The leadership factor in church planting projects in Norway from 1990 to 2000

This ministry project was to investigate the leadership factor in connection with church planting projects in Norway in order to decide how the leadership factor influences the level of success far the new church. The researcher conducted a survey among churches in Norway outside the State Church being planted from 1990--2000.;A successful church was defined as a church that carries out the Great Commission through reaching the lost with the gospel and discipling the new converts. In order to measure the leadership factor, the survey focused on three questions: Are the leaders well-trained? Is the leadership well structured? Is the leadership well functioning?;The sample group in the data gathering process consisted of 45 churches from a wide variety of denominations. The total number of churches in the target group was 132.;The survey also tried to document the connection between the leaders' personality type and the level of success as a church planter. In doing this, the survey applied the Myers & Briggs Personality Type Inventory.;The underlying hypothesis of this dissertation was that a well trained, well structured and well functioning type of leadership is one of the most important single factors of success when planting a new church. Through the analysis of the collected data, this hypothesis was documented.;A significant relation was found between well functioning leaders and a successful church planting. Leaders who were aware of their divine calling, based their leadership on spiritual gifts, had talents and personal maturity, could solve conflicts, involved themselves in the work in the congregation and had a long perspective on their leadership saw internal and external growth in their churches.;A significant relation was also found between leaders who had training in church planting and successful church planting. Mere education does not create church planters. On the contrary, some types of higher education hinder the effectiveness as church planter. However, specialized training together with practical training has a positive influence on a leader's effectiveness as a church planter.;Lastly, it was documented that the personality type of the leaders influences their success as church planters.