Too Small, Too Soon, Too Scared: Lies That Limit the Church Multiplication
Church planting isn't just a strategy. It's spiritual parenting.
It's the biblical model of multiplication: raising up, sending out, and watching God grow something new through our investment. But for many churches, the idea of planting another church feels overwhelming, out of reach, or even dangerous.
Why?
Because we've believed some lies.
Lies that sound responsible. Lies that look wise. Lies that feel safe. But in truth, they limit what God wants to do through us, not just as churches, but as spiritual parents.
Before we unpack those lies, here's a sobering truth:
The true mark of health in any living organism is not just growth, but reproduction.
A tree that grows taller but never produces fruit is sick. A body that adds weight but can't reproduce is incomplete. And a church that grows in size but never multiplies its impact is missing the very DNA of the Kingdom.
Lie #1: "We're Too Small to Plant a Church"
The Truth: Size doesn't determine strength. Vision does.
Just like a family doesn't need to be wealthy or perfect to raise a child, a church doesn't need to be massive to multiply. In fact, smaller churches often parent new churches more intentionally, passing on their culture and values with clarity.
This is about spiritual reproduction, not institutional expansion.
If your church is healthy, Kingdom minded, and Spirit led, you're ready to parent another church community. And in doing so, you confirm your health through multiplication.
Lie #2: "It's Too Soon to Talk About Planting"
The Truth: Vision today shapes action tomorrow.
It's never too early to think about parenting. Good parents prepare. They look ahead. They build with the next generation in mind.
Even brand new churches should carry the DNA of multiplication. When you cast a parenting vision early, you disciple your people to think generationally, not just organizationally. You cultivate leaders, shape culture, and elevate mission.
Waiting for perfect conditions often delays what God is ready to do through your obedience.
Lie #3: "We're Too Scared to Risk Losing People or Money"
The Truth: You never lose by investing in God's mission.
Spiritual parenting means sending. And yes, it can feel like a sacrifice to give your best people or stretch a lean budget. But just like a parent who releases their child into the world, your sending is not subtraction. It's legacy.
Fear says, "Protect what you have." Faith says, "Trust God with what you release."
Churches that send don't collapse. They deepen. They grow in vision, resilience, and dependence on God. And often, they become stronger as new leaders rise and fresh vision is ignited.
The Call to Parent, Not Just Preserve
If you're a church leader, let me challenge you: Don't settle for being a container. Be a conduit. Don't just lead. Parent. Raise up sons and daughters in the faith. Send them into new cities and new contexts with your DNA and God's Spirit.
The Church doesn't grow by holding back. It grows when we parent courageously and plant boldly.
Let's stop believing the lies that limit the Church. Let's believe in legacy.
Because when we think like spiritual parents, we don't just grow churches. We grow the Kingdom.
