North Carolina Baptist State Convention Partnering Church Planting Networks

North Carolina Baptist State Convention Partnering Church Planting Networks The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Ex. 18:18 (NIV) Preamble The population of the state of North Carolina continues to grow at a rapid pace and as of July 2009, stands at approximately nine million residents. A conservative estimate from the North American Mission Board notes that 4.5 million of our residents do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. To reach our ever-growing lost population, Milton Hollifield, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, has identified church planting as a key strategy in evangelizing, assimilating and discipling North Carolinians. Historically, the BSCNC has partnered with Baptist associations in the planting of churches. While the partnerships with Baptist associations have and continue to serve the Kingdom well, a strategy to implement an increasing number of partnerships must be developed in order to plant the large number of churches needed to reach our state for Christ. During the past year, and in multiple settings, our EDT has spoken of his desire to partner with like-minded, church planting networks to increase the pace, within the Baptist family, of church planting in North Carolina. Associational Missionaries from multiple Baptist associations and the Cowboy Church Network of North America, have rightly inquired as to what such partnerships might look like. In addition, the North American Mission Board of the SBC asked the BSCNC to join with them in developing and piloting church planting network partnerships. This document is designed to answer such inquiries and to facilitate the creation of church planting partnerships that are Kingdom minded and glorifying to our Lord. It should be noted that such partnerships do not replace the Baptist association as a primary partner for the BSCNC in church planting. The BSCNC will continue to work closely with Baptist associations in the planting of churches and will continue to encourage new church plants to be active participants in the life and ministry of a Baptist association. Introduction Every Southern Baptist Church is autonomous and self-governing, believing that the Bible teaches that they should operate under the lordship of Christ alone. As a result, our churches passionately guard their autonomy when dealing with sister churches, associations, networks, state conventions, and the agencies of our denomination. Southern Baptists also

passionately believe that God has commanded every believer to take the gospel to every person in every community. The Great Commission is our mission. Early in our journey as a denomination we discovered that the task of fulfilling the Great Commission was far larger than any one church could accomplish on her own. As a result, we formed associations, societies, conventions, and eventually, initiated the Cooperative Program all to enhance our ability to fulfill the Great Commission among all peoples. Throughout our history we have worked hard at, and been successful in, balancing our love for autonomy with our love for missions. Over the past few decades there has been a declining level of involvement in some cooperative efforts among Southern Baptists. Although Cooperative Program giving has been consistent, participation in national, state and associational meetings has been in decline. Many turned to conferences hosted by mega-churches, instead of their denomination, for training and inspiration. However, things appear to be changing in the twenty-first century. Attendance and participation in the majority of denominational activities is still lacking, but there is a growing passion for advancing the kingdom of God around the world. There is also a renewed quest for relationships with sister churches and fellow ministers to bring their desire to see the Great Commission fulfilled. A quest for peer-to-peer learning opportunities, community, and mission partnerships has facilitated the formation of networks across North America. The majority of the current networks have been formed to facilitate personal or church development, but a new trend is emerging that signifies a desire to collaborate together to advance the Kingdom of God. Networks have become a major part of church life in North America. We are rediscovering that success is dependent upon our ability to form partnerships and work well (collaborate) with others. Networks are providing a means for churches to enhance their mission involvement. Could we be moving from independence to interdependence and interconnectivity once again? If so, do we resist the movement toward networks or do we build upon what is happening across North America? Cooperation vs. Collaboration Webster s Dictionary defines collaboration and cooperation in similar ways, placing an emphasis upon working with another or others as a team. Those who collaborate or cooperate are driven by a vision of something greater than their current reality. Both, therefore, are driven by a vision of a better tomorrow or a crisis in the current reality of the participants. Both believe that they can do more together than individually. With all of their

similarities, it is important that we also understand that there are some major differences between the two. Cooperation says join me while collaboration says let s address the issue, seek solutions, together. Cooperation then typically has someone, or a group, that has developed a process to deal with the situation or problem at hand. They have a strategy, and therefore a leader, who calls for participants to work in harmony toward a common goal. Collaboration, however, starts with a problem and a desire among the participants to discover the solution together. Collaboration is dependent upon the ability of the group to work closely together and requires a skilled facilitator instead of a leader. The goal of collaboration is new learning, new ways it s about sharing and modifying ideas and opinions. In summary, collaboration, unlike cooperation, requires the parties involved in a project to jointly solve a problem or problems. With cooperation, participants do not necessarily have to set aside their differences or their own individual interests. Competing values can exist among churches that cooperate. On the other hand, collaboration is messy requiring participants to connect relationally, to set aside their agendas or interests for the common good. Differences need to be explored and celebrated. Since it is inherently conflictual, ground rules which guide interaction and the process need to be developed and enforced by those who choose to collaborate. A Partnering Church Network seeks to address an obvious need in a community or among a particular group of people their need for Christ. Their situation calls for collaboration and begins with a quest for information that will inform their strategy development process. It is believed that collaboration will lead to, and strengthen, future cooperation. Urgency The Fuel for Collaboration North America is a mission field which is continually becoming post, or even, anti- Christian. People from all over the world, more than 550 people groups, now live in North America. Over 600 religions are practiced. Technology is reshaping how we interact and conduct business. The world is getting smaller, what happens in London and Tokyo impacts how people live in Kansas. The world as many of us know it no longer exists. What does exist is unlike anything we have ever dreamed of! In the midst of this change and diversity stands the reality that approximately 80% of our churches are plateaued or are declining. Baptisms have plateaued as well. Although we are planting an incredible number of churches, the number of churches that close their doors each year is staggering. Factor in our population growth with our declining influence as the body of

Christ and it s easy to see we are losing ground. The number of people in North America outside the family of God, without even a basic understanding of Christianity, is growing each day. Our context cries out for Christ but our current methodologies appear to be lacking. Mission fields require different strategies. We will need more missionaries. Our churches must adapt the missionary patterns found in scripture. Everyday Christ followers must be released into the harvest to make disciples of all nations. Our churches must move from being places where people go to and become places where people are sent from. The time to act is now. The size of the task demands that our churches partner together to reach North America with the gospel. The task demands that networks of churches in friendly cooperation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina be formed and work collaboratively to determine who is not being reached with the gospel. We must determine why they are not being reached, and then, establish new ministries and churches that are culturally appropriate and Biblically faithful, to reach them. Common Purpose The Reason for Collaboration Partnering Church Networks exist to enhance the ability of local churches to fulfill the Great Commission in a specific region, community or among a specific group of people. At the heart of the network s purpose is the identification of unreached peoples in their target audience or place, and to determine if there is a biblically faithful and culturally appropriate church pursuing them in their heart language with the gospel. Although the strengthening or establishment of new ministries within existing churches is critical to the fulfilling of the Great Commission, in many cases, a new church will need to be planted in order to reach the identified unreached peoples. The networks are made up of pastors and church leaders, and may include representatives from associations, networks, and the state convention as well. Ideally, the network should not consist of more than twenty participants, with twelve being the ideal number. The networks are built upon four convictions: First, that Scripture commands us to make disciples of all peoples. Second, that North America is a mission field. Third, that the church is God s chosen vehicle for taking the gospel to the nations. Finally, that the church s mission assignment is a God-sized task that can only be accomplished by His supernatural power and in cooperation with other Acts 1:8 partners. These convictions serve as the biblical basis for the formation of Partnering Church Networks. They are not exhaustive, but shall serve as a foundation for the network participant s journey together.

Believing that North America is a mission field we must ask, How does that reality influence the work of the network? First, we would seek to have an accurate understanding of who lives in our communities and their worldviews. We would establish a portrait of how each group or population segment lives, acts, works and relates within their own cultural context. We need to identify the barriers which exist that hinder an individual from having an opportunity to respond to the gospel. Second, we would also create a profile of the New Testament Churches and ministries serving within our community, seeking to understand their uniqueness, to better understand how God has shaped them for His glory. Finally, we would compare what we have learned about the unreached peoples in our community with what we know about local churches in an effort to identify ministry opportunities and where the Father is at work within the community. Every church has the biblical responsibility to embrace God s mission and live it out within their community and beyond. However, many barriers may exist between the local church and those unreached with the gospel in their community. As these barriers are identified, local churches will have the opportunity to make adjustments to their individual strategies and/or to plant new biblically faithful, culturally appropriate churches to ensure that every individual has an opportunity to hear the gospel and worship God. Further, the church is God s chosen vehicle for taking the gospel to the nations. Jesus specifically commissioned the church to take the gospel to every people group on earth, beginning in Jerusalem, reaching out to Judea and then to the whole world. Whether it is through the sending of missionaries, the work of everyday Christ followers, the work of one individual church, or through the cooperative efforts of multiple churches the local church is tasked with the fulfillment of God s mission. Finally, the size of the task will in many cases be something too large for one congregation to undertake. Believing that God chooses to work through the local church and that collaboration with like-minded churches enhances our ability to fulfill God s mission, we must create venues to explore our reverence for local church autonomy and the fulfillment of God s mission. Voluntary cooperation between churches of like faith and order, or between members of those churches, has good precedent in the New Testament and in SBC life, but what does that look like in the context of the network in their community at this time in history? Effective Processes The Method of Collaboration Team synergy is developed in how the network reaches conclusions and makes decisions. The level of involvement, type and number of people engaged in the process, how we take advantage of the collective I.Q. of the network all will influence the outcome of the

network. As we reflect upon the process of identifying the ministry, evangelism and church planting needs in a community, we see the need for an understanding of the following: 1. God s mission to make disciples of all peoples for His glory. 2. The missionary patterns found in Scripture. 3. The groups of people who reside in a community. 4. The unmet spiritual and physical needs of those living within our community. 5. The barriers that prohibit individuals from hearing and receiving the message of the gospel. 6. Those churches and organizations which minister within the community. 7. God s call upon the lives of those believers and churches within the context in regards to fulfilling His mission among those who live in the community. Out of this discovery process will flow a number of strategic initiatives that will influence the future work of individual churches and the work of the network. What we do know is that the level of participation in the initiatives is directly related to the level of participation in the discovery process. The process itself must seek to enhance the participation of not only those ministers within the network, but the people within their churches as well. God may call individuals from these churches to participate in the meeting of those needs. It is also important that the participants in the network see this as a process and not as a project or an event unto itself. Seeing this as a process, as something that in reality can never be completed, allows the strategic plan to stay flexible, relevant and current. It gives the participants the freedom to make adjustments to their strategic plan in the midst of their journey because they understand that God is at work in their community, and with that comes new revelations and opportunities for service. Most people are aware that change is occurring around them, but they may not be aware of the magnitude or nature of the change. Creating and implementing a strategic mission plan is an exciting journey and a God sized endeavor. The process is a spiritual journey dependent upon a supernatural spiritual awakening in the hearts of network participants. It begins with the leaders in the network, but is dependent upon renewal in the hearts of the believers in their churches as well. Their response to the Lord s revelation during the discovery process should be driven by an all consuming passion to glorify God. Without question, the single most important ingredient in the discovery process is the prayer that takes place before, during and after everything else. It is in, and through prayer that the natural becomes supernatural, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It is suggested that the network operate in a series of phases. First is the discovery process, and its desired outcome is to help churches, everyday Christ followers, and ministry

organizations become aware of God s mission, the peoples around them who do not know Christ, the local churches who serve within the community, and how God is calling them as individuals and as a group to respond to the needs in their community. At the end of phase one, network participants should have identified evangelism, ministry and church planting opportunities and have prioritized those opportunities. Not only should they have identified missionary opportunities in their community, but should have embraced cooperation as a means to advance the cause of Christ. In phase two, the network will focus on the development of a strategy that addresses the ministry and church planting opportunities identified in the discovery process. Ideally, new participants would be enlisted into the network to assure that adequate resources would be available in the final phase which focuses on the implementation of the strategy. Healthy Relationships The Climate for Collaboration Some would say a network needs a contract that clarifies expectations and the required level of cooperation from its members. They may be right. People however, crave connections, not contracts. Most people, including pastors, do not feel as connected to others as they want to be. They sense that something is missing. They worry about, even fear at times, being alone. Ministers, just like everyone else, long to belong to something greater than themselves. For a network to be successful it must move from the formation of a work group or an alliance, to the creation of an environment where members can be transparent and vulnerable, one that facilitates the building of healthy relationships among its participants. Networks need to be places where leaders can connect, learn from each other, and be challenged both individually and collectively. They need to be places where the presence of God is celebrated and His life imitated. Networks need to be environments where the mission of God is discerned and collaboration is embraced, a place where God speaks and His people respond in faith. In today s environment, mission and relationships will be the climate in which cooperation is fostered. Variety will be a key ingredient to the success of the network. As a matter of fact, the more diverse the group is, the more effective it can be. However, diversity also provides plenty of opportunities for discord, conflict, and communication breakdowns. To offset these challenges, network members must establish and grow solid relationships through trust, acceptance, respect, courtesy, and the pursuit of Christ-like understanding. The network should establish values that define how they treat one another. Some examples are: maintaining confidence, respect, listening, and honesty. The practice of this is demonstrated in Philippians 2:2-4 (HCSV), fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal.

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Excellent Communication The Means of Collaboration Networks cannot move any faster, any farther, than the participant s ability to communicate with one another and with the Father. Healthy relationships between people cannot grow and develop apart from open and honest communication. Therefore, network participants should never assume that communication with one another has been clear or that it has even occurred. They must never grow weary in their quest to understand one another. All of us want to be heard. It is a powerful force or craving within us. Therefore, it is easy to go through life only stating our own thoughts without ever really communicating with others. Like two individuals delivering monologues at the same time, we talk and we talk without ever listening. Our own personal quest to be heard often blocks us from hearing the ideas and hearts of others. Not only will we lose the chance to be heard, we will hamper the relationship, and therefore the mission, as well. The same principle is true in our relationship with the Father. It is ironic, but most of us think of prayer as two-way conversation with God, and yet we rarely stop long enough to identify what God is saying to us. Scripture is full of accounts of God speaking to His people. God wishes to speak to us today, whether it is through His Word, through others, in the circumstances of life, or through the direct leading of the Holy Spirit. Will we however, pause and listen to the Father? Network participants, as individuals and collectively, must seek to hear from the Father. For your network to be successful, for it to know and understand the leading of the Holy Spirit in regards to fulfilling God s mission, it must be passionate about prayer and living in God s presence. But prayer is more than becoming aware of God s leadings or guidance. It is about a relationship with the creator of the universe (John 15:5-8). As you walk through this process together you must seek to commune, and then communicate, with God. He will reveal to the group His will regarding their community. The Role of the Network Facilitator Adult training methods and the idea of group facilitation have been undergoing a radical paradigm shift for the past several years. The old paradigm implied that the group leader was the expert, the knowledgeable one. They entered into a group as the teacher and the participants entered as the students. This top-down process ignored the collective I.Q. of the group and was not very empowering. Today, the trend is toward the creation of environments

where participants discover solutions together. The emphasis is upon the process, not the leader. The group leader, the facilitator, asks questions instead of providing answers. Facilitation is the art of guiding the group process toward the group s predetermined goals. The facilitator is neutral and egoless, seeking to extract solutions to the issue at hand from within the network. Therefore, they strive to keep the group on task, to guide the group towards its destination. To do so they make sure the environment is one where people feel safe and empowered to participate they hunger to see the shared wisdom of the group emerge. Facilitators know that synergy occurs when people feel valued and affirmed. They lead by listening and coaching. They focus the energy of the group. The facilitator must also be committed to seeking the heart of God in all matters. They must be sensitive to His leadership and strive to be obedient to His direction. At times, they will adjust or direct the conversations in order to follow the Lord s leading. They will, on occasion, pause the conversation for prayer in an effort to clarify an issue. They will also seek to hear what God is saying to the participants as individuals and to their churches as well. Partnering Church Network facilitators must also be grounded in core values consistent with concepts of empowerment, collaboration, accountability, group learning and partnership. They must see this first and foremost as a spiritual exercise, one that seeks the heart of God. THE DISCOVERY PROCESS The network is built around a clear purpose - Partnering Church Networks are created to enhance the ability of churches, associations, and partners to collectively fulfill the Great Commission in a specific region, community or among a specific group of people. The discovery process and its desired outcome is to help churches and everyday Christ followers become aware of God s mission, the peoples around them who do not know Christ, the local churches who serve within the community, and how God is calling them as individuals and as a group to respond to the needs in their community. With humility, network participants acknowledge that they cannot reach their community on their own that together they can do more to advance the kingdom of God. Participants also acknowledge that they need to be retooled to do ministry in their mission field that their ministerial context has changed and what exists may call for a paradigm shift in methodology. Network Meetings Network meetings consist of three components focused on skill, knowledge and character development. Combined with the discovery process of phase one, participants will emerge from the network better equipped to lead their churches and have a better understanding of what God is doing in their community. Pastors and everyday Christ followers

will experience personal renewal as they work closely with their peers to seek the activity of God in their midst and anticipate a fresh movement of God s Spirit. Objectives for Phase One: o The identification of ministry, evangelism and church planting opportunities through an assessment of their community and the churches and ministries who serve there o The creation of an environment (Network) that leads to the personal and ministry development of the leaders in a local church o The spiritual renewal and involvement of God s people in His mission o A renewed perspective from God s Word on how a church operates in a mission field o A short list of ministry priorities for the churches involved, and the group as a whole Network Meeting Agenda Items It is suggested that the network meetings be conducted from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and be held at least quarterly, or at other times and frequency as agreed upon by participants in the network. Lunch should follow and be provided in the same location as the meeting. During their time together, the network should focus on the following: A. Prayer for Spiritual Awakening B. Skill Development: Simple Strategy Development C. Review of Assignments Related to the Community and Church Assessment Process D. Looking Ahead: New Assignments Related to the Discovery Process RECOGNITION BY THE BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION OF NORTH CAROLINA 1. Partnering Church Networks may request recognition as a missional entity by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This recognition and partnership is subject to annual review. Official requests for such recognition may be submitted to the Church Planting Team Leader and is subject to approval of the Executive Group Leader for Church Planting and Mission Development. In order to be considered a recognized Partnering Church Network, representatives from a minimum of seven churches must have committed to the network partnership. Each Partnering Church Network must affirm the doctrinal precepts of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as a guide to their

belief and practice, and each member church must be in friendly cooperation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. 2. A network facilitator must be identified by the network as the contact person of the missional entity, with appropriate contact information. Any change in this leadership role must be communicated in writing to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. 3. Approved Partnering Church Networks may request resources for new church plants through the Ministry Partnership Agreement process. Funded church plants will meet the normal funding guidelines and processes noted in the Church Planting Precepts Covenant. 4. When funds are needed, requested, and approved, checks for funding are written directly to the Partnering Church Network who then writes the check to the new church plant, as the new plant will be providing the W-2 at year s end for planter/staff, if financially compensated. 5. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina funds and supports new church plants through associations and networks. 6. Funding for a new church plant is normally for one year, renewable for an additional year pending association or network request and effectiveness in reaching the unreached people group. In addition, the effectiveness evaluation will be made by a Baptist State Convention staff member, particularly noting Kingdom and community impact through evangelism and discipleship. 7. New church plants may receive the consultative services of a member of the Church Planting Team of the BSCNC. Suggested Network Resources Missionary Methods: St Paul s or Ours? By Roland Allen The Ministry of the Missional Church by Craig Van Gelder Let The Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper The Antioch Effect by Ken Hemphill Finding Common Ground by Tim Downs The Present Future by Reggie McNeal Bailey, John and Canter, Steve, North American Mission Board