Church PLANT Manual

Introduction • 11

Assemble

Nurture

Transition

Gathering the cells of converts together to form a local assembly of believers, announcing the new church to the neighbors in the community Form cell groups, Bible studies, or home fellowships for follow-up, continued evangelism, and ongoing growth toward public birth of the church Questions about: • Follow-up and incorporation of new believers • Make-up of small group life • The character of public worship • Initial church structures and procedures • Initial body life and growth • Cultural friendliness of church Childbirth

Nurturing member and leadership discipleship, enabling members to function in their spiritual gifts, and establishing solid infrastructure within the Christian assembly Develop individual and group discipleship by filling key roles in the body based on burden and gifting of members

Empowering the church for independence by equipping leaders for autonomy, transferring authority, and creating structures for financial independence Commission members and elders, install pastor, and foster church associations

Growth and Parenting

Maturity to Adulthood

Questions about: • Discipling individuals and leaders • Helping members identify gifts and burdens (teams) • Credentials for leadership • Church order, government, and discipline

Questions about: • Incorporation • Affiliations and associations • Transferring leadership • Missionary transition • Ongoing reproduction

Wisdom to discern God’s timing Focus upon the faithful core

Dependence on the Spirit’s ability Paternalism and quick release

Impatience and cowardice

Neglect and micromanagement

Celebrate the announcement of your body with joy

Concentrate on investing in the faithful

Pass the baton with confidence in the Spirit’s continued working