Ripe for Harvest

430 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

to be as edifying and helpful as possible. Make certain that your communication is straightforward and direct for all involved, and especially for those leaders whom God raises up to join and support your church planting effort. The best rule of thumb is this: do not assume anything; many painful issues that relate to church planting occur in these latter phases of nurture and transition. Most of these problems can be avoided if we are careful to clearly communicate all intentions and directions up front and often. Your plan to remain as pastor or leader in the church also will have great implication on your relationship with your association or denomi nation. In many cases, the association and/or denomination will have its own strategy and procedure for transitioning from a church plant to a member church. Make sure that you both know these protocols and are following them carefully. Ultimately, a church’s birth is the result of the Spirit’s working, and God’s infusion of grace and power in a com munity. Saturate both the NURTURE and TRANSITION phases in fervent intercessory prayer, and seek God’s leading as you move forward together. He will lead you, and show you what to do, by his own method and timing.

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter