[featured_image] God is advancing the multiplication of disciples through church planting movements around the world. However, CPMs are not happening everywhere. On a conference call last year with some of my OC colleagues around the globe, we identified common obstacles to movements.
Six Obstacles to CPMs
1. Limited Perspective & Narrow Thinking
The limited Bible training of local pastors in Africa has created a vacuum of ideas. There is no commitment to the idea of reaching out to plant churches. This is not the norm. In the US, established churches are often threatened by the idea of new churches rather than seeing how new churches multiply disciples!
2. Economics & Financial Pull
The pull toward the traditional church model in Indonesia is often economic. This is also a difficult issue in the United States. (After graduating from seminary, pastors are drawn to established churches who can pay them a higher salary as they pay off school loans.)
3. The Traditional Church
Many believe that the biggest obstacle to CPMs is the traditional church model. While God has used traditional-model churches, traditionalism can be a significant obstacle to embracing more effective methods that would accelerate disciplemaking.
4. Chieftain Mentality
In Africa, Indonesia, and the United States, anything that prepares and equips the laity becomes a threat to the pastor. Pastors often unknowingly create an unhealthy dependence on clergy rather than empowering every believer to join in fulfilling the Great Commission.
5. Fractured & Fragmented Church
There is a very low desire for partnership and cooperation at the higher levels of leadership in churches. As a result, the efforts at the local level are less fruitful. The lack of unity in the Body of Christ hinders partnership and movements.
6. Limited Research
There is too much saturation and competition where the church is present, yet people forget that there are large geographic areas where there are no churches. There’s a need for a greater research to demonstrate where churches are needed.
Which of these obstacles are evident in your church or community?
What other obstacles do you observe?
How will you remove obstacles and release the Spirit’s power in your community?
