Central District Church Planting Web site

Please click on the heading above to visit our web site specifically designed for church planting in the Central District!

The vision of the Evangelical Free Church of America is stated, "The EFCA movement exists to glorify God by multiplying healthy churches among all people." At the heart of multiplication is the ministry of planting new churches. Not only has church planting proven to be the most effective strategy for reaching new people for Christ, but it has also proven to be an essential aspect of infusing health into those churches which partner in planting efforts.

  How are churches planted?

There is more than one method for planting a new church. Some specialists claim there are as many as 30 methods. These range from a parent church "hiving" off a large group of members to a planter arriving in a town and knocking on doors. There is one method which gathers a crowd then builds a core, and another which builds a core before gathering a crowd. The exact method used will depend on many factors, and should be chosen only after careful consideration of the planter's gifts, theology, philosophy of ministry, and more. The planter should seek much wise counsel and prayer support.

Who can be a church planter?

• Visionizing capacity
• Intrinsically motivated
• Creates ownership of ministry
• Relates to the unchurched
• Spousal cooperation
• Effectively builds relationshjips
• Committed to church growth
• Responsive to the community
• Utilizes giftedness of others
• Flexible and adaptable
• Builds group cohesiveness
• Resilience
• Exercises faith

The Church Planting Office of the EFCA suggests that ten leading indicators of a church planter are:

• A clear sense of God's call
• A visionary leader
• A starter/gatherer
• Communication skills
• Evangelistic skills
• People skills
• Team building skills
• Church planting skills; namely you have learned and understand the basic principles and processes of church planting.
• Emotional maturity
• Right chemistry, and in the cace of the EFCA, you fit with the doctrine and distinctives.
  

  How can the Central District help?

In the Central District, we have used our Church Planting Missionaries as a primary resource to plant churches. Church Planting Missionaries are mentors to those who want to plant churches. However, we realize that the multiplication of churches is just beginning and that we need to see churches planted in a variety of ways. Our staff would enjoy the opportunity to visit with you to see if God has a place for you in church planting in the Central District. Whether you have started to use the tools mentioned above or are just beginning the process of exploring church planting, our staff would enjoy interacting with you and we would make a commitment to seek God's direction with you. We can discuss your potential, the potential sites in the Central District, and the resources available in our District. If you have an interest in church planting, we would love to have you contact our office.

Perhaps you are not looking to be a pastoral leader in a church plant, but you know of a community or area in our District that would greatly benefit by the establishment of an Evangelical Free Church plant. Again, we would enjoy dreaming with you and seeing if our staff can join with you in seeking God's direction and the possibility of a church plant in your area.

Please notify us of your interest and progress at office@efcacentral.org.

  What steps should I take?

Each district currently approaches Church Planting in a slightly different way. The EFCA has a National Director of Church Planting in Minneapolis. This director is George Klippenes and he offers a nationwide perspective to our church planting efforts. He recommends these steps:

• Establish a personal file at http://ministerconnection.net/ (see instructions under "Placement"). Whether you are interested in planting or more conventional ministry placement, this tool is essential as a first step in assessment.
• Pursue a process of assessment to assist you and us in determining if God is, in fact, calling you to plant a church. This should include the Ministry Match and the Church Planter's Self-Assessment. You might also consider such tools as MBTI, Myers-Brigg, DiSC, etc. For additional information, feel free to contact our District office or the National Church Planting Director, George Klippenes.
• Develop a Church Planting Proposal. The most effective tool in this process has proven to be The Church Planters Toolkit by Robert Logan. It can be obtained at Next Step Resources at 1-800-444-2665 or online at http://www.nsresources.com/ .