October 7, 2024

The SEND U Blog

Reflections and Resources for Lifelong Learning for Missionaries

Series: Church planting

Church planting strategy by David North, Church Planting Coordinator for TEAM

Having an Exit Plan from the Start
Church Planting

Having an Exit Plan from the Start

This entry is part 6 of 12 in the series "Church planting". When we started our last church plant, we began with a planning retreat for everyone who wanted to be a part of starting a new church. During that retreat we talked about a lot of things. We discussed the biblical definition of a church. We described our target area and target people and their religious beliefs. Furthermore, we evaluated our team members’ gifts and passions and did team-building activities. We formulated our vision and mission statements and our core values. Then toward the end of our retreat I said, we need to clarify our “Exit Plan”. They all looked at me strangely and said, “Exit plan? We haven’t even started yet. Why are you talking about an exit plan? What do you mean by an exit plan?” What is an exit plan? An exit plan provides clear markers that describe the… Read the whole post
David North6 mins read
Example of an Exit Plan for an Urban Church Plant
Church Planting

Example of an Exit Plan for an Urban Church Plant

This entry is part 7 of 12 in the series "Church planting". How will you know when your church plant is ready for you to leave? Can you prepare for that day from the beginning of the work? In our last blog post, we noted that an exit plan (or transition plan), is a description of what we need to see in place and functioning in the church plant. This vision outlines the essential functions of a church that will continue to thrive without us. At this point, we have completed our work as church planters. When these functions are present, we know that we can either transition to a new role such as equipper and mentor, or we can move on to begin a work in a new area.I’m sure that’s what Jesus had in mind when he told the disciples to make disciples of all nations. There was… Read the whole post
David North6 mins read
Example of an Exit Plan for a House Church Plant
Church Planting, DMM

Example of an Exit Plan for a House Church Plant

This entry is part 8 of 12 in the series "Church planting". What does a healthy house church look like? What are the elements of a healthy house church that would indicate to you that it will continue on and grow and multiply without you being present at the meetings? Exit Planning In our last few blog posts, we have discussed how helpful it is to envision the time when we are no longer needed in a church plant. We need to describe the functions and qualities that we would like to see in place and under local leadership. Once this happens, we can confidently move on and focus elsewhere. We called this an “exit plan” or a “transition plan.” Some may want to call this document a “church health plan” or a “finish line” and the process “end-visioning.” As cross-cultural workers, we are always aware that we have been called to… Read the whole post
David North6 mins read
Adopting a Multiplication Mindset
Church Planting, Disciple-making, Evangelism

Adopting a Multiplication Mindset

This entry is part 9 of 12 in the series "Church planting". Is it more important for missionaries to win souls or to equip soul winners? Is it more important to make disciples or to make disciple-makers? In both cases, the former is addition and the latter is multiplication. Jesus had a multiplication mindset When Jesus called his first disciples, he wasn’t just thinking of their salvation and new life. He was planning on equipping them to do what he did – fish for people and make disciples. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” In other words, “I will demonstrate it. You follow me and watch how I do it. I’ll equip you, and then you will be able to do the same thing as I am doing with you.” When Jesus chose his disciples, he was not just thinking of his disciples. He… Read the whole post
David North6 mins read
Building a Multiplication Process – What will it take?
Training

Building a Multiplication Process – What will it take?

This entry is part 10 of 12 in the series "Church planting". Building your multiplication process starts with understanding what it takes. It was my personal goal that everyone in our church could help plant a new church in the future. For that to happen, we needed to discover or develop methods that would be transferable. We needed a process that would enable all the members to join the work of making disciples. As we try to build a growth track for making, growing, and equipping disciples, it is helpful to clarify the stages it normally takes for a person to go from being “lost and unconnected” to becoming the mature and fruitful disciple God wants. Of course, each person grows in a unique way. But there normally is a sequence of stages of spiritual growth as a person moves from “lost and unconnected” to becoming a 3M disciple (maturing, ministering, and multiplying).… Read the whole post
David North5 mins read
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