Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 3: L AUNCH AND A SSEMBLE • 299

12. How will we determine membership, that is, what must someone commit to know, be and do in order to become a member of our fellowship?

13. What will the initial church leadership structure look like?

14. Initially, will we use standing committees or ad hoc task forces to organize the activities and processes of the church?

15. What is our initial “Statement of Faith”?

16. Are there cultural considerations or community fears that need to be considered regarding how tithes and offerings should be collected?

a. When, how, and how often will we start collecting an offering?

b. How will we teach about giving?

17. In what way and at what time will we turn over financial responsibility to the leaders of the church (turn over bank account or open new one in church name)? 18. How important is written communication (i.e., a bulletin for the church service)? How will we communicate ideas, plans, and decisions to the church family. 19. What events, activities, celebrations, and traditions will we encourage the church to use in order to build a strong sense of identity and unity? 20. How will we encourage the new church to make connections with other churches, associations, community groups, parachurch ministries, or denominations for the sake of friendship and partnership? 21. How will we involve the church in outreach and mission from its earliest days, in order to bless the community in practical ways from the start? 22. At what point do we intend to meet to review and adjust the Assemble part of our plan (e.g. When we announce a new service? When we start our first Bible study? When we have twenty people in attendance?)

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter

23. Who needs to know the results of our plan and how do we communicate that to them?