TL;DR:
This five-point process—building relationships, hosting large, anonymous-friendly gatherings, forming small groups, discovering spiritual gifts, and mobilizing people for service—outlines a relational, reproducible approach to founding new congregations. Ten universal elements that David Garrison says are characteristic of church-planting movements are included, along with additional guidance.
A five-step church-planting process emphasizes building relationships with the unchurched, beginning with social events that foster connection.
Large, anonymous-friendly gatherings are used to introduce the unchurched to Christian beliefs and community life. Small groups and Sunday school classes serve as settings for deeper spiritual exploration and transformation.
Discovering and using spiritual gifts is central, empowering believers to serve in roles that align with their talents and passions.
Church-planting success also relies on universal principles such as prayer, rapid reproduction, lay leadership, and scriptural authority.
When do you plant a new church? Where do you start?
Here's the plan used in planting Gateway Christian Church in Walnut, California:
Step 1: Develop relationships with the unchurched community
Organize activities where churched people can interact with the unchurched, such as day hikes and picnics.
Call on churched people to build meaningful relationships with the unchurched. Train them how to do that.
Step 2: Organize large gatherings where the unchurched can remain anonymous
Large gatherings allow the unchurched to check out Christianity. They can see what Christians do and come to understand what Christians believe. For many unchurched people, initial anonymity is important.
Step 3: Set up small groups
Life-altering changes can be helped along by participation in small groups. Organize groups for Christians and for those who are still seeking. Structure Sunday school classes to feel like small groups.
Step 4: Discover gifts
People who follow Christ must discover their God-given talents, spiritual gifts, and passions.
Step 5: Put the gifts of fully devoted followers to use
Empower and "commission" people to serve the Lord in a ministry or area that is in line with what they have discovered about themselves in the "gift" step. [Choosing an avenue of service]
What does it take to launch a church-planting movement?
David Garrison identified ten universal elements.
After surveying many church-planting movements worldwide, Garrison concluded that the same ten elements were present in every one of them.
The elements Garrison listed in Church Planting Movements were:
Prayer
Abundant gospel-sowing
Intentional church-planting
Building on scriptural authority
Reliance on local leadership
Strong lay leadership
Use of cell or house churches
Churches planting churches
Expectations of rapid reproduction
Making church health a priority
In responding to Garrison's list, Doug Lucas says:
"Some of those are common sense. For example, healthy churches grow faster than unhealthy churches … Duh!
"But the truth is, we seldom think proactively about all ten items. And maybe that's part of what helps a church to develop and grow—thinking about doing it all right in concert so that all ten cylinders are hitting in stride at the right time!"
Afterword: Starting dynamic and transformative congregations
Starting a new church can be exciting. It can also be very challenging. Here are five more suggestions regarding prayer, vision, leadership, and opening events:
Begin with prayerful discernment to make certain that starting a new church is the right objective for you and your community. Seek guidance and clarity from other church leaders, mentors, and fellow believers.
Define the vision and mission of the new church. What do you hope to achieve? What values will guide your new church, and will your vision resonate with the people and community you hope to serve?
Surround yourself with a core team of people who share your vision and are committed to helping launch the church. A healthy core team can provide support, guidance, and diverse viewpoints as the project unfolds.
Organize initial services and events to introduce your church to the community. Offer engaging worship experiences, educational opportunities, and social activities to create connections and build relationships.
Invest in discipleship and leadership development programs. Help new believers grow spiritually and become actively involved in the life of the church. Provide opportunities for training, mentoring, and spiritual formation.
