(This article is essentially the session notes from a breakout session I did at the “Advance The Church” conference a few years ago).

Let’s be honest, the typical church planter is not known for being a systems thinker. You’ve got a great vision. You know exactly what you hope your church will look like. It’s all there in your mind. And if you think it’s going to just happen naturally, you are wrong. As organic and free spirited as you might be, a few systems are non-negotiable. Let’s talk about five of them. 1. Communication Systems 2. Connection Systems 3. Leadership Systems 4. Reputation Systems 5. Soul Care systems.