The Three Excuses Pastors Make About Church Planting – Brian Kelly & Pilgrim Benham

In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly and his guest speak directly to pastors leading healthy existing churches and challenge common objections to church planting. The conversation reframes church planting not as competition, but as a kingdom-minded responsibility. Using practical experience and vivid illustrations, the episode addresses fear of losing people, fear of losing key leaders, and fear of lacking resources, while emphasizing faith, obedience, and long-term legacy over institutional preservation.

Episode Highlights

• Why small and mid-sized churches are often best positioned to plant healthy churches

• The three main reasons pastors hesitate to plant: competition, losing leaders, and lack of resources

• The “banyan tree vs. banana tree” illustration for unhealthy growth vs. biblical multiplication

• Why sending your best people strengthens, not weakens, the sending church

• How God consistently provides after churches step out in obedience

• A call for pastors to think beyond their own congregation toward lasting kingdom impact