Should we plant churches or launch churches? What is the correct term? Or does it matter which language we use?

For a number of years, when a new church emerged, we announced that a church was “planted.” The primary leader of the group was referred to as the “church planter.” The agricultural imagery is rich and brings to mind the notion that the church is a living organism and, if healthy, will grow and reproduce.

Some have recently introduced different imagery and now refer to starting a church as “launching.” Why the switch?

The Plant
A plant begins as a seed placed below the ground. Its growth is slow during the first season of its life and progress is invisible. No one really knows if anything is actually happening for quite some time.

The Launch
By contrast, observe the launch of the space shuttle. If you’re anywhere near Cape Canaveral when the shuttle blasts off, you know it! Megatons of energy are released. Children cover their ears to filter the dreadful noise. Everyone stands in awe as the big white aircraft – strapped to the towering cylinder – is propelled into the sky with a menacing tail of fire trailing behind. People who live in the area have learned from experience to remove their paintings from the wall ahead of time or they will be shaken off like dry leaves in a late-autumn storm.

When starting a church, the first season is like a plant. Most of what is done happens without much fanfare. Growth seems slow. The founding pastor is very busy, but observers may not realize the importance of what is happening. We call this phase “pre-launch.” It lasts for approximately nine months and culminates in an official grand opening when the church officially opens its doors. During that time, the founding pastor and his team are forming DNA, establishing systems and teams, and building momentum.

Plant, then Launch
During the pre-launch phase, the pastor is a church planter. The emerging group is a church plant. The agricultural imagery fits perfectly. But when Grand Opening arrives, the church is launched. Energy is released. If it’s done properly, the community can’t help but know what is occurring. Activity is no longer invisible. The pastor is no longer a planter; he is the founding pastor. The church is no longer a plant, it has been launched!

We refer to the pre-launch phase as “planting.” Starting with the official grand opening, we are “launching” a church.

The LaunchTicket coaching system gives you a chance to rope up with those who have gone before. It is especially designed for the ordinary person who is clearly called, fully focused, and irrationally committed to paying the price. You bring the call and the commitment; we’ll equip you for the climb.