A Plan Outline for Church Planting Core Groups

Here is a plan that has worked in helping church plants and established churches operate from a biblical mandate or purpose and a God given vision. 1 This plan can also be used for other church levels conferences, unions and divisions. 2 Keep in mind, the church is God s and !esus is the head. Therefore, His purpose and vision for "our church is what matters. #bviousl", then, pra"er is where it begins. $nd, that will include pra"erful reflection upon the biblical reasons for the church. There are ten basic elements to this plan%

Biblical Mandate
&hat does God sa" is the purpose of his church'

Vision
&hat does God want' &hat future does he desire'

Mission
&h" do we e(ist' &hat does God e(pect a church plant to do'

Values
&hat will we die for' &hat values are important in how we relate'

Target
&ho are we' &ho are we tr"ing to reach'

Strategy
&hat plan will we follow to reach our target audience'

Ministries
&hat will we do so that we will reach people'

Goals
&hat will be our short)term and long)term barometers of progress'

Personnel & Structures

&ho will do the tasks and how'

Evaluation
Have we done what God wants'

Why & Vision ? 1 Purpose The plan outlined here is a summar" of an instrument developed b" *eter +oennfeldt, Building Purpose and Vision

Inspired Adventist Churches for the Unchurched ) which is reproduced on pp. 2,)-.. /ome of the ideas have been adapted from Strategic Planning for Christian Organizations: The Planning Model 0nstitute for 1hristian #rgani2ational 3evelopment, 4uller Theological /eminar", *asadena, 1alifornia. $lso see George $. /teiner, Strategic Planning 51ollier 6acmillan *ublishers, 7ondon, 1898:; and, *atrick !. <elow, George 7. 6orrise", <ett" 7. $comb, The !"ecutive #uide to Strategic Planning 5!osse")<ass *ublishers, 7ondon, 18=8: and The !"ecutive #uide to Operational Planning 5!osse")<ass *ublishers, 7ondon, 18==: AAdventist Churches for the Unchurched @ is an ongoing initiative to refocus e(isting churches and plant new churches that use forms of worship and witness that are both biblical and relevant to unchurched people. 4irst launched in the /outh *acific 3ivision b" the author in 1882, this initiative is also being developed in the Trans)>uropean 3ivision. 2 The Trans$!uropean %ivision Strateg& '(()$*++, is available from the General 1onference of /eventh)da" $dventists, Trans)>uropean 3ivision, 118 /t *eter=s /treet, /t $lbans, Hertfordshire $71 ->?, >ngland.

&h" is it important that churches have a clear focus built upon a biblical purpose and an inspired vision' The answer is simple. The church that understands what God wants it to do, will know where it is going. <ut, A&here there is no vision, the people perish. @ *roverbs 28%1=. $ clear biblical mandate and vision%-

Builds MORALE
*aul wrote, A7et there be real harmon" so there won t be an" splits in the church . . . <e of one mind, united in thought and purpose.@ 1 1orinthians 1%1@ 57<:.

Reduce FRUSTRATION
0saiah wrote, AGod gives perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm. @ 0saiah 2.%- 5GA:. *aul urged believers to stand united Awith one common purpose.@ *hilippians 1%29 5GA:. AThe life of a man of divided lo"alt" will reveal instabilit" at ever" turn.@ !ames 1%= 5*hillips:.

Allows CONCENTRATION
*aul said, A0 am bringing all m" energies to bear on this one thing, forgetting what is behind and looking forward to what lies ahead.@ *hilippians -%1- 57<:. >fficienc" is doing things right. >ffectiveness is doing the +0GHT thing.

- /ee &arren, I-id.

p. 99.

Attracts COOPERATION
A0f "our goals are good, "ou will be respected. @ *roverbs 11%29 5GA:. *aul could write, A?ou have helped me in the work of the gospel. . .@ *hilippians 1%1B 5GA:.

Assists EVALUATION
A>(amine "ourselves to see whether "ou are in the faith; test "ourselves.C 2 1orinthians 1-%B.

6an" leaders, churches and pastors wrestle over issues such as buildings and forms of worship before first determining God s purpose and vision for their churches. 1hange for the sake of change creates unnecessar" pain. However, when we are committed to being biblicall" authentic, to fulfilling God s purpose ) all changes will be with a purpose. $nd, make no mistake ) He will ask us to change. The gospel and three angels messages challenge us to be on the cutting edge of change to build His kingdom. His purpose and vision gives focus to this change and our ministries.

Here is an overview of where we are going. $ppl" these Duestions to each step in this plan% , /o0 will we get the information reDuired' 1ho will collect the information' 1hen will we begin' 1hat will we do'

Un"ers#$n"in %

E$&h S#ep

ESTABLISHIN THE VISION! 5/trategic *lanning:

1 2 3 4 5 6

BIBLICAL MANDATE: &hat is God=s purpose for His church' VISION: &hat does God want us to do' &hat future does God desire' MISSION: &h" do we e(ist' VALUES: &hat culture and values are important in the wa" we relate' TARGET: &ho are we tr"ing to reach' STRATEGY: How will we reach the target audience'

ACTION PLANS! 5#perational *lanning:

7

MINISTRIES: &hat ministries are needed for our strateg" to work'

8 GOALS: &hat will be the long and short term barometers of progress' 9

PERSONNEL & STRUCTURES: &ho will do the tasks and how'

ASSESSMENT! 54eed)back 7oop:

10 EVALUATION: 3id we achieve God s purpose and vision' $re we making it'

, $dapted from Strategic Planning for Christian Organizations: The Planning Model
Theological /eminar", *asadena.

0nstitute for 1hristian #rgani2ational 3evelopment, 4uller

Ho' #o "e(e)op

$ P)$n#in% P)$n

6an" elements of this plan develop together rather than seDuentiall". 0t is suggested that the church planter will work through this whole concept developing a vision and plan. Then, set aside at least four full da"s 5a long)weekend or retreat: to work through the whole concept with those who will form the church planting core group. 0t is important to get input and information from as man" as possible. Ese the Duestions on pages 2,),@ to gather ideas from as man" participants as possible. Then have selected personnel draft a strateg" document 5with biblical mandate, vision, mission, etc statements: for the consideration of the whole group. #nce a biblical mandate or purpose and a Hol" /pirit inspired vision has been determined ) press on to achieve that vision to the glor" of God. <e single minded in "our commitment. 0n drafting a working document it is vitall" important to involve the greatest number of people in the process of stud"ing the biblical references to God =s purpose for his church, pra"er and the discussion of possibilities. 0t would be a wise plan to stud" and pra" through these matters during a series small group studies with the core group. The actual plan can be drafted b" a working group of two or three. However, it needs to be brought back to the widest group possible for clarification and revision so that there is pra"erful consensus that the /pirit of the 7ord is leading. This is an important document for it will provide "our new church with a clear focus for pra"er, decision)making and ministr".

1 Biblical Mandate$ De"ining the Biblical Pur!ose

!esus is the head of the church and His mandate for its effectiveness and growth must direct us. Therefore, involve as man" as possible in a stud" of biblical passages on the purpose of the church as reflected in 1hrist s ministr" on earth, the images of the church, the life of Aew Testament churches, and the commands of 1hrist. The purpose)driven church must be committed to the tasks that 1hrist has ordained for his church to accomplish. +ick &arren outlines the five tasks as%B

1 2 3 4 5

7ove the 7ord with all "our heart. 7ove "our neighbour as "ourself. Go and make disciples. <apti2ing them. Teaching them to obe".

The first church in !erusalem was clearl" committed to this purpose. 5/ee $cts 22%1),9: The church e(ists to edif&, encourage, e"alt, e2uip and evangelise. *aul was committed to these purposes. He e(plained them in >phesians ,%1) 1.. $s /eventh)da" $dventist 1hristians we believe that God has called us to accomplish this purpose within the conte(t of end)times ) preparing people for the glorious return of !esus 1hrist.

Discuss the

!ur!oses o" the church outlined by #esus in$

TH> G+>$T 1#66$A36>AT% 6atthew 22%-.),@ TH> G+>$T 1#660//0#A% 6atthew 2=%18)2@

4 5

Discuss the "ollowing verses that relate to the church%s !ur!ose &andate$
6atthew B%1-)1. 6atthew 8%-B 6atthew 11%2=)-@ 6atthew 1.%1B)18 6atthew 1=%18,2@ 6atthew 22%-.),@ 6atthew 2,%1, 6atthew 2B%-,),@ 6atthew 2=%1=)2@ 6ark 1@%, -),B 7uke ,%1=)18 7uke ,%,-),, !ohn ,%2!ohn 1@%1,)1= !ohn 1-%-,)-B !ohn 2@%21 $cts 1%= $cts 2%,1),9 $cts ,%-2)-B $cts B%,2 $cts .%1)9 $cts 1,%21)1B%21 +omans 12%1)= +omans 1B%1)9 1 1orinthians 8% 2@)21 1orinthians 12%12)-1 2 1orinthians B%19).%1 Galatians B%1-)1B Galatians .% 1)2 >phesians 1%22,2>phesians 2%18)22 >phesians -%., 1,)21 >phesians ,%11)1.; B%2-)2, 1olossians 1%2,)2= 1olossians -%1B)1.; ,%2). 1 Thessalonians 1%1 Thessalonians B%11 Hebrews 1@%2,)2B Hebrews 1-%9,19 1 *eter 2%8)1@ 1 !ohn 1%B)9; ,%9)21 +evelation 1,%.)12

B &arren, 0bid., pp. 1@-)1@9.

'hich ideas "ro& these verses !rovide the &andate "or your church !lant(
1 2 3 4 5

2 ) Vision$ Seeing the *oly S!irit+s Vision

&hat does God want us to do' &here are we headed' 3o not Fust think of an e(tension of the present. *ra" that the /pirit of God will develop a vision of what God wants for Awhere there is no vision, the people perish.@ *roverbs 28%1=. God has promised, A0 will pour out m" /pirit on all people. ?our sons and daughters will prophes", "our old men will dream dreams, "our "oung men will see visions. @ !oel 2%2=. There are two important observations to make% 51: no /pirit inspired vision will fl" in the face of God =s purpose for his church, and 52: visions are often seen b" the "outh. The older we get the more we are plagued b" the perception that it can =t be done. ?ounger people, inspired b" the Hol" /pirit, are open to new possibilities for the" don=t reali2e that it can=t be done.

'hat is God%s Vision(

<e bold. /pend time in pra"er and then invite the core group to imagine that the" are reporters visiting the church 1@)2@ "ears in the future. &hat would God want this new church plant to look like' &hat is GodGs vision for this church' 0 think the single most important thing God wants our church plant to do is . . .

0f God would not let me fail 5>phesians -%2@, 21:, 0 think the most important thing God wants me to do is . . .

0magine "ou are a Fournalist preparing a report on "our church plant 1@ "ears from now. *ra" about the possibilities. &hat would "ou like to be reporting'

1 2 3

Wh$# is #he i*p$&# o+ your &hur&h in #he &o**uni#y? Ho' 'ou)" you "es&ri,e #he $##i#u"es o+ peop)e in your &hur&h?

Ho' $re )os# peop)e ,ein% re$&he"?

How are unreached lost people groups being reached'

$re lost people coming to know !esus ) and, are new churches being planted'

Ho' $re #he *e*,ers ,ein% &$re" +or $n" in(o)(e" in *inis#ry?
&hat is the place of small groups for fellowship, <ible reading and nurture'

$re members being eDuipped according to their spiritual gifts and involved in ministr"' &hat t"pe of worship e(periences can "ou picture' To achieve "our vision, would there be more

than one worship service each week ) and, what forms might the" take'

5 6

Ho' 'ou)" you "es&ri,e #he he$)#h o+ #he &hur&h in #he )i%h# o+ #he ei%h# -u$)i#y &h$r$&#eris#i&s o+ ,atural -hurch .e(e)op*en#? Wh$# #ype $n" s#y)e o+ ,ui)"in%s 'ou)" ,e p$r# o+ your (ision?

3 0 Mission$ De"ining the Reason "or Planting

&h" will this new church e(ist' $ good mission statement will be%

Be Biblical$

What does God expect you to do? 5/ee <iblical 6andate.:

Be S!eci"ic$
1 2 3 4

Why will your church exist?

&hat would be lost if "our church was not planted'

How will "our church differ from others' &hat will be distinctive'

&hat does God e(pect "our church to do'

&hat will be "our single most important task'

Be -lear$
1

$ good mission statement is eas" to remember and communicate.

&rite out all "ou think needs to be said. 5Then edit out the unnecessar" words.:

/ummari2e "our answers in a sentence%

3oes "our mission statement incorporate the biblical purposes for the 1hurch'

'rite out your Mission State&ent$ The church e.ists to /

6 Values$ -lari"ication o" 7&!ortant Attitudes 4

#rgani2ational culture has received a lot of attention in recent times. . >(perience in refocusing churches and church planting confirm the need to spend time clarif"ing the biblical convictions that should mark the attitudes and actions of a communit" of believers. &e are not speaking of doctrinal, denominational distinctives. Aor are we referring to what we often speak of as church standards. #rgani2ational values describe how a church will act towards people within the church and the communit" for the" reflect the attitudes of the fellowship. The &illow 1reek 1ommunit" 1hurch articulates ten distinguishing core values. These ma" ) or, ma" not, reflect "our convictions. However, the" illustrate the distinctive attitudes and e(plain wh" &illow 1reek ministers and acts as it does. The organi2ational values of &illow 1reek 1ommunit" 1hurch are%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

! "!#$!%! that anointed teaching is the primar" catal"st for transformation in the lives of individuals and in
the church.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

"!#$!%! that lost people matter to God and therefore ought to matter to the church. "!#$!%! that the church should be culturall" relevant, while remaining doctrinall" pure. "!#$!%! that 1hrist followers should manifest authenticit" and "earn for continuous growth. "!#$!%! that the church should operate as a unified communit" of servants stewarding their spiritual gifts. "!#$!%! that loving relationships should permeate ever" aspect of church life. "!#$!%! that life change happens best in small groups. "!#$!%! that e(cellence honours God and inspires people. "!#$!%! that churches should be lead b" those with leadership gifts. "!#$!%! that full devotion to 1hrist and His cause is normal for ever" believer. 9

54or more details on the values of &illow 1reek 1ommunit" 1hurch and, how to decide upon the values of "our new church plant ) see Appendix A.: To clarif" our organi2ational values, we ask Duestions such as% &hat do we look for and e(pect from people at our church' &hat attitudes and values do we think are the most important to God' &hat are our present attitudes' How are the" impacting how we operate' How would what is most important to God impact the operation of our church'

'hat will you loo1 "or and e.!ect "ro& !eo!le at your church(

'hat attitudes and values do you thin1 are the &ost i&!ortant "or those who will !artici!ate in &a1ing decisions 2 and3 in the &inistries and activities 4outreach3 worshi!3 etc5 in your church(

. 4or the classic work on organi2ational values read >dgar H. /chein,

Organizational Culture and 3eadership 5!osse")<ass *ublishers, 7ondon, 18=9:. $lso read, *aul Herse" H Kenneth H. <lanchard, Manage4ent of Organizational Behaviour 5*rentice Hall, Aew !erse", 18==:. 9 7"nn H <ill H"bels, 5ediscovering Church 5Iondervan, 6ichigan, 188B: pp. 1=-)18,.

4 5 6 7 8

De"ine what you see as the three &ost i&!ortant attitudes in ter&s o" how your new church !lant will o!erates( *ow will the biotic !rinci!les o" ,atural -hurch Develo!&ent i&!act this church !lant(
1 2 3

5 Target$ 8nderstanding 'ho to Reach

!esus said, C7ook around "ouJ Kast fields of human souls are ripening all around us, and are read" now for reapingJC !ohn ,%-B 57<: 6an" who are read" for harvest ma" not have a positive perception of church or church institutions.

8nderstanding 9our -hurch Plant$

?our ministries will mostl" reach the kind of people that are alread" in "our church.

1 2

&hat kind of people are in "our core group'

&hich group in "our communit" are "our present members most like'

$re "our present members prepared to change to reach a different group'

8nderstanding 9our -o&&unity$

1 .e+ine your #$r%e# EO RAPHICALL/
How man" people live within "our church area'

.e+ine your #$r%e# .EMO RAPHICALL/

&hat t"pe of people live in this area' $ge 6arital status % 0ncome % >ducation #ccupation >thnicit" Kalues, interests % % % % %

.e+ine your #$r%e# SPIRITUALL/

&hat are the attitudes to religion and spiritualit"' $re people churched or unchurched'

8nderstanding 9our S!eci"ic Target:

0f "ou tr" to reach ever"one "ou ma" reach no one.

1 2 3

&ho has the Hol" /pirit given "ou a special burden to reach and disciple' &ho do "ou have the abilities and personnel to reach and disciple' Epon which unchurched groups do "ou believe "our church should focus its ministries'

; Strategy$ A Plan "or 9our ,ew -hurch Plant 6

The strategy reflects the steps that a person from our target audience would follow to share in God =s purpose. 0t is the plan that will be followed to reach the target audience. 0t is our step)b")step ho0 to statement. The methods and ministries are the action plans for each step of the strateg". Ke" ministr" areas and action plans will be determined b" this ho0 to statement. *aul=s ministr" illustrates how God =s purpose for his church inspired a plan or strateg" to conte(tualise. He was prepared to var" his methods so as to break down barriers to faith. 5/ee $cts 19%1.)-,; 1 1orinthians 8%18)2-.:

'ho does your church see1 to reach3 serve and disci!le( To develo! a strategy you &ust start with understanding$ 51: the people "ou are wishing
to reach, and 52: where "ou wish to lead them.

&&&

1 2 3

Wri#e "o'n #he n$*e o+ $ )os# person +ro* your #$r%e# %roup! Spen" 01 *inu#es pr$yin% +or #h$# person2 As3 #he Ho)y Spiri# #o %ui"e you in un"ers#$n"in%!
&hat attitudes and behaviours are most important to this person' &hat motivates this person to be involved in programs or activities' How does this person make decisions to participate') and when' How does this person perceive 1hristianit"' $t what point and where could "our friend be involved with 1hristians'

'hat ste!s do you believe a !erson "ro& your target grou! &ay wal1 to enter a saving relationshi! with #esus -hrist and "ull disci!leshi!( 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

,ote$ 4or models of strategic steps, stud" the section entitled Steps Some Take 5pp. :, 6atural Church %evelop4ent 7 = Lualit" 1haracteristics 5pp. : and $ppendi( < 5pp. :.

> Ministries$ Action Plans 7

Ke" ministr" areas are determined b" the ho0 to or /trateg" /teps. &hat ministries and activities are needed to provide training and opportunities for each strategic step that "our church will take to reach the target group' 6inistries are the things that we will do. 3on =t spread too thinl". 3o the things that will make a difference. &hat will be good news to "our target group' How will new ministries be developed' How will ministries be closed once the" have served their purpose' 6ethods change. 0f we are to relate the good news of salvation to the new generation we are confronted with the realit" of doing church differentl". =

'hat activities are needed to &a1e your strategy wor1( <ist your strategic ste!s and then list !ossible &inistries that could !rovide outreach and training=
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S#r$#e%y S#eps Minis#ries

Action Plans$ 'hat will you do in the "irst ) years(

Minis#ries 2 3 4 A&#i(i#ies 4#his ye$r5 A&#i(i#ies 4ne6# ye$r5 1

*ow will new &inistries be develo!ed(

= /ee !on *aulien, Present Truth In The 5eal 1orld 5*acific *ress *ublishing, 0daho, 188-: for a /eventh)da" $dventist perspective on this issue.

C Goals$ Db@ectives that Matter 8

To be effective "our church goals need to be% 51: specific and measurable, 52: challenging, 5-: achievable, and 5,: owned b" the maForit" of participants. This is where we translate the vision into specific attitudinal and numeric goals. Keep in mind the principles that !esus taught b" his parables of the kingdom drawn from the world of the farmer. Goals that relate to the health of a church plant produce the fruitJ 0t is therefore wise to concentrate on specific and measurable goals that relate to the characteristics of a health" church.

'hat will be your long?ter& goals(

Translate the vision of "our church into specific annual goals. 4ocus upon goals that foster church health. Here are some e(amples of e(cellent starting points%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Aumber of holistic small groups meeting each week% $ clear discipleship path and schedule established% Aumber of new believers eDuipped and ministering according to their spiritual gifts% Aumber of ministries and activities that involve and meet the needs of the communit"%

'hat will be your yearly goals & ob@ectives "or the ne.t AB years(
7ist "our ministries and suggest specific goals and obFectives for each%

Minis#ries 1 2 3 4

/e$r 0

/e$r 7

/e$r 8

/e$r 9

/e$r :

e#&

0t is important to be Duite specific in this area. How will action plans be implemented' &ho will put the plans into action' &hat staff will be needed' How will staff be supported'

F Personnel3 Structures & Eacilities 2 that 9 'or1:

Personnel
1 2 3

&hat personnel do "ou have to cast vision and provide "our ministries' &hat are the spiritual gifts and talents of the core group' &hat abilities and spiritual gifts do "our ministries need that the core group does not now possess' 5!esus said that we should pra" to the 7ord of the harvest for these Charvesters.C 6ost of the church plantGs leaders are still in the harvest field.: &hat training opportunities are needed for "our core group andMor staff members'

Structures
1
2 3o "ou have the right processes in place to achieve the vision' &hat changes in structure would allow greater ownership and involvement'

Eacilities
1 2
&hat facilities will be needed to start' 7ist areas of technolog" that will impact% a b c d ?our mission% The needs "ou will address% The servicesMprograms "ou will offer% The strategies "ou will use%

3 4

How will "ou provide facilities and technolog" to support "our ministries' &hat processes will provide facilities for developing ministries'

10 AB Evaluation$ 7s God Pleased(

Are we &a1ing it(
1 2 3
$t what stages will we ask% $re we making it' &ho will do the assessment' &hat standard will be used to measure success or failure' o!" Luarterl" ?earl" 4 5 How are we scoring with the = Dualit" characteristics of 6atural Church %evelop4ent8 &hat is our minimum factor' $re we following biotic principles' #hen" 6onthl" #ho" #hat"

7s God !leased(
1 2 3 4
3oes the end Fustif" the means' Have we acted in a moral, 1hristian manner' Have we pra"ed' Have we seen growth'

Guestions to as1:
1 2 3 4
&hat progress have we made in the last "ear' &hat progress have we made in the last ten "ears' &hat trends do "ou notice in our church' How well are we serving%

#ur target group' #ur local communit"' #ur church' #ur newcomers or guests' #thers whom we should be serving'

5 6

&hat are our strengths' 5&hat are our maFor sources of support': &hat are our weaknesses' 5&hat do we need to change':

How are we cultivating our values'