Apicontent

A. Planting and reproducing disciples and churches should be infused into every church. The Dominion Mandate that was given to Adam, and the Covenant that God made with Abraham requires a posture and attitude of multiplication. Churches and believers are not exempt from this mandate.

B. Be sure you are seeking the Lord for fresh vision, wisdom and direction as you repeat the process and train others to do the same. While reproducing, new leaders will need to be released to lead and grow. It is possible that the new leaders you raise up and release will eclipse your ministry influence. Rejoice with these who succeed in God’s plan!

C. The model of reproduction and discipleship encouraged by the apostle Paul contains four or more generations. (2 Timothy 2:2)

1. Paul (1st generation) to Timothy. (2nd generation)
2. Timothy to faithful men. (3rd generation)
3. Faithful men to others. (4th generation)

D. Practical reasons for repeating and reproducing the process.

1. Planting a new church is the most effective form of evangelism. Statistically people may respond in large numbers to evangelistic crusades, yet up to 80% of them will leave the faith if they are not connected and engaged in a local church. Therefore a church with strong evangelistic outreach is the most effective form of evangelism.
2. A new church offers a place of help and nurture to those who are in need. Churches are to proclaim the good news, liberty to the captives and to help the oppressed. (Luke 4:18-19) Although humanitarian outreach is necessary and vital, it does not replace the need for the proclaiming of the Gospel! The spiritual state of people is more important than anything else. (Mark 8:36)
3. An existing church offers stability and resources to new churches. Once a new church is established, it is positioned to launch other new churches and be a place of stability and strength for God’s Kingdom.
4. An existing leadership team can offer prayer, support, wisdom and counsel to the new church plant. Just as parents train their children for entering the world, a new church can rely upon an existing church for guidance and support. All churches should prepare to be spiritual parents and daughter new churches on a regular basis.
5. Reproducing churches stirs spiritual passion and excitement in a region. People get excited about new things, and as followers of Christ this is especially true. A new church plant will invigorate a community and will instigate change in the spiritual atmosphere.
6. Reproduction leads to multiplication, which is much more effective in growth than addition. Multiplication comes from a proactive approach, seeking ways to increase influence in a broad way. Reproduction is much easier when all team members are encouraged to engage their sphere of influence for the Lord.

1. Prayer – A fervent personal prayer life of the leader was transferred to new leaders being as they are discipled. Prayer is the source of power from God. Without prayer, leaders will end in failure, and the churches they lead will crumble.
2. Abundant sowing of the Gospel – Evangelism must be present throughout everything done. Personal testimonies of the life-changing power of the Gospel are shared to unbelievers. Testimonies of God’s goodness, provision, healing power, encouragement and even discipline will encourage both the lost and the saved. These testify of God’s continued interaction with humanity on a regular basis.
3. Intentional – Churches are intentionally and deliberately planned and carried out. Church planting movements are started and maintained with a proactive attitude and approach. Developing new leaders, targeting new areas and launching new churches, is an ongoing intentional process that follows a plan and strategy.
4. Scriptural Authority – The Bible is the definitive guiding source for doctrine, function, and life itself. Scripture must remain central. Drifting from Scripture will quickly lead to dysfunction, heresy and failure.
5. Local Leadership – Strong local leadership. Each church planted must develop and raise up leaders within itself. Leaders must lead themselves well, so that they may be able to lead others well.
6. Strong “Lay Leadership” – All members are seen as ‘ministers’ of the Gospel. There is no secular and sacred divide. Ephesians 4 makes it clear that all should be equipped for the work of the ministry. This does not mean that all will be full-time vocational ministers. On the contrary, all people should be ministers in their sphere of influence. Affecting change in these various spheres of influence will allow the church to multiply rapidly.
7. Cell or House churches – Buildings are not required. The churches are outreach-focused. Most ministry activities occur outside of the building or meeting place. Outreach is an evident expression of the work of Jesus, and a demonstration of the Great Commission in action. Outreach does not happen inside the walls of a church, it must happen where the people are.
8. Churches planting churches – Reproduction is natural and a part of reaching more people. Church planting movements maintain momentum by instilling a DNA of reproduction. No church ever has the intent on not reproducing, and this should never be a consideration.
9. Rapid Reproduction – Urgency of reaching people for Christ. Followers of Christ should exude an emergency for the sake of the lost. This will manifest in the rapid reproduction of churches and aggressive outreach.
10. Churches are healthy – Healthy churches always have five core purposes: worship; evangelistic and missionary outreach; education and discipleship; ministry; and fellowship. These core purposes will keep the church healthy, vital and maturing. These core purposes also lead to a reproductive nature and attitude.

*most appropriate in urban contexts or emerging centers of economy

Pastors and church leaders have a vital role to play to equip and disciple men and women in the marketplace and partner with them to be catalysts for change. The church is more than a Sunday only meeting. The church is alive and active every day and should be represented in the world through all followers of Christ.

A. Importance of empowering the church in the Marketplace

Definitions of the Marketplace:

• The marketplace is the arena of business, education, and government. In a broader sense, the marketplace is almost everywhere outside the walls of a church.
• The marketplace is a seat of power and authority where societal change can take place.

Importance of the Marketplace:

• We have been given a clear mandate from Genesis 1 to subdue the Earth. This dominion mandate to steward all things for God’s glory is still in effect and it applies to the marketplace. Genesis 1:28-30
• We have been given the Great Commission: We are also commanded to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15
• Work is Worship: If someone is working in the marketplace to the glory of God, his or her work is SACRED! A.W. Tozer: “It is not WHAT a man does but WHY he does it that makes his work secular or sacred.”

The Seven Spheres of cultural influence:

These seven spheres of influence represent the foundational elements of any society or culture. Each sphere of influence shapes the minds and perspectives of the people in that society. We are called to have an impact on culture, but these elements of society also impact believers. Whether that impact is Godly or not is determined by those who hold power and control over these mountains. We must raise up Godly leaders to have influence in these areas:

1. Government
2. Family
3. Education
4. Church
5. Media
6. Art & Entertainment
7. Business

Economics is the engine that runs all seven of these cultural mountains. It is vital to have Godly marketplace leaders driving this engine. Globalization is God’s plan. He is using globalization to connect people in unprecedented ways. There is a great opportunity to make an impact.

B. Pastors are equippers and the church is the equipping center

1. The Church is the equipping center. It is a primary function of pastors and teachers to “prepare God’s people for works of service.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
2. The Marketplace is a mission field! By training businesspeople to be ministers in the marketplace pastors can greatly expand the Kingdom of God. Statistically, businesspeople come face to face with many more lost people on a weekly basis than a pastor.
3. The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. (Luke 10:2)
4. The goal is to equip leaders in our churches who can carry out their calling and extend God’s Kingdom in the church, the community, the workplace, and the world. Equip them to be equippers, disciple to make disciples.
5. Connection with the local church should result in believers receiving spiritual tools to accomplish societal transformation for God’s kingdom outside the church walls.
   Consider your process of discipleship as an opportunity to engage and equip believers for effectiveness in their spheres of influence.

All of humanity shares these common questions:

• How can I provide for my family?
• How can I live in relative peace and safety for my family?
• How can I have meaningful relationships?
• How can the system I live in provide security, justice and economic opportunity?

Kingdom business leaders can be equipped to help answer these questions. That is why intentionally raising up Godly, effective business leaders (laity) is so vital.

C. How to equip business leaders in the church

Teach business leaders to be fishers of men.

In fishing, it is vital to use the right bait. Fish will not change their feeding habits. Christians must demonstrate how to live successfully on the earth. Economic issues are universal bait. We must apply God’s word practically to our spheres of influence.

As the businessperson is trained and equipped by the church, he or she can more effectively “fish” in the marketplace. Train business leaders to have a biblical perspective on the common questions of humanity.

Validate and teach about the ministry of the marketplace (money, corruption, Godly relationships and leadership):

• From the pulpit
• In small groups
• In the community

Foster and encourage the call to business:

• Help businesspeople see their work as ministry
• Encourage them to put a “ministry plan” into their business plan
• Preach the doctrine of work as worship from the pulpit and in small groups
• Lay hands on business leaders and commission them

As a pastor or ministry leader, you should intentionally build relationships:

• Choose a few business leaders to meet with regularly
• Meet them individually at their place of business. (Jesus went to where the disciples were when He called them)
• Discuss and study relevant issues to the marketplace
• Help marketplace leaders see, think, and plan multi-generationally

Learn from marketplace leaders:

• Allow for their input and ideas related to church management
• Conduct the business of your ministry or church with integrity; manage money and people well

Things and attitudes to avoid:

• Treating businesspeople as “cash registers”
• Treating businesspeople as a necessary evil or secular
• Viewing money as ungodly
• Avoiding businesspeople
• Being fake or manipulative

D. Significant results can be expected

1. God’s people will begin to establish the Kingdom of God in their spheres of influence—outside the walls of the church
2. Multitudes of Kingdom Businesses will be established around the world.
3. New capital will be generated by God’s people for God’s purposes
4. Local Churches that become Equipping Centers will see:
   • Maturity of believers
   • Discipleship movements in the workplace
   • Relevant impact in their cities and communities
   • Lost people attracted to the Church
   • Kingdom projects that reach beyond the four walls of the church
   • Growth in numbers and finances
   • Over time, the level of “spiritual capital” will increase in the nation (integrity, justice, righteousness, prosperity)
5. The church planter is called to equip all believers with spiritual truths that enable them to be effective salt and light in the world.
   • Commit to preach and teach about the marketplace, money, and work from the pulpit of your church.
   • Commit to disciple a group of marketplace leaders in your church.
   • Commit to conduct the business of your church or ministry with integrity and asking for input from the marketplace leaders in your church.
   • Commission business leaders to take the Seven Spheres of Influence for the Kingdom of God.

A. A church is a gathering of believers for the purpose of biblical worship, prayer, learning and mission. The word church comes from ekklesia, which is defined as an assembly or called out ones. (Matthew 21:13, Psalm 150:1-6)

Jesus made it very clear that the church should be a dwelling place of prayer. Although churches have many programs and activities, the primary purpose of the gathering of believers should be for prayer, worship, and an intimate relationship with God.

The passage in Psalm 150:1-6 gives another description that gives an indication of our conduct and activity. Praise, glory, and exaltation of God are critically important. As believers can become discouraged, a posture and attitude of praise to God quickly minimizes the troubles of the world and refocuses attention upon the Almighty.

B. Jesus is the head of the church, which is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)

The purpose of the Church must be defined and directed by Jesus who is the head over all things. Although He has chosen you for the great task of planting a church, it is He who is the author and finisher of all things. It is He who directs, guides, provides, and draws people unto the Father. Do not allow pride to enter your heart as the task He has called you to endeavor is a great and admirable one.

Reminding yourself that Christ is the head will give you confidence and reassurance that you are a steward of His plan. It is a great responsibility to steward something for the Lord, but we also have the support and assistance from the head of the church as we need.

C. The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2) until Christ’s return. The body of Christ is comprised of two aspects:

1. The universal church consists of all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
   The world might have a class or caste system, but no such thing exists in the universal church. All people who have a personal relationship with Jesus are members of the body. No matter how rich, poor, young, old, educated, or uneducated – God is not a respecter of persons in such regard. His desire is for relationship and surrender to Him.
2. The local church is described in Galatians 1:1-2: “Paul, an apostle … and all the brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia, there were many churches—what we call local churches.
   As a church planter, God has selected you to be one of His representatives in a local setting, yet still part of the universal church. Your church plant is an integral part of the body of Christ universally, as well as locally. Additionally, each person within the local church subsequently has a critical role of the body within the local church. All churches and all people within the church are important.

D. What a church is not

1. A building.
2. A denomination.
3. A piece of land.
4. A business.
5. A place of entertainment.
6. A social club.

Although there is value in buildings, land, resources, and socialization, the church is not and should not be defined by any of these things. A church should only be defined and regarded as a group of people meeting for worship, prayer, study, and mission.

As a visionary leader, it will be your responsibility to ascribe the appropriate value to the church and disassociate these other items from the purpose of your local church. People are now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit; no longer does the Lord reside in a temple on earth.

A. Motivation for planting must be in response to a personal vision and call from God.

1. This is always the first step. God must give you a glimpse of what He wants to accomplish. A vision may come from scripture, a dream, confirmation from others, prophecy, or an overwhelming burden for an area or group of people. (Acts 13, Acts 16:9-10)

Some church planters first respond to the call of God, but then become distracted. Some plant churches out of selfish ambition. Some church planters begin in response to the call of God, but then become driven by success.

People who are driven are:

1. Gratified by accomplishments.
2. Consumed by symbols of success. (fame, wealth, power, worldly wisdom)
3. Lacking in integrity. (immoral, selfish, prideful, demanding)
4. Highly competitive. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
5. Abnormally busy. (Luke 10:41-42)
6. Willing to sacrifice relationship for activity.

2. If the vision, call or motivation to plant a church did not originate from God, there will almost certainly be failure. Knowing you are called is not just a good idea. It is absolutely crucial. (Psalm 127:1)

Being called is a work of the Holy Spirit, but being driven is a work of the flesh. The vision, call or motivation must always be rooted in response to the Holy Spirit.

B. Benefits of knowing you are called.

1. Focus of purpose by being colaborers. (1 Corinthians 3:9)

As a colaborer, we have Holy Spirit empowerment and help to accomplish the vision. Venturing out on our own without the Holy Spirit is a posture of presumption and isolation. Additionally, it is an act of pride and selfishness. Colaborers are quickly reliant upon the Holy Spirit, and are not selfish in do not hoard acclaim or credit for success.

2. Blessings and provision. (Philippians 1:3-6)

Some have said, “Where God guides, He provides,” and others have said, “God pays for what He orders.” These sayings represent and affirm the truth of God’s faithfulness and provision. God’s name “Jehovah Jireh” in Genesis 22:14. The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. Provision and blessing are available and promised to those who are walking in obedience to God.

3. Faith and perseverance through trials. (Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, James 1:2-4)

Our attempts to practice self-control over our actions and resist temptations to sin will never be completely successful this side of heaven. As long as we live as human beings, we will struggle with fallenness and sinfulness each and every day. We must remember that failures do not mean the end of our fruitfulness. Christ has a complete understanding of our weaknesses and limitations, and in Him we can receive new mercy every day (Hebrews 4:14-16, Lamentations 3:22- 23). As long as we confess and repent of our sins and shortcomings, God promises to cleanse, heal, and restore us. (1 John 1:9)

Paul writes, “. . . let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). No matter how difficult your circumstances are, never lose faith in God’s purpose to see you through to the end. Persevere, looking to Christ for help and remembering always that trials will build your perseverance, and perseverance will make both you and your ministry into a strong witness for the faith.

C. Embracing the call and vision to plant.

1. The Lord can call you to church planting whether you are “receptive” or not.

1. Moses was called to service from a burning bush.
2. Gideon when he was threshing wheat.
3. Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh and proclaim repentance. However, Jonah ran away trying to escape God and the call to obedience.
4. Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:20-26)

2. Pray for wisdom and ask clear and definitive questions of the Lord. (James 1:5,6b)

1. Ask God if He is directing you to plant a church.
2. Ask God where He is directing you to plant a church.
3. Ask God when He is directing you to plant a church.
4. Ask God how He is leading your to plant a church.

God is not afraid of your questions, and He is not afraid to answer you. Too often we fail to ask the right questions, and therefore, our response to His call may easily get off track. Even the apostle Paul was directed specifically by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to Macedonia. This was not Paul’s original plan or intent, but God made it very clear that he was supposed to go and visit a man named Cornelius. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, there was already a man ready, waiting, and receptive to the Gospel. Asking for clear directions and wisdom is critical.

3. Seek counsel from Godly men, preferably three or four. (Proverbs 11:14)

1. Be sure that at least two of them have experience in planting and pastoring a church.
2. Ask for insight as to what they see as your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to potentially planting a church.

Counsel and wisdom from multiple experienced leaders will likely save you from heartache and potentially assist you in avoiding problems. People who have already walked down the path of church planting can share wisdom from their own success and failure.

Be quick to listen, but keep all counsel under prayerful consideration before you act (James 1:19). As others might point out potential downfalls or weakness they observe in your life, keep a posture of humility and receptivity. Do not take offense if you do not like the counsel you are given, but prayerfully submit the counsel to the Lord and ask for His confirmation and revelation.

4. Pray and fast, allowing God to direct your decision. (Acts 13)

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. (John 14:26a)
2. Do not move, act or invent your own calling!

This sacrificial form of prayer produces powerful results. (Ezra 8:21-23; Isaiah 58:6) Throughout both Old and New Testaments, fasting and prayer was an expected discipline and always preceded great breakthroughs.

Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted forty days and reminded his followers to fast. King David humbled himself in fasting. Believers are encouraged to fast to experience breakthrough, a more intimate relationship with Jesus, transformation, personal revival, and the supernatural.

Prayer and fasting is a necessary form of spiritual warfare. Whether in the early stages of planning the church plant or if you are already futher along in the process – when it seems you have reached an insurmountable hurdle that you cannot overcome, it is likely time to fast and pray for a breakthrough.

5. Seek confirmation from your local church and leadership. (Acts 13)

1. Paul and Barnabas were called out, recognized and their callings affirmed.
2. Serving in a healthy local church will provide a similar opportunity for confirmation and commissioning.

If you are currently serving in a local church, submit yourself to the leadership and seek their affirmation. If you are not in a local church, but are studying as a Bible school student or are the only believer within your community, seek counsel and affirmation from other Christian leaders if possible.

Affirmation of your calling will often provide prayer, support and blessing as you are sent out to plant the church. However, if you make an attempt without seeking affirmation, your decision could be viewed as rebellion or an attempt to split the church.

6. Ask and expect inner peace as confirmation of the call. (John 14:27)

1. After various practical confirmations, the church planter should be convinced and experience peace. (Philippians 4:6,7)

It is to be expected that there will be some level of apprehension or anxiety. However, this should not be a feeling that will immobilize you. God guarantees peace in supernatural portions. It is from this place that you can move forward with confidence.

Peace and unity need to reign in your heart as well as your spouse if you are married. The Lord blesses unity with peace, but you can be guaranteed if your spouse and family are not in unity, it is unlikely to experience true peace.

7. God does not speak to cause strife or confusion. Even when uncomfortable, God’s direction will bring inner peace (Ephesians 1:17-18, Luke 10:21)

Direction from the Lord is often made very simple. Even though the greatness of God is very profound and incomprehensible, His directives are given to us in a way we can understand and implement.

A. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. (Matthew 16:18)

Matthew 16:18 Is the first instance of the word church in the New Testament. The word church, as used by Jesus, is derived from the Greek ekklesia, which means the “called out” or “assembly.” In other words, the church that Jesus is referencing as His church is the assembly of people who have been called out of the world by the Gospel of Christ.

Jesus emphasizes the fact that the powers of death would not be able to contain Him. Not only would the church (body/people of Christ) be established in spite of the powers of Hades or hell, but the church would thrive in spite of these powers. The church will never fail, though generation after generation succumbs to the power of physical death, yet other generations will arise to perpetuate the church. And it will continue until it has fulfilled its mission on earth as Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).

This gives us confidence in our efforts in church planting! Even in the midst of intense spiritual warfare and difficulty, God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. We can be assured of His help as we follow His leading.

B. One of the greatest ways to measure the advance of the Gospel and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Current research shows that with the increasing global population, an estimated 5 million new churches are needed in the next 5-10 years just to keep pace. Present global population is approximately 7 billion people. By 2050, that number will likely increase to about 11 billion. As the number of people increase, so does the need for the number of churches to reach the lost.

C. A primary goal of the Great Commission should be a church for every people that becomes the base for getting the Gospel to every person. (Romans 15:9)

Romans 15:9 explains that our prerogative should be the establishing of churches among the Gentiles. The world Gentiles is derived from the Greek ethnos, which means every nation and people. Until every unreached group of people on the earth has heard the Gospel, our task is not complete. Prophecy indicates there will be believers from every people group gathered around the throne.

D. The church is a visible expression of what is to come- God’s Kingdom ruling over the earth. (Psalm 96:3)

The church is a visible representation of the rulership, authority, and kingdom of Christ in present-day operation. Despite the problems and dysfunction, the church is to be an expression of God’s purposes. For this purpose, God is jealous for His church, and as church planter,s we ought to remember that the church is the bride of Christ and must be treated accordingly.

E. The Church universal is made up of all redeemed people from every nation who claim Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Therefore, every people group on earth needs some form of church. (Romans 1:5)

The apostle Paul indicates in Romans 1:5 that we have received the grace, direction, and responsibility of leadership for the establishing of God’s kingdom within the nations of the earth.

F. The Church is the bride of Christ for whom Christ is returning. (Revelation 19:7-9, 2 Corinthians 11:2 )

Jesus is waiting for His bride to complete her purpose. He is looking for a pure, spotless bride who is made up of people from all nations. The language used in 2 Corinthians 11:2 indicates that He is eagerly seeking His bride. It is with great anticipation that He waits for the church to be ready!

However, Christ cannot return until the harvest is complete. Since no man knows the hour (Matthew 24:36), as the laborers of the harvest, we should continue working diligently until our Savior comes.

A. Values are statements of your assumptions and priorities about how to conduct ministry. They focus on the issues in ministry that are most important to you and your church.

Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and they are probably the measures you use to tell if your life and church plant is reaching the level of success you desire.

When you and the church behave in a manner that matches your values, you typically are satisfied. But when these do not align with your personal values, that is when things feel wrong and can quickly be a source of frustration and unhappiness.

1. Pray for the Lord to reveal to you the issues that are closest to His heart for your church. (Psalm 127:1)
2. The Lord often will reveal His vision for your church based on the values you already have. Consider some of these values and determine which are most important.

• _____ Evangelism: relational, preaching, acts-of-compassion,
• _____ Expository teaching
• _____ Multi-ethnic ministry
• _____ Creativity
• _____ The arts
• _____ Worship
• _____ One to one Discipleship
• _____ Small group ministry
• _____ Social involvement
• _____ Quality children’s ministry
• _____ Members involved in ministry
• _____ Daughter church planting
• _____ Foreign missions
• _____ Cooperation with other Christian organizations
• _____ Culturally relevant music
• _____ Team ministry (multiple staff, or volunteer staff)
• _____ Loving relationships
• _____ Cultural relevance
• _____ Community involvement
• _____ Holy Spirit empowerment
• _____ Member care
• _____ Prayer centered ministry
• _____ Contemporary style
• _____ Other_________________________________

Based on what you have selected above, or written in lieu of these options, you will begin to understand what values and priorities will define your church and ministry. The values are often a representation of your present heart, or future hope and aspiration as a leader.

3. Your values should fuel your vision. If you value evangelism, you will have a vision of reaching a community for Christ. If you value daughter church planting, you will develop a vision of a family of churches. If you value prayer, you will develop a vision for a prayer-driven ministry. If you value small group ministry, you will develop a vision for a church that multiplies group ministry.

B. What is a vision statement?

1. It is a succinct statement of your preferred future for your church plant.
2. It is a statement of what you want your church to do and to become.
3. It is a faith statement about God’s church.
4. It is pleasing to the Lord. (Hebrews 11:1,2 and Hebrews 11:6)

C. Writing your vision statement

1. What are you trusting God to do in your church plant?
2. How do you trust Him to accomplish it?
3. Remember your vision statement should reflect the heart of your values.
4. Your vision statement should be brief and concise.
5. Your vision statement should be written in 2-3 sentences.

D. Determining the style of ministry for your church

1. What is important for the culture and target demographic?
2. What are the needs of the community? First, consider an internal evaluation of what you, as a church planter, have to offer. Consider your gifting, skills, and experience.

Internal evaluation requires you to ask questions such as:

• What are the realistic conditions of your spiritual life?
• How are things REALLY going?
• What are you going through and struggling with?
• What are your barriers or limitations?
• What critical issues are you facing today?
• Where are you finding success and victory?
• What is the health of my marriage and family?

These questions can help you understand how you are doing in life and your present ministry. An internal evaluation will assist you in reinforcing or correcting any areas that need Holy Spirit help. Without addressing personal (internal) issues before planting a church, you will likely fail or plant a church that is dysfunctional from the beginning.

Secondly consider an external evaluation to determine the state of affairs for the target community of the church plant. If there are specific issues, problems and needs that are predominant, then consider what style or method would be best suited to connect and alleviate these issues.

External evaluation requires you to ask questions such as:

• What are the realistic conditions of your culture?
• What is happening in your community that is affecting your church?
• What is happening in your church that is affecting your culture?
• What problems are the people dealing with?
• What trends are going on?
• What would it look like if Heaven invaded your community through your church?

These questions can help you understand how your community is doing, and what needs are predominant. It will assist you in creating the proper outreach and relational bridge to meet the needs of the people.

Build a relational bridge from you and the church plant to the community. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

A relational bridge is your connection to the hearts and minds of your target community. It is your common ground that will allow you to connect, communicate, and minister to them.

Take the next 20-30 minutes to allow students to write their vision statement. Allow several students to publicly share their vision statements.

This is a good time to offer coaching and direction if students have misunderstood the assignment.

Conclude the session with the final notes below. (est. teaching time 15 minutes)

E. Share, review, and refine with others for accountability and support

1. As a leader, it is important to share the values, vision, and style of ministry to other leaders or potential leaders.
2. Together you can review each element and consider their purpose and pray for continued clarity and revelation on their role in the process.
3. Refine your values, vision and style after receiving feedback from trusted counsel.
   • Insight from other experienced leaders might help you save time, energy and resources.
   • Discussion with other leaders might prove to be helpful in understanding your target demographic and community.
   • Godly counsel will help you focus on the things that matter most, and defer those things that are peripheral.
   • If changes are necessary, amend your values, vision and style that will be used in your church plant.

A. Planning and Goal-Setting are Godly actions.

Planning and Goal Setting is the action of discerning and implementing processes to align you, your vision towards God’s plan and purpose. Proverbs 29:18 explains that without vision, the people perish.

1. The word vision means, revelation from God about His plan.
2. The word perishes means, become unbridled, lack direction or focus.
   • God had a plan for all of creation. (Isaiah 37:26)
   • God makes plans for every single person. (Jeremiah 29:11)
   • Strategic Planning was demonstrated throughout Scripture.
     • Moses was instructed by Jethro to strategically delegate. (Exodus 18:1-27)
     • Joshua was instructed by God in how to defeat Jericho. (Joshua 6)
     • Nehemiah crafted and implemented a plan for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah)
     • Jesus crafted a plan to recruit, train and send out disciples for the Gospel. (Acts 1:8)
     • Paul had a plan to preach were no man had preached. (Romans 15:20)

B. Many people have a vision but few people create a plan and strategy that they can implement. The church planter must seek God’s will and take the time and effort to create the corresponding plan. (James 4:14,15)

1. Consider the life of Joseph and how God positioned him even through suffering and trials to learn administration, organization and planning.
2. Joseph learned how to tend to administrative matters that would allow him to take care of his family and an entire nation during a great famine in later years.
3. The planning process allowed the Lord to work miracles of provision and blessing.

C. Strategy must be clear, written and measurable.

1. A plan must have clearly stated action items or tasks.
2. Each action item or task should have a desired outcome.
3. Each outcome will likely be measurable in either number or time.
4. These items need to be plotted into a calendar so that progress can be tracked.
5. Completed items and milestones should be celebrated as each step of the strategy is being accomplished.
6. Outcomes are not the same as Output.
   • Outcome: something that happens as a result of an activity or process.
   • Output: the amount of something that is produced by a person or thing.
   • Outcomes are transformational, effect change, and can be visible in variety of capacities. Output is generally numerical and can only be judged by quantity and not quality.
   • Outcome based initiatives will lead to health, transformation and subsequent growth in numbers.
   • Outcome based evaluation will provide information to strengthen weaknesses and address areas of lack.

D. Planning and strategy help maximize your potential. (Proverbs 29:18)

1. Good leaders make and implement plans. (Proverbs 16:3, Psalm 90:12)
2. The Holy Spirit will guide you in the planning process. (Psalm 20:4, Psalm 16:9, Isaiah 28:29)
3. Potential is maximized as personal passion connects with a God inspired plan.
4. Accomplishing tasks and seeing your progress will add fuel and inspiration to the process of fulfilling the plan and strategy.
5. Potential is increased exponentially as you work in cooperation with a team for the purpose of fulfilling the vision!