This course will provide the student with an overview of the theology, theory, and practice of a church-planting ministry. Special attention will be given to a model of evangelism for church planting, to the Pauline cycle, and to contemporary models of church planting.

Course Description

Church planting principles and practices studied with the goal of equipping those who have heard the call to start new churches.

Course objectives:

Upon course completion, the student should be able to grasp the following:

1. Biblical foundations of church planting
2. Key components in the church planting process
3. The essentials qualities and characteristics of an effective church planter that accounts for spiritual formation and spiritual warfare.
4. How to begin developing an effective vision, values, and support network for church planting

Course Requirements

A. Technical RequirementsDownload and install a browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer. We suggest Firefox or Google Chrome. The E-learning system performs better with Firefox or Google Chrome browsers.

B. Academic Requirements

Lessons : Complete the weekly lessons

Assignment

Develop a New Church Proposal – a strategic plan for starting a new church – that includes:

1. A Mission Statement for a new church.
2. A description of a focus group or community.
3. A description of a launch team including specific ministries necessary for launch.
4. A general plan and timeline leading up to a church plant launch.
5. A Discipleship Pathway including key ministries needed to start a new church.
6. An estimated budget for a starting a new churchshould include a good summary of the assigned readings as well as personal concluding thoughts or lessons learned.

Grading Scale

A = 94-100 Excellent
B = 84 – 93 Above Average
C = 74 – 83 Average
D = 64 – 73 Below Average
F = 63 & Below Failure

Required Textbook

Malphurs, A. (2004). Planting growing churches for the 21st century: A comprehensive guide for new churches and those desiring renewal. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Books.

ISBN: 978-0801065149

Topic 1

 Lesson 1 – Introduction to Church Planting

Topic 2

 Lesson 2 – Church Planting in the Ministry of Jesus

Topic 3

 Lesson 3 – Church Planting in the Ministry of Paul

Topic 4

 Lesson 4 – Church Planting Today

Topic 5

 Lesson 5-6 – The Call to Church Planting

Topic 6

 Lesson 7 – The Preparation of the Church Planter

Topic 7

 Lesson 8 – Preparation for Church Planting

Topic 8

 Lesson 9 – The Sending Process

Topic 9

 Lesson 10 – Planting Seed Churches

Topic 10

 Lesson 11-12 Getting Started

Topic 11

 Lesson 13 – The Opening Service

Topic 12

 Lesson 14 – Assimilation and Follow-up Issues

Topic 13

 Lesson 15 – Building Important Relationships

Topic 14

 Lesson 16 – Apostolic Covering

Topic 15

 Lesson 17 – Utilizing Other Ministries

Topic 16

 Lesson 18 – Gaining Respect as a Pastor

Topic 17

 Lesson 19-20 – Common Mistakes Pastors Make

Topic 18

 Lesson 21-22 – Raising Up Likeminded Leaders

Topic 19

 Lesson 23 – Children’s Ministry

Topic 20

 Lesson 24 – The Testimony of a Church Planter