CHURCH PLANTING
The NCO District is seeking to double our footprint of churches in 25 years! We currently have 65 congregations, believe this strategy will enable us to ensure we have vibrant ministries as we reach the latter half of this centennial. Since 2018, we have planted 10 creative and different new works and registered 2 compassionate ministries. We are seeking for this to increase!
Each new work on our district receives:
$10,000 in District Support
$10,000 matched funding from Nazarene Church (Approval needed)
Coaching and Mentorship
Networking
Prayer/Encouragement/Support from Other Congregations
How the Process Works:
It is not necessary that you be an ordained minister, simply that you have a call that God has placed on your life to plant a church. We will provide the help, assistance, and network to help you follow after the heart of God!
1. Submit an inquiry form.
If you are interested in planting a church on the NCO District, please complete this form.
2. Schedule a follow-up appointment/call/Zoom.
We will schedule a time to talk to you and help you determine if there is a fit on our district. You will meet with our church planting coordinator as well as our District Superintendent to determine the next steps needed for you to fulfill the call God is placing on your life.
3. Church Planter Pre-Assessment
The Church planter pre assessment is the preparatory work that helps a perspective church planted understand God’s call and the challenges one will face. The Pre-Assessment provides key insights that help the planter discern their capacity and foresight for starting a new church.
The Church of the Nazarene has partnered to make this affordable. Go to:
https://ministrygrid.lifeway.com/#/login?route=redeem-invite%2FWRPJ%2FMCJW
Use code CPCANAZ for a discounted rate of only $32.
4. Learn about Church Planting in the Nazarene Church
https://www.usacanadaregion.org/church-planting
Here you can learn about the different types of Churches/and various trainings that are scheduled.
Don’t worry, we will help you with all the specifics as we meet, dream and plan together!
5. Attend a Church Planting Training
Church Planting Essentials (CPE) provides basic training on starting a new church. Churches Planting Churches (CPC) teaches the best practices and common pitfalls of sponsoring a new church. Mentoring Church Planters (MCP) is mentorship 101. New Church dynamics (NCD) shares practical tools to implement systems for growing a dynamic, missional church. Trainings are held across the USA/Canada region throughout the year. These tracks are taught by passionate, experienced people driven to share the Good News of Christ with the world.
6. Assessment
The New Church Leaders Assessment Center is a four-day event during which ministers and spouses are evaluated to determine whether a specific minister has the skillset to serve as the founding pastor of a new church. Not all districts require an assessment, but it is a valuable process which could help to confirm your call.
Learn more about Assessments | Upcoming Assessments
7. Get a Coach or Mentor
Every mistake in church planting has been made before, by someone. Coaches offer far-sighted advice that is invaluable to a church planter immersed in the process. Your current pastor, district coordinator, or D.S. will help you find a mentor (or they themselves could agree to coach you). Additionally, the Becoming a Mentor (BAM) training equips leaders with church planting experience to mentor new church planters.
8. Raise Support
The type and amount of support you raise will depend on the model of church planting that is chosen. The one constant will be recruiting prayer partners. Other types of support are team members and financial resources. Another question is "From whom?" You will learn this process in the Church Planting Essentials training (Step #3).
8. Launch the Church
All your work and training will culminate in a launch, and your church will be started. Some types of churches won't have a "launch" proper. Nevertheless, a successful beginning in a community is of utmost importance. The previous six steps will have prepared you (God willing!) for this final one.