Cheer up and enjoy yourself! When you look back in 20 years from now you may miss the days when your church was small and fast moving. Not that church won’t be fun in 20 years, it is just that it won’t be like it was. Too many church planters get bogged down in how hard things are and all the trials they are going through. It is all part of the package and it is the same for everyone, so enjoy it while it lasts. Have fun being creative and doing new and exciting things.

Another reason to have fun in the planting phase of your church is because other people are drawn to enjoyment. People love being part of teams that have fun and enjoy what they do, not wallowing in misery. A vibrant and exciting church always has an element of fun in it and it is key to having happy members. It is good to have fun in your own life as well as with other people in a more organised way. Does your team go out for a curry every month to share stories and just hang out? Do you play golf and watch the football with your friends? Do your members have fun together and enjoy the small community?

In our Manchester churches we have also found it necessary to celebrate achievement. If you have worked hard, prayed hard and given your all to reach the goal you had faith for, then celebrate it when you get there. Otherwise you can find that as soon as you reach a goal you are faced with another slog towards the next one with not time to reflect on how you reached the first. At The Chapel, Tim Simmonds had a goal to reach 20 people and said he would buy everyone pizza if we did, and we did, and Tim is poorer for it. It doesn’t matter what you do really. Go out for a curry, have a picnic, organise a rave in your basement. Just have fun!

Give your people permission to enjoy themselves and bring others with them. Tell your team what you are going to do when you reach your goals. Personally, I have been promised a meal at my favourite pub when I hit a particular target and I intend to enjoy every bite!