One size does NOT fit all!
As we round out our series on the three essentials of church planting, it’s time to focus on the third and final component in any successful church plant: the right plan.
When it comes to the right plan, one size does not fit all. Each planter must address multiple variables. One of the most prominent factors to consider is the target community. What might work in a bustling, multi-ethnic urban neighborhood could fall flat in a small, rural setting. That stated, common planning elements exist in most church planting ventures. A template that I have found useful includes the following five phases:
- Explore. The primary focus here is the call and the community. This is the time to assess the planter’s call and to analyze the target community.
- Design. This phase focuses on the DNA of the new church. Designing the mission, vision, and values of the new church take place in this part of the plan.
- Pre-Launch. This phase is all about recruiting and equipping the launch team.
- Launch. In this phase, the focus is on the first worship service, where the team implements the public weekend experience.
- Post-Launch. The plan doesn’t end with the launch of the first service. In this post-launch phase, the focus shifts to implementing the systems that bring people to Christ, build them up in the faith, and send them out into ministry and mission.
Of course, we must always remember that the right plan will always keep this Bible verse in mind: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” – Proverbs 19:21 (NIV). Trusting in God to implement His plan and purpose is vital if the church plant is to succeed.
-Jay Nickless, church planting field coordinator
