Front Matters

44 • F RONT M ATTERS : P REREQUISITE R EADINGS FOR THE E VANGEL S CHOOL OF U RBAN C HURCH P LANTING

Source: Ripe for Harvest, pp. 54-64

B. Elements of Prepare

1. Seek God’s leading to select an unchurched target area or population (which may include demographic and ethnographic studies).

2. Form a church-plant team, the initial church which community believers can join.

3. Select a reproducible model to contextualize standard Church practices.

4. Initiate discussions about associations, denominations or other affiliations.

III. Launch: Expand the Church

Acts 2.47 (ESV) - And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

A. Principle: Begin inviting people to join the community

B. Elements of Launch

1. Invite others (mature or new believers) to join the church.

2. Conduct evangelism to add to the existing church.

3. Follow up new converts

Context Values/Vision Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter