This course explores the practical application of starting new churches centered on God, led by the Spirit, culturally relevant, sharing the gospel and making disciples of Jesus. We will teach principles and practices of pastoral leadership to those who hear a call to plant or re-plant congregations.

Students will be able to:

1. Articulate the role of church planting within the framework of Trinitarian theology and the church’s participation in Jesus’ mission to the world. This outcome will be addressed in Lesson 1 and a textbook book. This outcome will be verified in the student’s “Church Planting and Jesus’ Mission” paper.
2. Evaluate their personal characteristics and competencies related to planting a church. This outcome will be addressed in Lesson 2 and a textbook; it will be verified in the student’s “Church Planter Characteristics” paper. 
3. Describe various types of models for church planting and explain which model best suits their personal characteristics and context. This outcome will be addressed in Lesson 2 and a textbook. This outcome will be verified in the student’s “Church Planting Models” paper.
4. Develop a New Church Proposal – a strategic plan for starting a new church – that includes:
5. 1. A Mission Statement for a new church.
   2. A description of a focus group or community
   3. A description of a launch team including specific ministries necessary for launch.
   4. A general plan and timeline leading up to a church plant launch.
   5. A Discipleship Pathway including key ministries needed to start a new church.
   6. An estimated budget for a starting a new church.

This outcome will be addressed in several lectures and books. This outcome will be verified in the student’s “Focus Group” paper and final project.