REGIONAL CHURCH PLANTING NETWORKS
Often people ask CPI, how do I get from this lofty vision of bringing the Glory and Kingdom of God to my community to the very hard reality of my place of ministry? Often all that is needed is a little more focus, a bit more intentionality in what we do. Church Planting Networks have been instrumental in providing extraordinary support and training to church planters to lead to further church planting.
1. What is a Regional Church Planting Network?
“A Church Planting Network is an intentional Kingdom Partnership between 3 or more church planters and leaders (normally from the same denomination, agency, etc.) to share a common vision or advancing God’s Kingdom in their city and/or region through starting, growing and multiplying churches and to resource one another to help fulfill that vision.”
Q: Are there two others like you in your region that share a similar vision for church planting? With some intentionality and coordination you can expand your vision.
2. Ten Steps to Starting A Network *
1. Pray for Network Partners
2. Identify them
3. Build a Relationship with them
4. Share the Vision with them (Use resources below)
5. Have a Planning Meeting (Use resources below)
6. Ask for a Commitment (within one month).
7. If 2 or more commit (need 3 minimum)-Find a Network Coach
8. Begin Network Meetings
9. Be Flexible (It’s always a MESSY network)
10. Pray
Q: What stage are you at today? What are your next concrete steps in starting a network?
CPI can assist any group with vision materials (#4) and planning meeting content (#5), securing a network coach (#7), as well as ongoing support of network meetings (#8).
* Presented by Dr. Steve Childers at the 2007 CPI National Conference Networking Luncheon.
3. Resources on Church Planting Networks
How to Start & Strengthen New Church Networks ENG v2.1
Ten Steps to Starting a Network Bilingual Handout
Steve Childers audio message at the 2007 CPI Conference on the role of networks in developing Kingdom movement.
(more coming soon)
PLEASE leave a comment to CPI leadership and staff about your current interest and progress with church planting networks.