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9 Essentials for Church Planters
The “9 Essentials of a Faithful and Effective Church Planter” is a framework for assessment, training, coaching, and resourcing church planters. Here is a quick overview.
Every sport has metrics for what makes an ideal athlete. Speed, wingspan, IQ, mechanics, and so forth contribute to an athlete’s effectiveness. These metrics also serve as areas for growth in an athlete’s journey. Everyone needs development. No one expects a rookie to play like an all-star on day one; players undergo training and development. For example, if a basketball player excels in shooting but cannot dribble under pressure, the trainers create a plan for his development. Trainers help every athlete reach their potential.
Brothers, as church planters, we want you to be faithful and effective. At Send Network, we use the “9 Essentials of a Faithful and Effective Church Planter” as a framework for assessment, training, coaching, and resourcing church planters. Here is a quick overview of the 9 Essentials, with a few application questions.
1) Heart. Your chief identity isn’t church planter or pastor but disciple of Christ and child of God. It is a “safeguard for you” (Philippians 3:1) to be trained and reminded about holiness, humility, spiritual disciplines, and your walk with Christ. Application: How is your heart and this season of your life in Christ? Which spiritual discipline needs more attention?
2) Relationships. Ministry happens in community. Planters, if married, must have a healthy home. In relationships, planters must learn how to collaborate with other churches and ministries, cultivate an honest and transparent community with brothers in Christ, and navigate conflict in a Christ-honoring way. Application: Who are your closest friends? Who will help you in this planting journey?
3) Calling. We want to make sure you are confident in your calling to serve in church planting. Starting a new church from the ground up is one of the most challenging tasks in ministry. Confidence in God’s call on your life is crucial to endure the difficult seasons. Application: How would you describe the internal call to plant? How have others confirmed the call to plant a church?
4) Theology. Planters need to be theologically grounded and centered on the gospel. Since you will be a public theologian in your community, you better know your Bible and doctrine. We want planters to be humble teachers and defenders of sound doctrine. Application: Why does theology matter for planters? How does theology connect to the life of the church?
5) Mission. Church planting is not service starting. We want you to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5) and to disciple and pastor “God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2). Send Network Training covers how planters can engage the city, make disciples, and plant the church. Application: In what areas of mission are you gifted and excelling? Where do you need development?
6) Teaching. According to God, pastors must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). No matter the setting or audience, planters must be skilled in explaining and applying the Scriptures in light of the person and work of Christ. Planters must faithfully stand on God’s Word, no matter what’s going on in the surrounding culture. Application: How would you define preaching and teaching? Where do you need to grow in your teaching? In what contexts will you form people with the Word of God?
7) The Church. Planters must know what they are planting. By the end of Send Network Training, a planter should understand essential matters of ecclesiology, leadership, and pastoral care. Jesus loves the church. Every planter must take his cues from Jesus. Application: What areas of ecclesiology are essential for a healthy church? How will you foster community in your plant? In which areas of ecclesiology are you excited to receive training?
8) The Nations. What is your vision for your church plant to engage the nations with the gospel? Planters who seek first the kingdom of God will also look toward global partnerships. Don’t lose the forest (the nations) for the trees (the neighborhood). Application: What is your experience with ministry in the nations? How will your plant embody the global call of the church?
9) Practical Leadership. Planters need to be faithful and effective. Planters are pastors, preachers, counselors, evangelists, fundraisers, and leaders. You must lead the team, lead services, lead meetings, and lead volunteers. You need the toolbox of wise and practical leadership to be a faithful and effective planter. Application: Where are you strong in leadership? Where do you need to grow? What is your experience in leadership?
We’ve built the New Churches website around the 9 Essentials. You can head to the home page and find articles, videos, podcasts, and more resources tagged and organized around the 9 Essentials. We want to help see faithful and effective church planters all around the world.
