Practical Church Newsletter ⛪️

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You can’t optimize what you don’t start.

One of the greatest barriers to growth — personally or in ministry — is the illusion that we need the perfect plan before we take the first step. But the truth is: you can’t improve what you haven’t started.

It’s always easier to begin small and imperfectly than to hold out for flawless execution. Starting is the hard part — not because it’s complicated, but because we convince ourselves it isn’t ready yet. So we keep researching, planning, tweaking... and never actually begin.

In ministry, this shows up all the time:

• You want to launch a discipleship pathway, but you're still fine-tuning the language.

• You want to start a leadership pipeline, but you're waiting for the perfect model.

• You want to build a better Sunday volunteer culture, but you're still looking for the right tool.

Here’s the better way: start small. Start messy, but start.

Once you begin, you’ll learn faster than you ever could in theory. You’ll realize what actually matters (and what doesn’t). You’ll uncover the blockers you didn’t even know existed. And you’ll discover that knowing what doesn’t work is often just as valuable as knowing what does.

The best discipleship strategy, event idea, or team development process is the one you actually put into motion. Not the one stuck in your Google Doc or whiteboard for six months.

The best plan isn’t the most polished — it’s the one you’re willing to try.
Movement creates momentum. Clarity comes from action.

So what have you been holding off on? It’s time to start, even if it’s not perfect.

Last week on the Practical Church podcast I shared 7 reasons people stop attending your church. Not yet subscribed? Do so below so you can get the episodes sent right to you.

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Pick one thing you’ve been overthinking or delaying — and take one small step toward it this week.

Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Just start. You'll figure out more by doing than by planning.

More Resources to help you in ministry 🙌

Here are more ways you can get the help you need:

1. Join the Practical Church Facebook group. Connect with 2,300+ pastors and ministry leaders to get help and feedback from others.

2. Check out Mission Support so you can enjoy being a pastor again.

3. Shave 10 hours off your workweek and get back more time to get everything done. 

Want more from me? You can connect with me online on Twitter/X and Instagram.