Church Planting, in some ways, is at a Crossroads, but Not Without Hope

I’ll never forget the Sunday morning I walked into a high school gym turned worship center. Fifty people sat on folding chairs, the hum of a shaky sound system filled the air, and the pastor on stage spoke with passion that could’ve powered the whole building.

It wasn’t fancy. No stage lights, no polished production—just raw faith and a deep sense of purpose.

This is church planting in America today. It’s not shiny or perfect, but it’s alive. And if we’re honest, it’s also at a crossroads.

 

The Good News: People Are Still Planting Churches

 

Let’s start with the good stuff—because there’s plenty of it.

Every week, new churches are being planted in gyms, coffee shops, living rooms, and even parking lots. Why? Because people are still hungry for community, for hope, and for a gospel that’s real.

Church planting is still one of the best ways to reach people who would never walk into a traditional church. It’s where innovation meets mission, and that’s a beautiful thing.

But let’s not ignore the challenges staring us in the face.

 

The Challenges Have Never Been Greater

 

Planting a church has always been hard, but today? It feels like the difficulty level just got cranked up to expert mode.

 

1. Cultural Pushback

 

The truth is, planting a church in 2025 isn’t the same as planting one in 2005.

Church attendance is down. Skepticism toward organized religion is up. And in some places, just the word “church” carries a ton of baggage. It’s not just that people aren’t coming—it’s that many don’t see the need for a church in their lives at all.

 

2. Financial Struggles

 

Let’s talk money. Church planting costs a lot—from renting a space to buying equipment to paying staff. And with economic uncertainty, people aren’t exactly jumping to write big checks.

Many church plants hit a financial wall within their first year. It’s not that they lack vision—it’s that they lack resources.

 

3. The Digital Shift

 

The pandemic may be in the rearview mirror, but its impact on how people “do church” is here to stay. Online services have become a mainstay for many churches, and while they’ve expanded reach, they’ve also created new challenges.

For church planters, the task now isn’t just about getting people to show up—it’s about offering something compelling enough that they want to gather in person. Community, relationships, and shared experiences are the heartbeat of the church, and in a digital-first culture, planters are finding innovative ways to make those moments happen.

 

Hope in the Midst of It All

 

And yet, here’s what I know: God isn’t done with His church.

If anything, these challenges are forcing church planters to get creative. And the results? Some of the most impactful ministry I’ve ever seen.

  • Micro-churches are popping up in neighborhoods, bringing Jesus to people right where they live.
  • Bi-vocational pastors are leading congregations while staying embedded in their local communities.
  • Authenticity is becoming the new standard. People don’t want polished—they want real.

There’s still a deep hunger for connection, hope, and truth. The methods may need to change, but the mission hasn’t.

 

What’s Next for Church Planting?

 

If we want to see church planting thrive, we must adopt fresh perspectives and approaches.

  • Be Contextual
    The one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work anymore (did it ever?). Churches need to look, sound, and feel like the communities they’re in. That means knowing your people, their culture, and their needs.

 

  • Prioritize Discipleship
    The Great Commission isn’t about building bigger gatherings—it’s about making disciples. Focusing on helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus should be the heart of every church plant. Jesus promised that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18), so as planters prioritize discipleship, they can trust Him to bring growth.

 

  • Build for the Long Haul
    Church planting isn’t just about a flashy launch service—it’s about staying power. Planters need to be equipped for the grind, not just the grand opening.

A Crossroads Moment

 

Standing in that gym, listening to a pastor pour his heart out to a small but engaged crowd, I realized something: church planting in America is at a make-or-break moment.

The challenges are real, but so is the opportunity. If we lean into creativity, resilience, and faith, this season could be the start of something powerful.

So, let me ask you: Where do you see church planting in your community? Are you part of a new church? Dreaming of planting one yourself?

I’d love to hear your story—because this isn’t just about strategies or trends. It’s about people stepping out in faith and watching God move, one creaky folding chair at a time.

 

 

Resources to help you in ministry:

premiere church planting website

book by Jeff Hoglen Books by Jeff Hoglen