Church planting

Priorities & commitments

Prayer is the first priority. Not one single mission or new church will begin without a strong and wide community of prayer. A yearlong prayer emphasis from May 2009 to May 2010 will establish prayer as a priority.

Assessment for potential planters is the second priority. While all ministry gifts are welcome in the church, there are particular qualities, traits, and skills that make it more likely that a church planter will thrive in the challenges of new church development. In 2010 the Church of the Brethren will begin to offer an assessment process for new planters.

Training is our third priority. Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully, planned for May 20-22, 2010, will be our fifth biannual conference for participants in the new church movement. The conference will inspire, equip and multiply planting partners. Future training opportunities will include online webinars and a variety of workshops and seminars.

Coaching is our fourth priority. Our goal is to make sure that every church planter has the support and expertise of a trained coach. Coaching support is a key factor in building new churches.

Cultivating resources for the movement is the fifth priority. While church plants with the Church of the Brethren will represent a wide range of funding models, the national new church advisory committee recognizes the need to sustain the supportive resources in priorities one through four with a strong financial base.