My name is Kevin Litchfield and over the last 15+ years I have been involved in church planting in South Carolina, Maine, and now in Cleveland, Ohio. During my time in Maine and now in Cleveland I have seen many church planters come and go. Some have succeeded, some have not. Some have been incredibly content and fulfilled and some have not. After observing certain successful characteristics, I have compiled a list of questions that I think would be important to ask in a conversation with a church planter if you only had one hour.

I would ask questions and take time to actively listen to the answers. The first question revolves around their strengths, gifts, and passions. I would ask: If money and resources were not an issue what would you like to do? What are your dreams? We live in a day where we tend to copy others’ styles and ministries instead of personally serving in the manner that God has gifted us.

The second question revolves around a planter’s family. How do your wife and family feel about church planting? In Maine many a planter left the mission field because the wife never felt led to go. Often many personal and financial sacrifices have to be made in order to succeed. The husband, wife, and children all need to be on the same page.

The third question revolves around character. Where is God at work right now in your life? In what ways do you work in your own strength and in what ways do you work in the strength and power of the Lord? Are you growing in your walk and relationship with Jesus Christ? I recently was asked a question, taken from CS Lewis’s Screwtape Letters: If you were given the task to instruct Satan and his demons on how to destroy you, what would you suggest? Point being, take Satan seriously.

The fourth question revolves around context. How important is context to you? There is no one size fits all. One must consider himself a missionary. Take the time to learn the culture of your particular mission field. Remember that no matter how passionate you are, you are not serving in a spiritual vacuum.

The final question would revolve around networks. What networks of learning, accountability, and prayer support do you have in place to undergird your work. A leader that is teachable can supercede the lone ranger approach. We need each other.

Submitted by: Kevin Litchfield