“It’s Like Having A Baby!” (Things You Should Know Before Planting A Church)

1. “It’s Like Having A Baby!”(Things You Should Know Before Planting A Church) World Impact Bible Institute St. Catharines, Ontario February 10, 2000

2. The Life Cycle Model for Church Planting • The “birth event” is a high profile period in the life cycle of any human being. (Happy Birthday!) • There is 9 months of pre-natal development that precedes the first breath and cry. • The human “life cycle” is an apt analogy in understanding the growth and health issues of all churches -- especially new ones!

3. Pre-Natal Development Is Important for a Healthy Birth! • There is a lot of “hidden” development time needed prior to the birth of a new church. • The temptation for most church planters is to “go public” too soon. • A lot of “pre-mees” don’t survive! • This class will be like a pre-natal class and will focus on the issues and activities of that “pre-public” ministry period.

4. Vision -- “Conception” of a New Church • By definition, church planting is a “visionary” activity -- seeing a church where one does not yet exist. • The more clearly you can “envision” the church you are planting, the better it is for a successful plant -- it helps you make the decisions that shape what the church will look like.

5. Defining Vision • “Vision is a unique picture of what God wants to do in the future through you in light of who you are and who He is.” (Jim Dethmer) • “Vision is a clear mental picture of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants and is based on an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstances.” (George Barna)

6. A “Vision Building” Verse “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

7. Characteristics of Vision • Focused on the future. • Sees reality from God’s perspective. • Recognizes God’s intent to bless His people. • Connected to God’s redemptive purposes. • Seeks God’s specific assignment. Bob Logan “Church Planter’s Toolkit”

8. Cultivating Vision • Time aside for prayer and reflection. • Exposure to needs and opportunities. • Prayer for specific vision. • Getting together with others who are visionary or share your vision.

9. Core Values: the Church’s DNA • Values are the assumptions or enduring beliefs that are the basis of our activities. • Values are best measured in our behaviour. • Values are the raw ingredients of our “contextual theology” and “philosophy of ministry”. • Values are best expressed in 4 to 7 key statements. • Values are related to your ministry focus group!

10. Team Building and Agenda Harmony: Agreeing on Your Purpose and Players • Identifying your purpose and team members are essential in the early stages! • Writing a “mission” or “purpose” statement is an important part of this process. • This task will frustrate the “doers”, but is a key team building and direction setting activity.

11. Understanding Purpose Statements • A “Purpose Statement” is a concise statement of why your new church exists. • It should answer “who” (focus group), “what” (their needs), and “how” (overall strategy). • It should be based on 1. team strengths, 2. community opportunities, and 3. core values. • It should be accurate, enduring, succinct, memorable, believable, and energizing!

12. “Critical Path” Planning: Strategizing Your Public Launch • A “critical path” is the “action plan” that takes you from the present toward vision fulfillment. • The term comes from the field of engineering. • A basic method of developing a critical path is through “post it note” brainstorming.