Momentum in church planting is wonderful when you have it, but not so good when you don’t. If you have it and lose it, it is especially difficult to regain. A good start to a new church can provide momentum, excitement, and a good spirit from the beginning. A new church should be a place of excitement, but unfortunately that is not always the case.
No one wants to attend a church that exhibits a dull or boring atmosphere. A poor beginning can develop into a permanent reputation that may be difficult to change. A great atmosphere does not happen by accident. How can you develop excitement and generate a great spirit in a new church? The pastor is the key, and he must initiate and generate it. If the preacher is not enthusiastic, the rest of the congregation will not be either.
Having visitors and new converts in the services charges the atmosphere and creates tremendous momentum. Winning people to Christ will always create excitement. Hard work, much prayer, and continual visitation are imperative so that new people will be reached. When these new people come they bring excitement to the church.
The service itself should be exciting. Music should be playing ten to fifteen minutes before every service. When people arrive they should sense something spiritual is about to happen that will put them in the proper mood to meet God. The service should begin on time with enthusiastic singing. The song leader must be enthusiastic and excited about the service. The service should move along without long pauses and in an organized manner. It may be difficult to develop a music program in a new church, but from the beginning every effort must be made to develop a Christ honoring music program. The accompaniment by a piano, organ, or other instrument can add to the spirit of the service.
Friendliness is vital to the health and growth of every new work. Members of the church should anticipate visitors coming and show friendliness toward them. Teach your people how to be friendly and to be conscious of new visitors. The pastor and leaders should purposely arrive early and greet people as they arrive at church.
Even though momentum is important, there can be periods when every church will go through trials and difficulties. Some of these difficult times are necessary and will help mature the church. Regaining the previous spirit of the church may take a long time. Even though God allows trials and struggles, the focus of the church should be returned again to one of excitement as soon as possible.