Five-step church-planting strategy

When do you plant a new church? Where do you start?

Here's the strategy used in planting Gateway Christian Church in Walnut, California:

Step 1: Develop relationships with the unchurched community: Organize activities where churched people can interact with the unchurched (events such as day hikes and picnics); Encourage the churched people to build significant relationships with the unchurched. Train them on how to do that.
Step 2: Organize large gatherings where the unchurched can remain anonymous: Large gatherings allow the unchurched to check out Christianity. They can see what Christians do and come to understand what Christians believe. For many unchurched, initial anonymity is important.
Step 3: Set up small groups: Significant life changes can be facilitated by small groups. Organize groups for Christians and for those still seeking. Structure Sunday school classes to feel like small groups.
Step 4: Discover gifts: People who follow Christ must discover their God-given talents, spiritual gifts, and passions.
Step 5: Put the gifts of fully devoted followers to use.: Empower and "commission" people into serving the Lord in a ministry or area that is in line with what they have discovered about themselves in the "gift" step. [ choosing an avenue of service ]

What does it take to launch a church planting movement?

It takes ten universal elements, says David Garrison.

After surveying many church planting movements worldwide, Garrison concluded that the same ten elements were present in every one of them.

The elements that Garrison listed in Church Planting Movements were:

Prayer
Abundant gospel-sowing
Intentional church-planting
Building on Scriptural authority
Reliance on local leadership
Strong lay leadership
Use of cell or house churches
Churches planting churches
Expectations of rapid reproduction
Making church health a priority

In responding to Garrison's list, Doug Lucas says,

"Some of those are common sense. For example, healthy churches grow faster than unhealthy churches... Duh!

"But the truth is, we seldom think proactively about all ten items comprehensively. And maybe that's part of what helps a church to develop and grow -- thinking about doing it all right in concert so that all ten cylinders are hitting in stride at the right time!"

Resources for planting a church

"'O Lord, there is plenty of money, seemingly, for the great churches out in this part of the city. I would that Thou wouldst give me some money to make a place for the Church of the Nazarene.'

"Immediately, as though a voice from heaven, there were uttered in my very consciousness the words, 'I have given myself to you.'

"I said, 'Thank God, that is enough! I would rather have Thee than all else, and with Thee, we have all things.'"

— Phineas F. Bresee, a principal founder, Church of the Nazarene

-- Howard Culbertson,

Afterword: Starting vibrant and transformative congregations

While starting a new church can be exciting, it can also be a very challenging endeavor. Here are some more suggestions regarding prayer, vision, leadership, and opening events:

Prayer and Discernment: Begin with prayerful discernment to ensure that starting a new church is the right objective for you and your community. Seek guidance and clarity from spiritual leaders, mentors, and fellow believers.
Vision and Mission: Define the vision and mission of the new church. What do you hope to achieve? What values will guide your community of Christ-followers? Will your vision resonate with potential members?
Gather a Core Team: Surround yourself with a team of individuals who share your vision and are committed to helping launch the church. A healthy core team will provide support, guidance, and diverse perspectives as the project moves forward.
Initial Services and Events: Organize initial services and events to introduce your church to outsiders. Offer engaging worship experiences, educational opportunities, and social activities to foster connections and build relationships.
Discipleship and Leadership Development: Invest in discipleship and leadership development programs to help new believers grow spiritually and become actively involved in the life of the church. Provide opportunities for training, mentoring, and spiritual formation.

Starting a new church requires dedication, perseverance, and faith. With careful planning under God's guidance, the new group can become a vibrant and transformative community of faith.

More for you on church health

How should leaders respond when moral issues are at stake?

What should leaders do when key people in a congregation have unresolved racial issues? [ more ]