Church Planting 101: (From Vision To Launch)

Church
Planting 101
(From Vision to Launch)
Patrick Bradley
Sean Cronin
Church Planting Pipeline
Launch
Pre-Launch
Preparation
Assessment
Calling
Calling
• How do you know if you’re called to plant?
▫"A passionate and persistent desire, to leverage the

entirety of one’s life, to take the gospel to those who have
never heard it, accompanied by appropriate spiritual gifts,
recognized by mature church leadership, and characterized
by an urgency that leads one to bypass other worthy
endeavors so as to accomplish the goal."
The Summit Network
• What would you do even if you knew it might fail?
Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

another planting resource from www.church-planting.net
Assessment
Pre-Assessment
• Lifeway: Church Planter Candidate Assessment
▫http://churchplanter.lifeway.com
• Gateway Leaders
▫http://www.gatewayleaders.com/cpp/
Formal Assessment
• Church Planting Assessment Center (Stadia)
▫ https://www.stadia.cc/assessment/
• The Multiply Group
▫ http://multiplygroup.org
Church Planter
Preparation

Church Planter Preparation Options
1. Formal Education
2. Informal Education (Self Learner)
3. Residencies and Boot Camps
Formal Education
CLASSES: Dallas Theological Seminary
▫PM341: Church Planting I
▫PM342: Church Planting II
▫http://fuller.edu/academics/
CERTICATE: Fuller Theological Seminary
▫Graduate Certificate in Church Planting
▫http://fuller.edu/Academics/School-of-Intercultural-
Studies/Certificate-in-Church-Planting/
DEGREE: Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
▫Master of Arts in Church Planting
▫http://www.sebts.edu/files/MACP%20Packet.pdf

Informal Education
FREE Online Training
▫Tutorial: http://church-planting.net/ > PlanterPrep > Tutorial
▫Courses: https://www.exponential.org/school/
•NCL-101: New Church Development (nuts & bolts)
•NCL-201: Practical Ministry in the New Church
•NCL-301: Preaching and Teaching in the New Church
Informal Education
▫www.exponential.org/resource-books/
▫www.exponential.org/resource-ebooks/ (FREE)

Leadership Residency
NewThing
One year self-funded
apprenticeship with a
NewThing church. The
goal of the residency is
help train and equip
apostolic leaders to
reproduce movements
of churches.
www.newthing.org/leadership-residency/
Passion for Planting Residency

Ten-month Cohort offering
both embedded and
distance residency options.
Weekly virtual “Cohort
Day” combined with two
on-site intensives.
Residents develop and
peer review a
comprehensive set of
strategies plans needed to
plan a healthy church.
http://church-planting.net/residencies/

Boot Camps
Boot camps are intensive multiple
day training experience designed to
equip planters with helpful
knowledge, tools, and ideas to help
start a new church.
•Passion for Planting
•EFCA
•Titus
Church Plant
D.N.A.

Vision, Mission, Core Values
•Where are we going? What are we doing?
Why are we doing it?
•Clear directions are vital
•Habakkuk 2:2, "And the Lord answered me:

'Write down the vision; make it plain on
tablets, so he may run who reads it.'"
Vision

10, 20 Year Plan
•People want to know you are headed somewhere
•Where are you headed?
•What will your church look like in 10 years, 20
years?
•Who’s vision was this?
▫”We want to see a computer in every home.”
-Bill Gates
Vision, Mission and Values

• Vision: A picture of a preferred future.
▫Where is God taking us?
•Mission: A clear and concise description of

what your church is suppose to do.
▫What are we doing?
•Values: The shared convictions that guide

actions and reveal the strengths of the church.
▫Why are we doing it?

Vision Characteristics
•Vision: A picture of a preferred future.
▫God-Sized: If it’s humanly possible, then
why do you need God?
▫Paint a mental picture
▫Focused on changed lives
Vision
•4 C’s of Vision
▫Clear
▫Compelling
▫Concise
▫Concrete

Vision Statements
•A movement of Jesus followers that changes
lives, communities, and the world.
•People helping people discover God.
•People finding their way back to God,
together.
•A community of Christ followers joining God
in his renewal of our neighborhood, our city,
and our world.
Vision Statements
•A Harlem where everyone is dignified and unified
because justice, love and mercy are present.

Mission Statement
•Mission: A clear and concise description of what
your church is suppose to do.
▫What are we doing?
▫Provides “how” the church will accomplish its
vision.
▫“A clear and concise statement that describes
what your church is ultimately supposed to be
doing.” –Will Mancini
Mission Statements
•We….Create safe places where people
discover God
•We cultivate environments and experiences
where people connect with God and one
another
•We build bridges that lead to reconciliation
•Remember, be clear and concise and
concrete

Core Values
Values: The shared convictions that guide actions
and reveal the strengths of the church.
▫Motives that serve as a filter
▫They characterize everything the church does.
▫They’re the heartbeat of the church.
Core Values
•If your church was a car, what type of car
would you be?
▫Truck
▫Sports Car
▫Mini Van
▫Prius
•Your church will have a personality,
your values will shape it

Values
•3-6 values
•If you value everything, you value nothing
Values
•Examples
▫Biblical Teaching
▫Authentic Community
▫Compelling Environments
▫Excellence
▫Teamwork
▫Evangelism
▫Restoration
▫Fun
▫Safety

Elevator Speech
•When you’re fundraising
•When you’re recruiting launch team members
•When you’re networking
New Life CC Vision, Mission and Values

Values: Honor, Safety, Risk, Fun, Next Steps
Vision
People helping People
Discover God
Mission: We Create Safe Places

Opening Day Expectations
A clear, written description of what will occur on
opening day so that all contributors will be working to
a common purpose.
○ Questions to answer:
• Launch Team Size
• Attendance
• Facility
• Music Style
• Ministries
• Assimilation Process
Strategic Planning

Let’s Talk Planning
Vision vs. Strategy vs. Plan

Launch Vision Launch Strategy Launch Plan
AKA Prospectus AKA Proposal AKA Checklist
Big Picture Comprehensive Detailed

Colorful/Compelling Content Driven Date Driven
Quick Read Detailed Read Project Management
Graphic/Image Heavy Text/Data Heavy Online Functionality
Stories Strategies Tactics

Vision/Mission Focus Goal Focus Task Focus
Attract Launch Team Embed DNA in Launch Team Engage Launch Team
Donor Attraction Donor Commitment Donor Assurance
Q: Do I need all of them?

A: Yes, each has different use/purpose.

The Launch Strategy
• Why are you planting?
• Where will the church be located?
• Whom are you trying to reach?
• What kind of church it will be?
• How much will it cost?
• How will it be funded?
• What staff & volunteers will be needed?
• How will you build critical mass?
“You never truly understand something until you write it down.
That’s when you get clarity.”
Purpose of the Launch Strategy

• Provides Clear/Concise/Written Approach
• Focuses Your Vision
• Serves as Fundraising Mechanism
• Becomes Recruiting tool for Launch Team
• Allows for feedback from mentors
• Helps set Priorities
• Allows Progress to be Monitored

Launch Strategy Sample TOC
• Executive Summary
• Planter’s Story/Family Picture
• Vision/Mission, Purpose, Beliefs and Values
• Target Area and Demographics
• Description of Opening Day
• Timeline
• Budget
• Reporting/Accountability
• Key Strategies Summarized
Remembering the Why
• Having a documented Launch Strategy will:

▫ Lower risk
▫ Reassure donors
▫ Attract/Retain Launch Team members
▫ Keep Vision in focus
▫ Serve as an Historical Record
▫ Beginnings of a plan for the next Church Plant

Launch Strategy & Launch Vision Samples
Download samples at church-planting.net/downloads
The Planning Process

Six Step Planning Process
• Step 1: Start with the END in Mind
• Step 2: Develop Strategies
• Step 3: Grouping and Sequencing
• Step 4: Scheduling
• Step 5: Budgeting
• Step 6: Assigning Tasks
PlanterPlan: Project Management Tool

Milestones and Tasks (what)
Group &
Sequence
Tasks
Tasks (how)
Assign
Tasks
Schedule
Tasks

Prayer Team
Strategy
KEY 1st Step – Establish Prayer Team

• Recruit Prayer Partners
• Establish Schedule For Regular Communication
o Email
o SMS/Text
o Social Media
o Group Messaging
• Host Special Events
o Prayer walk
o Month of prayer
o 24-Hour event

Target and
Contextualization
Whom will you reach and how?
Target and Contextualization

• Obtain demographic reports
Free Demographic Report:
www.church-planting.net/free-demographic-report/
• Conduct your own surveys
• Identify:
o Population
o Lifestyle
o Idols & Strongholds
o Gospel Receptivity

Example Target Audience
• Religious seekers
• Interested but suspicious
• 33 years old
• College educated
• High income
• Idolizes money
• High debt
• Heavy commute
• Undergoing transition
Context: So What?
• Based on what you learn,
…what will you do differently?
…what will you start doing?
...what will you stop doing?

Launch Team
Development
Develop & Grow Launch Team

• Why a Launch Team?
• Where will you find people?
• How will you create community?
• How will you build momentum?
• How will you get ready for worship gatherings?
• When will you disband?

John Worcester’s
“Small Rescue Team” approach
Marketing,
Outreach, and
Branding

Marketing vs. Outreach
• Marketing: Communicating your message with the
unconnected in your community. Letting people see
and hear your message.
• Outreach: Providing opportunities for the

unconnected in your community to experience who
you are by meeting their felt needs. Letting people
feel your message.
Marketing
• Marketing is all about communications
• No such thing as not marketing your church
• There are numerous marketing methods
• Marketing and outreach are interrelated
• Multiple touches make a difference
• Often you don’t get what you don’t ask for
• Must be done in a way that people connect the
dots between different marketing touches
A direct, person-to-person invitation

is always the most effective!!

Marketing Strategy
• Consider your target demographic
▫What’s going to captivate their attention?
▫What will stick?
▫Where are they looking?
• Have a clear message and vision to communicate
• Put logo & website all giveaways
• Serve in your community to build a positive

reputation before spending thousands of dollars on
a direct mail campaign!

Social Media & Web Presence
• Purchase domain for initial site based on location e.g.
www.lincolnparkproject.com
▫Google “website template” to buy pre-formatted template
(wix.com; weebly.com; squarespace.com)
▫Develop initial website/blog that builds anticipation for the
church plant and let’s people know how they can connect
▫Once church name is chosen, purchase a related domain
name e.g. www.awesomechurch.com
• Create Facebook page

• Create Instagram account
• Create Twitter account

Outreach
It’s about being Christ in the community.
Outreach Strategy
• Understand what is already being done; can you
partner with another event?
• Set expectations for numbers of events
• Prioritize locations
• Brainstorm list of ideas
• What are the marketing opportunities?
• What equipment is needed?
• Select specific events (understand what “felt needs”
are not being met and how meeting those needs
helps build the reputation you are seeking to
establish)

Branding
Branding

Understand Your Brand Identity
• Branding at its best intentionally shapes perceptions.

• Brands create value through a sustained effort of
consistent communications and experiences.
• A Brand is:
▫ The immediate impression generated by an
organization.
▫ AND multiple subsequent associations that shape its
value over time.
Branding
•Marketing Companies
▫Denniscreative.com
▫Brandarmy.org

Networking
Networking Plan
• Develop list of community leaders, community
associations, civic organizations, local businesses
• Join business clubs (Chamber of Commerce)
• Identify key influencers
• Contact / meet with leaders
• Share your story with passion
• Ask for referrals to others
• Seek partnerships. Be bold. Ask.
• Add everyone to your contact database

The Sweet Spot
Marketing
Outreach
Networking
Why a Church bought an Ice Cream Truck

Outreach + Marketing + Networking =
Starting conversations with our community…
often initiated by them!

Facilities &
Equipment
Facility
• Location
▫ Demographics, Visibility, Directions & Traffic Flow
• Safety
▫ Both perceived and actual
• Natural Outreach Opportunities
• Usability
▫ Children’s classes, worship, parking
How can you best serve your strategies?

Equipment
• Brainstorm a list of all required equipment based on
your strategies (A/V, chairs, communion supplies,
children’s, hospitality, etc.)
• Don’t forget spare parts / consumables
• Distribute the list
• Ask for donations
Helpful Vendors

Turn-Key Equipment Vendors
Church on Wheels
Church Insurance
Expertise: Property, Liability, Auto, Workers Comp.

Bookkeeping
Expertise: Bookkeeping, Accounting, Finance, Payroll
Church Management Software

Legal Issues
Legal Requirements
Articles of Federal EIN 501c3 Sales Tax

Incorporation tax exempt status Exemption
• Board of Directors (President, Secretary, Treasurer)

• Bylaws
• Bank Account
• Mailing Address (P.O. or UPS Box)
• State Tax Withholding Number (Payroll)

Final Preparations
Preview Services
• What’s the purpose?
▫ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (sneak peek)
▫ Ministry Team training
▫ Children’s Ministry (security, check-in)
▫ Practice setup/teardown
▫ Lessons Learned sessions

Launch!
• Pray, pray, pray!
• The checklist NEVER forgets
• Time to implement the Assimilation Strategy
• Celebrate!
Questions?
planting@church-planting.net
703-817-0601
www.church-planting.net
@4Planting


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Church

▫"A passionate and persistent desire, to leverage the

• What would you do even if you knew it might fail?

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Passion for Planting Residency

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

•Clear directions are vital

•Habakkuk 2:2, "And the Lord answered me:

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Vision, Mission and Values

•Mission: A clear and concise description of

•Values: The shared convictions that guide

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

New Life CC Vision, Mission and Values

Mission: We Create Safe Places

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Vision vs. Strategy vs. Plan

Big Picture Comprehensive Detailed

Stories Strategies Tactics

Donor Attraction Donor Commitment Donor Assurance

Q: Do I need all of them?

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Purpose of the Launch Strategy

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Remembering the Why

• Having a documented Launch Strategy will:

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Download samples at church-planting.net/downloads

The Planning Process

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

PlanterPlan: Project Management Tool

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

KEY 1st Step – Establish Prayer Team

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Target and Contextualization

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Develop & Grow Launch Team

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

• Outreach: Providing opportunities for the

A direct, person-to-person invitation

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

• Have a clear message and vision to communicate

• Put logo & website all giveaways

• Serve in your community to build a positive

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

• Create Facebook page

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)

It’s about being Christ in the community.

Church Planting 101 (Exponential 2017)