. They are still trying to grow a church rather than join God in expanding His Kingdom. The Gospels only mention “Church” twice… However, Christ talked about the Kingdom… A LOT!

Don’t Forget to Hang Out with People Far from God!

Am I the only one tired of the phrase, “I want to start a church for Lost people!” Please! give me a break… As Neal McGlohon says all the time, “If Lost people wanted to be in Church where would they be? In Church.” People far from God are not waiting for our cool churches to launch. Please do us all a favor and do not start a church unless you are currently hanging out with a “butt load” of people who are far from God. (Yes, I said Butt Load. I am not sure how much that is exactly… but I know it is a lot.)

Don’t Be Just Another Pastor in the city… Be a Missionary!

We don’t need another pastor… we need missionaries. Find out what the needs are in your city and begin meeting those needs. Look to see where God is at work and join Him. Spend 75% of your time and resources in reaching your city… Not planning another service. Use this to find your core people and weed out those “Church” people!

Don’t Lead until you are Led.

Find Mentors. The best advice I received after planting was from Glenn Smith in Houston who is a brilliant Church Planting Strategist (http://newchurchinitiatives.org). He told me to find areas where I was weak and find mentors who could coach me in those areas. For example… I needed some help with leadership development, so I found a successful leader in the community and met with him and picked his brain on leadership principles. I also needed a personal spiritual mentor, a church planting strategist, etc… You can have lots of Mentors. Simply meet and agree on how often, what you will accomplish, and how long will this relationship last. It is hard to lead when you are not being led.

Don’t… Et cetera Et cetera.

Let me use this last section to hit on some stuff others have said… Don’t Plant A Church!!!!! If I can’t talk you out of it… then Don’t do it alone! Including without your wife. Don’t begin gathering for “Services” too soon. It will be a terrible distraction from the most important which is hanging out with those people who are far from God. Don’t sacrifice Vision and Mission for more people and more money. Don’t forget that your best still pales in comparison to what God can do. Don’t try and be someone else… God made you just the way you are.

Wow! I can go on and on… I did not realize what an absolute loser I am. I have a ton more, but I doubt anyone wants to read a book, so I will end with this last piece of advice… Don’t forget to have fun! Don’t take yourself so serious and miss out on the greatest adventure you can possibly imagine. (If you are really called to plant that is.) I honestly wake up many mornings and say, “Wow! I get paid to do this!” By the Way… that is a good place to be.