Why Church Planting Goals Fail in the First 90 Days

Most church planting goals don’t fail because they’re unbiblical—they fail because they’re unrealistic, unsupported, and disconnected from daily leadership decisions.

In this episode, Jeff Hoglen talks honestly about why so many church planters lose momentum within the first 90 days—and what actually keeps goals alive past the hype.

Drawing from real church planting experience, this episode tackles:

• Why enthusiasm fades faster than vision

• The leadership mistakes that quietly kill momentum

• How to set goals your team can carry—not just you

• What to do when progress feels invisible

If you’re tired of restarting goals, re-casting vision, or wondering why it feels harder than it should—this podcast episode is for you.

keywords: church planting, church planter, church planting podcast, church planter leadership, pastor leadership, ministry leadership, starting a church, church growth, church health, sustainable ministry, church planting goals, leadership burnout, pastor burnout, church planter burnout, vision drift, team leadership, church plant strategy, healthy church, long-term ministry, leadership clarityVisit churchplanting.com

The 5 Rs for Planting a Healthy Church sets the foundation for building churches that are healthy, sustainable, and mission-driven. In this episode, Jeff Hoglen introduces the 5 Rs that every church planter and ministry leader must prioritize—not just to launch a church, but to lead it toward long-term faithfulness and impact. Drawing from biblical principles and real-world church planting experience, this conversation challenges leaders to think beyond growth metrics and focus on cultivating strong leadership, disciple-making cultures, and churches that truly last.

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Many church planters feel called by God but held back by limited finances, small teams, and lack of resources. This episode of Church Planting 2.0 is for leaders who feel the tension between a clear calling and an empty bank account.

In this episode, Jeff Hoglen shares why limited resources are not a disqualifier for church planting—and may actually be an advantage. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, he talks about planting without a large launch budget, the reality of bivocational ministry, developing leaders instead of hiring staff, and building a church that grows through relationships, prayer, and faithfulness rather than hype.

If you’re a church planter, pastor, or ministry leader wondering how to move forward when resources are tight, this episode will encourage you to start with what you have, trust God’s calling, and plant the church you’re called to lead—right where you are.

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Summary

In this episode, Jeff Hoglen addresses the critical issue of declining church attendance and giving. He shares a personal story of a pastor facing these challenges and emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the root causes rather than hastily implementing solutions. Jeff outlines three main reasons for decline: loss of mission clarity, broken systems, and trust issues. He then provides practical steps for church leaders to rebuild mission clarity, fix systems, and restore trust within their congregations. The conversation concludes with encouragement for pastors to engage with former attendees to understand their experiences and improve church leadership.

Takeaways

• When attendance declines, panic often leads to ineffective solutions.
• Churches must have a clear mission to engage their community.
• Broken systems can drive people away from the church.
• Trust issues can significantly impact attendance and giving.
• Radical transparency is essential for rebuilding trust.
• Making giving easy can increase contributions.
• Engaging with former attendees provides valuable insights.
• Church leaders must be willing to make tough changes.
• Faithfulness in leadership is more important than church size.
• Effective communication is key to church growth.

Seven Warning Signs Your Church Needs Revitalization

In this podcast, the host discusses the critical topic ofchurch revitalization, focusing on the warning signs that indicate a church may be in decline. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honesty amongpastors regarding the state of their churches and explores various strategies for revitalization, the role of community support, and the necessity of embracing change for growth.

Takeaways:

Every pastor thinks about revitalization but few admit it.

Honesty is crucial for recognizing the need for change.

Warning signs of decline can be subtle and easy to overlook.

Community involvement is essential for successfulrevitalization.

Tailored strategies are necessary for each church's uniquesituation.

Embracing change is vital for growth and revitalization.

Revitalization is a continuous journey, not a one-time fix.

Pastors must be willing to adapt to new circumstances.

Recognizing the signs early can lead to more effectiverevitalization efforts.

Support from the congregation is key to successfulrevitalization.

For more resources for church plantig, church growth and multiplication, visit churchplanting.com

Keywords:

church revitalization, warning signs, community, growth,strategies

Here’s what separates thriving church plants from struggling ones: it’s not the prettiest strategic plans or the biggest budgets. The churches that make it are led by people who can pivot fast when things fall apart, solve problems with whatever they have, and keep moving forward when everything seems to be going wrong at once.

If you want to plant a church that survives and actually thrives, you need to master the art of adaptability.

Read more articles on church planting, church growth, and multiplication at churchplanting.com

In this episode of Church Planting 2.0, Dr. Jeffrey Hoglen shares powerful scriptures that inspire and uplift leaders in their journey. Whether you’re leading a church, ministry, or team, these biblical passages will remind you of God’s strength, wisdom, and presence in your leadership. Tune in for a dose of spiritual encouragement to keep you grounded and motivated in your calling. Perfect for church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders looking for biblical guidance and support.

In this episode of Church Planting 2.0, host Jeff Hoglen discusses the essentials of creating weekend services that attract visitors and keep them coming back. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting your church planting journey, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to enhance your worship experience.

Jeff discusses the importance of first impressions, from having a warm and welcoming greeting team to ensuring clear signage and a comfortable environment. He shares valuable advice on crafting an engaging worship experience, including the significance of quality worship music.

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