Seven Steps for Planting Churches
Infancy The next phase is infancy. The focus shifts from anticipation and expectation to implementation and growth. This phase is a time of either rapid growth or fragile dependence for the new work. The partnering church will need to respond appropriately to either condition. During infancy the new work is developing the structure, leadership, and programs envisioned in the strategy plan.
Church Planting Team
Partnering Church Action Points
INFANCY PHASE • Rapid growth should be taking place.
• Providing positive reinforcement and modeling for the new work.
• A time of teething pains. Do not be afraid to discuss problems and concerns with the partnering church leaders.
• Remember that seemingly small hurdles may appear to be huge barriers for the new church.
• Maintain weekly contact with your prayer team. • Revisit the strategy plan frequently. • Determine which of the immerging personality characteristics of the church are positive and which may be detrimental. Make corrections as needed. • Ensure leadership reproduction is taking place. • Enjoy discovering your unique identity.
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• Continue to have regular contact with the church planter and its leadership. • Avoid comparing the new work to other new churches. This is counterproductive. • Provide weekly photos of the new work to the congregation. • Pray for the healthy development of the new work and for its immerging leaders. • Provide leadership development opportunities for the new work.