Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 333

Overview of Church Plant Planning Phases Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Definition Forming a team of called members who ready themselves to plant a church under the Holy Spirit’s direction Penetrating the selected community by conducting evangelistic events among the target population Gathering the cells of converts together to form a local assembly of believers, announcing the new church to the neighbors in the community Nurturing member and leadership discipleship, enabling members to function in their spiritual gifts, and establishing solid infrastructure within the Christian assembly Empowering the church for independence by equipping leaders for autonomy, transferring authority, and creating structures for financial independence Purpose Seek God regarding the target population and community, the formation of your church plant team, organizing strategic intercession for the community, and doing research on its needs and opportunities Mobilize team and recruit volunteers to conduct ongoing evangelistic events and holistic outreach to win associates and neighbors to Christ Form cell groups, Bible studies, or home fellowships for follow-up, continued evangelism, and ongoing growth toward public birth of the church Develop individual and group discipleship by filling key roles in the body based on burden and gifting of members Commission members and elders, install pastor, and foster church associations Parent-Child Metaphor Decision and Conception Pre-natal Care Childbirth Growth and Parenting Maturity to Adulthood Question Focus During Dialogue Questions about: • Preparing your team • The target community • Strategic prayer initiatives • Demographic studies Questions about: • Character and number of evangelistic events • Communication and advertisement of events • Recruiting and coordinating volunteers • Identity and name of the outreach 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 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 Cardinal Virtue Critical Vice Presumption and

Openness to the Lord Courage to engage the community Wisdom to discern God’s timing Focus upon the faithful core Dependence on the Spirit’s ability “paralysis of analysis” Intimidation and haughtiness Impatience and cowardice Neglect and micromanagement Paternalism and quick release Cultivate a period of listening and reflecting Initiate your engagement with boldness and confidence 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

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