Instructions for Completing a First Draft Church Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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C haracter
C ompetence
C onfidence
We encourage every church leader to purchase a copy of “Falling in Love with the Church,” which is the companion book to New Church University and overviews what we are learning about ReFocusing churches. For more info, see the NCS Resources table.
Welcome to a learning organization, at this learning event! The ReFocus track of New Church University has been designed with you in mind. Upfront, we want you to know we are far from perfect. We continue to learn and adapt to an every changing church world. We have just finished our ninth year of offering the New Church University experience. We have had over 3,000 people who have attended this training. Each time we have learned and adapted the material to the ever changing needs of church leaders. We are sure that we are going to learn a whole lot from you, just as we hope you will learn something from us.
This notebook is not a “finished work.” It is simply a reflection of where our learning is currently at in the whole ReFocusing process. In fact, our desire during this week is that you will help us to perfect it.
As you build your Church Action Plan this week, we ask only one thing from you. Don’t just think about yourself and your church—think about the movement you are a part of. Commit yourself fresh and new, to your judicatory, to your denomination, to whatever family of churches God has placed you in. We hope you will come to love the church as much as Jesus did! He “gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her and make her holy” (Ephesians 5:25).
One of the most important ways you can help the movement you are a part of is to become a learning participant in it. Contribute to it! The copy of New Church Blueprints you hold in your hand today, we hope will look different next year! Why? Because you helped us make it better. If you build an electronic resource (in Microsoft Word format) or see something that should be added or changed to strengthen Blueprints, please let us know. We welcome your comments, reactions and feedback. At the end of the week, thanks in advance for filling out our NCU Evaluation form, so we can serve you better in the future.
In all we do, let’s remember to maintain the spirit that made John the Baptist so great, when he said, “a man can receive nothing unless it is given to him from above…He must become greater, we must become less” (John 3:27,30).
Larry McKain, Executive Director Lonnie Bullock, Chief Operations OfficerNew Church Specialties
New Church SpecialtiesNCS Partner Judicatories & Denominations
It is the commitment and support of NCS Partners who have made possible the development of New Church Specialties and New Church University. NCS Partners are denominations and judicatories who support the continued development of New Church Specialties as a learning organization through contributions, consulting and coaching agreements. With us, they are committed to the starting and strengthening of NewStart, ReStart, ReFocusing and Parent churches worldwide. Below is a list of judicatories and partners we have worked with over the past nine years.
Judicatory or Denominational Leader(s) Judicatory or Denomination
1) Rev. Greg Rickey Alabama North District Church of the Nazarene2) Dr. Roy Fuller Alabama South District Church of the Nazarene3) Dr. Larry White Alaska District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Mike Couch4) Dr. Dan Copp Arizona District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Byron Schortinghouse 5) Dr. Ron Nolan Baptist General Convention of Texas (TFCC) 6) Dr. Danny Gales Canada West District Church of the Nazarene7) Dr. Larry Dennis Central Florida District Church of the Nazarene8) Rev. Mel Rich Central California District Church of the Nazarene 9) Dr. Richard Jordan Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene 10) Rev. Stan Hoover Chesapeake District of the Wesleyan Church11) Dr. Brian Wilson Chicago Central District Church of the Nazarene12) Rev. Dave Ralph Colorado District Church of the Nazarene13) Bishop Emery Lindsay Church of Christ Holiness, USA
Bishop Lindsay Jones14) Bishop Ocie Booker Church of God In Christ - First Jurisdiction of Illinois15) Bishop Charles Blake Church of God in Christ (through ASARB partnering)16) Dr. Ray Ellis Consulting Network of the Free Methodist Church17) Dr. Jim Kraemer Dakota District Church of the Nazarene18) Dr. David Nixon Dallas District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Rob McDonald19) Dr. David Downs East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene 20) Rev. Ron McCormack East Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene21) Dr. John Williams Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region22) Dr. Ron Black General Baptist Association of General Baptists
24) Rev. Jeff Mansell Greater Ohio District of the Wesleyan Church25) Rev. Bob Killen Hawaii Pacific District Church of the Nazarene 26) Dr. Duane Srader Houston District Church of the Nazarene27) Dr. Allen Dace Illinois District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. Jim Spruce28) Dr. Steve Emery Indiana Central District of the Wesleyan Church29) Rev. Richard Shockey Indiana Ministries of the Church of God (Anderson)
Rev. Bob Moss Rev. Doug Talley
30) Dr. Ted Lee Indianapolis District Church of the Nazarene 31) Rev. Ron Kratzer Intermountain District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. Steve Borger32) Dr. Ron Doolittle Iowa District Church of the Nazarene33) Rev. Ron McClung Iowa-Minnesota District of the Wesleyan Church34) Dr. Jim Dillow Joplin District Church of the Nazarene35) Dr. Keith Wright Kansas City District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Jeren Rowell36) Rev. Rick Hudgens Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church
Rev. Ed Rotz 37) Dr. Barry Carpenter Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church38) Dr. Curt Lewis Kentucky District Church of the Nazarene39) Rev. Ron Melton Lamine Baptist Association, Versailles, MO –
Southern Baptist Convention40) Rev. Jerry Ferguson Los Angeles District Church of the Nazarene41) Dr. Gene Phillips Louisiana District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Greg Mason42) Rev. Cecil Jones Maine District Church of the Nazarene43) Rev. Art Alexander Metro New York District Church of the Nazarene44) Dr. Bernie Slingerland Mexico & Central America Region – Church of the
Nazarene45) Dr. Neil Strait Michigan District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. John Seaman46) Rev. Richard Sickles Minnesota District Church of the Nazarene47) Rev. Rob McDonald Mississippi District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Greg Mason48) Rev. Byron Johnson MoArk Association of General Baptists49) Dr. Jim Spruce Nebraska District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. Larry White50) Dr. Woodie Stevens New Mexico District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Barney Baggott53) Rev. Mark Barnes North Carolina District Church of the Nazarene54) Rev. Leon Thompson North Carolina East District of the Wesleyan Church
Rev. Dan LeRoy55) Dr. David Wilson North Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene56) Rev. Orville Jenkins North Florida District Church of the Nazarene57) Rev. Stephen Skinner North Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church
Rev. Tom Schmidt58) Dr. Russell Human Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. David McKellips59) Dr. David Roland Northeastern Indiana Church of the Nazarene60) Rev. John Calhoun Northern California District Church of the Nazarene 61) Rev. Wayne Brown Northern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene62) Dr. Steve Fletcher Northwest District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. Randy Craker63) Rev. Jerry Sloan Northwest District of the Wesleyan Church
Dr. Karl Westfall64) Dr. Lee Woolery Northwest Indiana District Church of the Nazarene65) Dr. Tharon Daniels Northwest Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene66) Dr. Crawford Howe Northwestern Illinois District Church of the Nazarene67) Dr. Everett Piper Oklahoma Wesleyan University68) Dr. Jim Healy Oregon Pacific District Church of the Nazarene
Dr. Keith Wright69) Dr. Steve Babby Pacific Southwest District of the Wesleyan Church 70) Rev. Newell Smith Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene71) Rev. John Kelley Pittsburgh Conference – Free Methodist Church72) Dr. Steve Dillman Pittsburgh District Church of the Nazarene73) Dr. Larry Coen Rocky Mountain District Church of the Nazarene74) Rev. Ron Greeno Sacramento District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Steve Scott75) Multiple Leaders Salvation Army – Central Territory76) Multiple Leaders Salvation Army – Southern Territory
77) Rev. Forest Bush Sierra Pacific Conference – Free Methodist Church78) Bishop David MullenSierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Dr. Dan Berry82) Dr. Duane Srader South Texas District Church of the Nazarene83) Dr. Bob Bedford Southeast Conference – Free Methodist Church84) Dr. Daniel Ketchum Southeast Mediterranean Field Church of the
Nazarene85) Rev. John Denney Southern California District Church of the Nazarene 86) Dr. Garrett Mills Southwest Indiana District Church of the Nazarene 87) Dr. Carl Summer Southwest Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene88) Rev. Bill Carr Upstate New York District Church of the Nazarene89) Dr Tom Nees USA/Canada Mission Evangelism Dept – Nazarene
Dr. Bob Broadbrooks90) Dr. Hugh Smith Washington Pacific District Church of the Nazarene91) Dr. Jerry Pence Wesleyan Evangelism & Church Growth Department
Rev. Phil Stevenson92) Dr. Charles Jones West Texas District Church of the Nazarene93) Dr. Wesley Fredrick West Virginia North District Church of the Nazarene
Rev. Kevin Dennis94) Dr. Mervin Smith West Virginia South District Church of the Nazarene95) Multiple Leaders West Virginia State Convention – American Baptist96) Rev. Orlando Serrano Western Latin American District Church of the
Nazarene97) Rev. Neil Coppen Western New York District of the Wesleyan Church98) Dr. Randy Berkner Wisconsin District Church of the Nazarene
New Church SpecialtiesNew Church University ReFocus Presenters
Dr. Larry McKain, Executive Director of New Church Specialties. Larry has planted four churches, has a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in the area of new church development and is an adjunct professor at Nazarene Theological Seminary. He oversees the NewStart/ReStart training track. He has influenced the starting of over 200 church plants and through NCS, is developing consulting relationships with a number of judicatories and denominations. Larry and his wife Denise live in Kansas City, Missouri with their two children.
Rev. Lonnie Bullock, Chief Operations Officer, New Church Specialties Lonnie has been a pastor serving as youth pastor, associate pastor and senior pastor for over 25 years and successfully led the last church he served through the ReFocusing process two times during his 10 year tenure. He is the director for New Church University. He has coached over 70 pastors through the NewStart, Refocus or ReStart process. He has extensive training and skill in doing behavioral interviewing assessments and church assessments. He oversees the assessment training for District leaders. He also works with several districts helping them develop strategies for a church multiplication movement. He and his wife Karen have two children and one grandchild and live in Mesa, AZ
Darla Elliott, NCS Event registration and assistant to the NCU Director. Darla grew up as a pastor’s daughter. She has served the church working in her denominational headquarters and she has served as a worship leader in several churches. Her most recent assignment was as a worship leader for church plant in Colorado Springs that she and her husband Steve planted. She joined the staff of NCS in January 2005. She and Steve have two children and they make their home in Bethany, OK.
Dr. Dan Croy, NCS Presenter and Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. Dan is a highly gifted communicator that serves the church in a variety of ways. He has served the church as an educator, author and associate pastor. He is currently serving as a professor at Point Loma Nazarene University in California. He speaks at Pastor’s Retreats, District Lay Retreats, and he and his wife Kay also lead Marriage Enrichment weekends. Dan helped launch the MBA program at Mid-America Nazarene University. He also has great skill in strategic planning and has an earned doctorate in Education. He has been a great help and great supporter of New Church Specialties from the beginning. Dan and his wife Kay live in San Diego, California.
Marlys Arnold, NCS Marketing Director. Marlys has been working in the image education field for more than a decade. In addition to experience in both clothing and cosmetics companies, she has trained college students, government representatives, corporate employees, association members, and private individuals how to improve both their personal and corporate images. Marlys joined the NCS team in the fall of 2008. Marlys and her husband make their home in Kansas City, MO
Michael Brown, NCU Prayer Intercession Director. Michael understands and believes that prayer is the key for successful NewStarts, ReStarts, ReFocusing and Parent Church movements. He currently serves as a lead pastor for a ReStart church in Merrillville, IN. He directs our intercession prayer team and prayer strategy for New Church University and is the communication director for the staff intercession team. His wife Joy is a music teacher and they live in Crown Point, IN.
New Church SpecialtiesNew Church University -- 15 Desired Outcomes
The Presentation Team of New Church University has planned the NCU training event to achieve some specific outcomes and results. It is our objective that at the end of NCU, the attendee will have developed a good, beginning, church action plan. The desired outcomes we have identified as important in a good beginning plan are articulated below. It is our hope that by the end of NCU, the ReFocus leader (and team) will have:
1. Confirmed and articulated their call
2. Identified potential Intercession Team members
3. Clearly identified their ministry focus group
4. Articulated the behaviors they believe will be in the lives of people in the church when it achieves a solid measure of church health
5. Written a beginning vision description
6. Written a beginning mission statement
7. Created a beginning recruitment strategy and/or understanding of building a Launch Team or a ReFocus Team
8. Developed a beginning agenda harmony strategy
9. Identified all key relationships needed
10. Identified a beginning timeline & beginning list of critical milestones
11.Developed the beginnings of a ministry flow chart
12. Identified the issues involved in determining the right location or improving the current facility being used
13.Acknowledged and understood the value of an outreach & advertising strategy
14.Made a personal commitment to church multiplication
15.Understand how to write a budget and the how to develop a stewardship development plan
PLUS, through NCU we hope every person that attends will develop increased competence, confidence, and motivation. We believe that great encouragement will develop through both the network groups and the relationships that will be established.
New Church Specialties10 Ways New Church University Training
& New Church Blueprints Is UniqueThere are other church training conferences available to church planters,
refocusing pastors, districts, and denominational leaders today. A simple and very important question to ask is, "How is New Church University different?" In 10 ways:
1. Entrance Requirements & Standardized VocabularyMost church training conferences not only allow but also encourage anyone to come who is willing to pay. That is not the case with New Church University. Persons who wish to attend must meet the following five entrance requirements:
1. Must fill out the Application for Entrance.2. For NewStart, ReStart, and Refocus leaders, they must participate in a formal
or informal assessment and commit to having a qualified coach.3. Must begin developing competency in planting or refocusing by learning the
terminology of NCU. This is done through up-front NCU Competency Exams.4. Must sign and return the Entrance Agreement.5. Must send in half of the tuition of NCU to begin the training process.
Most church training conferences also use new terms or introduce new components to participants during the training event, which takes away precious time. In advance, New Church University captures that time by delivering all of its vocabulary to participants ahead of time and packaging it in such a way that it is easy to learn. 2. Solving the Implementation Problem!One of the greatest problems facing church training conferences today is that great ideas are offered, people are inspired, notebooks are filled, resources are purchased, but when a trainee leaves the event, they don’t have a plan to implement! Most training conferences give suggestions and offer ideas that they hope the planter or refocusing pastor will put into a plan sometime in the future. New Church University is unique in that the whole training event "begins with the end in mind!" That "end" is the planter or refocusing pastor has identified the steps to developing a high quality action plan and he/she knows how to implement that plan. Everything we do at New Church University is designed and is driven toward the achievement of that key objective.
3. Standardizing the Church Action Plan ComponentsMost church training conferences today start trainees with a blank sheet of paper. Church action plans are begun from scratch. At New Church Specialties, we have studied dozens of church action plans in the last five years and have begun to see similar components in all good ones! We then spent over 300 hours distilling and refining the components until we came up with the 15 basic components we use. This standardizing of a church action plan has led to an incredible breakthrough in our ability to keep on perfecting each of the critical components that a new or refocusing church needs to think through and address.
5. First-Draft Church Action Plan Done In AdvanceAt New Church University, because we have set entrance requirements, standardized our vocabulary and action plan components, and deliver portions of New Church Blueprints in advance, trainees are able to begin a first-draft action plan prior to the time they arrive. This advanced thinking, learning, writing and preparation makes a great NCU training event possible!
6. Integrating Church Health PrinciplesChristian Swartz and Rick Warren have promoted and popularized the idea that the 21st century will not focus just on church growth, but on church health. New Church University is built solidly on these principles. We believe every planter or refocusing pastor must envision what the church will look like when it is truly healthy, and then think through the planning and details required to achieve that vision of church health.
7. Focusing on High Quality, Not Just Quantity of AttendeesSeveral leaders have already asked if the material contained in New Church Blueprints will be published and made available for use by districts and denominations. The interest and idea offered was to teach other church planters and refocusing pastors on a "piece-meal" basis some of the components and ideas involved in developing a high quality church action plan. The decision of New Church Specialties on this issue is not to “control” the use of our material. We allow that. However, the passion of NCS is not just to multiply the quantity of the people we touch, but also to insure the quality of New Church University training. We will not compromise what we require up-front, from a planter or refocusing pastor, before they receive New Church Blueprints and attend a training event. We deeply believe that if we focus on high quality, the quantity issue will take care of itself, long-term. For those to whom the price of training is an issue, New Church Specialties is a non-profit educational, coaching, and consulting organization and has from the beginning had an institutional development department. We continue to work at securing funding and grants for planters and pastors who want to come and cannot afford it.
9. Providing Qualified CoachingThere is no national church training organization that we know of that has tackled the task of building a system that delivers highly qualified planter and refocusing church coaches. At New Church Specialties, we have done that. In fact, we ask that all NewStart, ReStart and ReFocus Leaders that attend NCU to commit to having a qualified coach. At NCS, we deeply believe that "what ought to be, can be!"
10. A Never Ending Commitment to Improvement New Church Blueprints is a great church planning resource, but we anticipate that every year, Blueprints will get even better! Because of the unique design of the NCS training system, planters and refocusing pastors will never again have to start their planning with a blank sheet of paper. Every time we plant or refocus a church, we plan to learn how to do it better. At New Church University, we are implementing plans to capture the learning and experiences of every participant, categorize it and pass it on. As Peter Senge so powerfully writes about, our vision too is not just that New Church University will become "a learning organization," but that every district and denomination we work with will become a learning organization as well!
It is important for those who go through New Church University, to understand our view and attitude toward the use of Scripture. We believe "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). But this is not a training event designed to be expositional in nature. We will use the Bible devotionally a great deal, but NCU is not a class in theology or biblical hermeneutics.
Biblical Typology
The apostle Paul sees the Old Testament filled with "symbols" of New Testament truth, explaining that the spiritual food of manna and the spiritual drink from the rock that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness was a type of Christ (1 Cor 10:1-4). He explains that all of these things that occurred in the Old Testament "happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come" (1 Cor 10:11).
The use of typology in biblical interpretation is something we see used a number of times in the New Testament. The book of Hebrews is filled with them, for example: the Sabbath day is a type of the Sabbath-rest for the people of God today (Heb 4:1-11), Jesus is a type of high priest for us (Heb 4:14-5), Jesus is a type of priest following the order of Melchizedek (Heb 5:6-10, 7:1-28), the priest entering the tabernacle in the Old Testament is a type of Jesus entering heaven itself for us (Heb 9:23-26), and all the sacrifices of the Old Testament are types of the complete sacrifice of Christ (Heb 9:11-14).
The Work of the Spirit in Interpretation
It is not our desire at NCU to say that theology or beliefs can come from going beyond the intention of the text within the context of when it was written. The scriptures that prompted our devotional insights may not speak to everyone who reads them in the way they have spoken to us. The purpose of NCU is not just theological, but inspirational and motivational. We begin with the premise that the Bible was not meant only to be interpreted, but was primarily sent from God to be obeyed.
In our work, we are simply endeavoring to do what we believe Jesus did with the two men on the road to Emmaus. He began with Moses and all the Prophets and He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures about himself (Luke 24:27). They only "saw it" when they clearly saw and understood His mission. The mission of Jesus is seen throughout the Holy Scriptures when you have your eyes opened and can see it. We believe the Bible is different from any other book on earth, because it was written by "men who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet 1:21). That same Holy Spirit who authored the words of the Bible so long ago, is also the same Holy Spirit who comes to "guide us into all truth" as we read it today (John 16:13).
The Direct Versus the Applied Will of God This is why at NCU; we feel it is necessary to make a clear distinction between the direct will of God from His Word, and the applied will of God from His Word. The direct will of God in God's Word is a universal truth, something that is absolute for everyone who would ever read it. A simple example of that is, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:14). This is a clear, universal truth that everyone who reads it would understand it as the direct will of God.
But the "applied" will of God is where, through the work of the Holy Spirit, God may speak to one person from a passage in a certain way, and He may speak to another person from the same passage in a different way! John Wesley's rule for correct interpretation of the Scriptures was to compare Scripture with Scripture, for he believed that this would keep a person centered on the eternal truth of God.
Application to NewStart, ReStart, ReFocusing & Parent Church Leaders
The nature of our work calls for beginning with the focus of looking to see what the Scriptures have to say to NewStart, ReStart, ReFocusing and Parent church leaders. We are the ones in our generation who are called by Christ to extend His Kingdom in our day. The extension of the Kingdom of God through the ReFocusing and multiplication of new churches lies at the very heart of the mission of Christ.
It is, therefore, with great relish and in a spirit of prayer that we offer our devotional insights from the Scriptures to NewStart, ReStart, ReFocusing and Parent church leaders. Throughout the world, let us join Christ's movement for extending His Kingdom, until "the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he reigns forever and ever" (Rev 11:15).
Larry McKain, Executive DirectorNew Church Specialties
A Church Action PlanIn his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,1 author Steven Covey says that one habit all effective people have developed is the habit of "beginning with the end in mind." If you want to accomplish something important and significant, you have to envision the end product or end objective, and then begin working backward. For example, if you know that you want to achieve the "detailing out" of a very clear descriptive plan to launch or refocus a church, the completed detailed plan is where you begin. Then you work backward, ask yourself, “what are all the components involved and necessary to be contained in the plan, list them all, and then create them?”
Covey explains that the principle of "begin with the end in mind" is based on the idea that "all things are created twice."2 There is first the mental creation, and then there is the physical creation. But you know what? That idea didn't originate with Steven Covey; it originated with God. Everything you see around you in God's creation first began as a thought in God's mind. God had to think it, before God created it. "God calls things that are not as though they were" (Rom 4:17). "The earth was formless and empty…and God said, "Let there be light" (Gen 1:2-3), "let the land produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants and trees" (Gen 1:11), "let the water team with living creatures…let the birds fly above the earth" (Gen 1:20). Everything God created had to be created twice. First God had to think it, He had to detail it in His mind, and then He had to create it in real life.
The supreme expression of God's creation was man. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…" (Gen 1:26). And when God made us, in His image, He gave us a capacity that He did not give any other of His creation. It is the capacity to create, in our minds! Talk to any builder and they will tell you that in the construction of a home, every detail is created on paper, before you ever hammer the first nail into place. Someone works with the ideas, in their mind, until a clear image of what is to be built comes into view. Then that person reduces the image to a blueprint and construction plans are developed. All of this is done before a single spade of dirt is turned. In fact, if you don't go through the discipline of thinking the details through and you try to make changes once you have begun the project, the cost goes up incredibly.
For years in the church, someone has needed to sit down and "blueprint" the "ReFocusing" of the existing church. At New Church University, this is exactly what we have done and what you are about to embark on. Beginning with the end in mind, (a detailed Church Action Plan), we have identified the 15 major components you need to "think through" and include in building your "blueprint" plan.
1 Steven Covey, The Seven Habits Of Highly-Effective People (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1989)
2 Steven Covey, The Seven Habits Of Highly-Effective People (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1989) p. 99.
The ReFocusing ProcessI. Assessment A. Personal - What does a ReFocus pastor look like? 1. Possesses spiritual gifts that are helpful for refocusing.2. Understanding your personality type will assist you in being more effective in the refocusing process.
3. Character or behavioral traits needed to be an effective refocus pastor.
B. Church – Is the church ready to refocus? 1. Pastoral change is often the best time to begin the refocusing process. 2. Determine where the church is on the life cycle.3. A Church Health Survey will help determine the health of a local church.4. Outside Assessment may be helpful.
II. Renewal A. Personal 1. Vision is born during a time of personal renewal, which begins as a pastor commits to seeking after the heart of God in prayer.
2. Developing and understanding how to lead a church through change will help clarify a vision.
3. An understanding of the 15 components of an action plan will equip the refocus pastor and develop competency in refocusing a church.4. Reading refocus materials will develop a vision of what can be.
B. Church 1. Prayer and the sharing of a renewed pastor’s heart will and must lead to
corporate renewal if a church is to refocus.2. An honest evaluation of the condition of the church will prepare the way for
vision.3. Church leaders must increase their knowledge and understanding by reading
refocus materials. --“Who Moved the Cheese?” Spencer Johnson
III. Preparation and Planning A. Key to the refocusing of a church is to choose carefully the ReFocusing Team. B. The development of high quality Church Action Plan provides the blueprint to move the church to action. (An effective refocus action plan is begun at NCU). C. Find an effective Coach (Contact New Church Specialties). D. Network with other ReFocusing pastors from New Church University.
IV. ImplementationA. The pastor and leadership must understand the process of change in implementing a vision.
B. There are mistakes we can avoid as we learn from each other.C. Evaluating the progress of refocusing keeps the vision fresh (Church Health Consulting from NCS is a good tool, suggested every other year).
New Church SpecialtiesBuilding & Leading A ReFocusing Team
Beginning the building and leading of a ReFocusing Team in a ReFocusing church should only happen after several key factors are in place. They are:
1. A Personal Assessment has been done on the pastor and we are assured that he/she has the gifts & behavioral traits needed to successfully refocus the church.
2. A Church Assessment has been done on the church and it has been determined by the pastor and/or the district/denomination that the church and church leadership is open and ready for the ReFocusing process. This is usually accompanied by a Church Health survey and analysis of where the church is at on the church life cycle.
3. A Pastor’s Spiritual Renewal of introducing him/her to the ReFocusing process has taken place. Both the pastor and church have begun an emphasis on personal and corporate renewal, seeking the heart of God for the church’s future.
We strongly suggest that you recruit and have your Intercession Team in place prior to you beginning to build and lead your ReFocusing Team.
4. The Corporate Spiritual Renewal has begun, but much of what the ReFocusing pastor should do through building and leading the ReFocusing Team is to orient these key leaders to what ReFocusing is all about and what the benefits will be for the church long-term.
Five ideas to help your church see the need for ReFocusing:a. Church Health assessmentb. Church life-cycle determinationc. Outside assessment d. Statistics of church’s growth or declinee. Intercession strategy
Preparation for Refocusing
1. Selecting a Refocus Team
8 Key Questions to Answer in Selecting Your ReFocusing Team
--What are the strengths of the building?--What are the weaknesses?--What do we need to change?--What do we need to build?
VII. How will We Let People Know?--Development of an advertising strategy--Development of an outreach strategy
VIII. What Goals will We Pursue?--What are our short term goals? (12-18 months)--What are our mid range goals? (18-36 months)--What are our long term goals (36-60 months)--What is our plan to accomplish the goals?
IX. What will it Cost?--Develop a budget based on the strategic plan--Develop a stewardship plan to raise the needed money
X. When will We Implement the Plan?--Identify the critical milestones--Determine a timeline to get things done
XI. What is our Accountability Plan?--Detail the plan in writing--Decide the follow up and reporting process
5. How do I report to the board from these meetings?
6. How do I bring the NCU components together to get a high quality strategic plan?
8. What materials should I have the ReFocusing Team and church board read to prepare them?
2. Scheduling & Leading ReFocusing Team MeetingsAs you begin, you must create a meeting schedule for everyone you have selected to be on the ReFocusing Team. When recruiting them, make sure the commitment level of the person is sufficient to make at least 90% or more of the meetings. You will also need to think through and detail out what you will do in each meeting. Thankfully, because of NCS, you don’t have to start with a blank sheet of paper!
Steps to implementation in the church
1. Truth Telling – Creating a sense of urgency
2. Communicate the Mission, Vision and Core Values once completed
3. Communicate the strategic plan (Goals, accountability, celebration)
4. Cast the vision of the needed steps and changes we need to make
5. Pace the Change
--Do personal home visits to key individuals--Teach in key adult Sunday school classes (if applicable)--Include action plan principles in your preaching (use your pulpit)
6. Raise the necessary dollars to see the vision become reality
7. Regularly seek divine moments from God, where He changes people!
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else." -- The Apostle Paul (Galatians 6:4)
Perhaps you've been wondering if you have the abilities and skill it takes to be a ReFocusing pastor. This short self-assessment exercise will help you to become more familiar with the key characteristics that, as we work with ReFocusing pastors, we have come to believe they share. Rate your response level of competence in each of the 8 qualities below (with 5 being the highest).
1. Visionary Capacity – The ability to see what can be. To look at the roadblocks and determine the best path to lead people to experiencing God’s best.
Able to project into the futureCasting VisionTurning obstacle into opportunity
2. Intrinsically Motivated – Motivated to get the job done from the inside out.Commitment to excellencePersistence - sticking to the jobSelf-Starter
3. Creates Ownership for Ministry – The ability to pass the ministry baton.Ministry is theirs not mineTraining reproducible leaders“We” not “me”Creating a sense of responsibility
4. Spousal Cooperation –Teaming together in marriage and in ministry.Balancing of ministry and marriageMutual supportSpouse is “on board” in the refocusing process
5. Commitment to Church Health – The ability to build the kingdom in quantity and quality. Understanding what a healthy church looks likeAccessing church health informationWillingness to analyze current health of local church
6. Responsiveness to Community – The ability to make the gospel relevant to the culture. Able to identify the needs of the communityAble to take an honest look at current ministry as it relates to meeting the needs of a
communityWillingness to re-tool to meet the felt needs of a culture
7. Resilience – The ability to bounce back. The ability to work through brokennessThe ability to come back from disappointmentThe ability to move on after you “hit the wall”
8. Exercising Faith – The ability to translate belief into all aspects of life.Saturating your life with the Word of GodA consistent prayer lifeFaithful giving of your talents, treasure and time to building God’s kingdom
"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else."
-- The Apostle Paul (Galatians 6:4)
Perhaps you've been wondering if you have the abilities and skill it takes to be a ReFocus pastor. This short self-assessment exercise will help you to become more familiar with the key characteristics that research shows effective ReFocus pastors share. Rate your response level of competence in each of the qualities below (with 5 being the highest). 1. Has a visionary capacity. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5
a. is able to project into the futureb. persuasively sells the vision to people c. believes in God’s capacity to accomplish great things
2. Is intrinsically motivated. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5
a. has stick-to-itiveness and is persistent b. has a commitment to excellencec. is a self starter and is willing to build from nothing
3. Ability to create ownership of ministry. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5a. helps others to feel responsible for the growth and success of the ministryb. trains reproducible leadersc. wins the commitment of people to the vision
4. Spousal Cooperation. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5a. has a spouse who is a partner in the ministry according to his/her gifts b. models wholesome family life before the church and the community
5. Committed to Church Health. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5a. understands what a healthy church looks likeb. is able to access church health informationc. willingness to analyze current health of local church
6. Responsive to the community. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5a. understands the culture of the community b. adapts the philosophy of ministry to the character of the communityc. is able to identify the needs of the community
7. Resilience and determination. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5 a. can ride the ups and downs b. can rebound from loss, disappointments, and failures
8. Exercises faith. Are you one who: 1 2 3 4 5 a. believes in the power of God b. has a life marked by expectation and hope
New Church SpecialtiesFruits of the Spirit -- Character Evaluation
"If you profit from constructive criticism you will be elected to the wise men's hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests."
(Proverbs 15:31-32, TLB)
Directions: Please evaluate yourself in the following "spiritual fruit" and relationship areas. One represents that you sense failure in that area. Ten means you feel you are having habitual success in that area. Circle the number that best represents where you would currently place yourself. We will be performing the same evaluation, and will share this with you so we can grow together.
Please bring two copies of your evaluation with you. When we're together, we will swap copies with each other. We will talk together about areas of current growth and needed future growth for working on the launch team. As you read, pray and reflect, review our journey together. Think through steps you feel God might have you take to make even greater progress. Feel free to bring comments, questions and suggestions to our time together.
Fruit of The Holy Spirit At Work
"The fruit of the Spirit is love…" (Galatians 5:22)
1. LOVE IN ACTION: I search out opportunities to care for the launch team and the other people we serve. I ask God regularly to guide me so that the people I work with, feel, sense and know that I genuinely care. I am committed to acting and living out the instructions of 1 Corinthians 13 in all of my relationships with every person connected with the church plant. People who work closely with me see me as a loving, caring person.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"The fruit of the Spirit is…joy" (Galatians 5:22)
2. JOYFUL - My overall attitude is one of contentment and joy. I love who I am and where God has placed me in His service as I grow. I'm free from outward expressions of frustration in my relationships. People who work closely with me see me as a consistently joyful person who encourages those I work with.
"The fruit of the Spirit is…peace" (Galatians 5:22)
3. PEACE & PEACEMAKING - I am committed to living in peace with everyone connected with the launch team. It is my practice to try to bring peace between others who are at odds. I don't stand by and allow division to fester without trying to get involved to bring about resolution. People who work closely with me see me as a peacemaker.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"The fruit of the Spirit is…patience" (Galatians 5:22)
4. PATIENCE - I realize that situations and circumstances the launch team finds itself in during the church planting process will seldom be ideal. I am committed to working with all different kinds of personalities and environments to bring about the best possible outcome for everyone involved with the church plant. I am patient, understanding and not demanding with others on the launch team as we seek to serve the community God has called us to serve.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"The fruit of the Spirit is…kindness" (Galatians 5:22)
5. KINDNESS - I have made a commitment to being a kind person. I have learned not to react or fight back when people criticize (both constructive & non-constructive), or complain to me or against me, even when I feel they are wrong. I practice giving a soft answer to turn away their wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"The fruit of the Spirit is…goodness" (Galatians 5:22)
6. GOODNESS & DISCRETION - I am committed to a high standard of living a good, discretion-filled life. In my actions and reactions toward others, I seek to be wise in what I say and when I say it. As Proverbs directs, I am committed to the development of discretion in every area of my life as a leader connected with the church plant and its launch team. (Proverbs 1:4; 2:10-11; 5:1-2; 8:11-12; 11:22)
"The fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness" (Galatians 5:22)
7. FAITHFULNESS -- PERSISTENCE - I am committed to demonstrating Christ likeness when things get difficult, stressful and at times unpredictable. My faithfulness to God and to others on the launch team is apparent. People on the team can depend on me to always act in a consistent manner and have a consistent attitude. I am committed to faithfulness.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"The fruit of the Spirit is…gentleness" (Galatians 5:23)
8. GENTLENESS - My behavior on the launch team is free from outbursts of anger. I am approachable, easy to get along with, I welcome and appreciate feedback whenever and however it comes, and I don't get defensive when I am corrected or rebuked by others on the launch team or the church’s leadership.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
"The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control" (Galatians 5:23)
9. SELF-CONTROL -- MY TONGUE - I am committed to abstain from slander, gossip, harshness and critical talk that reflects poorly on the character of other people. I am committed to use my tongue to build others up (Eph 4:29), to give words of encouragement (1 Thess 5:11), and to give both help and challenge in bettering the launch team and every person we serve. My tongue is under the Holy Spirit's control.
New Church SpecialtiesLeader’s Commitment To ReFocusing
Evaluate the current level of ReFocusing commitment of your key influencers by using the following categories. First decide which category they are in and then assign a number in that category to that person. Total all the scores and divide by the number of key influencers. This will provide you a picture of your church's ReFocusing readiness.
1-15 = Openly hostile
Actively opposes change on principleSeeks controls to limit or block refocusing effortCritical of any church who refocuses, thinking they are watering down the gospel.
16-30 = Strongly resistantDoes not see the need for refocusing – “we just need to work a little harder, after all it worked in the past”Doesn’t respond to any involvement or is passive about refocusing Threatened by the thought of a refocused churchVotes against giving any support to a refocusing effort
31-45 = Mildly resistantMay publicly support the idea of refocusing, but feels threatened and opposes any major changes in the way we “do” churchIs against giving someone else the responsibility to lead a refocus effort
46-50 = Don’t care, tries to stay neutralIt really doesn’t matter to me
51-65 = Mildly supportiveOpen to the idea we need to refocus, but not sure their church needs itWilling to support the idea of refocusing as long as it doesn’t get personalConceptually supportive of refocusing their church, “but we’re not ready yet”
66-85 = Actively involvedWants to see their church refocus and is willing to help form the planNot threatened by changes needed to refocus the churchWilling to make personal changes and corporate changes needed to refocus
86-100 = Highly committedCommitted to and is the energy behind the refocusing effortRecruits and influences others to be a part of the refocusingActively involved in making sure refocus happens in the church
_____ Personal Score _____ Church Score Date _________
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…if any fellowship with the Spirit…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
Are we doing it the __________ ______________? How do we know?
Peter Drucker
Some church growth concepts are so focused on the ______________ that they fail to
remember the _____________ that produce the fruits.
Biblical Foundation for the importance of Church Health
Mark 4:26-29
Jesus explained what we can and cannot do
We can _________________ the soil.
We can ____________ the seed.
We can _____________ and ____________ up.
We can ________________ the crop.
We cannot ______________ forth the ____________________.
The Church Health Research Project
The Research Project
Models and Principles
“It is no longer possible to design a program, edit a hymnal, produce a curriculum series, offer a study program, train a youth minister, outline the format for a corporate worship service, fashion a church growth strategy, design a staff configuration, or recommend a system of governance that will meet the needs of every congregation.”
8 Characteristics of a Healthy ChurchNew Church Specialties -- Church Health Consulting
Developed by Christian Swartz -- Natural Church Development
"If any man builds…his work will be shown for what it is…and the fire will test the quality of each man's work."
-- The Apostle Paul (1 Cor 3:12-13)
Empowering LeadershipGift-based MinistryPassionate SpiritualityEffective StructuresInspiring WorshipHolistic Small GroupsNeed-Oriented EvangelismLoving Relationships
(A low score in an area causes us to evaluate one or more of the sub areas. These sub areas are the issues the church health survey is designed to measure.)
Empowering Leadership
Match of the pastor and the congregation Delegation and sharing of ministry Leadership through vision Leadership through mentoring and equipping Leading change
Gift-based Ministry Understanding your gifts Matching gifts to the task Significance of the service they are doing Coaching of people--are they being supported, trained and challenged? Gift mobilization system
Effective Structures Organizational structures and systems Leadership oversight Vision, goals and planning Creativity and managing change
Inspiring Worship Feelings of being inspired Care for children (this affects how parents feel greatly!) Life transforming preaching Visitor friendly God-centered and celebrative music
Holistic Small Groups
Atmosphere of transparency, sharing and trust Spiritually oriented Meeting felt needs and relevant to daily life Guest sensitive (in the small groups) Multiplication focus -- of disciples, leaders and groups Active participation of the groups' members
Need-Oriented Evangelism
Personal evangelism Corporate evangelistic strategies Seeker awareness Assimilation of new Christians
Loving Relationships Atmosphere of joy and trust Interdependent relationships Affirmation and encouragement Intentional conflict resolution
At New Church Specialties, we believe the "health" of a congregation can be quantitatively measured and we use Natural Church Development software to do so. For ReFocusing congregations (and new churches 18 months or older), we provide church diagnosis, church health consulting and strategic planning. To receive a church health consultation packet or information about our church health consulting team, contact the NCS Arizona office at 480-659-2547.
New Church SpecialtiesThe Development of Biblical Passion
Two Critical Questions!
1. Is biblical passion (spiritual desire) something that can only be "caught"?2. Can biblical passion & spiritual desire be "taught"?
The Relationship Between Doubt & Spiritual Desire
1. There can and should be _____ _________ or question within your mind that, with God's power, you can achieve those spiritual desires that God has placed within your heart.
2. God would never have given you Christ-centered desires unless He knew you would be capable of achieving them.
3. Each of us has a God-given, built-in "governor." Paul teaches that our abilities and spiritual leadings modify our desires. "God is at work in you, to will and to do, according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). Centered in God's will, your burning spiritual desire CAN and SHOULD become reality!
Six Steps in Developing Biblical Passion
To aid you in the development of your God-given passion, the following are six practical steps you can take to bring God's vision for your life into reality.
1. Begin this process with prayer and waiting on God. Don't just talk, ____________. Record the impressions that God gives you as you seek His vision for your life.
2. Be very _________ and __________ concerning what you believe God wants you to achieve.
3. Determine exactly what He wants _______ to do to achieve it. There is a part that He plays, yes! A big part! But there is also a part He expects you to play.
4. Create a ____________ __________ for achieving your God-given desire. After you have detailed the plan, you must begin putting what God has given you to do, into action. Do not procrastinate and do not sit around waiting for God to begin His part! He is waiting to see if you're serious about your part!
5. In very specific detail, ___________ everything out. The foundational leader of Nazarene Theological Seminary, Dr. J.B. Chapman said, "Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips." Write out these first 5 steps--what you believe God wants you to achieve, determine the approximate
6. Regularly _____________ your God-given plan. Keep perfecting it. Read your plan out loud regularly, seeking to be led by the Lord in His will. And as His Spirit confirms His plans to you, SEE in your mind's eye and FEEL in your heart and BELIEVE with your will that your God-given desires have already begun to be fulfilled and that God Himself is big enough to do it! The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it! (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Through the power of a God-given vision and the SPIRITUAL DESIRE that God grants to those who long for it, God can and does give to people who seek it, that "something" within them which recognizes no such word as impossible and that inner power that accepts no such reality as failure!
Four Key "Passion" Questions
1. HOW is spiritual desire and biblical passion placed within men and women?
2. Is there something we as leaders can do to "birth" spiritual desire in those who follow us within God's Church?
3. Is spiritual desire something that is simply "a gift" from God that some people have and some don't?
4. We know biblical passion can be "caught." Is the development of biblical passion something that can be "taught" as well?
Four Foundational Questions:
1. Where does biblical passion come from?
a. Biblical passion recognizes that its source is _______.
Paul says, "....I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." (Colossians 1:29)
b. Biblical passion will lead us to seek and find ________.
God says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Isaiah wrote, "My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you." (Isaiah 26:9)
a. Biblical passion is created within us by ______ _______.
Jeremiah wrote, "...his word is in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9) David wrote, "…as I meditated in my heart, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue…" (Psalm 39:3-4)
b. Biblical passion must be ___________ _______________.
"The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out."(Leviticus 6:13)
Paul wrote to Timothy, "...I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you...." (2 Timothy 1:6)
3. What are the biblical requirements for developing a passion that is pleasing to God?
a. Biblical passion must focus on _______ _______________ alone.
"How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44)
b. Biblical passion requires ________________.
"...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward..." (Philippians 3:14)
c. Biblical passion requires developing personal __________________.
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
(1 Corinthians 9:25)
4. What are the tangible benefits of having biblical passion?
a. Biblical passion results in a promised _______________ from God.
"Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." (Psalm 119:2)
b. Biblical passion makes us _______________ - ___________________.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
c. Biblical passion creates within us a sense of __________________.
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4)
d. Biblical passion will nourish and _____________________ us.
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish His work." (John 4:34)
e. Biblical passion will cause us to have "_______________ ____________."
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
f. Biblical passion will develop within us, "_________ - _______________."
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
g. Biblical passion keeps our _________________ straight.
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And being with you, I desire nothing on earth." (Psalm 73:25)
Along with these basic biblical principles is the ONE BASIC LIFE PRINCIPLE of Jesus, "If you really want to find your life, you must lose it" (Luke 9:24). Any worthwhile accomplishment in life has a ________ ______ on it.
The desire issue finally reduces itself to one basic question. Desire is measured by...how much you are willing _____ ________ in terms of hard work, patience, faith and endurance to obtain it. Now is the time for you to go for it! Don't wait, act! Spend time in listening prayer. Write down what God impresses on your spirit. And…
No one refocuses a church in a vacuum. If you feel the call of God to refocus a church, there have been a lot of personal, spiritual and family experiences that have shaped you considerably. In this first component, you need to think through and write out things like:
1) What kind of home did you grow up in? How has it prepared you for this task?2) What churches have you been associated with or visited? How have they influenced
you, good or bad?3) In your background, who were the people or what were the events in your life that
influenced you the most toward entering the ministry?4) If married, talk about how your spouse feels about this planting or refocusing "call"
from God that you have?5) What have you learned, or who has influenced you to consider doing this?
In his best-selling book, "The Purpose-Driven Church,” Rick Warren talks about the S.H.A.P.E. that each of us has in God's family. S.H.A.P.E. is an acrostic for the following components in our lives:S piritual giftsH eart or passionA bilitiesP ersonality temperamentE xperiences in our life 3
Doesn't it make sense that if God is calling you to plant or refocus His church, that He has been preparing you for some time to do this? He has been "shaping you," many times without you even knowing He was doing it! The purpose of an informal or formal assessment is not to select you, far from it! God is the one who always does the selecting, not us! As assessors, our job is to simply confirm your "shape."
So what are your spiritual gifts? What do you have a passion to do? What do you want to accomplish with your life? What abilities do you feel God has given you? What kind of unique personality has God equipped you with? And what life experiences have you had? Indeed, what God is shaping you to be, should determine what God wants you to do!
In this first component of your action plan, be sure to also describe how you know that God himself is calling you to plant or refocus this church. If you are not sure yet, don't begin!!! It is the certainty of God's divine call that will hold you steady when everything else seems to be coming loose! So describe the events, the Bible verses, the life experiences, etc. that God has used to confirm His clear call and
3 Rick Warren, The Purpose-Driven Church, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995), pp. 369-375.
"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God!"
-- Gamaliel, A.D. 33 (Acts 5:38-39)
As you consider refocusing a church, the first question that we at New Church Specialties want you to answer is, Why? Why are you doing this? In the past, you have probably known of or heard of people who tackled this task but didn't make it. They seemed to be gifted for the task and the ingredients seemed to be right. Sometimes the church does make it and it survives, but it never really becomes a truly healthy church. Why? In all too many cases, it comes back to the motives that drove the leader in the first place.
So now is the time for you to go deep inside yourself and ask God to reveal to you…your motives. What is it that is driving you to want to do this? Bob Logan and Steve Ogne have developed a worksheet designed specifically for a planter to rate themselves on the motive issue. 4 We have adapted parts of it for your use below. Ask God to reveal to your own heart and your internal motives for wanting to plant a church. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being low and 5 being high), how would you rate yourself in having these distinctive motivations for the church as you envision it? What does God want to say to you in instructing your heart?
Negative Motivations1. Can't get along with some other Christians 1 2 3 4 52. Want to do my own thing - to be in charge 1 2 3 4 53. Want to prove my self-worth or significance 1 2 3 4 54. Have no open doors in any other church 1 2 3 4 55. Just don't like things the way they are 1 2 3 4 5
Total _____Positive Motivations1. Have a deep compassion for the lost 1 2 3 4 52. Have a burden to reach a specific ministry focus group 1 2 3 4 53. Have a deep desire to extend God's kingdom 1 2 3 4 54. Feel the need for the church to reach new people 1 2 3 4 55. Feel a deep, specific, divine call from God to this task 1 2 3 4 5
Total _____
Is your score for negative motivations over 10? If it is, get with one or more people you truly trust and who you know will be very honest and frank with you. Make sure your answers to the "Why?" question are the right ones!
"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
-- Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 4:4)
"Over the last twenty years in ministry, I have developed about 40 life verses that form my foundation for decision-making and provide a real anchor for all I do. They were not developed in a day…when I found a verse that God really used to speak to me, I simply memorized it and added it to the list. You will notice that many of my life verses have been paraphrased in a personal way. I did that simply because it seemed to make the verse more meaningful to me that way.
Many life verses are tied to certain spiritual principles like faith, knowing God's will, having a passion for evangelism, etc. Below is simply a sample list to give you ideas and a format to follow as you begin. I would strongly urge you…do not neglect this part of your development! You are building the foundation for a lifetime of ministry, serving Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus "had food to eat that His disciples knew nothing about" (John 4:32). Maintain a lifetime habit of spiritual feeding!
Larry McKain, Executive DirectorNew Church Specialties
1. Psalms 39:3 - “My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue."
I have learned in my life that meditation on God's word is what develops passion within me. All of my spiritual effectiveness in planting a church is linked to God continuing to develop my passion for Him and His work. That's why this verse has become foundational in my life. 2. Acts 17:26 - “...he [God] [has] determined the times set for me and the exact places where I should live…”
God is the one who determined the day when I was born and He knows the day when I will die. "My times are in His hands" (Psalm 31:10). He also knows the exact place where I am going to live in the future. He even knows my house number. If I am planting a church in the future, God knows who my unchurched neighbors are and He is preparing them already for gospel seeds to be sown in their lives!
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - “I will trust in the LORD with all my heart and I will not depend on my own understanding; in all my ways I will acknowledge him, and he will direct my path.”
I am not wise enough or smart enough to know everything I need to do in planting a church. That's why I must trust in the Lord! I will try my best to develop my understanding, but I will never depend on it solely! God says cursed is the man who depends on himself because in his heart he will then start to turn away from the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5-6). God has promised to direct me if I acknowledge Him.
4. John 15:16 - "You did not just choose me, I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last…"
Think of it! I didn't just choose God, He chose me! I'm not in this planting task because it is simply what I chose to do. I have been appointed by Jesus Christ, and His desire is that I go and bear spiritual fruit, touching people's lives for His Kingdom. This kind of work is eternal…what I am doing will last forever!
5. Jeremiah1:4-5 - “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, {5} "Before I formed you in the womb [of Jo McKain] I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you...”
I did not wake up one day and just decide that I was going to plant a church. Before I was born, God had in mind that I would do this. Before He formed me in my mother's womb, God knew that this would be my calling. I did not discover my call to ministry till I was 20 years old. I never even thought about it until I was that old. But that's not where my call began with God. Before I was ever born, think of it…He set ME apart to do His work! What an incredible thought! Another great verse along this same idea is Isaiah 49:1, “Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name." Wow!
6. Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether your foot turns to the right or the left you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
I'm not prone to hearing voices, I never have been. I have never heard the voice of God with my human ears. But I have heard it clearly in my heart, in my spirit. God has spoken to me several times in my life and given me clear guidance. With every church we have started, He has told us in numerous ways, "this is the way, walk in it." This is a life verse for me. I will continue for the rest of my life to trust the fact that in my spirit, I can keep listening for the voice that tells me the way to go. Another great verse with this same idea is John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them and they follow Me.” If I am Jesus' sheep, He has promised that I can hear His voice!
7. Ephesians 5:25 - "Larry, love your wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...”
I am to love Denise my wife, just as much as Jesus does His church. That's a lot. I am to give myself up for her, thinking about her, serving her, caring for her, not just my own needs. I am to follow Jesus' example (1 Pet 2:21) and that means I should not only give myself up for Jesus, I should also give myself up for what Jesus loves, His church. I, therefore, will choose to love the church, imperfections and all. Jesus loved it, and I will too!
8. 1 Corinthians 12:18 - “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.”
I will never chafe because God didn't make me like somebody else. God made me the way I am, for His purpose. He has arranged the parts of His body and He has put me in the exact place He wants me to be. I am not only content, I choose to be thrilled with where God has put me and how God has made me.
Just like Paul, I have always desired to labor among people that have not yet responded to the gospel, and preaching in a situation where the foundation is being laid for a church to reach people who are lost and without Christ.
10. James 1:5-8 - "When I lack wisdom, I can ask God and He will give it generously to me!…But when I ask, I must do so in faith and not doubt, because when I doubt I am like a wave of sea…when I doubt I can't receive anything from the Lord because I am double-minded and unstable!"
In my life, I have decided that I will live by faith. I will expect God to give me the wisdom I need and I will act in the confidence that comes from God, not just myself. I choose not to be double-minded or unstable. I will choose to live in faith. And faith will continue to develop in my life as I meditate on God's word (Romans 10:17).
New Church SpecialtiesReFocusing – Spiritual Renewal
Personal and Corporate
I. Creating an Environment for Personal Renewal
Vision is born during a time of personal renewal. Learning how to create an environment for personal renewal is critical to leading the refocus effort.
a. Refocus Network
b. Life Long Learning
c. Seeking the Heart of God
d. Focused Prayer
II. Creating an Environment for Corporate Renewal
Effective implementation of a refocus plan will only happen when there is Corporate Renewal happening among the people.
New Church SpecialtiesHow to Mobilize Your Intercession Team
Before a church planter or refocusing leader begins any other kind of activity, the first thing he/she should do is build an Intercession Team. In fact, at New Church Specialties, we believe so strongly in this that we do not encourage a judicatory or denomination to approve a planting or refocusing project unless the church planter or refocusing pastor has mobilized and is communicating regularly with at least 15 people who are covering the entire project in prayer.
Discovery of the Importance of Intercession
Developing an Intercession Strategy
Prayer Is Not Just Preparation For The Battle, It IS The Battle!
"…We do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
-- The Apostle Paul (2 Cor 10:3-5)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
--The Apostle Paul (Eph. 6:12
1. Every church planter and refocusing leader should be committed to personal prayer. 2. Every church planter and refocusing leader should be committed to developing a
prayer ministry in the church that positions prayer as a very high priority.3. Every church planter and refocusing leader should be committed to the formation of
an intercession team prior to the launch of the planting project.
1. Pray and ask God to __________ up intercessors for you as the leader, for your family and for all of the various miracles God will have to perform if the church is to become healthy, vibrant and growing.
2. Begin to ____________________ potential Intercession team members. Take the time to sit down and make a list of individuals who may fit one or more of the following characteristics:a. Who have said they will pray for youb. Who call you and ask for prayer requestsc. Who ask if you have had any answers to prayerd. Who you know to be a person of prayere. Who has received ministry from you, who you really connected with. That is, you
liked them, they liked you and "they carry you on their heart" (Phil 1:3-5,7)
3. Personally communicate with them about how vital prayer is to your success as a leader and ______________ them to join your Intercession Team.
4. Develop the _________________. Agree upon some basic ground rules for running the Intercession Team: a. You will be totally confidential in what people share with you, unless the person
gives you permission to share with the others on the Intercession Team.b. You will regularly communicate with them. (Determine how often.)
5. _________________________ Regularly. Develop a monthly Intercession Newsletter a. This may be done very inexpensively via e-mailb. Make sure you cover both answers to prayer, as well as requests in your
newsletter. The thing that will motivate your Intercession Team to pray more, is God's answers to prayer that have already been achieved!
6. You should ______________ for your intercession team. Pray that God will protect
them and energize them to pray for you and the needs you have. Carrying the value of intercession on your heart is critical!
7. ______________ contact the members of your Intercession Team about every six months, to see if they are active or not, and if they need to be released as intercessors. At that time, you can make the determination if they need something different from you to stay motivated. 5
willing to serve as the Intercession Director. This should be someone who God knits your heart with, who would assist you in the intercession task and also who would be someone you could call when you need someone to cover you in prayer immediately as situations in the church arise that need God's intervention.
9. In your Intercession Newsletter, focus your communication on the building of dependence on God in the church planting task. All too many planters are activists and their first response in crisis is to panic and ponder how they are going to solve the problem. In so doing, they choose to live like practical atheists. To be an effective church leader, in the crises that will come, you should run to God as a FIRST option, NOT as a last resort!
10. Share the _________________. As you begin this planting or refocusing project, take some time to think through all of the miracles from God that you are going to have between now and the time the church is healthy, refocused, and has parented a new church. If you can help your Intercession Team to clearly see the vision from God that needs to be fulfilled, they can pray much more intelligently and purposefully.
“Prayer is far reaching in its influence and worldwide in its effects. It affects all men, affects them everywhere, and affects them in all thins. It touches men’s interest in time and eternity.”
E. M. Bounds
Remember! We can't save anyone. Our role is to simply help create the atmosphere where a divine moment between the Holy Spirit and an individual can take place. In the creation of these "divine moments," prayer is critical!!
New Church SpecialtiesProbable Objections & Barriers
“A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.”
(Proverbs 27:12, LB)
"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that…hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I my finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me."
--- The Apostle Paul (Acts 20:23-24)
So you feel that God has called you to refocus a church? Praise God! But that does not mean that you should move into this project with your eyes shut! It doesn't matter how ideal you may think your situation is. There are probable objections and barriers that exist that you haven't thought of yet. The purpose of this exercise is to trigger your mind to think of these potential problems before they arise, so you can address them and deal with them like a well-prepared leader should.
Even though we think everybody should, not everybody believes as strongly as you in the need for what you are doing. Lay people may not understand. Other barriers will invariably arise. In some extreme cases, there may even be district or supervisory personnel who will view what you are planning to do with suspicion until you have proved yourself. That's not the way it should be! But sometimes as you begin to do a great thing for God, you are given the responsibility of moving things from the way they are, to the way they should be! Now is the time for you to decide you will do it, with joy!
Below is a series of objections and barriers that ReFocusing pastors have faced before you. What probable objections or barriers do you potentially see arising in the particular place you are called to ReFocus?
ReFocusing Objections:
1. Some people may think, “the church is ok just the way it is”. They don't see the need for change. This is something you must be able to deal with, with firmness and grace.
2. Some people may think you have no right to begin planning for changing their church. You must be able to deal with this issue as well, and assure them that at the heart of the matter, you have the church's best interests always in mind.
3. Some people may think that your plan to ReFocus the church will cost too much. You must demonstrate why the money they spend will be a great investment in their future.
that Jesus is the one who promised to build His church, not us. It's not up to us, it is His work! We're simply to follow him as He reaches out.
5. Here are some of the attitudes you may run into with people who are more concerned with guarding and keeping "church" the way they have it:a. Fear rather than faith for a great futureb. Safety rather than the sacrifice change requiresc. Complacency rather than compassion for the lostd. Isolation rather than involvement with kingdom expansione. Lethargy rather than "aliveness" with Christ's mission
Other ReFocusing Potential Barriers:
1. Negative past history in the church you must overcome2. Lack of money3. Lack of people you know to be able to form a ReFocusing team4. The list can go on and on.
Do not let these barriers dampen your spirit or hinder your faith. But many NewStart, ReStart and ReFocusing pastors are so faith-filled and optimistic that they have a hard time seeing reality! Don't be among their number! Understand the probable objections and barriers you may face and think them through.
Jesus & the Church are One: Paul’s experience in meeting Jesus led him to this attitude-changing conclusion: “Any wrong I do to the church, in God’s eyes I do to Jesus.”
I. Understanding Our _____________________________
A. Many are highly _______________________ of organized religion.
B. George Gallup says that over 40 million Americans today have ______________
without _____________________________.
C. Our call as church leaders is to teach our generation it is God’s will that they
embrace, fall in love with, and _____________ themselves ____ for that
______________ group of people Christ gave Himself up for----the Church!
II. Understanding God’s ______________________
A. The solution for this “culture” problem regarding commitment to Christ’s Church,
as for any problem within the church, is _________________________
________________________ from the Word of God. (Matthew 22:29)
B. Both Jesus and God ________ perfect. The Church, the physical expression of
Jesus in the world today, _____ _____ perfect! It is important that we teach that
this is NOT a surprise or a discouragement to God!
C. Jesus ____________ His church would be imperfect when He planted and
refocused the very first one in Jerusalem!
1. The treasurer was ________________. (John 12:6)
2. One of them _____________________ Him. (Luke 22:47-48)
3. When needed, they ______________! (Matthew 26:40)61
4. The “board” __________________ Him... (Matthew 26:55-56)
5. The key leader ____________________ Him. (Matthew 26:75)
D. If this happened to Jesus as the leader, we can certainly expect there will be
many kinds of _______________ that every new or refocused church will have
because of ________________ people.
E. Yet even though they hurt Him, Christ ___________ _____________ ____ for
this group of imperfect people! His Church! (Ephesians 5:26)
F. He did so because He knew THE ONLY WAY that local churches would
become healthy all over the world, is by people following His example and
________________ ________________ ______ for the Church.
III. Understanding Christ’s ___________________________
A. Salvation is an individual choice we make, but God’s Word teaches that Jesus
sacrificed Himself for _____________ than just my ___________________ sin.
B. Jesus died for ______ ___________ for He realized that only as I, as a
Christian, walk in harmony with God’s Church, can I be “made ____________
and _______________" by God’s word as I should. (Ephesians 5:26)
C. When I fall in love with the Church, I am falling in love with ________
__________________ that God has chosen to bring salvation to the world, and
the _________________ God has chosen to use to prepare me to meet Him!
D. “His intent was that now, ______________ ___________ _____________.
the manifold wisdom of God should be made known...” (Ephesians 3:10)
At times in this new or refocusing church, your relationships may get frayed or injured. A leading pastor or a denominational superintendent may disappoint you. The people you are giving your life for, may deeply hurt you. What should you do? Remain sweet. Pray for them. Most important, never stop loving what Jesus loves. He loves the Church!
Because of the high importance of this teaching, Dr. McKain has written a book on this subject, “Falling in Love with the Church.” You may order it from NCS Resources.
New Church SpecialtiesYour Ministry Focus Group…And Jesus!
"Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel."
-- Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:5-6)
"God who was at work in the ministry of Peter…to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry (Paul) …to the Gentiles."
-- The Apostle Paul (Galatians 2:8)
5 Common Questions to Establishing a Ministry Focus Group
1. Why have a Ministry Focus Group?
One of the great challenges a church planter or refocus leader faces is, "How do I have a "target group" or a ministry focus group and not exclude people? We've talked to planters and pastors who want to reach young families that are 25-45 with small children. They also want the financial support of several couples that are 45-65 years old without children! So how do you communicate that this "target" is right? How do you gain support from the older group and get them to enthusiastically commit to assist with this exciting NewStart, ReStart or Refocusing project? (Also we need to realize in some parts of the country, new churches are being planted and churches are refocusing where the ministry focus group is seniors!)
2. Why can’t we just reach everyone?The only way this can be done effectively is to share with the older couples that the idea of having a ministry focus group is not just your idea. It is biblical! Jesus believed in it and He practiced it! In fact, when He selected His first twelve disciples and sent them out to preach, He gave them a very specific target to begin with.
3. Didn’t Jesus try to reach everyone? Was Jesus selective?It was not that He didn't want to reach everybody! He later told this same group of disciples they were to "make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). The issue wasn't one of desire, it was one of timing. The principle every planter and refocusing leader needs to communicate to that "older group" is that the ministry focus of Jesus (and our church as well) begins very specific and narrow. Then as the ministry base broadens and resources allow, our ministry focus can expand naturally as a result.
4. If I announce a ministry focus group, won’t I be excluding people?
5. What do I do with people I have who don’t fit the Ministry Focus Group?
What did Jesus teach?
Matthew 10:5-6 says, "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel." At the beginning, Jesus knew that if they tried to reach everybody they wouldn't reach anybody.
What did Paul teach?
Galatians 2:8 says; “For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry an apostle to the Gentiles.” (NIV)
7. What can we do to attract the attention of our ministry focus group?
8. What ministries will meet the "felt" and "real" needs of our ministry focus group?
You Must Connect with the Ministry Focus Group
A. How to Build a Prospect List
B. How to Develop a Prospect List
C. What happens if your team does not include Ministry Focus Group?
D. Listening to the Unchurched Survey
a. How long have you lived here?b. Are you an active member of the local church?c. Why don’t you think most people don’t attend church?d. What are the kinds of things the church needs to have?e. What advice would you give us?
New Church SpecialtiesBuilding a Prospect List by "Listening"
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…" (James 1:19)
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" -- Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 8:8)
A big question that many church planters and refocus pastors ask is, "How do I locate responsive people?" It is important to notice that Jesus' words about "hearing" are placed right in the middle of the parable of the sower. A major life principle that you cannot violate is that before you talk, you have to first earn the right to do so, by listening.
Responsive people today can be "listened to" through telemarketing. They can also be "listened to" effectively through personally "farming a neighborhood." In most settings, the personal approach needs to be done by the planter, simply to "connect" with the ministry focus group, identify who they are, what they think, how they feel, etc. At New Church Specialties, we encourage every planter and refocusing pastor to take at least 200-250 homes and "listen" to unchurched people before they develop their strategy in depth. Many, many mistakes can be eliminated if we first "listen" before we talk. The following is a simple explanation of how to do it.
1. Identify your target neighborhood or group of homes. 2. Use the Listening to the Unchurched Survey on your initial visit.
3. Sort out the unchurched families from your visiting and write name, address and any family info you can, on a simple prospect information card.
4. Offer to help in any way, even if they plan never attend.
5. Start a newsletter, geared to those unchurched families.
6. Make contact with them by mail, once a month.
7. Phone them occasionally, saying, "I was sitting here at my desk, you came to mind and I thought I'd just give you a call and see how things are going in the family."
8. Don't forget an occasional follow-up visit to those you sense are truly responsive.
9. Keep all information you find out about the family, on that simple prospect information card. When you call them, have it in front of you, so you can know details about them personally, with data and information from your previous calls.
10. As you go sowing the seed, be praying that the Lord will open people's hearts! Believe that as you go, He is already choosing those people that He wants a part of the church. If you are faithful to go, He will build His Church (Matt 16:18).
Tips in Using the Survey The purpose of the unchurched survey is to get you and the unchurched people in the community communicating with one other. It identifies those who are unchurched and also offers you an opportunity to begin building a relationship with them. Remember that if you make a favorable impression, word will spread about you!
It is important for the surveyor to memorize the opening and closing lines, and carry a pad of paper to write down ALL the information each interviewee gives you. Include personal comments about the person that will help you remember them personally. Use some kind of street canvass record to maintain a record of each home you have surveyed, for this is important in follow-up. At periodic survey breaks, transfer the information about your good prospects to the prospect information cards while the details are still fresh in your mind.
The real secret in using this survey is to BE A GOOD LISTENER! If you listen to a person talk to you for 10-15 minutes, at the end they will probably ask you the question, "Well, tell me about your church." Then you will have about 45 seconds to "communicate" the vision of the church to them. Before you go, decide and memorize what you will say about the church to them. This is important! At the end of the conversation, after every person you talk to, look that person in the eye, speak your closing line, and mean it!
New Church Specialties"LISTENING TO THE UNCHURCHED" SURVEY
"Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full." -- Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 14:23)
OPENING: (memorize this!)Hello, Mr./Mrs. ___________? My name is _______________ from the _______________ Church. We're taking a brief community needs survey and wondered if you'd offer your opinion on five real quick questions. We'd sure appreciate your help. (If there are any questions you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to.)
QUESTIONS: (read these)
1. How long have you lived here?
2. Are you an active member of a church here in the area, and if so, how often do you attend? a. Once a weekb. Twice a monthc. Once a monthd. A few times a year
[If they are a or b, say, “Well, we’re trying to listen to people who don’t attend church regularly, thanks for your time. Have a great evening.] [If they are c or d, continue]
3. Why do you think most people don't attend church today? (the statistics in our area tell us about 65% of the population doesn’t)
4. If you found a church that was so alive and exciting that it motivated you to attend, what are the kinds of things that church would have to have?
5. What advice would you give us as being part of a church reaching out to people? 6
[When they ask you, tell me about your church….] Our next special service is April 23rd, on Easter. Would you mind if we simply put you on our mailing list just to keep you aware of what’s going on?
[If you really connect with someone and it feels right, ask them about praying for them.]
** Do you or your family have any specific needs that we can pray for, that you’d like God to meet in your life? (use this as God opens the door at the end)
CLOSING:
"Well, my name is __________ my wife/husband is _________, we live over here in _____________. We want you to know that even if you don't attend our church, if you're ever in a crisis, or you ever need a pastor, feel free to call __________ Church anytime. Our pastor is ___________ and our phone number is here on the brochure, ____-______.
New Church SpecialtiesMinistry Focus Group Worksheet
"…we traveled to Philippi…the leading city of that district…And we stayed there several days." -- Paul's attitude toward demographics (Acts 16:12)
Age Range: ____________ Income Range: _______________Marriage Patterns: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number of children: ____________ Percent of spouses who work: _____ %Ethnic group/national origin: ___________________________________________Education: _________________________________________________________Typical occupations: _______ _______________________ ________________________________________ _______________________ ________________
% of those who own: _______ % of those who rent: __________Lifestyle: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Type of music listened to: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Major social concerns: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Major felt needs: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Basis for social relationships: (ethnic group, family, recreational activities, etc.)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Other important characteristics: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One paragraph that describes your ministry focus group: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Some demographic information for your community may be found at www.nazareneresearch.org. Because of our partner relationship with Percept, we encourage all
of our Partner Judicatories and NCU attendees to use their services. For information, call Percept toll-free at (800) 422-6277.
What is a Mission?A church’s mission is a broad, brief biblical statement of what the ministry is supposed to be doing.This definition has five components:1. A mission is broad. It’s not as detailed as a vision statement. Instead, it is
broad, overarching, and comprehensive in nature.
2. A mission is brief. Peter Drucker says that it should be short enough to fit on a T-shirt. It should be no more than one sentence. This makes it memorable.
3. A mission is biblical. The church must take its mission from the Savior as found in His word.
4. A mission is a statement. You should articulate your mission in a written statement. If you can’t write it down, then you don’t have one.
5. A mission explains what the church is supposed to be doing.
What is the Church’s Mission?The church’s mission is the Great Commission found in such passages as Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, and Acts 1:8. According to Matthew 28:19-20, the gist of the Great Commission is to make and mature disciples.
How Do You Develop a Mission Statement?To develop a comprehensive, biblical mission statement, take the following four steps:
Step #1: Determine the church’s mission.
Ask: What are we supposed to be doing according to the Bible?The answer for a church is the Great Commission. It must be at the core of every church’s mission statement.
Step #2: Articulate the Mission in writing.
Ask: What is the simplest, most powerful and most memorable way to articulate the mission statement? Most people don’t understand Matthew 28:19-20. They have different definitions of a disciple. Therefore, you will need to personalize the Great Commission for your church. An example is the mission statement of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, Illinois:“Our mission is to turn irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” Note that Willow defines a mature disciple as a “fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.” How would you define a disciple for your church?
Ask: Is your mission statement broad but clear?Show your mission statement to some of your people. Do they understand it?
Step #4: Word-smith the Mission
Ask: Is your mission statement short and memorable?Can you remember your mission statement? After you show it to others, do they remember it?
Step #5 Keep the Mission short and memorable
Ask: Will the Mission statement fit on a t-shirt?
The following are some examples:
Our mission is to make and mature believers at home and abroad.
Our mission is to know Christ and to make Him known.
Our mission is to present Christ as Savior and pursue Christ as Lord.
How Do You Effectively Communicate Your Mission Statement?
It’s imperative that church leaders give some thought to how they’ll communicate their mission. Your church might develop the finest, most biblical mission of any church that’s ever existed. However, it you don’t communicate that mission to the present congregation as well as your potential congregation -those who’re thinking about coming on board, then it does you no good.
The following are some ways to communicate your mission.
1. Your life communicates your mission. Remember that people are watching you. You must live or incarnate the mission.
2. Place the mission statement in a frame or on a banner and put it in a place
where all can see it.
3. Condense the mission into a slogan and put it in the bulletin, on stationery, etc.
4. Put your mission on wallet-sized cards and give them to all your people to keep with them.
mission on it. When finished, ask them to place it in their wallets or purses. Every time they go into them, they will see the scrap and be reminded of the mission.
6. Put your mission on T-shirts and give them to your people.
7. Produce several mission-casting skits or write a mission song and perform them during the worship service.
8. Start a cartoon series that features the mission. Use some of your young people to accomplish this.
1. They ____________________________ministry distinctive.
2. They ______________________ personal involvement.
3. They ______________________ what’s important.
4. They _____________________ overall behavior.
5. They ______________________ people to action.
6. They _________________________ credible leadership.
7. They _____________________ ministry character.
What is a Core Value?
1. Core values are _______________________ They are long-lasting and thus change very slowly (takes two or three years to change). What are the implications of this for refocusing churches?
2. Core values are ________________________They stir your emotions. You feel strongly about them. What stirs your emotions? What stirs your peoples’ emotions?
3. Core values are _________________ They are convictions that you hold as true.
4. Core values ____________________ the church. They dictate the church’s actions -what it does and doesn’t do.
What are the Different Kinds of Values?
1. Values can be _________________ or ______________________.Leaders must move values from the unconscious level to the conscious level so that they are aware of them.
2. Values may be ___________________ or _______________________. Shared values in a ministry results in common cause and ministry success. Unshared values result in all kinds of problems. Make sure that people understand and share the church’s values.
level. The church planter’s personal values will likely become the church’s organizational values. The refocus pastor’s values may agree with or conflict with the church’s values. This is a factor in whether or not the refocusing pastor should take the church.
4. Values may be __________________ or ____________________.The values that the church actually practices are its actual values. The values the church doesn’t but should practice are aspirational. For many churches, evangelism is an aspirational value. You should be aware of which is which and move the church toward adopting healthy, biblical values (Acts 2:42-47)..
5. Some values are ________________ while others are ______________.Strong values are held broadly and intensively.
What do we do when we discover there are gaps between existing Core Values and Biblical Core Values
1. Understand the difference between Aspirational and Actual Values.
2. Clearly Define Behavior that will cause the value to move from aspirational to actual.
3. Communicate the Core Values often and consistently.
How Can You Articulate Values?
There are numerous ways to articulate and communicate the church’s values. You would be wise to develop a credo or values statement. Limit yourself to 6 - 10 value statements. The following samples are taken from credos and demonstrate two ways that others have done this. Use one of these formats or come up with your own and create a credo for your church.
The Jerusalem Church Core Value Statement
1. We value biblical teaching (Acts 2:42-43).2. We value fellowship (Acts 2:42).3. We value prayer (Acts 2:42).4. We value community (Acts 2:44-46). 5. We value Compassion/Hospitality (Acts 2:45)6. We value worship (Acts 2:47).7. We value evangelism (Acts 2:47).
Willow Creek Core Value Statement1. We believe that anointed teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individuals’
lives and in the church.2. We believe that lost people matter to God, and, therefore, ought to matter to the
church.3. We believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining
doctrinally pure.4. We believe that a church should operate as a unified community of servants
stewarding their spiritual gifts. We value evangelism.5. We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.6. We believe that life-change happens best in small groups.7. We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people.8. We believe that churches should be led by those with leadership gifts.9. We believe that full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer.
Northwood Community Church Core Value Statement (two of twelve)1. CHRIST’S HEADSHIP
We acknowledge Christ as the head of our church and submit ourselves and all our activities to Him (Eph. 1:22-23).
2. BIBLICAL TEACHINGWe desire to teach God’s Word with integrity and authority so that seekers find Christ and believers mature in Him (2 Tim. 3:16).
What are the Core Values of a Healthy Church?It’s helpful to have a picture of what a healthy, biblically functioning church looks like. In Acts 2:41-47 Luke provides us with a brief but powerful snapshot of the Jerusalem Church that was a healthy, dynamic first century ministry. In verse 42, Luke says that this church “devoted” themselves to at least six core values: Biblical teaching, fellowship, prayer, community, worship, and evangelism . Some values not mentioned in chapter 2 would be family and leadership as well as other values. If the church would own these values, they will function biblically and have a significant impact on our world for Christ.
Christian Schwarz in his book, Natural Church Development mentions eight characteristics of a healthy church that serve as a great outline for the development of Core Values. Those eight characteristics include:
1. Passionate Spirituality2. Gift Based Ministry3. Empowering Leadership4. Inspiring Worship5. Effective Structures6. Holistic Small Groups7. Need Oriented Evangelism8. Loving Relationships
A description of those characteristics will be shared in detail in the second part of the presentation of Core Values.
How do you implement your values?
1. Identify values misalignments
2. Implement aspirational values by identifying behavior and implementing.
Directions: This is a “prime the pump” exercise to help you discover your ministry’s core values. How much does each attribute below characterize your church’s values?Rate each from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest). Work your way through the list quickly, going with your first impression. You should not give too many 5’s.
____1. Friendships____2. Teachers____3. Bible preaching/teaching____4. The poor & disenfranchised____5. Technology ____6. World missions____7. Risk taking____8. Scripture____9. Well-kept facilities___10. Encouragement___11. Financial responsibility___12. Relationships___13. Servant leadership___14. Status quo___15. Adaptation___16. Membership___17. Proactivity___18. Cultural relevance___19. Prayer___20. Excellence/quality___21. Community (caring for one another) ___22. Evangelism___23. Team ministry___24. Creativity___25. Family___26. Organization___27. Grace-orientation to life___28. Worship___29. Innovation___30. Spiritual maturity
Write down all the core values that received a rating of 4 or 5 (no more than 8-10). Rank these according to priority (place the number 1 in front of the highest, 2 in front of the next highest, and so on). I would suggest that you limit your core values to eight or ten at the most.
"Then the Lord said, "Write the vision down and make it plain on tablets so that those who read it may run with it…if it lingers, wait for it. It will come…but the righteous will live by faith."
-- God (Habakkuk 2:2-4)
"Vision describes what you believe God wants this new church to become."
Lessons from Habakkuk
1. You must _______________ your vision down.
2. You must make it ___________ to read.
3. If you do, _____________ can ___________ with it.
4. In vision, ______________ is everything.
5. ____________ for your vision to ________________.
Understanding Vision Development
1. All things are created _______________. (Romans 4:17)
2. There is first ________________ creation, then ______________ creation follows.(Genesis 1:3,11)
3. Because we are made in God’s image, we have _______________ capability.(Genesis 1:26)
Individual vs. Shared Vision
Individual Vision – is the _______________ of the future a person carries around about themselves.
Shared Vision – is the ________________ of the future a group of people carry around about themselves. (Example: Acts 16:10)
3. I can _____________ what God is ___________________, especially His
_______________ for me.
4. God is more anxious to _____________ His _______________ than even I am to seek it!
How Do I Develop God's Vision?
1. Begin by __________________ to God.
Ask Him for His specific vision and unique calling for this local church, at this time in history, to the ministry focus group you are called to reach.
2. ______________ yourself to other churches and church leaders who have clear
God-given visions.
You cannot copy their vision, God must give you a personal one. But you can learn from them. Seek to understand how other people's vision has developed. Read other people's visions. Ask God to ignite clear vision in you as well.
3. ________ around with visionary people!
Vision ignites vision, passion ignites passion.
4. _____________ your vision as it emerges.
Most of the time, vision does not come all at once. It's like a Polaroid photo. It will begin fuzzy but will become clearer and clearer as time goes on, as you perfect and adjust it. Over time, other people who are "like-minded" with you and share your heart, will add to your vision and will help to clarify it.
God reminds us, "Write it down…if it lingers…wait for it. IT WILL COME!…" Writing your vision down is critical! If you are seeking God's vision and it still seems vague to you, stay open to what God wants to teach you through the people He puts into your life.
A Clear Vision from God….
Is a picture of what the new church will look like in the future (3-5 years).
Gives people a mental image and a visual picture that is highly motivating!
Describes how persons from the ministry focus group will be reached.
A Place to Begin….
1. A diary entry, e-mail etc.
2. Begin visualizing the future.
3. Answer the 20 Questions.
4. Look through the eyes of someone from you Ministry Focus Group.
New Church SpecialtiesExercise To Do In Describing Your Vision
"Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass both through your lips and your fingertips." -- J.B. Chapman
Write a diary entry, written by a new person who visits your church on the 5th anniversary of your church or after 3 years into the refocusing process. There should be a demographic match to the unchurched, unsaved target group you are trying to reach. In the diary entry, answer the following 20 questions. [Feel free to expand and talk about 6 months down the road in this person's life as well!]
1. Is this a single person? A married couple? Are they alone or do they have children?
2. How did they hear about the church? 3. What do they see when they drive down the road toward the building?4. What do they see when they pull into the parking lot?5. What do they experience when they walk up the sidewalk to the front door?6. What do they hear, see and feel when they step into the foyer area? 7. Who is there to greet them?8. What do those people say?9. What happens to their children?10.What happens as the service begins?11.What is this new person feeling as they go through the service?12.How does this new person accept Christ?13.What do they experience after the worship service is over?14.What are their reactions to the impact your church has made on the community
over the last 5 years?15.What do their children (if they have kids) say as they are walking out and getting
into the car to leave?16.What do they say to each other?17.Who contacts them from the church in the first 48 hours after they visit?18.What do they tell their relatives and friends about the church?19.What impact does the church have on their home after the first week?20.What conversation do they have that makes them want to come back for week
number two?
There is a direct relationship between the development and practice of your vision and effective recruiting conversations!
"…O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." -- Elisha (2 Kings 6:17)
CrossRoads Community -- Kearney, MO
Diary entry for first time visitor at 5 yr launch anniversary: Blended family: Johnny - age 45, Sue - age 39, Jenny - age 15, Jason - age 12, Timmy - age 8.
March 26, 2007
Dear Diary,Today we went to church. No kidding! We went to Sarah's church. She's been
trying to get Johnny and me to visit her church for months now. "Just try it once," she always says. "I know you'll like it." You know, she was right! The church wasn't hard to find. I've seen their sign out on Hwy 92 for months. I'll have to admit that I was a little nervous as we pulled into the parking lot of One Liddle Step. I could tell that Johnny was even more nervous than me. But my nervousness was soon replaced with surprise. The parking lot was packed!
We had arrived a few minutes early for the 11 am service. People were coming and going because the early service was just letting out. They had people directing traffic, which made it easy to find a place to park. We had only walked a few steps when we received our first "hello" and handshake from one of the parking lot people. When we arrived at the front door, a young couple greeted us warmly, handed us a worship folder and made sure we knew where to go (in a nice way, I mean). They showed us where the church service was held and directed us to the area where kids Timmy's age would be meeting part way through the service. They even pointed out the location of the restrooms.
We found a seat downstairs where the service was to begin in a few minutes. There was upbeat instrumental music playing over the PA as we looked through the worship folder and read the announcements that were being projected onto the wall. Sarah saw us and came over and gave me a big hug. She introduced me to her husband and her two kids. Each of our kids recognized kids they knew from school. Seeing people we knew took the edge off for all of us. I couldn't believe I was feeling so comfortable in church after all these years.
The pastor began the service with a cute story that made us all laugh. Then the church band began to play. They projected the words to the songs onto the wall with beautiful scenic pictures as a background. Johnny and I looked at each other and grinned. This wasn't the kind of music I remembered hearing in church. This was fun! They sang songs I had never heard before but the music and words were so catchy I found myself joining in.
One person stood up front and told about the difference Christ had made in his life and in his family. You could tell he wasn't a public speaker, but he spoke with such
conviction and passion that we were all moved. They did a funny little puppet thing for the kids, then Timmy and the rest of the kids went to separate rooms for their own classes. I asked Timmy if he wanted me to go with him for awhile since it was his first time, but he said "Naw, I'll be ok" and went upstairs with the other kids his age.
Before the pastor stood up to speak, they did a little drama sketch. We were laughing one minute and crying the next. Everything this church does is done so well. We were really impressed. The pastor was just beginning a new series called "Hope for Today's Family." I noticed that in two weeks his topic would be "How to Survive in a Blended Family". Johnny and I have only been married for 2 yrs and it has been a little rocky at times. I was very interested in what the pastor might say that could help us. The more the pastor spoke today, the more I sensed he was talking to me.
At the end of the service, the pastor prayed and invited anyone who wanted to turn their life over to Christ to pray silently with him. As I bowed my head to pray, tears ran down my cheeks. I couldn't believe what was happening inside me. "Today I prayed to receive Christ" - that's the box I checked on the back of the card I put in the offering plate. I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off of my shoulders. I have new peace and joy that I've never known before. Several people greeted us and told us "thanks for coming today" as we made our way to pick up Timmy from his class.
As we got in the car and headed home there was a burst of excitement in the car. It was unanimous. Everyone wanted to go back next Sunday - even Johnny. If only church had been like this 20 yrs ago - I never would have stopped going! Thank you, God, for putting Sarah in my life and for using her and her church to bring me back to You!
Written by: Brett Toole, Restart Pastor
CrossRoads Community Church of the NazarenePhone: (816) 628-5258
New Church SpecialtiesHow To Develop Your Vision "Snapshot"
How To Develop A 30 Second To 30 Minute Vision Snapshot
1. You must write out and practice a succinct summary of your vision and mission.
2. It should be a clear story of what is driving you to do what you are doing.
3. It should include the divine call component of your plan and should communicate the deep passion you feel about what you are doing.
4. It should include testimony to how God is already at work.
5. You should know this vision description so well that you can give it to anyone, at any time, anywhere you have the opportunity and someone asks you about the church.
6. You should know your vision so well that you are able to adjust what you say to fit into whatever time slot you have to share, from 30 seconds to 30 minutes.
Adjusting Your Snapshot to Different People
The more we see NewStart, ReStart and ReFocusing leaders share their vision, we have learned that it is important you learn to adjust your vision to fit the different kinds of people you will be working with. Here are some examples:
1. Unchurched and/or unsaved person2. Potential donor / financial supporter3. Potential launch team or ReFocusing team member
While the basic vision you share remains the same, learning to adjust your vision just a bit to meet the needs and interests of the person you are sharing with is very important.
Sample "30 Second" Vision Snapshot
"There are three words that describe New Vision Church. Relaxed, Real & Relevant. It is a church that is relaxed, you can come just like you are. It is made up of real people, who don't just play church, but really believe Jesus is alive and that His teachings are relevant to the way we live our lives everyday. New Vision is relaxed, real and relevant. And we'd love to have you join us as our guest some Sunday."
“A Ministry Flow Chart is cooperating with the Holy Spirit to help a person move from being an unsaved, unchurched guest to becoming a global Christian.”
Sample
5 Circles and a Baseball Diamond
Principle #1The strength of the church is not just the size of the crowd but the size of the
core!
Principle # 2You always build a church from the outside in, never the inside out.
You Ministry Flow Chart will include programs, but they are NOT the focus!!
New Church Specialties4 Questions for an Effective Ministry Flow Chart
“They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need….And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42-47
Question #1 CREDIBILITYWhat holistic needs of the community are being impacted to connect with people?
The integrity lost due to dogmatic, hypocritical, materialistic, and legalistic Christians, can only be restored through a sacrificial, compassionate, gracious, and loving lifestyle and attitude that
becomes a reflection of Jesus on earth through connecting ministries.
Question #2 CULTUREHow is your ministry flow chart culturally relevant?
“The kind of experience we need more of is honest, unforced, and unhyped experience: honest feeling, uncensored, unedited, based on reflection, and honestly shared with others in stories. These stories can be about the experience of the absence of God as well as his presence, about anger as well as affection, failures as well as victories, disappointments as well as miracles.”
Brian McLaren
“With the help of the thorn in my foot, I spring higher than anyone with sound feet.”Soren Kierkegaard
Question #3 COMPASSIONHow does my ministry flow chart reflect hospitality and compassion?
“Is not this the kind of fasting that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and to not turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58:6-9
“Prayer and action, therefore, can never been seen as contradictory or mutually exclusive. Prayer without action grows into powerless pietism, and action without prayer degenerates into questionable manipulation.”
Have I allowed the creative character of God to guide my flow chart, in order to impact more lives for His kingdom?
“Simply learning to do old chores faster or to be able to adapt old forms to more complex situations no longer produces the desired results… Running harder and harder in ministry will not work in the new world.”
Easum, Sacred Cows Make Gourmet Burgers
Two Models of Evangelism George Hunter’s “The Celtic Way of Evangelism”
ROMAN MODEL• Presentation• Decision• Fellowship
CELTIC MODEL• Fellowship• Ministry and Conversations• Belief, Invitation to Commitment
“Good evangelists are people who engage others in good conversation about important and profound topics such as faith, values, hope, meaning, purpose, goodness, beauty, truth, life after death, life before death and God. They do this, not because they like to be experts and impose their views on others, but because they feel they are in fact sent by God to do so. They live with a sense of mission that their God-given calling in life is not just to live selfishly, or even to just live well, but to in fact live unselfishly and well and to help others live unselfishly and well too. Evangelists are people with a mission from God and a passion to love and serve their neighbors. They want to change the world.Good evangelism is the process of being friendly without discrimination and influencing all of one’s friends towards better living, through good deeds and good conversations.”
Spiritual foundation and substance of the Ministry Flow Chart!
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19)
Every church will have to develop the details of its own disciple-making plan. However, this resource is offered as an overview of the process, so you don't have to start from scratch. Having an effective disciple-making plan lies at the heart of any church being able to effectively follow-up and retain all of the new people who come through the church's doors.
Many pastors and churches operate without thinking through the step-by-step process of how to guide a new person who accepts Christ into becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus. All of the programs and ministries of the church should serve this objective! If the planter or refocusing pastor has never thought through that process, it certainly will not happen. It must be intentional! Designing Your Ministry Flow Chart To Make Disciples!
1. Your ministry flow chart is a diagram of all the major ministries of the church and how they work together to produce "disciples."
2. List every major ministry or program on a post-it-note, and put it on a poster board.3. Organize these ministries into a logical flow. What steps do people typically follow in
moving from first-time guest to fully-devoted follower?4. What ministry steps are you missing? What ministries need to be added?5. Identify the communication needed, the relationships necessary and the commitments
required to move people from one step to the next.Research done by Winn & Charles Arn on this subject indicates that if a new person can identify and make 6-7 friends during the first three months of their participation in a church, the likelihood of them being assimilated, becoming members and maturing in the church is greatly increased. What follows is a step-by-step plan to take a first-time guest and lead them into becoming a global Christian, a "disciple!"
1ST WEEK: a new person attends Sunday worship: ___ 1. Information table hostess helps them sign the guest book, explains
bathrooms, nursery, etc. and points them to the fellowship area and the sanctuary.
___ 2. Greeter hands them a morning program as they enter, others greet them. ___ 3. The exit greeter at the door invites them to visit again. ___ 4. Sunday p.m./Monday: 1st visit phone call from a "Care Caller."___ 5. Tuesday: 1st-time visitor letter sent.___ 6. Plate of cookies delivered by a "care team" member.
___ 7. Tuesday: 2nd-time visitor letter sent. ___ 8. Wednesday: Pastor calls to chat with them, assesses where they are spiritually and if/when a personal evangelism call would be welcomed.
3RD WEEK: the new person attends Sunday worship a third time: ___9. Tuesday: 3rd-time visitor letter sent, inviting them to attend the Church
Chat.
4TH AND BEYOND WEEKS: (The order differs with different people, and the components will uniquely develop within each church's programming. But you must think through what you plan to do!)
___10. The new person attends Church Chat, continues to make new friends,and is introduced to others.
WELCOME CLASS ___11. They attend the Welcome Class and are introduced to the church.___12. Gospel is presented, they respond in class, their home or church service. ___13. A new person enters the kingdom and angels rejoice!___14. Public testimony through baptism is planned.___15. Seeks the lost, becomes involved in reaching out, invites people to Christ.
NEW MEMBERS CLASS___16. Goal: to join the church as a new member.___17. Becomes a regular giver.___18. Joins a Sunday school class or small group Bible study for growth.___19. Sanctified to God’s will and begins living filled with the Spirit.___20. Becomes a tither.___21. Completes Spiritual Gifts Assessment___22. Has appointment with a Spiritual Gifts interviewer (for ministry placement).___23. Identifies their spiritual gifts and appropriate role, is placed in ministry. ___24. Trained in Life Style Evangelism, sharing their faith effectively.___25. Develops a global Christian perspective, gets involved in world missions.___26. Becomes a missions giver.
DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING CLASS___28. Commits to involvement in an in-depth discipleship ministry.___29. Develops spiritual accountability with a small group.___30. Grows to become a church leader in training.___31. Develops leadership gifts and begins leading a ministry.___32. Matures spiritually and becomes a church leader, eligible to serve on the
Church Leadership Team.____33. Becomes a global Christian, every day seeing the world from God’s
perspective and living their life accordingly!There are a number of Discipleship Programs available for local churches. The pastor may want to chose one or create one of his own*. A good program will contain the following ingredients:
What do you mean by discipleship? In order for discipleship to be effective it must be both systematic and intentional containing these elements:
Accountability As iron sharpens iron, so onebeliever sharpens another.
Proverbs 27.17
Basics Learning basic Christian disciplines and values.
Community Understanding the one anotherphrases of discipleship.
Discipline Forming the godly habits that helpproduce growth toward Christian maturity.
discipline yourself to be godly…I Timothy 4.7-8
Exposure Healthy exposure to the Word of Godand the experiences of fellow
pilgrims on the journey.
Formation Being conformed to the image of Christ
Growth But grow in grace andbecome better acquainted with Jesus.
II Peter 3.18
*NCS heartily recommends your consideration of…
Discipleship Training: A Venture in Training and Accountabilitydistributed by NCS/Growth Ministries Resources and written by NCS Senior Consultant Dr. Charles Lake. Sample materials available on our resource tables.
Introducing The "Church Chat" "…Practice hospitality." -- The Apostle Paul (Romans 12:13)
The origin of the idea of "church chat" is really not known. Pastors and church planters have been inviting people into their homes for fellowship, for years. However, the terminology of "church chat" has been popularized by Rick Warren & Dave Page, and then standardized in the writings of John Worcester. Answers to the common questions below have been developed and helped greatly by the Purpose-Driven Church Planting notebook.7
When Is The Best Time To Hold A Church Chat?
The church chat really is the first step in preparing people for the Welcome Class. Field research has shown that one of the best times for a church chat is on Friday or Sunday evenings, every other month (depending on service schedule). Most people will arrive between 6:00-6:15 p.m. Begin the event at 6:15 pm.
What Things Should I Remember In My Planning & Promotion?1. The planter or refocusing pastor personally must be the one who "sells" the event. Do not
delegate this to someone else. The best way is for you as the leader to stand, with your wife beside you, and publicly invite all of the new attendees to your home. Mention that you'd like to personally invite them over to your home for an informal time, just to get to know each other better--and have some great dessert!
2. Let them know that their kids are also welcome to come…that it is a special time for the whole family.
3. Make a bulletin insert for the church chat a couple of weeks before the event. Put the announcement of the church chat in a very visible place in your bulletin.
4. Prepare a very clear map with directions to the pastor's home, to be distributed at least two weeks prior to the event.
5. Have someone give a testimonial on Sunday morning of what a church chat is like. Do an interview with them during your welcome time or right before your message.
6. Have a sign-up sheet in a highly visible place where greeters can encourage people to sign up before and after the morning worship service. Have the person who closes the service
7
? John Worcester, Purpose-Driven Church Planting Conference, (held at Saddleback Valley Community Church, March 1999).
7. Be sure to check up and call the people on your church chat list who have signed up, on the Tuesday before the event, to confirm that they are coming.
8. Invite one or two key couples from your core group to attend the church chat--to welcome the guests and to experience what God is doing in the life of the church.
9. Schedule the Welcome Class two weeks after the church chat. Invite them to check the church out by taking the next step, which is attending the Welcome Class.
1. Have name tags prepared and waiting for the guests. If you are able, you may want to make nametags with the church name and/or logo.
2. Have contemporary Christian music playing in the background as people arrive.
3. Encourage the people to get something to drink before they sit down. This helps break the ice.
4. Provide quality desserts and a veggie or fruit plate.
5. Try to have guests sitting in a big circle, so everyone can see each other. Have the room well lit.
6. With the kids all still there, have each person introduce themselves. Have the parents introduce their kids unless the kids are 12 years old or older--then they can introduce themselves.
7. After the introductions, dismiss the children to go and play. In advance, arrange to have a responsible adult or teenager watch the smaller children in the next room while the adult guests and older children (or teens) are in the meeting room.
Are There Any "Unwritten" Rules We Should Be Aware Of?1. Never discuss the other pastors in the area.2. Never discuss other churches in the area.3. Don't discuss doctrinal issues during the circle time. If they have doctrinal questions about
the church, you can talk to them privately during the refreshment time one-on-one.
What Should I Ask Them To Share In The Sharing Circle? What Should I Share?Have them answer three simple questions:
1. What was your first impression of ______________ Church?2. What do you like best about _____________Church? 3. What hobbies do you have?
Close this sharing time by you as the pastor sharing a 3-minute presentation of your vision of the future for your church. The sharing circle should last around 45 minutes, depending on the size of the group.
Final Suggestions1. Allow your spouse to close the group. Let them know that part of the event is over, but
encourage them to stick around and have some refreshments and talk with each other.
2. After "church chat" is over, try to network people who may have common interests. Attempt to foster new relationships.
3. Cover the whole "church chat" ministry in intercessory prayer.
The Welcome Class, Newcomers Class, Doorway Class, it can be called by a variety of names. Beyond church chat, it is the first step and introduction of new people to the church. The church membership component can either be taught with this class or separate from it at a later time. Here is an overview of the material NCS has developed.
1. A New Vision (The Kind of Church We Are) A. Mission of the Church B. Brief history of Our Local Church Beginning C. Understanding Our Church's Core Values D. Jesus' Vision For The Church 2. A New Relationship (What It Means To Be A Christian)
A. Why Am I Here?B. What's The Problem?C. What's The Solution?D. What Does God Want Me To Do?
3. A New Understanding (Why We Have The Church) A. The Great Commandment & Great CommissionB. The Purposes of the ChurchC. Our Style of WorshipD. Why Our Church Should Never Stop Growing
4. A New Family (The Benefits of Church Involvement) A. Three Things God Teaches Us About The ChurchB. God's Plan For The ChurchC. The Four Things Our Spiritual Family Has In CommonD. Four Benefits Of Church Involvement
5. A New Covenant (Understanding The Membership Covenant) A. Where We Come From (History)B. What We Believe (Beliefs)C. How We Are Organized (Government)D. How We Live As Christians (Ethics)E. What It Means To Be Member (Responsibilities)
New Church SpecialtiesHow to Recruit PeopleFor a Ministry Position
Steps Description
#1 Develop a ministry description for the position.This would include the following 6 bits of information:
a. Ministry Description Number (you'll have a lot of them, number them!) b. Position namec. Church Division the position is located in (organize them into groups, such as
Worship, Fellowship, Education, Evangelism, etc. the goal is for you to have a leader over each of these key areas)
d. Contact person the position reports to (another leader besides you)e. Contact person’s home and work phone numbersf. Responsibilities
#2 Notify the lay leader of your intention to recruit, if you have a leader over that
area already.
#3 Make an appointment to meet with the person face-to-face. No recruiting for long-term ministry leadership is done over the phone. (However, short-
term ministry help or entry-level ministry recruitment may be done this way. Examples: nursery helpers, makes coffee on Sunday morning, etc.)
#4 At the meeting with the person, do the following: a. Go over the ministry description with them. b. Explain how their ministry relates to the church’s vision, purpose and the rest of the church’s organizational structure. c. Answer any questions they may have.
d. Ask them to pray for one week about taking this ministry. e. Set the time you talk to them about their answer (preferably in person) or the
time you will call them by. f. Put that date on your calendar and don't forget to follow-up!
#5 Communicate with the lay leader (who will be working with them) the person’s decision and ask them to make contact with them to welcome them on the ministry team (if applicable).
#6 Add them to your ministry involvement list. Maintaining this list is one of the most important things you do!
Recruiting Rule #1: Ask for someone's hand in "high level of commitment ministry" within the church only after you know you have his or her heart. If you ask for their hand before you have their heart, they will say no. If you have their heart, you will know it! And great ministry will be the result!
A. Produce identity & promotional materialsa. Logob. Letterheadc. Business cardsd. Newsletter & bulletin templatee. Registration/visitor cardsf. Preliminary direct mail designs
B. Get a local phone number & mailing address
C. Register a domain name and set up a Web site
D. Secure a potential meeting site, but be prepared to change
Public schools are a good option. Keep in mind that you will have a custodian present while you are there. Consider “hiring” the custodian and giving him the title of “Set-Up Coordinator” with additional compensation of perhaps $500 per month (above what you pay to rent the school).
“Come ... and you will see.” – Jesus to potential disciples (John 1:39)
When Jesus first began His ministry, He simply invited people to spend some time with Him, to come “check Him out” in a non-threatening setting. We should do the same!
Attraction event← “An event planned to expose the ministry of the church to the community, and at the
same time reinforcing the value of “inviting” by the launch or refocusing team. These events may be large (20-500 people) or small (4-10 people).
Suggested steps:1. Have every launch team member make a list of unchurched prospects they know.
A. RelativesB. FriendsC. NeighborsD. Co-workersE. Schoolmates
2. Plan an attraction event that gives people an opportunity to invite people they know.
3. Make the event fun!
4. Make t-shirts with the church name and logo to create name and logo recognition. Encourage everyone on the launch team to wear one.
5. At the event, introduce the people to the church, showing it to be a great, positive place to visit and meet new friendly people who care about you.
Attraction event ideas:Easter egg hunts Super Bowl partyBlock parties Acts of kindnessHoliday theme parties Christmas wrapping at the mallPinewood Derby Free, no-donations car washChildren’s’ plays Concert in the park
1. Expose the church to new people 2. Have a relationship connection made between new people and the launch team3. Gather names and contact information and add people the the prospect list for future
contact
Worship that connectsWorship that connects us to God still attracts unchurched people. Consider:
- Music style
- Times of services
- Preaching style
Lifestyle evangelismThe most effective means of reaching lost people is still one-on-one relationships.
Advertising strategies – How do we get the word out?To promote attraction events:
Direct mailDoor hangersNewspaper adsBanners (at meeting facility or around city)Word of mouth – Lifestyle evangelismOnline promotion TV ads and/or radio ads
To promote the church:Regular newspaper adsTV/radio spotsMovie theater advertisingDirect mailWelcome brochure
Follow-up and follow-through plans:Welcome brochureWelcome class“Get to know you” fellowshipMembership classDiscipleship plan
Key lists to develop and maintaina. Regularly meet and add new people to the prospect list
b. Develop relationships and move people to the guest list (come one time)
c. Move people to the church directory list (consider your church their home)
Sample Attraction Events1. Booths at local festivalsGoals:
1. Meet as many people as possible 2. Provide a fun time for kids (hand out helium balloons, free face painting, etc.) 3. Sponsor a drawing for a prize. To register, people completed a survey that asked if
they would like to be added to the mailing list.4. Brochures and info on the church was available, but not highly pushed
Results:
1. Needed and had about 10 people on site at all times 2. Served from 10 am to 7 PM on a Saturday 3. Had fun meeting people4. About 260 people entered the drawing. About 30 didn't want to be contacted. 5. Phone calls were difficult, trying to find people home later. 6. Invited local mascots to come and took kids’ pictures with them. After the event,
launch team members called these people to get the pictures to them (provided another follow-up contact).
2. Saturday Car Wash ← Have launch team members visit with people waiting in line, then ask if they are willing
to be put on the mailing list as they move closer to the head of the line. 3. July 4 Celebration Goals:
1. Provide a place for the community around the church to connect with one another.2. Introduce the community to the ministries of the local church. 3. Secure names, addresses, etc. of anyone who does not regularly attend church.
Needs & Results:
1. Held a musical involving the entire choir and drama department – about 50 people were involved with the program.
2. Needed a setup crew of about 30 to move tables, set up tents and food tables, and run children’s’ activities.
3. Took a team of about 10 working for several months to prepare for the event. 4. Contacted local business to arrange for sponsorship of the event. 5. Arranged for the catering of a noon meal to be served at the park. 6. Saw over 300 first-time visitors at the event. 7. Total budget was about $10,000 and most of it was donated.
New Church SpecialtiesOutreach & Advertising Resources
"Go to the street corners and invite ... anyone you find." (Matthew 22:9)
NCS now offers ReImaging Services for churches. We can assist with image assessment, consultation, design and printing services. Our image experts can assist you in creating both printed and electronic materials that effectively communicate your church’s identity and message. To learn more, contact Marlys Arnold at [email protected]
There are other organizations NCS recommends that provide expertise in advertising for NewStart, ReStart & ReFocusing churches here in the United States & Canada. Here are some to consider: Graphic Minion Studios Autumn Lew, NCS Graphic Artist [email protected] (samples are available upon request) Church Plant Strategies Phil Spry, NCS Senior Consultant – Outreach
204 Muirfield Lane Clayton, NC 27520 Web Address: www.tellstart.com
Toll free number: 1-888-310-7779E-mail: Phil Spry at [email protected]
(samples are available upon request) Outreach Marketing www.outreachmarketing.com Church Marketing Institute www.church-marketing.org You may choose to work local printers and graphic artists, but NCS also provides a print division. Components you will need in developing your outreach and advertising strategy are:
1. Logo design 2. Web page design 3. Stationery 4. Multi-part mailing 5. Banners 6. Doorhangers (optional) 7. Invite cards
New Church SpecialtiesComprehensive Budget and Stewardship Development
Steps to Establishing a Comprehensive Budget:
Step One: Develop your strategic plan:Your mission, vision, core values and strategic plan should drive your budget
Step Two: Choose a good finance team—people who own the vision and core values; who understand money and who are people of faith.
Step Three: Have finance team and vision team detail all needed areas of your budget according to your core values
Step Four: Have finance team determine dollar amounts for each area of the budget
Step Five: Communicate the budget to Vision Team, Church Board and Congregation
Steps to developing a Stewardship Plan:
Step One: Develop mission, vision, core values and a strategic planCommunicate the mission, vision and core values of the church.Share the strategic planShare the budget needed to accomplish what God has called the church to do.
Step Two: Develop a Giving environmentMoney Counting procedures Have a detailed monthly treasure’s report prepared for the church boardSend Giving letters throughout the yearProvide Giving Envelopes
Step Three: Cast a vision for a giving churchPreach the principles for Christian GivingCreate a climate for giving
--A program for helping families into financial freedom--A call to give to help others--A challenge to people to prove God in giving
Share the vision over and over again
Step Four: Developing Committed Steward LeadersSteward leaders acknowledge the Lordship of JesusSteward leaders build winning relationshipsSteward leaders
Grow an attitude of givingDevelop an attitude of gratitudeServe with an attitude of love
Steward leaders worship through givingSteward leaders think global and act local
15 Church Planting Income Sources (In Blueprints)Distribute numbered tithing envelopes to everyoneMail quarterly reports of giving to all membersNever take the offering, receive the offering—Make it a celebrationTeach children the importance of givingNever ask for money at events designed to reach the unchurchedPreach about moneyBuild a stewardship-planning calendarMeasure the giving patterns of those who attend.
ConclusionEmphasize giving as an act of worshipInform your congregation of significant offering achievementsOffer workshops on money managementPraise your congregation for their faithfulnessAlways celebrate the generosity of God’s people
Budget Connected to Core ValuesBudget Worksheet Sample
Core Values1. Passionate Spirituality2. A Laity that is Released3. Small Groups that are Holistic4. Structures that are Functional5. Inspiring Worship6. Oneness in Relationships7. Need Oriented Evangelism
ItemLast Year
ActualNext Year
BudgetIncrease/ Decrease Notes
Passionate Spirituality Discipleship Classes Bible Studies Youth Ministry Children's Ministry Prayer Ministry Prayer Room A Laity that is Released Spiritual Gifts Classes Ministry Training Conferences/Training Events Small Groups that are Holistic Leader Training Leader Retreat Supplies & Material Fellowships Sunday School Structures that are Functional Salaries Pastoral Staff Custodial Staff Secretarial Staff Support Staff Staff Support Professional Expenses Housing Allowances Annuities Health Insurance Travel Reimbursements Continuing Education Retreats/Conferences
Building & Property Mortgage Maintenance & Supplies Capital Improvements Utilities Insurance Vehicle Purchase Vehicle Maintenance Parsonage Maintenance Office Supplies Equipment Inspiring Worship Sound Equipment Maintenance Music New Music Equipment Training Lighting Equipment Maintenance Oneness in Relationships Member Care Fellowship Breakfast Kitchen Supplies Senior Adult Ministry Women's Ministry Men's Ministry Need Oriented Evangelism Training Contagious Christian Classes Conferences Outreach Events Fairmeadow in the Park 4th of July Parade Vacation Bible School Children's Musicals Hanging of the Greens Easter Celebration Gravity Drag Denominational Support Missions District Education Pensions
1. The finance team will be responsible to schedule two trustworthy individuals to count the tithe & offerings received each Sunday. After the church is formally organized with charter members, the individuals counting will be required to be church members.
2. These two individuals will count all funds at the close of the worship service during where the funds were received, and before any money leaves the church premises.
3. It is a great help when all amounts are recorded on giving envelopes by the giver. If the giver did not use an envelope, the counters will record their gift. The information recorded needs to include the date, giver’s first and last name, and any designated accounts the giver wishes the funds to be used for. It is also very important for the counters to write down the givers address from the check, if there is any doubt about whether the financial secretary has it.
4. The counters will verify that the amounts written by the giver on the envelope equal the amount of money inside the envelope. Where discrepancies exist, counters are to make the necessary corrections on the envelopes.
5. The counters will use a separate envelope labeled “loose” to record the total of all un-enveloped cash and coins. Thus the total of all envelope amounts will equal the total deposit for the offerings received for the day.
6. The financial secretary will be responsible for providing the counters with the deposit book and bank bag. Counters will then fill out a deposit slip for the funds, showing the total.
7. Both counters will sign the deposit slip.
8. After the counters have completed the deposit slip, they will return the carbon copy of the slip, retained in the deposit book, to the financial secretary. They will also give the financial secretary all of the tithing envelopes used. The financial secretary will use the deposit slip information to crosscheck the tithing envelopes when doing his/her giving reports.
9. One of the two counters will make the deposit to the church’s checking account no later than the close of bank business on the first business day following the day the funds were received. It is preferred that after the money is counted and the bank bag is locked, it is taken directly to the bank deposit box from the church and dropped in.
10. The financial secretary shall fax the church office and the church treasurer the deposit detail on the day following the day the offering was received. The report shall include totals for each of the designated accounts for which funds were received.
11. The counter making the deposit shall receive from the bank a validated receipt of the deposit and shall return it, with the bank bag, to the church treasurer at the next scheduled worship service.
12. The church office shall notify the financial secretary and church treasurer of bank corrections to the deposit, if any.
New Church SpecialtiesBeginning a Stewardship Development Plan
Most NewStart and ReStart churches and some ReFocusing churches have not thought through and built a Stewardship Development Plan. As the new church is launched, usually what happens is that numbers of new people are attracted to the church, which is what we want! But after the crowd is collected, then comes the difficult task of turning the crowd into a church. Part of that process involves stewardship education and stewardship development.
With everything else a NewStart, ReStart or ReFocusing leader has on their plate to do, this can seem to be an overwhelming task. That's why at New Church University, the last component we build in a quality action plan is what we call "Comprehensive Budget & Stewardship." Because we know you don't have time to build everything, at NCS we are building practical office resources for you that you can easily take and adapt to your situation. The following are some suggestions and an explanation of some of the stewardship development resources at NCS that we are developing for your use.
Pastor's Monthly Finance Secretary's Report
In every NewStart, ReStart or ReFocusing church, the pastor should receive a monthly giving report from the church financial secretary. The giving report should include the names and amounts given to the church for the previous month. It is important that only the pastor and financial secretary have access to this information and it should be kept very confidential. But the pastor should be given this information each month so he/she can encourage, disciple, appreciate and affirm spiritual growth that is occurring.
Every new giver to the church should receive a letter of appreciation. Every large gift to the church should be recognized. Every significant increase in someone's giving should be recognized and significant decreases in giving should be noticed and not ignored. The financial secretary should take responsibility to note these trends for the pastor in their monthly report. This is a VITAL part of a healthy church and solid stewardship development plan.
New Givers
7-02-402 New Giver Letter
Most new people who visit the church will come 3-4 weeks before trust in the pastor and church has been established. When that happens, usually the new person will give their first financial gift. When that happens, the church needs to be prepared to acknowledge that new giver because this is a spiritual breakthrough! It is a vitally important first step.
7-02-404 Giving Letter - 1st Quarter 7-02-405 Giving Letter - 2nd Quarter 7-02-406 Giving Letter - 3rd Quarter7-02-407 Giving Letter - 4th Quarter & Year End
Another aspect of a good stewardship development plan is to introduce quarterly giving letters, to thank people for their giving and to keep them abreast of their giving for tax purposes throughout the year. It has again been shown that there is a high degree of probability that if a person who is beginning to give to the new church gets a quarterly update of their giving, their giving usually goes up. In new churches, this system needs to be put in place within the first 12-18 months.
Giving Envelopes
7-02-408 Envelopes - At Year Beginning Letter7-02-409 Envelopes - Giver Not Having Them Letter7-02-410 Envelopes - Requested By New Giver
By the end of the first six months to a year, it is usually time to introduce giving envelopes to the church. This is best done by explaining that the money counting committee is helping greatly by this process and it also makes the accounting of people's giving easier for tax purposes. It is also almost a certainty that when people start using envelopes, their giving becomes more regular and also increases.
Year-End Giving
7-02-403 Special Gift Letter - Year End
Usually around the first of December is a wonderful time of year to acknowledge with gratitude, the people who have given to the church throughout the year. As people come down to the end of the calendar year, some people are getting bonuses, they are thinking about Christmas and about giving to others. It is at this time that every NewStart, ReStart or ReFocusing church should send a letter out appreciating people's giving and reminding them of the opportunity of doing "year-end giving." Year-end giving is giving done in December so as to count for current year tax purposes. James says, "We have not because we ask not" (James 4:2). Year-end giving is another important part of a solid stewardship development plan.
Giving Analysis
7-02-443 Giving Analysis
Every NewStart, ReStart and ReFocusing church is encouraged to do a giving analysis each quarter. New Church Specialties has developed a simple, one page form with step-by-step instructions to assist you in this process. A quarterly as well as annual giving analysis provides several things for church leadership. First, it shows the breath and the depth of the congregation's giving. Second, it gives a rough picture of how many givers tithe. Third, it shows whether stewardship growth is taking place, either by the quarter or by the year. The
analysis can and should be made both ways. A giving analysis is one of the best ways to motivate the leaders of a new church, because nothing motivates a group of new leaders more than seeing the total giving, number of givers and amounts people are giving going up.
Implementing Your Stewardship Development Plan
At New Church Specialties, we believe the stewardship development plan should be thought through in every NewStart, ReStart and ReFocusing church. At first glance this may seem difficult, but it is really not because at NCS we are building everything you need. All you have to do is think through what you need to do, plan your implementation schedule, adapt the letters when you need them and send them out! This is another way that we at NCS are committed to serving you with excellence.
Dave & Denise Generous1985 Olive Dr.Kansas City, MO 64118 Dear Dave & Denise,
Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate your participation at _____________________ Church. It has been wonderful to have you worship with us and sense your support of the church in being faithful with the resources God has given you to manage.
Jesus taught, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38). We believe this is not a financial formula, it is a principle that works throughout every area of our lives, including our money.
As our church grows, it is people who are givers who make the ministry of Christ’s church able to flourish and develop. So again, please know you are deeply appreciated for your support. Thanks for being a giver.
Warmly,
Pastor ________________
______________
A letter like this is to be sent to every person who begins giving regularly. We suggest you do so when the financial secretary sees the third or fourth check.In addition, we suggest the pastor be kept abreast of any large gift that comes in. When that occurs, take the person to lunch, appreciate their support and listen to how God has been at work in their lives prompting their stewardship!
New Church SpecialtiesSample Giving Letter For 1st Quarter
April 12, 2007
Dave & Denise Generous1985 Olive Dr.Kansas City, MO 64118
Dear Dave & Denise,
Can you believe the first three months of 2007 are already over? I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I have appreciated your comments and support as I strive to serve you as our church's Financial Secretary. Anytime you have a question or need to compare figures during the year please feel free to give me a call at 454-1633.
It is the policy of our church board to send out a periodic giving letter to keep you abreast of your giving for your records and for tax purposes. You will find your Contribution Report from January through March enclosed. Please look it over to make sure the figures coincide with your personal records.
I consider it a privilege to serve our Lord in this important ministry. Have a wonderful spring and I hope to see you Sunday!
Sincerely,
Dorothy Detailed, Financial Secretary___________________ Church
DD/kvEnclosure
___________________
It is probably a good idea to have the financial secretary send out the first quarter’s letter, to introduce her/him to everyone and give a phone number in case they have any questions.
New Church SpecialtiesSample Giving Letter For 2nd Quarter
July 12, 2007
Dave & Denise Generous1985 Olive Dr.Kansas City, MO 64118 Dear Dave & Denise,
Hope this note funds you and your family enjoying a wonderful summer. I just wanted to write and let you know how much we at ________________________ Church appreciate your generosity in giving. Thank you for your continued support financially as well as with your prayers and service. It is people like you that allows the ministry of Christ’s church to grow.
Just for your information, did you know that a number of individuals mail their contributions to the church? On a regular basis, our church receives contributions by mail. So if you cannot be present on a given Sunday, it is fine to use the mail.
Dorothy Detailed is our church financial secretary and does a fantastic job. The enclosed contribution statement reflects your giving for the 2nd quarter, from April 1 through June 30, 2007.
If you have any questions concerning any entry on this statement, please call Dorothy at 454-1633. She will be glad to assist you. Again, please know that it is your support of the ministry of ________________________ that allows us to reach out in more than 20 different ministries to our local church, our community and our world.
With gratitude, Pastor ________________________________
The second quarter is a great time to remind people that even when they are on vacation, the church still has obligations and continues to minister. Letting them know they can mail in their contribution when they are not there is a great habit for them to develop!
New Church SpecialtiesSample Giving Letter For 3rd Quarter
October 12, 2007
Dave & Denise Generous1985 Olive Dr.Kansas City, MO 64118 Dear Dave & Denise,
Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate your support in laying the foundation for the next generation in both our church and our community. Jesus taught us that when you invest in people and when you invest in His Kingdom’s work, you are "laying up of our treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21). This is the kind of investment that has eternal rewards.
For us to operate the total ministry of _______________________ Church, both here and around the world, the Lord needs to provide us with about $___________ a month for all of our ministries. Your faithful support is what makes this possible. But the need of God’s church is not the motive for why you and I should give. God says we always give out of gratitude. We give out of our love for Christ. We can give without loving, but we cannot love without giving. "God so loved the world that He gave" (John 3:16). I hope you will approach your giving as an act of worship, with that same spirit of love!
In keeping with our Advisory Council policy, you will find enclosed your Contribution Report for the third three months of 2007. This report covers your giving from July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007. If you see any discrepancies or you have a question concerning your record, please feel free to contact Dorothy Detailed, our Financial Secretary, at 454-1633. And thanks for being a giver!
Warmly,
Pastor ______________________________
The third letter is a great time for the pastor to appreciate their giving and also educate them on how much it takes each month for the church to operate its ministry.
Dave & Denise Generous1985 Olive Dr.Kansas City, MO 64118
Dear Dave & Denise,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the ministry of ______________________ Church during this past year. You were one of ___ families that gave to the ministry of our church this year. Through your generosity, we are doing what Jesus has called us all to do — to worship Him with all our hearts, to minister to each other, to evangelize those outside of God’s church, to genuine fellowship, and to educate people to obey what Jesus said (Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:19-20).
As we look ahead in 2007, some exciting things are happening! ….(share what's happening!) We want you and your family to be involved! In 2007, we plan to improve and minister with excellence, especially in …
It is with a prayer of thanks for you that we pray as Paul prayed for the Christians in Corinth long ago: “just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love...see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). God’s best to you and your family in 2007! Thank you for being a giver.
Warmly,
Pastor ________
Enclosure
131
Your giving is broken down by category for each week of the year. Please contact Dorothy Detailed, our finance secretary, at 454-1633, if you need any additional information.
New Church Specialties“Not Equal Gifts But Equal Sacrifice”
Giving Analysis
______________________, Financial Secretary
Evaluation Period ___________________
When a quarterly giving analysis is conducted and an annualized giving amount is projected, the amount given for the quarter is multiplied by 4. When a semi-annual giving analysis is conducted, the amount given for half a year is multiplied by 2. A giving analysis provides several things for church leadership:
1) Shows both the breadth and depth of congregational giving2) Gives a rough picture of how many givers tithe3) Shows whether stewardship growth is taking place quarter by quarter
Annual Giving # of Givers
$1 - $499 _____
$500 - $1999 _____
$2000 - $3499 _____
$3500 - $5000 _____
Over $5000 _____
Total # of Givers _____
* Extra Givers _____ Amount Given: ____________
Estimated Number of Tithers: _____(This is a subjective guess on the financial secretary's part. It represents those givers who are committed to giving 10% of their income back to God through their local church.)
New Givers This Quarter: _____(People are considered a new giver who have attended our church at least 3 times and have not given to our church in the past. Measuring the number of new givers is highly important!)
* Extra Givers (These are one time givers, out-of-town guests, etc. who have given this quarter but are not part of the church and not attending regularly.)
New Church SpecialtiesProcessing Change in a ReFocusing Church
Change Quick Reference Guide
RULE 1 = H___________________ (No tricks) Open and transparent – Christians don’t operate in darkness but in God’s light.
RULE 2 = I___________________ (Participation) -- We do not have to sell the change but invite people to participate in the change.
RULE 3 = F___________________ (Play the role of Prophet) Telling people what is likely to happen in the transition between the current reality and the desired future..
RULE 4 = D__________________ (Measure, Evaluate, Change) Evaluating programs and structures should be measured as best we can looking for data rather than emotional perceptions.
RULE 5 = Return On Investment (When doing something new you must pick 2 of Cheap, Good, Fast. Examples: If you want it fast and good it won’t be cheap. If you need a program that’s fast and cheap it won’t be good.)
Moment of Truth The point where peoples’ expectations meet reality
Why Change?
Because the O___________ or O___________ that is not changing is dying.
“For the foreseeable future, change leaders will be faced with on-going, discontinuous change as the norm. Clinging to an image of the world as it once was helps no one. Change leaders must be pre-pared to discern and acknowledge the truth of their current reality.”Leading Congregational Change by Herrington, Bonem, & Furr p.105
Vocabulary:
Change Sponsor = Determines change is necessary to achieve Mission & Vision
Change Agent = Responsible for implementing change process
Change Target = Most impacted by change. Responds in attitudes & actions
Defining Change:1) To make the form, nature, or content of something different from what it is or from what it
would have been if left alone.2) To transform or convert. 3) To become different, altered, or modified.”
Profound Change: “…Organizational change that combines inner shifts in people’s values, aspirations, and behaviors with outer shifts in processes, strategies, practices, and systems.” The organization doesn’t just do something new; it builds its capacity for doing things in a new way - indeed, it builds capacity for ongoing change.”
The Dance of Change by Senge, Roberts, Ross, Smith, Roth, Kleiner
“The accelerating pace of change causes tremendous compression of time. What this means is that we must do more than change – we must change the way we change.”
- Price Pritchett
The Concept of Divine Discontent“The motivation for continuing change and growth comes from the development of higher-quality discontent…” - Richard Farson in Management of the Absurd
“When the pace of change outside an organization becomes greater than the pace of change inside the organization, the end is near.”John R. Walter, Retired former President & CEO, AT&T Corporation
“Fool Killers” - The effect of even the smallest change -
“The people we are so quick to blame, punish, or fire when something goes wrong are the people we trained to work in our system. When a mishap occurs it’s not a good idea to ask, ‘Who’s responsible?’ It’s better to say, ‘Who’s involved in this process? Let’s get them together to improve the process so this kind of thing won’t happen again.’”
Dr. Dan Croy
Every organization can be viewed as a _____________.
Every job in that system can be broken down into _______________.
Every process can be ____________.
“Resistance is designed to ___________ the resistor, not to attack the demander.”
“People will always resist, knowingly or not those things which they ____________ are not in their best interest.” - Karp
“The Christian faith believes Christ can wondrously and radically transform a person. The Christians are the people who should embrace change with joy and a faith-filled sense of adventure.”
- Dr. Dan Croy
“To strategically change your organization, you must first change _______________.” - Black & Gregersen
“Nothing changes without _______________ transformation.”- W. Edwards Deming
New Church SpecialtiesTime Lines and Critical Milestones
I. Building a Personal Refocus Timeline
A. Determine Personal Current Reality--What do I (we) know and what do I (we) need to know to be ready to refocus
the church?
B. Review Assessment and Renewal Sections in the Refocus Step by Step process--Has God called me (us) to lead the church in ReFocusing?--Am I or are we ready to lead the church?--Is the church ready to go through ReFocusing?
C. Outline next steps that you (we) will take in the next three months to prepare us for ReFocusing
II. Building a Refocus Team Timeline
A. Review the Building and Leading a Refocus Team Material
B. Determine how often the team will meet
C. Timeline the agenda items
III. Building a Church Refocus Timeline
A. Review Step by Step Sample for the Refocus Team--See the Sample in the Blueprints
B. Post-It-Note Planning with the Team--Review the Post-It-Note Planning Exercise resource in Blueprints
C. Using the Strategic Plan developed with the ReFocus Team as a guide to identify the Critical Milestones and build a 2-3 year Timeline.
New Church Specialties Post-It-Note Planning Exercise
"Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." (Proverbs 24:3-4, LB)
At New Church University, one of the important exercises we do is what we call "Post-It-Note Planning." You could buy some very expensive project management software for your computer to help you do this exercise and if you have done project management in your professional background, we suggest you use it.
But for most people, all they need is a large sheet of white poster board paper and some post-it notes. The Church Planter's Toolkit popularized this idea, and at New Church University, we have simply tried to perfect it further. People come to NCU at a variety of places in the NewStart, ReStart or ReFocusing process. In the "Critical Milestones -- Beginning List" (4-06-242), we have identified over 50 different milestones that need to be completed at some time by the planter or refocusing pastor.
Here is what we want you to do. Take your poster board paper, your post-it-notes, and follow the 5 steps listed below:
1. Looking at the "Critical Milestones -- Beginning List," write out every important step you need to take and every thing you need to do or get done, to achieve the 4-fold, church planting or refocusing objective. This may cover a 2-3 year period of time. Put every step you can think of on a post-it-note, writing it in past tense.
2. Arrange these "milestones" in a logical sequence on the poster board. Develop a time-line at the bottom and put a realistic deadline date on each one. You will have to give yourself enough lead-time to complete each task, event, etc.
3. Be sure to schedule attraction events, etc.
4. Ask yourself regularly, "Is there anyone I can delegate this task or responsibility to?" Write their name on the post-it-note.
5. Add to the milestones list the acquiring of any resources necessary to achieve the milestone, such as money raised, materials needed, people needed, etc.
Seven Benefits of Using Post-It Note Planning:1. It helps you develop a comprehensive strategy2. You can do it individually or in a group3. You don't have to re-write the tasks, they are organized and all there.4. You keep the big picture of the project timeline, without losing the details of it.5. It helps you visualize the project and identify times where you are overloaded and therefore
will need to adjust your planning.6. You can easily change the time sequences by moving the post-it-notes around!7. You can see and easily monitor the tasks you have delegated.8
Church Renewal___ 21. In the church, begin an emphasis on prayer and seeking God’s will and vision for the future of the
church.
___ 22. Select an implement an Intercession Team and encourage them to pray for the specific things that will affect the refocusing of the church.
___ 23. Buy each church leader a copy of “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, to help them understand the importance of flexibility to change.
Building “Shared Vision” with the Church ReFocusing Team
___ 24. Carefully recruit the members of your ReFocusing Team. Communicate how important RF meetings are and require a 90%+ commitment to attendance.
___ 25. Determine the dates, times & location where the ReFocusing Team will meet.
___ 26. Communicate with the church board who the members of the ReFocusing Team will be. At every opportunity, keep the church board informed of what you are doing.
___ 27. Prepare the materials you will use for your ReFocusing Team meetings
___ 28. Have personal lunches; write personal notes monthly to every key influencer in the church that’s not on the ReFocusing team, to keep them abreast of the ReFocusing Team’s work and progress.
___ 29. Begin to read and increase knowledge of the process of change in a local church.
Key Questions for the Refocusing Team to ask and answer:
___ 30. Why Are You Doing This?--Tell the story--Assessment--Determine Current Reality--Church Health Survey--Life Cycle Determination
___ 31. How Will We Know What to Do?--Creating an environment for Personal Renewal--Reading the right books--Time in Personal Prayer--Taking to time to seek and listen--Creating an environment for Corporate Renewal--Intercession Strategy--Key sermon series
___ 32 .Who Will We Reach?--Determining the Ministry Focus Group
___ 33. What Kind of Church Will We Be?--Mission--Vision--Core Values
___ 34. What Should We be doing?--Evaluation of current ministries--Development of Ministry Flow Chart
--What are the strengths of the building?--What are the weaknesses?--What do we need to change?--What do we need to build?
___ 36. How will We Let People Know?--Development of an advertising strategy--Development of an outreach strategy
___ 37. What Goals will We Pursue?--What are our short term goals? (12-18 months)--What are our mid range goals? (18-36 months)--What are our long term goals (36-60 months)--What is our plan to accomplish the goals?
___ 38. What will it Cost?--Develop a budget based on the strategic plan--Develop a stewardship plan to raise the needed money
___ 39. When will We Implement the Plan?--Identify the critical milestones--Determine a timeline to get things done
___ 40. What is our Accountability Plan?--Detail the plan in writing--Decide the follow up and reporting process
Communication and Implementation
___ 41. Put together a refocus Sunday where the plan is shared.
___ 42. Teach in adult Sunday School classes, lead key small group meetings, etc. to share the key ReFocusing issues you feel need to be addressed.
___ 43. Keep talking to and learning from other ReFocusing pastors who are doing the same thing you are doing. Don’t ever stop networking with people who inspire you and help you keep growing.
___ 44. Plan to do another Church Health survey and analysis 18-24 months into the ReFocusing process to better evaluate your progress.
___ 45. Continue to report to congregation progress on implementing the strategic plan.
Growing healthy __________ that will build growing healthy
_____________; growing healthy churches will ______________
resulting in a greater ________________ in making ___________
known.
B. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR MULTIPLICATION
Luke 6:38 John 12:24 II Timothy 2:2 II Cor. 9:10-11
“God wants us to be healthy and strong so that we reach a world that desperately needs what we have already been given.” (Reclaiming the “L” Word, by Kelly Fryer)
C. WHY MULTIPLY?
1. Church multiplication (planting) is an effective __________________ methodology.
2. Church multiplication necessitates an ____________________ focus.
3. Church multiplication is the ______________ result of a growing, healthy church.
D. WHY NS, RS& RF CHURCHES SHOULD MULTIPLY
The Ultimate Goal of a RS & RF Church is to multiply
ReStarting & Refocusing is the process of ________________ the
__________ and ___________ of Jesus for his church…a
Starting a new church is the opportunity to birth a ___________,
_______________ church that will help start other churches that will multiply.
It is not about ____ church ReStarted, _____ church ReFocused,
________ church planted. It is about a multiplication movement
______________ by growing, healthy churches.
“The Church is the people of God sent into the world to be a sign, a foretaste, an agency and a witness to the redemptive reign of God. This is what we mean when we speak of vital and healthy congregations as missions outposts.” (Robust Church Development, by Mike Regele, pg.33)
E. TWO BARRIERS TO CHURCH MULTIPLICATION
1. ____________ of loss. Loss of…
_______________
_______________
_______________ (parts of the community)
_______________
It is not the size of the church that matters, but the size of the church’s HEART that makes all the difference!
2. Corporate __________________-it is all about us.
F. BARRIER BUSTERS
1. ____________- giving ourselves over to God
2. Corporate ________________
The spiritual _____________ of a local church to put the needs of a
• Will I join the multiplication movement?• Will I lead my church in multiplication?• Will I be committed enough to go on record?
God is committed to missional multiplication! Will we join Him?
NCS Training System Commitment:"That we will parent a new church or assist some way in sponsoring a new church within the next three years, following our New Church University training."
New Church SpecialtiesSelecting The Right Location
"And in that place many believed in Jesus." (John 10:42)
Ask any retailer about what is the most important issue related to business success and nine times out of ten he/she will tell you, "It's three things: location, location, location!"
Selecting the right location is just as important when you're starting a new church or ReFocusing an existing one. Yet there hasn't been much put in print about it. The following are some ideas we have gleaned across the years that you should keep in mind when it comes to selecting the place you choose to worship as you start or refocus.
Key Questions To Ask Yourself:
1. Is this location accessible? Is it easy to get to?
2. Is this location visible? Can people easily see it?
3. Is this location usable? Does it have the space, parking, etc. we need?
4. Is this location affordable? Is the cost within our budget?
Church Location Checklist:
___ 1. Worship space adequate to seat approximately 200 people? (adjust this depending on how many seats you anticipate you'll need)
___ 2. Adequate education classroom space (classrooms, large meeting room?)___ 3. Adequate, clean space for the church nursery
Places You Could Consider Using:___ 1. School cafeteria or auditorium___ 2. Community building___ 3. Theater___ 4. Hotel meeting room___ 5. Vacant store___ 6. Empty space in a mall___ 7. Your existing building
New Church SpecialtiesPrinciples of Designing and Building an
Effective Ministry ToolDavid McKnight of the McKnight Group, A Partner Organization
At New Church University, numerous topics are explored that directly relate to the type of building needed for effective ministry. While it is not our intent to retrace our steps, we must emphasize that everything discussed throughout NCU has a direct impact on the type of building (ministry tool) needed to accomplish your vision. Whether you are in a New Start, ReStart, or ReFocusing church, it is important that the design of your building flow from who you are, what you are about, and where God is leading your congregation. The goal is to construct a tool that is functional and meets your needs, not a building that looks and feels “churchy.”
Below are five guiding principles to consider as you evaluate an existing structure for functionality or as you begin the exciting journey of designing and building a new facility.
Principle #1:
The building needs to be a functional tool. Not just any tool, the right tool for the right ministry. Some things to consider…
Vision – Know were God wants you to go. Multi-usage – How can you use the same room many different ways? Interdependence – planning for one group or ministry often overlooks the impact on
many groups or ministries.
Principle #2: The Budget – all numbers are not created equal. "Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not sit down first and calculate the cost, asking if he has the means to finish it? “ (Luke 14:28)
Apples and Oranges - When working with professionals and estimates, one number cannot always be compared 100% to another. You need keep these things in mind when you look at the total cost of your project. Consider who is giving you the budget:
The level of service – how much work will you have to do? What are the Intangible expenses? Are you going to have to provide all the answers? Would the persons past clients recommend them? Can volunteers do the work, balance the money saved with the quality and time
involved. Is it better to have the volunteers working on the building or preparing for ministry?
The level of experience – Is your professional learning along with you? Intangible expense that could turn into a real expense.
Does the person regularly work with churches? Would their past clients recommend them? Are all the cost of staffing, equipment, etc… counted?
The level of finishes – It is hard to tell the quality of finishes from a plan. Check out the work of the professional who is giving you the budgets. It is better to have the budget that best represents your requirements than the
lowest number you can find.
Prayer and business – Should God or the budget determine who you need to work with?
“Do not be over-anxious about anything, but by prayer and earnest pleading, together with thanksgiving, let your request be unreservedly made known in the presence of God.” Philippians 4:6
Principle #3:
Wise Stewardship - The lowest cost does not always equal the wisest stewardship of God’s resources.
Consider: Life cycle costing or value engineering. How long will the product last vs. how much
you are paying for it. Honoring God – Does spending too little or spending too much glorify God? Making the most of your resources – Most churches cannot afford everything at one
time. It is important to develop a master plan of your property to develop a sense of where you are heading.
“And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
Principle #4:
In all circumstances make every effort to maintain Christian Integrity – the people you are trying to reach may be working for you and will know your deeds.
(In Rev 2:2, 2:19, 3:1, 3:8 God tells His churches, “… I know your deeds…”)
You will work with building officials in government, architects and engineers, contractors, and laborers while you develop your building. They need Jesus too. Treat them as you would a new visitor or door-to-door prospect.
“ As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live…” (Thessalonians 4:12)
“Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.” (1 Peter 2:12)
When problems occur in the process, they will provide the best and truest opportunity to demonstrate Christian love. Handle all problems in a firm but understanding manner.
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
(Titus 2:7)
Principle #5:
If you build it they will come, once. People will come to see what you built. They will only come back if you minister to them.
The building is a tool. Its main function is to help facilitate ministry. Do not put all of your finances in a building and forget to plan for the cost to perform ministry. The wrong tool can hinder work. The building may make it harder to perform
ministry in.
Designing Your Tool - The Nuts and Bolts of it all
This check list comes from the McKnight Group’s Ministry Profile. It is intended to be used in determining what is needed in your new or existing building in order for it to be an effective tool for ministry. Based on your vision of the future, prayerfully complete the check list and prioritize the different parts of the building. Summarize your thoughts on a separate sheet of paper. Doing so will provide you with important information to help guide you and/or a design professional in developing a ministry tool for your church.
Worship New Dedicated Sanctuary # of seats _
New Multi-Ministry Worship Space # of seats ______________
Include Athletics Do Not Include Athletics Jr. High basketball court will seat 450 plus. Sr. High basketball court will seat 650 plus.Half court basketball will seat 250 plus. Volleyball Court will seat 180 plus.
Choir # of seats Drama Praise and Worship team Band/Orchestra # of seats ________ Video Projection Sound/Lighting Control Booth Loading Area Changing rooms Baptistry Platform Curtain Capable Open and always ready Covered until scheduled use
General Large Foyer/Gathering Area (Narthex) Include Cafe/Serving Area Video Monitors Information Center Bookstore Library Hospitality Room for visitors Lounge in Women's Restroom Family Restroom (for handicapped or children)
New Offices Reception # of workers Work Room
Staff Restrooms Waiting Area
Senior Pastor's Office Separate Study Shower Restroom Private Entrance
Priority – Please list the order of priority for the different areas of the building, 1 being the top priority.
Priority Rank Area of BuildingWorshipPlatformNarthex with RestroomsNew OfficesNew NurseriesChristian Education - PreschoolChristian Education - ChildrenChristian Education - Jr. High/Sr. HighChristian Education - AdultFormal Education - DaycareFormal Education - PreschoolFormal Education - Christian SchoolParkingAthletic FieldsKitchenYouth Room/Game RoomOther:Other:
This checklist has been developed by the McKnight Group for New Church Specialties. It is intended to be used with an NCS coach or McKnight Group Representative.
TOP TEN THINGS A CHURCH CAN DO TO IMPROVE THEIR FACILITIES BEFORE ADDING ON OR BUILDING NEW.
1. Clarify the Vision of your church. This will allow you to determine the priorities in your ministries and, therefore, your building.
2. Develop Visionary Leaders – Encourage your team to read about and visit churches that are making a difference. It gives them a taste of a vision for what their church could be.
3. Fix building problems - whether it is roof leaks, basement leaks, frayed carpet, or damage from leaks. We get accustomed to all of these things and overlook them, your visitors will not.
4. Clean up the outside of your church. Make it friendly and eye appealing. Along with this, greet people outside before they get inside.
5. Paint and freshen up the building. Start with the narthex, restrooms, worship center and nurseries. Sometimes a change of lighting and a coat of paint in the sanctuary will make the worship area feel warmer and upbeat.
6. Do visitors or new people know where things are? Install directional signage inside and on the lot. Graphic displays will help show life and excitement in the ministries of the church.
7. If you need more seating or a multi-use room, remove your pews and replace them with chairs. This not only increases your seating but gives you flexibility. Note: Chairs will not work on a sloped floor.
8. Is the platform too small or inflexible? Enlarge it and simplify the area for flexibility. Take out fixed items such as screens, rails and pews and replace them with moveable items and chairs. (This could be done at the same time as taking out the pews.)
9. Is the worship center acoustics or sound system poor or inaudible? Fix it with acoustical treatment or materials. Is the room poor for video screens? This can be solved by cutting down on the natural light and using ceiling hung projectors or wall hung TV’s. This will add excitement and interest for today’s generation of unchurched.
10.Plan for the future. This gives your church direction, information and helps people see there is a vision beyond the church’s current situation.
"Any time after enrolling in New Church University and attending the training event, if you do not feel like your district or denomination (if you are a denominational supervisor) or you (if you are a NewStart, ReStart or ReFocusing church leader) have significantly benefited from participating in NCU and your relationship with New Church Specialties, we will cheerfully refund your tuition fee—we are that confident about the service we can provide you."
Larry McKain, Executive Director New Church Specialties
New Church SpecialtiesWe Want YOU A “Raving Fan" “A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service”
On this last page of New Church Blueprints, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for honoring us with your attendance at New Church University. All of our work and effort would have been in vain, had it not been for you making the effort to both prepare and attend. Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Manager, has written a book entitled, “Raving Fans – A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service.” You may have noticed we have it for sale on our resource table. It is not a religious book, it’s a business book. But the application to what we are doing together is very powerful. A summary of Blanchard’s three secrets to developing “raving fans” is below.
3 Secrets To Developing Raving Fans
1. Decide on a very clear vision.Have a very clear picture, a clear vision of the ideal. The ideal is the clear future you envision. Make sure this ideal is centered on the people you serve.
2. Discover what the customer needs.Discover what the people you serve want and need, and then fill in the gaps from your vision. You will only discover what the people you serve want, in small nuggets. Everyone you meet has a different focus and need, a bit. Fit that into your own vision. If you meet people’s needs, you will never lack customers. For those people who you just can't satisfy, quickly learn emotionally to let them go.
3. Discover what the customer needs -- deliver plus one percent!After you discover what the people you serve want and need, then deliver, plus one percent! The rule of one percent is to just keep on consistently improving what you do, one percent at a time. Go the extra mile in your service, and you will never lack for a crowd of “raving fans.”
At New Church Specialties, we are committed to provide you with the very best customer service we possibly can. That is our commitment to every Denominational Partner, District Partner and NewStart, ReStart and ReFocusing leader we train. If we need to improve in some way, please tell us! If we do a great job, please tell someone else! We really do want you a “raving fan.” Thanks again for attending NCU!
Larry McKain, Executive DirectorNew Church Specialties
4 Bob Logan & Steve Ogne, The Church Planter's Toolkit (Carol Stream, IL: ChurchSmart Resources, 1991) p 1-9.
5 Ideas for the first seven steps were adapted from Bob Logan & Steve Ogne's, The Church Planter's Toolkit (Carol Stream, IL: ChurchSmart Resources, 1991) p 2-6.
6 Robert Schuller, Your Church Has Real Possibilities.
8 Bob Logan & Steve Ogne, The Church Planter's Toolkit (Carol Stream, IL: ChurchSmart Resources, 1991) p 4-4 160
